From: Bdale Garbee Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:50:46 +0000 (-0700) Subject: update docs X-Git-Url: https://git.gag.com/?a=commitdiff_plain;h=01768118d231514b248f2090210270208709f2eb;p=web%2Faltusmetrum update docs --- diff --git a/AltOS/doc/altos.html b/AltOS/doc/altos.html index 616c7dd..e61b061 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/altos.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/altos.html @@ -1,17 +1,41 @@ -AltOS

AltOS

Altos Metrum Operating System

Keith Packard

+AltOS

AltOS

Altos Metrum Operating System

Keith Packard

This document is released under the terms of the Creative Commons ShareAlike 3.0 license. -

Revision History
Revision 0.122 November 2010
Initial content

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. Programming the 8051 with SDCC
1. 8051 memory spaces
1.1. __data
1.2. __idata
1.3. __xdata
1.4. __pdata
1.5. __code
1.6. __bit
1.7. __sfr, __sfr16, __sfr32, __sbit
2. Function calls on the 8051
2.1. __reentrant functions
2.2. Non __reentrant functions
2.3. __interrupt functions
2.4. __critical functions and statements
3. Task functions
1. ao_add_task
2. ao_exit
3. ao_sleep
4. ao_wakeup
5. ao_alarm
6. ao_start_scheduler
7. ao_clock_init
4. Timer Functions
1. ao_time
2. ao_delay
3. ao_timer_set_adc_interval
4. ao_timer_init
5. AltOS Mutexes
1. ao_mutex_get
2. ao_mutex_put
6. CC1111 DMA engine
1. ao_dma_alloc
2. ao_dma_set_transfer
3. ao_dma_start
4. ao_dma_trigger
5. ao_dma_abort
7. SDCC Stdio interface
1. putchar
2. getchar
3. flush
4. ao_add_stdio
8. Command line interface
1. ao_cmd_register
2. ao_cmd_lex
3. ao_cmd_put16
4. ao_cmd_put8
5. ao_cmd_white
6. ao_cmd_hex
7. ao_cmd_decimal
8. ao_match_word
9. ao_cmd_init
9. CC1111 USB target device
1. ao_usb_flush
2. ao_usb_putchar
3. ao_usb_pollchar
4. ao_usb_getchar
5. ao_usb_disable
6. ao_usb_enable
7. ao_usb_init
10. CC1111 Serial peripheral
1. ao_serial_getchar
2. ao_serial_putchar
3. ao_serial_drain
4. ao_serial_set_speed
5. ao_serial_init
11. CC1111 Radio peripheral
1. ao_radio_set_telemetry
2. ao_radio_set_packet
3. ao_radio_set_rdf
4. ao_radio_idle
5. ao_radio_get
6. ao_radio_put
7. ao_radio_abort
8. ao_radio_send
9. ao_radio_recv
10. ao_radio_rdf
11. ao_packet_putchar
12. ao_packet_pollchar
13. ao_packet_slave_start
14. ao_packet_slave_stop
15. ao_packet_slave_init
16. ao_packet_master_init

Chapter 1. Overview

- AltOS is a operating system built for the 8051-compatible - processor found in the TI cc1111 microcontroller. It's designed - to be small and easy to program with. The main features are: -

  • Multi-tasking. While the 8051 doesn't provide separate - address spaces, it's often easier to write code that operates - in separate threads instead of tying everything into one giant - event loop. +

Revision History
Revision 1.105 November 2012
Portable version
Revision 0.122 November 2010
Initial content

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. AltOS Porting Layer
1. Low-level CPU operations
1.1. ao_arch_block_interrupts/ao_arch_release_interrupts
1.2. ao_arch_save_regs, ao_arch_save_stack, + ao_arch_restore_stack
1.3. ao_arch_wait_interupt
2. GPIO operations
2.1. GPIO setup
2.2. Reading and writing GPIO pins
3. Programming the 8051 with SDCC
1. 8051 memory spaces
1.1. __data
1.2. __idata
1.3. __xdata
1.4. __pdata
1.5. __code
1.6. __bit
1.7. __sfr, __sfr16, __sfr32, __sbit
2. Function calls on the 8051
2.1. __reentrant functions
2.2. Non __reentrant functions
2.3. __interrupt functions
2.4. __critical functions and statements
4. Task functions
1. ao_add_task
2. ao_exit
3. ao_sleep
4. ao_wakeup
5. ao_alarm
6. ao_start_scheduler
7. ao_clock_init
5. Timer Functions
1. ao_time
2. ao_delay
3. ao_timer_set_adc_interval
4. ao_timer_init
6. AltOS Mutexes
1. ao_mutex_get
2. ao_mutex_put
7. DMA engine
1. CC1111 DMA Engine
1.1. ao_dma_alloc
1.2. ao_dma_set_transfer
1.3. ao_dma_start
1.4. ao_dma_trigger
1.5. ao_dma_abort
2. STM32L DMA Engine
2.1. ao_dma_alloc
2.2. ao_dma_set_transfer
2.3. ao_dma_set_isr
2.4. ao_dma_start
2.5. ao_dma_done_transfer
2.6. ao_dma_abort
8. Stdio interface
1. putchar
2. getchar
3. flush
4. ao_add_stdio
9. Command line interface
1. ao_cmd_register
2. ao_cmd_lex
3. ao_cmd_put16
4. ao_cmd_put8
5. ao_cmd_white
6. ao_cmd_hex
7. ao_cmd_decimal
8. ao_match_word
9. ao_cmd_init
10. USB target device
1. ao_usb_flush
2. ao_usb_putchar
3. ao_usb_pollchar
4. ao_usb_getchar
5. ao_usb_disable
6. ao_usb_enable
7. ao_usb_init
11. Serial peripherals
1. ao_serial_getchar
2. ao_serial_putchar
3. ao_serial_drain
4. ao_serial_set_speed
5. ao_serial_init
12. CC1111 Radio peripheral
1. Radio Introduction
2. ao_radio_set_telemetry
3. ao_radio_set_packet
4. ao_radio_set_rdf
5. ao_radio_idle
6. ao_radio_get
7. ao_radio_put
8. ao_radio_abort
9. Radio Telemetry
9.1. ao_radio_send
9.2. ao_radio_recv
10. Radio Direction Finding
10.1. ao_radio_rdf
11. Radio Packet Mode
11.1. ao_packet_putchar
11.2. ao_packet_pollchar
11.3. ao_packet_slave_start
11.4. ao_packet_slave_stop
11.5. ao_packet_slave_init
11.6. ao_packet_master_init

Chapter 1. Overview

+ AltOS is a operating system built for a variety of + microcontrollers used in Altus Metrum devices. It has a simple + porting layer for each CPU while providing a convenient + operating enviroment for the developer. AltOS currently + supports three different CPUs: +

  • + STM32L series from ST Microelectronics. This ARM Cortex-M3 + based microcontroller offers low power consumption and a + wide variety of built-in peripherals. Altus Metrum uses + this in the TeleMega, MegaDongle and TeleLCO projects. +

  • + CC1111 from Texas Instruments. This device includes a + fabulous 10mW digital RF transceiver along with an + 8051-compatible processor core and a range of + peripherals. This is used in the TeleMetrum, TeleMini, + TeleDongle and TeleFire projects which share the need for + a small microcontroller and an RF interface. +

  • + ATmega32U4 from Atmel. This 8-bit AVR microcontroller is + one of the many used to create Arduino boards. The 32U4 + includes a USB interface, making it easy to connect to + other computers. Altus Metrum used this in prototypes of + the TeleScience and TelePyro boards; those have been + switched to the STM32L which is more capable and cheaper. +

+ Among the features of AltOS are: +

  • Multi-tasking. While microcontrollers often don't + provide separate address spaces, it's often easier to write + code that operates in separate threads instead of tying + everything into one giant event loop.

  • Non-preemptive. This increases latency for thread switching but reduces the number of places where context switching can occur. It also simplifies the operating system @@ -61,7 +85,109 @@

    As you can see, a long sequence of subsystems are initialized and then the scheduler is started. -

Chapter 2. AltOS Porting Layer

+ AltOS provides a CPU-independent interface to various common + microcontroller subsystems, including GPIO pins, interrupts, + SPI, I2C, USB and asynchronous serial interfaces. By making + these CPU-independent, device drivers, generic OS and + application code can all be written that work on any supported + CPU. Many of the architecture abstraction interfaces are + prefixed with ao_arch. +

1. Low-level CPU operations

+ These primitive operations provide the abstraction needed to + run the multi-tasking framework while providing reliable + interrupt delivery. +

1.1. ao_arch_block_interrupts/ao_arch_release_interrupts

+	  static inline void
+	  ao_arch_block_interrupts(void);
+	  
+	  static inline void
+	  ao_arch_release_interrupts(void);
+	

+ These disable/enable interrupt delivery, they may not + discard any interrupts. Use these for sections of code that + must be atomic with respect to any code run from an + interrupt handler. +

1.2. ao_arch_save_regs, ao_arch_save_stack, + ao_arch_restore_stack

+	  static inline void
+	  ao_arch_save_regs(void);
+
+	  static inline void
+	  ao_arch_save_stack(void);
+
+	  static inline void
+	  ao_arch_restore_stack(void);
+	

+ These provide all of the support needed to switch between + tasks.. ao_arch_save_regs must save all CPU registers to the + current stack, including the interrupt enable + state. ao_arch_save_stack records the current stack location + in the current ao_task structure. ao_arch_restore_stack + switches back to the saved stack, restores all registers and + branches to the saved return address. +

1.3. ao_arch_wait_interupt

+	  #define ao_arch_wait_interrupt()
+	

+ This stops the CPU, leaving clocks and interrupts + enabled. When an interrupt is received, this must wake up + and handle the interrupt. ao_arch_wait_interrupt is entered + with interrupts disabled to ensure that there is no gap + between determining that no task wants to run and idling the + CPU. It must sleep the CPU, process interrupts and then + disable interrupts again. If the CPU doesn't have any + reduced power mode, this must at the least allow pending + interrupts to be processed. +

2. GPIO operations

+ These functions provide an abstract interface to configure and + manipulate GPIO pins. +

2.1. GPIO setup

+ These macros may be invoked at system initialization time to + configure pins as needed for system operation. One tricky + aspect is that some chips provide direct access to specific + GPIO pins while others only provide access to a whole + register full of pins. To support this, the GPIO macros + provide both port+bit and pin arguments. Simply define the + arguments needed for the target platform and leave the + others undefined. +

2.1.1. ao_enable_output

+	    #define ao_enable_output(port, bit, pin, value)
+	  

+ Set the specified port+bit (also called 'pin') for output, + initializing to the specified value. The macro must avoid + driving the pin with the opposite value if at all + possible. +

2.1.2. ao_enable_input

+	    #define ao_enable_input(port, bit, mode)
+	  

+ Sets the specified port/bit to be an input pin. 'mode' is + a combination of one or more of the following. Note that + some platforms may not support the desired mode. In that + case, the value will not be defined so that the program + will fail to compile. +

  • + AO_EXTI_MODE_PULL_UP. Apply a pull-up to the pin; a + disconnected pin will read as 1. +

  • + AO_EXTI_MODE_PULL_DOWN. Apply a pull-down to the pin; + a disconnected pin will read as 0. +

  • + 0. Don't apply either a pull-up or pull-down. A + disconnected pin will read an undetermined value. +

+

2.2. Reading and writing GPIO pins

+ These macros read and write individual GPIO pins. +

2.2.1. ao_gpio_set

+	    #define ao_gpio_set(port, bit, pin, value)
+	  

+ Sets the specified port/bit or pin to the indicated value +

2.2.2. ao_gpio_get

+	    #define ao_gpio_get(port, bit, pin)
+	  

+ Returns either 1 or 0 depending on whether the input to + the pin is high or low. +

Chapter 3. Programming the 8051 with SDCC

The 8051 is a primitive 8-bit processor, designed in the mists of time in as few transistors as possible. The architecture is highly irregular and includes several separate memory @@ -69,7 +195,10 @@ stack itself is of limited size. While SDCC papers over the instruction set, it is not completely able to hide the memory architecture from the application designer. -

1. 8051 memory spaces

+

+ When built on other architectures, the various SDCC-specific + symbols are #defined as empty strings so they don't affect the compiler. +

1. 8051 memory spaces

The __data/__xdata/__code memory spaces below were completely separate in the original 8051 design. In the cc1111, this isn't true—they all live in a single unified 64kB address @@ -83,7 +212,7 @@ is decorated with a memory space identifier which clutters the code but makes the resulting code far smaller and more efficient. -

1.1. __data

+

1.1. __data

The 8051 can directly address these 128 bytes of memory. This makes them precious so they should be reserved for frequently addressed values. Oh, just to @@ -93,42 +222,42 @@ these registers located at 0x00 - 0x1F. AltOS uses only the first bank at 0x00 - 0x07, leaving the other 24 bytes available for other data. -

1.2. __idata

+

1.2. __idata

There are an additional 128 bytes of internal memory that share the same address space as __data but which cannot be directly addressed. The stack normally occupies this space and so AltOS doesn't place any static storage here. -

1.3. __xdata

+

1.3. __xdata

This is additional general memory accessed through a single 16-bit address register. The CC1111F32 has 32kB of memory available here. Most program data should live in this memory space. -

1.4. __pdata

+

1.4. __pdata

This is an alias for the first 256 bytes of __xdata memory, but uses a shorter addressing mode with single global 8-bit value for the high 8 bits of the address and any of several 8-bit registers for the low 8 bits. AltOS uses a few bits of this memory, it should probably use more. -

1.5. __code

+

1.5. __code

All executable code must live in this address space, but you can stick read-only data here too. It is addressed using the 16-bit address register and special 'code' access opcodes. Anything read-only should live in this space. -

1.6. __bit

+

1.6. __bit

The 8051 has 128 bits of bit-addressible memory that lives in the __data segment from 0x20 through 0x2f. Special instructions access these bits in a single atomic operation. This isn't so much a separate address space as a special addressing mode for a few bytes in the __data segment. -

1.7. __sfr, __sfr16, __sfr32, __sbit

+

1.7. __sfr, __sfr16, __sfr32, __sbit

Access to physical registers in the device use this mode which declares the variable name, it's type and the address it lives at. No memory is allocated for these variables. -

2. Function calls on the 8051

+

2. Function calls on the 8051

Because stack addressing is expensive, and stack space limited, the default function call declaration in SDCC allocates all parameters and local variables in static global @@ -136,7 +265,7 @@ non-reentrant, and also consume space for parameters and locals even when they are not running. The benefit is smaller code and faster execution. -

2.1. __reentrant functions

+

2.1. __reentrant functions

All functions which are re-entrant, either due to recursion or due to a potential context switch while executing, should be marked as __reentrant so that their parameters and local @@ -149,7 +278,7 @@ invoked can also be marked as __reentrant. The resulting code will be larger, but the savings in memory are frequently worthwhile. -

2.2. Non __reentrant functions

+

2.2. Non __reentrant functions

All parameters and locals in non-reentrant functions can have data space decoration so that they are allocated in __xdata, __pdata or __data space as desired. This can avoid @@ -161,14 +290,14 @@ non-reentrant. Because of this, interrupt handlers must not invoke any library functions, including the multiply and divide code. -

2.3. __interrupt functions

+

2.3. __interrupt functions

Interrupt functions are declared with with an __interrupt decoration that includes the interrupt number. SDCC saves and restores all of the registers in these functions and uses the 'reti' instruction at the end so that they operate as stand-alone interrupt handlers. Interrupt functions may call the ao_wakeup function to wake AltOS tasks. -

2.4. __critical functions and statements

+

2.4. __critical functions and statements

SDCC has built-in support for suspending interrupts during critical code. Functions marked as __critical will have interrupts suspended for the whole period of @@ -176,10 +305,12 @@ __critical which blocks interrupts during the execution of that statement. Keeping critical sections as short as possible is key to ensuring that interrupts are handled as - quickly as possible. -

Chapter 3. Task functions

+ quickly as possible. AltOS doesn't use this form in shared + code as other compilers wouldn't know what to do. Use + ao_arch_block_interrupts and ao_arch_release_interrupts instead. +

Chapter 4. Task functions

This chapter documents how to create, destroy and schedule AltOS tasks. -

1. ao_add_task

+    

1. ao_add_task

 	void
 	ao_add_task(__xdata struct ao_task * task,
 	            void (*start)(void),
@@ -190,12 +321,12 @@
 	display), and the start address. It does not switch to the
 	new task. 'start' must not ever return; there is no place
 	to return to.
-      

2. ao_exit

+      

2. ao_exit

 	void
 	ao_exit(void)
       

This terminates the current task. -

3. ao_sleep

+      

3. ao_sleep

 	void
 	ao_sleep(__xdata void *wchan)
       

@@ -205,17 +336,19 @@ it returns 1. This is the only way to switch to another task.

Because ao_wakeup wakes every task waiting on a particular - location, ao_sleep should be used in a loop that first - checks the desired condition, blocks in ao_sleep and then - rechecks until the condition is satisfied. If the - location may be signaled from an interrupt handler, the - code will need to block interrupts by using the __critical - label around the block of code. Here's a complete example: + location, ao_sleep should be used in a loop that first checks + the desired condition, blocks in ao_sleep and then rechecks + until the condition is satisfied. If the location may be + signaled from an interrupt handler, the code will need to + block interrupts around the block of code. Here's a complete + example:

-	  __critical while (!ao_radio_done)
+	  ao_arch_block_interrupts();
+	  while (!ao_radio_done)
 	          ao_sleep(&ao_radio_done);
+	  ao_arch_release_interrupts();
 	

-

4. ao_wakeup

+      

4. ao_wakeup

 	void
 	ao_wakeup(__xdata void *wchan)
       

@@ -229,100 +362,109 @@ RFIF &= ~RFIF_IM_DONE; }

- Note that this need not be enclosed in __critical as the - ao_sleep block can only be run from normal mode, and so - this sequence can never be interrupted with execution of - the other sequence. -

5. ao_alarm

+	Note that this need not block interrupts as the ao_sleep block
+	can only be run from normal mode, and so this sequence can
+	never be interrupted with execution of the other sequence.
+      

5. ao_alarm

 	void
-	ao_alarm(uint16_t delay)
+	ao_alarm(uint16_t delay);
+
+	void
+	ao_clear_alarm(void);
       

- Schedules an alarm to fire in at least 'delay' ticks. If - the task is asleep when the alarm fires, it will wakeup - and ao_sleep will return 1. + Schedules an alarm to fire in at least 'delay' ticks. If the + task is asleep when the alarm fires, it will wakeup and + ao_sleep will return 1. ao_clear_alarm resets any pending + alarm so that it doesn't fire at some arbitrary point in the + future.

 	  ao_alarm(ao_packet_master_delay);
-	  __critical while (!ao_radio_dma_done)
+	  ao_arch_block_interrupts();
+	  while (!ao_radio_dma_done)
 	          if (ao_sleep(&ao_radio_dma_done) != 0)
 	                  ao_radio_abort();
+	  ao_arch_release_interrupts();
+	  ao_clear_alarm();
 	

In this example, a timeout is set before waiting for incoming radio data. If no data is received before the timeout fires, ao_sleep will return 1 and then this code will abort the radio receive operation. -

6. ao_start_scheduler

+      

6. ao_start_scheduler

 	void
-	ao_start_scheduler(void)
+	ao_start_scheduler(void);
       

This is called from 'main' when the system is all initialized and ready to run. It will not return. -

7. ao_clock_init

+      

7. ao_clock_init

 	void
-	ao_clock_init(void)
+	ao_clock_init(void);
       

- This turns on the external 48MHz clock then switches the - hardware to using it. This is required by many of the - internal devices like USB. It should be called by the - 'main' function first, before initializing any of the - other devices in the system. -

Chapter 4. Timer Functions

- AltOS sets up one of the cc1111 timers to run at 100Hz and + This initializes the main CPU clock and switches to it. +

Chapter 5. Timer Functions

+ AltOS sets up one of the CPU timers to run at 100Hz and exposes this tick as the fundemental unit of time. At each interrupt, AltOS increments the counter, and schedules any tasks - waiting for that time to pass, then fires off the ADC system to + waiting for that time to pass, then fires off the sensors to collect current data readings. Doing this from the ISR ensures - that the ADC values are sampled at a regular rate, independent + that the values are sampled at a regular rate, independent of any scheduling jitter. -

1. ao_time

+    

1. ao_time

 	uint16_t
 	ao_time(void)
       

Returns the current system tick count. Note that this is only a 16 bit value, and so it wraps every 655.36 seconds. -

2. ao_delay

+      

2. ao_delay

 	void
 	ao_delay(uint16_t ticks);
       

Suspend the current task for at least 'ticks' clock units. -

3. ao_timer_set_adc_interval

+      

3. ao_timer_set_adc_interval

 	void
 	ao_timer_set_adc_interval(uint8_t interval);
       

This sets the number of ticks between ADC samples. If set to 0, no ADC samples are generated. AltOS uses this to slow down the ADC sampling rate to save power. -

4. ao_timer_init

+      

4. ao_timer_init

 	void
 	ao_timer_init(void)
       

- This turns on the 100Hz tick using the CC1111 timer 1. It - is required for any of the time-based functions to - work. It should be called by 'main' before ao_start_scheduler. -

Chapter 5. AltOS Mutexes

+ This turns on the 100Hz tick. It is required for any of the + time-based functions to work. It should be called by 'main' + before ao_start_scheduler. +

Chapter 6. AltOS Mutexes

AltOS provides mutexes as a basic synchronization primitive. Each mutexes is simply a byte of memory which holds 0 when the mutex is free or the task id of the owning task when the mutex is owned. Mutex calls are checked—attempting to acquire a mutex already held by the current task or releasing a mutex not held by the current task will both cause a panic. -

1. ao_mutex_get

+    

1. ao_mutex_get

 	void
 	ao_mutex_get(__xdata uint8_t *mutex);
       

Acquires the specified mutex, blocking if the mutex is owned by another task. -

2. ao_mutex_put

+      

2. ao_mutex_put

 	void
 	ao_mutex_put(__xdata uint8_t *mutex);
       

Releases the specified mutex, waking up all tasks waiting for it. -

Chapter 6. CC1111 DMA engine

- The CC1111 contains a useful bit of extra hardware in the form - of five programmable DMA engines. They can be configured to copy - data in memory, or between memory and devices (or even between - two devices). AltOS exposes a general interface to this hardware - and uses it to handle radio and SPI data. +

Chapter 7. DMA engine

+ The CC1111 and STM32L both contain a useful bit of extra + hardware in the form of a number of programmable DMA + engines. They can be configured to copy data in memory, or + between memory and devices (or even between two devices). AltOS + exposes a general interface to this hardware and uses it to + handle both internal and external devices. +

+ Because the CC1111 and STM32L DMA engines are different, the + interface to them is also different. As the DMA engines are + currently used to implement platform-specific drivers, this + isn't yet a problem.

Code using a DMA engine should allocate one at startup time. There is no provision to free them, and if you run out, @@ -334,63 +476,114 @@ from hardware to memory, that trigger event is supplied by the hardware device. When copying data from memory to hardware, the transfer is usually initiated by software. -

1. ao_dma_alloc

-	uint8_t
-	ao_dma_alloc(__xdata uint8_t *done)
-      

- Allocates a DMA engine, returning the identifier. Whenever - this DMA engine completes a transfer. 'done' is cleared - when the DMA is started, and then receives the - AO_DMA_DONE bit on a successful transfer or the - AO_DMA_ABORTED bit if ao_dma_abort was called. Note that - it is possible to get both bits if the transfer was - aborted after it had finished. -

2. ao_dma_set_transfer

-	void
-	ao_dma_set_transfer(uint8_t id,
-	                    void __xdata *srcaddr,
-	                    void __xdata *dstaddr,
-	                    uint16_t count,
-	                    uint8_t cfg0,
-	                    uint8_t cfg1)
-      

- Initializes the specified dma engine to copy data - from 'srcaddr' to 'dstaddr' for 'count' units. cfg0 and - cfg1 are values directly out of the CC1111 documentation - and tell the DMA engine what the transfer unit size, - direction and step are. -

3. ao_dma_start

-	void
-	ao_dma_start(uint8_t id);
-      

- Arm the specified DMA engine and await a signal from - either hardware or software to start transferring data. -

4. ao_dma_trigger

-	void
-	ao_dma_trigger(uint8_t id)
-      

- Trigger the specified DMA engine to start copying data. -

5. ao_dma_abort

-	void
-	ao_dma_abort(uint8_t id)
-      

- Terminate any in-progress DMA transation, marking its - 'done' variable with the AO_DMA_ABORTED bit. -

Chapter 7. SDCC Stdio interface

- AltOS offers a stdio interface over both USB and the RF packet - link. This provides for control of the device localy or - remotely. This is hooked up to the stdio functions in SDCC by - providing the standard putchar/getchar/flush functions. These - automatically multiplex the two available communication - channels; output is always delivered to the channel which - provided the most recent input. -

1. putchar

+    

1. CC1111 DMA Engine

1.1. ao_dma_alloc

+	  uint8_t
+	  ao_dma_alloc(__xdata uint8_t *done)
+	

+ Allocate a DMA engine, returning the identifier. 'done' is + cleared when the DMA is started, and then receives the + AO_DMA_DONE bit on a successful transfer or the + AO_DMA_ABORTED bit if ao_dma_abort was called. Note that it + is possible to get both bits if the transfer was aborted + after it had finished. +

1.2. ao_dma_set_transfer

+	  void
+	  ao_dma_set_transfer(uint8_t id,
+	  void __xdata *srcaddr,
+	  void __xdata *dstaddr,
+	  uint16_t count,
+	  uint8_t cfg0,
+	  uint8_t cfg1)
+	

+ Initializes the specified dma engine to copy data + from 'srcaddr' to 'dstaddr' for 'count' units. cfg0 and + cfg1 are values directly out of the CC1111 documentation + and tell the DMA engine what the transfer unit size, + direction and step are. +

1.3. ao_dma_start

+	  void
+	  ao_dma_start(uint8_t id);
+	

+ Arm the specified DMA engine and await a signal from + either hardware or software to start transferring data. +

1.4. ao_dma_trigger

+	  void
+	  ao_dma_trigger(uint8_t id)
+	

+ Trigger the specified DMA engine to start copying data. +

1.5. ao_dma_abort

+	  void
+	  ao_dma_abort(uint8_t id)
+	

+ Terminate any in-progress DMA transation, marking its + 'done' variable with the AO_DMA_ABORTED bit. +

2. STM32L DMA Engine

2.1. ao_dma_alloc

+	  uint8_t ao_dma_done[];
+
+	  void
+	  ao_dma_alloc(uint8_t index);
+	

+ Reserve a DMA engine for exclusive use by one + driver. +

2.2. ao_dma_set_transfer

+	  void
+	  ao_dma_set_transfer(uint8_t id,
+	  void *peripheral,
+	  void *memory,
+	  uint16_t count,
+	  uint32_t ccr);
+	

+ Initializes the specified dma engine to copy data between + 'peripheral' and 'memory' for 'count' units. 'ccr' is a + value directly out of the STM32L documentation and tells the + DMA engine what the transfer unit size, direction and step + are. +

2.3. ao_dma_set_isr

+	  void
+	  ao_dma_set_isr(uint8_t index, void (*isr)(int))
+	

+ This sets a function to be called when the DMA transfer + completes in lieu of setting the ao_dma_done bits. Use this + when some work needs to be done when the DMA finishes that + cannot wait until user space resumes. +

2.4. ao_dma_start

+	  void
+	  ao_dma_start(uint8_t id);
+	

+ Arm the specified DMA engine and await a signal from either + hardware or software to start transferring data. + 'ao_dma_done[index]' is cleared when the DMA is started, and + then receives the AO_DMA_DONE bit on a successful transfer + or the AO_DMA_ABORTED bit if ao_dma_abort was called. Note + that it is possible to get both bits if the transfer was + aborted after it had finished. +

2.5. ao_dma_done_transfer

+	  void
+	  ao_dma_done_transfer(uint8_t id);
+	

+ Signals that a specific DMA engine is done being used. This + allows multiple drivers to use the same DMA engine safely. +

2.6. ao_dma_abort

+	  void
+	  ao_dma_abort(uint8_t id)
+	

+ Terminate any in-progress DMA transation, marking its + 'done' variable with the AO_DMA_ABORTED bit. +

Chapter 8. Stdio interface

+ AltOS offers a stdio interface over USB, serial and the RF + packet link. This provides for control of the device localy or + remotely. This is hooked up to the stdio functions by providing + the standard putchar/getchar/flush functions. These + automatically multiplex the available communication channels; + output is always delivered to the channel which provided the + most recent input. +

1. putchar

 	void
 	putchar(char c)
       

Delivers a single character to the current console device. -

2. getchar

+      

2. getchar

 	char
 	getchar(void)
       

@@ -398,13 +591,13 @@ console devices. The current console device is set to that which delivered this character. This blocks until a character is available. -

3. flush

+      

3. flush

 	void
 	flush(void)
       

Flushes the current console device output buffer. Any pending characters will be delivered to the target device. - xo

4. ao_add_stdio

+      xo	  

4. ao_add_stdio

 	void
 	ao_add_stdio(char (*pollchar)(void),
 	                   void (*putchar)(char),
@@ -426,13 +619,13 @@
 	'flush' forces the output buffer to be flushed. It may
 	block until the buffer is delivered, but it is not
 	required to do so.
-      

Chapter 9. Command line interface

AltOS includes a simple command line parser which is hooked up to the stdio interfaces permitting remote control of the device - over USB or the RF link as desired. Each command uses a single - character to invoke it, the remaining characters on the line are - available as parameters to the command. -

1. ao_cmd_register

+      over USB, serial or the RF link as desired. Each command uses a
+      single character to invoke it, the remaining characters on the
+      line are available as parameters to the command.
+    

1. ao_cmd_register

 	void
 	ao_cmd_register(__code struct ao_cmds *cmds)
       

@@ -452,49 +645,49 @@ '?' command. Syntax errors found while executing 'func' should be indicated by modifying the global ao_cmd_status variable with one of the following values: -

+

ao_cmd_success

The command was parsed successfully. There is no need to assign this value, it is the default. -

+

ao_cmd_lex_error

A token in the line was invalid, such as a number containing invalid characters. The low-level lexing functions already assign this value as needed. -

+

ao_syntax_error

The command line is invalid for some reason other than invalid tokens.

-

2. ao_cmd_lex

+      

2. ao_cmd_lex

 	void
 	ao_cmd_lex(void);
       

This gets the next character out of the command line buffer and sticks it into ao_cmd_lex_c. At the end of the line, ao_cmd_lex_c will get a newline ('\n') character. -

3. ao_cmd_put16

+      

3. ao_cmd_put16

 	void
 	ao_cmd_put16(uint16_t v);
       

Writes 'v' as four hexadecimal characters. -

4. ao_cmd_put8

+      

4. ao_cmd_put8

 	void
 	ao_cmd_put8(uint8_t v);
       

Writes 'v' as two hexadecimal characters. -

5. ao_cmd_white

+      

5. ao_cmd_white

 	void
 	ao_cmd_white(void)
       

This skips whitespace by calling ao_cmd_lex while ao_cmd_lex_c is either a space or tab. It does not skip any characters if ao_cmd_lex_c already non-white. -

6. ao_cmd_hex

+      

6. ao_cmd_hex

 	void
 	ao_cmd_hex(void)
       

This reads a 16-bit hexadecimal value from the command line with optional leading whitespace. The resulting value is stored in ao_cmd_lex_i; -

7. ao_cmd_decimal

+      

7. ao_cmd_decimal

 	void
 	ao_cmd_decimal(void)
       

@@ -502,7 +695,7 @@ line with optional leading whitespace. The resulting value is stored in ao_cmd_lex_u32 and the low 16 bits are stored in ao_cmd_lex_i; -

8. ao_match_word

+      

8. ao_match_word

 	uint8_t
 	ao_match_word(__code char *word)
       

@@ -510,15 +703,15 @@ line. It does not skip leading white space. If 'word' is found, then 1 is returned. Otherwise, ao_cmd_status is set to ao_cmd_syntax_error and 0 is returned. -

9. ao_cmd_init

+      

9. ao_cmd_init

 	void
 	ao_cmd_init(void
       

Initializes the command system, setting up the built-in commands and adding a task to run the command processing loop. It should be called by 'main' before ao_start_scheduler. -

Chapter 9. CC1111 USB target device

- The CC1111 contains a full-speed USB target device. It can be +

Chapter 10. USB target device

+ AltOS contains a full-speed USB target device driver. It can be programmed to offer any kind of USB target, but to simplify interactions with a variety of operating systems, AltOS provides only a single target device profile, that of a USB modem which @@ -531,7 +724,7 @@ interface if desired, offering control of the device over the USB link. Alternatively, the functions can be accessed directly to provide for USB-specific I/O. -

1. ao_usb_flush

+    

1. ao_usb_flush

 	void
 	ao_usb_flush(void);
       

@@ -539,7 +732,7 @@ to be delivered to the USB host if there is pending data, or if the last IN packet was full to indicate to the host that there isn't any more pending data available. -

2. ao_usb_putchar

+      

2. ao_usb_putchar

 	void
 	ao_usb_putchar(char c);
       

@@ -548,7 +741,7 @@ adds a byte to the pending IN packet for delivery to the USB host. If the USB packet is full, this queues the 'IN' packet for delivery. -

3. ao_usb_pollchar

+      

3. ao_usb_pollchar

 	char
 	ao_usb_pollchar(void);
       

@@ -556,13 +749,13 @@ packet received, this returns AO_READ_AGAIN. Otherwise, it returns the next character, reporting to the host that it is ready for more data when the last character is gone. -

4. ao_usb_getchar

+      

4. ao_usb_getchar

 	char
 	ao_usb_getchar(void);
       

This uses ao_pollchar to receive the next character, blocking while ao_pollchar returns AO_READ_AGAIN. -

5. ao_usb_disable

+      

5. ao_usb_disable

 	void
 	ao_usb_disable(void);
       

@@ -577,7 +770,7 @@ after disabling the USB device, it's likely that the cable will need to be disconnected and reconnected before it will work again. -

6. ao_usb_enable

+      

6. ao_usb_enable

 	void
 	ao_usb_enable(void);
       

@@ -585,7 +778,7 @@ disabled. See the note above about needing to physically remove and re-insert the cable to get the host to re-initialize the USB link. -

7. ao_usb_init

+      

7. ao_usb_init

 	void
 	ao_usb_init(void);
       

@@ -593,7 +786,7 @@ the control end point and adds the usb I/O functions to the stdio system. Call this from main before ao_start_scheduler. -

Chapter 11. Serial peripherals

The CC1111 provides two USART peripherals. AltOS uses one for asynch serial data, generally to communicate with a GPS device, and the other for a SPI bus. The UART is configured to operate @@ -604,25 +797,25 @@

To prevent loss of data, AltOS provides receive and transmit fifos of 32 characters each. -

1. ao_serial_getchar

+    

1. ao_serial_getchar

 	char
 	ao_serial_getchar(void);
       

Returns the next character from the receive fifo, blocking until a character is received if the fifo is empty. -

2. ao_serial_putchar

+      

2. ao_serial_putchar

 	void
 	ao_serial_putchar(char c);
       

Adds a character to the transmit fifo, blocking if the fifo is full. Starts transmitting characters. -

3. ao_serial_drain

+      

3. ao_serial_drain

 	void
 	ao_serial_drain(void);
       

Blocks until the transmit fifo is empty. Used internally when changing serial speeds. -

4. ao_serial_set_speed

+      

4. ao_serial_set_speed

 	void
 	ao_serial_set_speed(uint8_t speed);
       

@@ -630,52 +823,52 @@ AO_SERIAL_SPEED_4800, AO_SERIAL_SPEED_9600 or AO_SERIAL_SPEED_57600. This first flushes the transmit fifo using ao_serial_drain. -

5. ao_serial_init

+      

5. ao_serial_init

 	void
 	ao_serial_init(void)
       

Initializes the serial peripheral. Call this from 'main' before jumping to ao_start_scheduler. The default speed setting is AO_SERIAL_SPEED_4800. -

Chapter 11. CC1111 Radio peripheral

- The CC1111 radio transceiver sends and receives digital packets - with forward error correction and detection. The AltOS driver is - fairly specific to the needs of the TeleMetrum and TeleDongle - devices, using it for other tasks may require customization of - the driver itself. There are three basic modes of operation: -

  1. - Telemetry mode. In this mode, TeleMetrum transmits telemetry - frames at a fixed rate. The frames are of fixed size. This - is strictly a one-way communication from TeleMetrum to - TeleDongle. -

  2. - Packet mode. In this mode, the radio is used to create a - reliable duplex byte stream between TeleDongle and - TeleMetrum. This is an asymmetrical protocol with - TeleMetrum only transmitting in response to a packet sent - from TeleDongle. Thus getting data from TeleMetrum to - TeleDongle requires polling. The polling rate is adaptive, - when no data has been received for a while, the rate slows - down. The packets are checked at both ends and invalid - data are ignored. -

    - On the TeleMetrum side, the packet link is hooked into the - stdio mechanism, providing an alternate data path for the - command processor. It is enabled when the unit boots up in - 'idle' mode. -

    - On the TeleDongle side, the packet link is enabled with a - command; data from the stdio package is forwarded over the - packet link providing a connection from the USB command - stream to the remote TeleMetrum device. -

  3. - Radio Direction Finding mode. In this mode, TeleMetrum - constructs a special packet that sounds like an audio tone - when received by a conventional narrow-band FM - receiver. This is designed to provide a beacon to track - the device when other location mechanisms fail. -

-

1. ao_radio_set_telemetry

+      

Chapter 12. CC1111 Radio peripheral

1. Radio Introduction

+ The CC1111 radio transceiver sends and receives digital packets + with forward error correction and detection. The AltOS driver is + fairly specific to the needs of the TeleMetrum and TeleDongle + devices, using it for other tasks may require customization of + the driver itself. There are three basic modes of operation: +

  1. + Telemetry mode. In this mode, TeleMetrum transmits telemetry + frames at a fixed rate. The frames are of fixed size. This + is strictly a one-way communication from TeleMetrum to + TeleDongle. +

  2. + Packet mode. In this mode, the radio is used to create a + reliable duplex byte stream between TeleDongle and + TeleMetrum. This is an asymmetrical protocol with + TeleMetrum only transmitting in response to a packet sent + from TeleDongle. Thus getting data from TeleMetrum to + TeleDongle requires polling. The polling rate is adaptive, + when no data has been received for a while, the rate slows + down. The packets are checked at both ends and invalid + data are ignored. +

    + On the TeleMetrum side, the packet link is hooked into the + stdio mechanism, providing an alternate data path for the + command processor. It is enabled when the unit boots up in + 'idle' mode. +

    + On the TeleDongle side, the packet link is enabled with a + command; data from the stdio package is forwarded over the + packet link providing a connection from the USB command + stream to the remote TeleMetrum device. +

  3. + Radio Direction Finding mode. In this mode, TeleMetrum + constructs a special packet that sounds like an audio tone + when received by a conventional narrow-band FM + receiver. This is designed to provide a beacon to track + the device when other location mechanisms fail. +

+

2. ao_radio_set_telemetry

 	  void
 	  ao_radio_set_telemetry(void);
 	

@@ -684,7 +877,7 @@ other RF parameters. It does not include the base frequency or channel though. Those are set at the time of transmission or reception, in case the values are changed by the user. -

2. ao_radio_set_packet

+	

3. ao_radio_set_packet

 	  void
 	  ao_radio_set_packet(void);
 	

@@ -693,7 +886,7 @@ parameters. It does not include the base frequency or channel though. Those are set at the time of transmission or reception, in case the values are changed by the user. -

3. ao_radio_set_rdf

+	

4. ao_radio_set_rdf

 	  void
 	  ao_radio_set_rdf(void);
 	

@@ -703,38 +896,38 @@ and data whitening logic is turned off so that the resulting modulation is received as a 1kHz tone by a conventional 70cm FM audio receiver. -

4. ao_radio_idle

+	

5. ao_radio_idle

 	  void
 	  ao_radio_idle(void);
 	

Sets the radio device to idle mode, waiting until it reaches that state. This will terminate any in-progress transmit or receive operation. -

5. ao_radio_get

+	

6. ao_radio_get

 	  void
 	  ao_radio_get(void);
 	

Acquires the radio mutex and then configures the radio frequency using the global radio calibration and channel values. -

6. ao_radio_put

+	

7. ao_radio_put

 	  void
 	  ao_radio_put(void);
 	

Releases the radio mutex. -

7. ao_radio_abort

+	

8. ao_radio_abort

 	  void
 	  ao_radio_abort(void);
 	

Aborts any transmission or reception process by aborting the associated DMA object and calling ao_radio_idle to terminate the radio operation. -

- In telemetry mode, you can send or receive a telemetry - packet. The data from receiving a packet also includes the RSSI - and status values supplied by the receiver. These are added - after the telemetry data. -

8. ao_radio_send

+	

9. Radio Telemetry

+ In telemetry mode, you can send or receive a telemetry + packet. The data from receiving a packet also includes the RSSI + and status values supplied by the receiver. These are added + after the telemetry data. +

9.1. ao_radio_send

 	  void
 	  ao_radio_send(__xdata struct ao_telemetry *telemetry);
 	

@@ -743,7 +936,7 @@ telemetry mode. This function calls ao_radio_get() before sending, and ao_radio_put() afterwards, to correctly serialize access to the radio device. -

9. ao_radio_recv

+	

9.2. ao_radio_recv

 	  void
 	  ao_radio_recv(__xdata struct ao_radio_recv *radio);
 	

@@ -754,21 +947,21 @@ to the radio device. This returns non-zero if a packet was received, or zero if the operation was aborted (from some other task calling ao_radio_abort()). -

- In radio direction finding mode, there's just one function to - use -

10. ao_radio_rdf

+	

10. Radio Direction Finding

+ In radio direction finding mode, there's just one function to + use +

10.1. ao_radio_rdf

 	  void
 	  ao_radio_rdf(int ms);
 	

This sends an RDF packet lasting for the specified amount of time. The maximum length is 1020 ms. -

- Packet mode is asymmetrical and is configured at compile time - for either master or slave mode (but not both). The basic I/O - functions look the same at both ends, but the internals are - different, along with the initialization steps. -

11. ao_packet_putchar

+	

11. Radio Packet Mode

+ Packet mode is asymmetrical and is configured at compile time + for either master or slave mode (but not both). The basic I/O + functions look the same at both ends, but the internals are + different, along with the initialization steps. +

11.1. ao_packet_putchar

 	  void
 	  ao_packet_putchar(char c);
 	

@@ -778,34 +971,34 @@ transmit a packet if the output buffer is full. On the slave side, any pending data will be sent the next time the master polls for data. -

12. ao_packet_pollchar

+	

11.2. ao_packet_pollchar

 	  char
 	  ao_packet_pollchar(void);
 	

This returns a pending input character if available, otherwise returns AO_READ_AGAIN. On the master side, if this empties the buffer, it triggers a poll for more data. -

13. ao_packet_slave_start

+	

11.3. ao_packet_slave_start

 	  void
 	  ao_packet_slave_start(void);
 	

This is available only on the slave side and starts a task to listen for packet data. -

14. ao_packet_slave_stop

+	

11.4. ao_packet_slave_stop

 	  void
 	  ao_packet_slave_stop(void);
 	

Disables the packet slave task, stopping the radio receiver. -

15. ao_packet_slave_init

+	

11.5. ao_packet_slave_init

 	  void
 	  ao_packet_slave_init(void);
 	

Adds the packet stdio functions to the stdio package so that when packet slave mode is enabled, characters will get send and received through the stdio functions. -

16. ao_packet_master_init

+	

11.6. ao_packet_master_init

 	  void
 	  ao_packet_master_init(void);
 	

Adds the 'p' packet forward command to start packet mode. -

+

diff --git a/AltOS/doc/altos.pdf b/AltOS/doc/altos.pdf index 62e14f3..5410b26 100644 Binary files a/AltOS/doc/altos.pdf and b/AltOS/doc/altos.pdf differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/altosui.png b/AltOS/doc/altosui.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3dd28de Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/altosui.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/altusmetrum.html b/AltOS/doc/altusmetrum.html index 657633c..5e9e028 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/altusmetrum.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/altusmetrum.html @@ -1,10 +1,14 @@ -The Altus Metrum System

The Altus Metrum System

An Owner's Manual for TeleMetrum, TeleMini, TeleDongle and TeleBT Devices

Bdale Garbee

Keith Packard

Bob Finch

Anthony Towns

+The Altus Metrum System

The Altus Metrum System

An Owner's Manual for Altus Metrum Rocketry Electronics

Bdale Garbee

Keith Packard

Bob Finch

Anthony Towns

This document is released under the terms of the Creative Commons ShareAlike 3.0 license. -

Revision History
Revision 1.2.121 May 2013
+

Revision History
Revision 1.312 November 2013
+ Updated for software version 1.3. Version 1.3 adds support + for TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2.0, TeleMini v2.0 and EasyMini + and fixes bugs in AltosUI and the AltOS firmware. +
Revision 1.2.121 May 2013
Updated for software version 1.2. Version 1.2 adds support for TeleBT and AltosDroid. It also adds a few minor features and fixes bugs in AltosUI and the AltOS firmware. @@ -26,23 +30,20 @@ Updated for software version 0.9. Note that 0.9 represents a telemetry format change, meaning both ends of a link (TeleMetrum and TeleDongle) must be updated or communications will fail. -
Revision 0.824 November 2010
Updated for software version 0.8

Acknowledgements

-

- Thanks to Bob Finch, W9YA, NAR 12965, TRA 12350 for writing "The +

Revision 0.824 November 2010
Updated for software version 0.8

Acknowledgments

+ Thanks to Bob Finch, W9YA, NAR 12965, TRA 12350 for writing “The Mere-Mortals Quick Start/Usage Guide to the Altus Metrum Starter - Kit" which formed the basis of the original Getting Started chapter + Kit” which formed the basis of the original Getting Started chapter in this manual. Bob was one of our first customers for a production TeleMetrum, and his continued enthusiasm and contributions are immensely gratifying and highly appreciated! -

-

+

And thanks to Anthony (AJ) Towns for major contributions including the AltosUI graphing and site map code and associated documentation. Free software means that our customers and friends can become our collaborators, and we certainly appreciate this level of contribution! -

-

+

Have fun using these products, and we hope to meet all of you out on the rocket flight line somewhere.


@@ -52,8 +53,19 @@ NAR Keith Packard, KD7SQG
NAR #88757, TRA #12200
      

-

-

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Overview
2. Getting Started
3. Handling Precautions
4. Hardware Overview
5. System Operation
1. Firmware Modes
2. GPS
3. Controlling An Altimeter Over The Radio Link
4. Ground Testing
5. Radio Link
6. Configurable Parameters
6.1. Radio Frequency
6.2. Apogee Delay
6.3. Main Deployment Altitude
6.4. Maximum Flight Log
6.5. Ignite Mode
6.6. Pad Orientation
6. AltosUI
1. Monitor Flight
1.1. Launch Pad
1.2. Ascent
1.3. Descent
1.4. Landed
1.5. Site Map
2. Save Flight Data
3. Replay Flight
4. Graph Data
5. Export Data
5.1. Comma Separated Value Format
5.2. Keyhole Markup Language (for Google Earth)
6. Configure Altimeter
6.1. Main Deploy Altitude
6.2. Apogee Delay
6.3. Radio Frequency
6.4. Radio Calibration
6.5. Callsign
6.6. Maximum Flight Log Size
6.7. Ignite Mode
6.8. Pad Orientation
7. Configure AltosUI
7.1. Voice Settings
7.2. Log Directory
7.3. Callsign
7.4. Imperial Units
7.5. Font Size
7.6. Serial Debug
7.7. Manage Frequencies
8. Configure Groundstation
8.1. Frequency
8.2. Radio Calibration
9. Flash Image
10. Fire Igniter
11. Scan Channels
12. Load Maps
13. Monitor Idle
7. AltosDroid
1. Installing AltosDroid
2. Connecting to TeleBT
3. Configuring AltosDroid
4. Altos Droid Flight Monitoring
4.1. Pad
5. Downloading Flight Logs
8. Using Altus Metrum Products
1. Being Legal
2. In the Rocket
3. On the Ground
4. Data Analysis
5. Future Plans
9. Altimeter Installation Recommendations
1. Mounting the Altimeter
2. Dealing with the Antenna
3. Preserving GPS Reception
4. Radio Frequency Interference
5. The Barometric Sensor
6. Ground Testing
10. Updating Device Firmware
1. Updating TeleMetrum Firmware
2. Updating TeleMini Firmware
3. Updating TeleDongle Firmware
11. Hardware Specifications
1. TeleMetrum Specifications
2. TeleMini Specifications
12. FAQ
A. Notes for Older Software
B. Drill Templates
1. TeleMetrum template
2. TeleMini template
C. Calibration
1. Radio Frequency
2. TeleMetrum Accelerometer
D. Release Notes

Chapter 1. Introduction and Overview

+

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Overview
2. Getting Started
3. Handling Precautions
4. Altus Metrum Hardware
1. Overview
2. TeleMetrum
3. TeleMini
4. EasyMini
5. TeleMega
6. Flight Data Recording
7. Installation
5. System Operation
1. Firmware Modes
2. GPS
3. Controlling An Altimeter Over The Radio Link
4. Ground Testing
5. Radio Link
6. Configurable Parameters
6.1. Radio Frequency
6.2. Apogee Delay
6.3. Main Deployment Altitude
6.4. Maximum Flight Log
6.5. Ignite Mode
6.6. Pad Orientation
6.7. Configurable Pyro Channels
6. AltosUI
1. Monitor Flight
1.1. Launch Pad
1.2. Ascent
1.3. Descent
1.4. Landed
1.5. Table
1.6. Site Map
2. Save Flight Data
3. Replay Flight
4. Graph Data
4.1. Flight Graph
4.2. Configure Graph
4.3. Flight Statistics
4.4. Map
5. Export Data
5.1. Comma Separated Value Format
5.2. Keyhole Markup Language (for Google Earth)
6. Configure Altimeter
6.1. Main Deploy Altitude
6.2. Apogee Delay
6.3. Radio Frequency
6.4. RF Calibration
6.5. Telemetry/RDF/APRS Enable
6.6. APRS Interval
6.7. Callsign
6.8. Maximum Flight Log Size
6.9. Ignite Mode
6.10. Pad Orientation
6.11. Configure Pyro Channels
7. Configure AltosUI
7.1. Voice Settings
7.2. Log Directory
7.3. Callsign
7.4. Imperial Units
7.5. Font Size
7.6. Serial Debug
7.7. Manage Frequencies
8. Configure Groundstation
8.1. Frequency
8.2. Radio Calibration
9. Flash Image
10. Fire Igniter
11. Scan Channels
12. Load Maps
13. Monitor Idle
7. AltosDroid
1. Installing AltosDroid
2. Connecting to TeleBT
3. Configuring AltosDroid
4. AltosDroid Flight Monitoring
4.1. Pad
5. Downloading Flight Logs
8. Using Altus Metrum Products
1. Being Legal
2. In the Rocket
3. On the Ground
4. Data Analysis
5. Future Plans
9. Altimeter Installation Recommendations
1. Mounting the Altimeter
2. Dealing with the Antenna
3. Preserving GPS Reception
4. Radio Frequency Interference
5. The Barometric Sensor
6. Ground Testing
10. Updating Device Firmware
1. + Updating TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2 or EasyMini Firmware +
1.1. Recovering From Self-Flashing Failure
2. Pair Programming
3. Updating TeleMetrum v1.x Firmware
4. Updating TeleMini Firmware
5. Updating TeleDongle Firmware
11. Hardware Specifications
1. + TeleMega Specifications +
2. + TeleMetrum v2 Specifications +
3. TeleMetrum v1 Specifications
4. + TeleMini v2.0 Specifications +
5. + TeleMini v1.0 Specifications +
6. + EasyMini Specifications +
12. FAQ
A. Notes for Older Software
B. Drill Templates
1. TeleMega template
2. TeleMetrum template
3. TeleMini v2/EasyMini template
4. TeleMini v1 template
C. Calibration
1. Radio Frequency
2. TeleMetrum and TeleMega Accelerometers
D. Release Notes

Chapter 1. Introduction and Overview

Welcome to the Altus Metrum community! Our circuits and software reflect our passion for both hobby rocketry and Free Software. We hope their capabilities and performance will delight you in every way, but by @@ -63,13 +75,25 @@ NAR

The first device created for our community was TeleMetrum, a dual deploy altimeter with fully integrated GPS and radio telemetry - as standard features, and a "companion interface" that will - support optional capabilities in the future. + as standard features, and a “companion interface” that will + support optional capabilities in the future. The latest version + of TeleMetrum, v2.0, has all of the same features but with + improved sensors and radio to offer increased performance.

Our second device was TeleMini, a dual deploy altimeter with - radio telemetry and radio direction finding. This device is only - 13mm by 38mm (½ inch by 1½ inches) and can fit easily in an 18mm - air-frame. + radio telemetry and radio direction finding. The first version + of this device was only 13mm by 38mm (½ inch by 1½ inches) and + could fit easily in an 18mm air-frame. The latest version, v2.0, + includes a beeper, USB data download and extended on-board + flight logging, along with an improved barometric sensor. +

+ TeleMega is our most sophisticated device, including six pyro + channels (four of which are fully programmable), integrated GPS, + integrated gyroscopes for staging/air-start inhibit and high + performance telemetry. +

+ EasyMini is a dual-deploy altimeter with logging and built-in + USB data download.

TeleDongle was our first ground station, providing a USB to RF interfaces for communicating with the altimeters. Combined with @@ -81,70 +105,84 @@ NAR

For a slightly more portable ground station experience that also provides direct rocket recovery support, TeleBT offers flight - monitoring and data logging using a Bluetooth connection between - the receiver and an Android device that has the Altos Droid + monitoring and data logging using a Bluetooth™ connection between + the receiver and an Android device that has the AltosDroid application installed from the Google Play store.

More products will be added to the Altus Metrum family over time, and we currently envision that this will be a single, comprehensive manual for the entire product family. -

Chapter 2. Getting Started

+

Chapter 2. Getting Started

The first thing to do after you check the inventory of parts in your - "starter kit" is to charge the battery. + “starter kit” is to charge the battery.

- The TeleMetrum battery can be charged by plugging it into the - corresponding socket of the TeleMetrum and then using the USB A to - mini B - cable to plug the TeleMetrum into your computer's USB socket. The - TeleMetrum circuitry will charge the battery whenever it is plugged - in, because the TeleMetrum's on-off switch does NOT control the + For TeleMetrum and TeleMega, the battery can be charged by plugging it into the + corresponding socket of the device and then using the USB + cable to plug the flight computer into your computer's USB socket. The + on-board circuitry will charge the battery whenever it is plugged + in, because the on-off switch does NOT control the charging circuitry.

- When the GPS chip is initially searching for - satellites, TeleMetrum will consume more current than it can pull - from the USB port, so the battery must be attached in order to get - satellite lock. Once GPS is locked, the current consumption goes back - down enough to enable charging while - running. So it's a good idea to fully charge the battery as your - first item of business so there is no issue getting and maintaining - satellite lock. The yellow charge indicator led will go out when the - battery is nearly full and the charger goes to trickle charge. It - can take several hours to fully recharge a deeply discharged battery. + On TeleMetrum v1 boards, when the GPS chip is initially + searching for satellites, TeleMetrum will consume more current + than it pulls from the USB port, so the battery must be + attached in order to get satellite lock. Once GPS is locked, + the current consumption goes back down enough to enable charging + while running. So it's a good idea to fully charge the battery + as your first item of business so there is no issue getting and + maintaining satellite lock. The yellow charge indicator led + will go out when the battery is nearly full and the charger goes + to trickle charge. It can take several hours to fully recharge a + deeply discharged battery. +

+ TeleMetrum v2.0 and TeleMega use a higher power battery charger, + allowing them to charge the battery while running the board at + maximum power. When the battery is charging, or when the board + is consuming a lot of power, the red LED will be lit. When the + battery is fully charged, the green LED will be lit. When the + battery is damaged or missing, both LEDs will be lit, which + appears yellow.

- The TeleMini battery can be charged by disconnecting it from the - TeleMini board and plugging it into a standalone battery charger - such as the LipoCharger product included in TeleMini Starter Kits, - and connecting that via a USB cable to a laptop or other USB - power source. + The Lithium Polymer TeleMini and EasyMini battery can be charged by + disconnecting it from the board and plugging it into a + standalone battery charger such as the LipoCharger product + included in TeleMini Starter Kits, and connecting that via a USB + cable to a laptop or other USB power source. +

+ You can also choose to use another battery with TeleMini v2.0 + and EasyMini, anything supplying between 4 and 12 volts should + work fine (like a standard 9V battery), but if you are planning + to fire pyro charges, ground testing is required to verify that + the battery supplies enough current to fire your chosen e-matches.

The other active device in the starter kit is the TeleDongle USB to RF interface. If you plug it in to your Mac or Linux computer it should - "just work", showing up as a serial port device. Windows systems need + “just work”, showing up as a serial port device. Windows systems need driver information that is part of the AltOS download to know that the existing USB modem driver will work. We therefore recommend installing our software before plugging in TeleDongle if you are using a Windows - computer. If you are using Linux and are having problems, try moving - to a fresher kernel (2.6.33 or newer), as the USB serial driver had - ugly bugs in some earlier versions. + computer. If you are using an older version of Linux and are having + problems, try moving to a fresher kernel (2.6.33 or newer).

- Next you should obtain and install the AltOS software. These include - the AltosUI ground station program, current firmware images for - TeleMetrum, TeleMini and TeleDongle, and a number of standalone - utilities that are rarely needed. Pre-built binary packages are - available for Linux, Microsoft Windows, and recent MacOSX versions. - Full source code and build instructions are also available. - The latest version may always be downloaded from + Next you should obtain and install the AltOS software. The AltOS + distribution includes the AltosUI ground station program, current + firmware + images for all of the hardware, and a number of standalone + utilities that are rarely needed. Pre-built binary packages are + available for Linux, Microsoft Windows, and recent MacOSX + versions. Full source code and build instructions are also + available. The latest version may always be downloaded from http://altusmetrum.org/AltOS.

- If you're using a TeleBT instead of the TeleDongle, you'll want - to go install the Altos Droid application from the Google Play - store. You don't need a data plan to use Altos Droid, but + If you're using a TeleBT instead of the TeleDongle, you'll want to + install the AltosDroid application from the Google Play store on an + Android device. You don't need a data plan to use AltosDroid, but without network access, the Map view will be less useful as it won't contain any map data. You can also use TeleBT connected over USB with your laptop computer; it acts exactly like a TeleDongle. Anywhere this manual talks about TeleDongle, you can also read that as 'and TeleBT when connected via USB'. -

Chapter 3. Handling Precautions

+

Chapter 3. Handling Precautions

All Altus Metrum products are sophisticated electronic devices. When handled gently and properly installed in an air-frame, they will deliver impressive results. However, as with all electronic @@ -161,21 +199,21 @@ NAR often wrap them in suitable scraps of closed-cell packing foam before strapping them down, for example.

- The barometric sensors used on both TeleMetrum and TeleMini are - sensitive to sunlight. In normal TeleMetrum mounting situations, it + The barometric sensors used on all of our flight computers are + sensitive to sunlight. In normal mounting situations, the baro sensor and all of the other surface mount components - are "down" towards whatever the underlying mounting surface is, so - this is not normally a problem. Please consider this, though, when - designing an installation, for example, in an air-frame with a - see-through plastic payload bay. It is particularly important to - consider this with TeleMini, both because the baro sensor is on the - "top" of the board, and because many model rockets with payload bays + are “down” towards whatever the underlying mounting surface is, so + this is not normally a problem. Please consider this when designing an + installation in an air-frame with a see-through plastic payload bay. It + is particularly important to + consider this with TeleMini v1.0, both because the baro sensor is on the + “top” of the board, and because many model rockets with payload bays use clear plastic for the payload bay! Replacing these with an opaque cardboard tube, painting them, or wrapping them with a layer of masking tape are all reasonable approaches to keep the sensor out of direct sunlight.

- The barometric sensor sampling port must be able to "breathe", + The barometric sensor sampling port must be able to “breathe”, both by not being covered by foam or tape or other materials that might directly block the hole on the top of the sensor, and also by having a suitable static vent to outside air. @@ -183,119 +221,320 @@ NAR As with all other rocketry electronics, Altus Metrum altimeters must be protected from exposure to corrosive motor exhaust and ejection charge gasses. -

Chapter 4. Hardware Overview

- TeleMetrum is a 1 inch by 2.75 inch circuit board. It was designed to - fit inside coupler for 29mm air-frame tubing, but using it in a tube that - small in diameter may require some creativity in mounting and wiring - to succeed! The presence of an accelerometer means TeleMetrum should - be aligned along the flight axis of the airframe, and by default the 1/4 - wave UHF wire antenna should be on the nose-cone end of the board. The - antenna wire is about 7 inches long, and wiring for a power switch and - the e-matches for apogee and main ejection charges depart from the - fin can end of the board, meaning an ideal "simple" avionics - bay for TeleMetrum should have at least 10 inches of interior length. -

- TeleMini is a 0.5 inch by 1.5 inch circuit board. It was designed to - fit inside an 18mm air-frame tube, but using it in a tube that - small in diameter may require some creativity in mounting and wiring - to succeed! Since there is no accelerometer, TeleMini can be mounted - in any convenient orientation. The default 1/4 - wave UHF wire antenna attached to the center of one end of - the board is about 7 inches long, and wiring for a power switch and - the e-matches for apogee and main ejection charges depart from the - other end of the board, meaning an ideal "simple" avionics - bay for TeleMini should have at least 9 inches of interior length. -

- A typical TeleMetrum or TeleMini installation involves attaching - only a suitable Lithium Polymer battery, a single pole switch for - power on/off, and two pairs of wires connecting e-matches for the - apogee and main ejection charges. All Altus Metrum products are - designed for use with single-cell batteries with 3.7 volts nominal. -

- The battery connectors are a standard 2-pin JST connector and - match batteries sold by Spark Fun. These batteries are - single-cell Lithium Polymer batteries that nominally provide 3.7 - volts. Other vendors sell similar batteries for RC aircraft - using mating connectors, however the polarity for those is - generally reversed from the batteries used by Altus Metrum - products. In particular, the Tenergy batteries supplied for use - in Featherweight flight computers are not compatible with Altus - Metrum flight computers or battery chargers. Check - polarity and voltage before connecting any battery not purchased - from Altus Metrum or Spark Fun. -

- By default, we use the unregulated output of the Li-Po battery directly - to fire ejection charges. This works marvelously with standard - low-current e-matches like the J-Tek from MJG Technologies, and with - Quest Q2G2 igniters. However, if you want or need to use a separate - pyro battery, check out the "External Pyro Battery" section in this - manual for instructions on how to wire that up. The altimeters are - designed to work with an external pyro battery of no more than 15 volts. -

- Ejection charges are wired directly to the screw terminal block - at the aft end of the altimeter. You'll need a very small straight - blade screwdriver for these screws, such as you might find in a - jeweler's screwdriver set. -

- TeleMetrum also uses the screw terminal block for the power - switch leads. On TeleMini, the power switch leads are soldered - directly to the board and can be connected directly to a switch. -

- For most air-frames, the integrated antennas are more than - adequate. However, if you are installing in a carbon-fiber or - metal electronics bay which is opaque to RF signals, you may need to - use off-board external antennas instead. In this case, you can - order an altimeter with an SMA connector for the UHF antenna - connection, and, on TeleMetrum, you can unplug the integrated GPS - antenna and select an appropriate off-board GPS antenna with - cable terminating in a U.FL connector. -

Chapter 5. System Operation

1. Firmware Modes

+

Chapter 4. Altus Metrum Hardware

1. Overview

+ Here's the full set of Altus Metrum products, both in + production and retired. +

Table 4.1. Altus Metrum Electronics

DeviceBarometerZ-axis accelerometerGPS3D sensorsStorageRF OutputBattery
TeleMetrum v1.0

MP3H6115 10km (33k')

MMA2202 50g

SkyTraq-1MB10mW3.7V
TeleMetrum v1.1

MP3H6115 10km (33k')

MMA2202 50g

SkyTraq-2MB10mW3.7V
TeleMetrum v1.2

MP3H6115 10km (33k')

ADXL78 70g

SkyTraq-2MB10mW3.7V
TeleMetrum v2.0

MS5607 30km (100k')

MMA6555 102g

uBlox Max-7Q-8MB40mW3.7V

TeleMini v1.0

MP3H6115 10km (33k')

---5kB10mW3.7V
TeleMini v2.0

MS5607 30km (100k')

---1MB10mW3.7-12V
EasyMini v1.0

MS5607 30km (100k')

---1MB-3.7-12V
TeleMega v1.0

MS5607 30km (100k')

MMA6555 102g

uBlox Max-7Q

MPU6000 HMC5883

8MB40mW3.7V

Table 4.2. Altus Metrum Boards

DeviceConnectorsScrew TerminalsWidthLengthTube Size
TeleMetrum

+ Antenna + Debug + Companion + USB + Battery +

Apogee pyro Main pyro Switch

1 inch (2.54cm)2 ¾ inch (6.99cm)29mm coupler

TeleMini v1.0

+ Antenna + Debug + Battery +

+ Apogee pyro + Main pyro +

½ inch (1.27cm)1½ inch (3.81cm)18mm coupler
TeleMini v2.0

+ Antenna + Debug + USB + Battery +

+ Apogee pyro + Main pyro + Battery + Switch +

0.8 inch (2.03cm)1½ inch (3.81cm)24mm coupler
EasyMini

+ Debug + USB + Battery +

+ Apogee pyro + Main pyro + Battery + Switch +

0.8 inch (2.03cm)1½ inch (3.81cm)24mm coupler
TeleMega

+ Antenna + Debug + Companion + USB + Battery +

+ Apogee pyro + Main pyro + Pyro A-D + Switch + Pyro battery +

1¼ inch (3.18cm)3¼ inch (8.26cm)38mm coupler

2. TeleMetrum

+ TeleMetrum is a 1 inch by 2¾ inch circuit board. It was designed to + fit inside coupler for 29mm air-frame tubing, but using it in a tube that + small in diameter may require some creativity in mounting and wiring + to succeed! The presence of an accelerometer means TeleMetrum should + be aligned along the flight axis of the airframe, and by default the ¼ + wave UHF wire antenna should be on the nose-cone end of the board. The + antenna wire is about 7 inches long, and wiring for a power switch and + the e-matches for apogee and main ejection charges depart from the + fin can end of the board, meaning an ideal “simple” avionics + bay for TeleMetrum should have at least 10 inches of interior length. +

3. TeleMini

+ TeleMini v1.0 is ½ inches by 1½ inches. It was + designed to fit inside an 18mm air-frame tube, but using it in + a tube that small in diameter may require some creativity in + mounting and wiring to succeed! Since there is no + accelerometer, TeleMini can be mounted in any convenient + orientation. The default ¼ wave UHF wire antenna attached to + the center of one end of the board is about 7 inches long. Two + wires for the power switch are connected to holes in the + middle of the board. Screw terminals for the e-matches for + apogee and main ejection charges depart from the other end of + the board, meaning an ideal “simple” avionics bay for TeleMini + should have at least 9 inches of interior length. +

+ TeleMini v2.0 is 0.8 inches by 1½ inches. It adds more + on-board data logging memory, a built-in USB connector and + screw terminals for the battery and power switch. The larger + board fits in a 24mm coupler. There's also a battery connector + for a LiPo battery if you want to use one of those. +

4. EasyMini

+ EasyMini is built on a 0.8 inch by 1½ inch circuit board. It's + designed to fit in a 24mm coupler tube. The connectors and + screw terminals match TeleMini v2.0, so you can easily swap between + EasyMini and TeleMini. +

5. TeleMega

+ TeleMega is a 1¼ inch by 3¼ inch circuit board. It was + designed to easily fit in a 38mm coupler. Like TeleMetrum, + TeleMega has an accelerometer and so it must be mounted so that + the board is aligned with the flight axis. It can be mounted + either antenna up or down. +

6. Flight Data Recording

+ Each flight computer logs data at 100 samples per second + during ascent and 10 samples per second during descent, except + for TeleMini v1.0, which records ascent at 10 samples per + second and descent at 1 sample per second. Data are logged to + an on-board flash memory part, which can be partitioned into + several equal-sized blocks, one for each flight. +

Table 4.3. Data Storage on Altus Metrum altimeters

DeviceBytes per SampleTotal StorageMinutes at Full Rate
TeleMetrum v1.081MB20
TeleMetrum v1.1 v1.282MB40
TeleMetrum v2.0168MB80
TeleMini v1.025kB4
TeleMini v2.0161MB10
EasyMini161MB10
TeleMega328MB40

+ The on-board flash is partitioned into separate flight logs, + each of a fixed maximum size. Increase the maximum size of + each log and you reduce the number of flights that can be + stored. Decrease the size and you can store more flights. +

+ Configuration data is also stored in the flash memory on + TeleMetrum v1.x, TeleMini and EasyMini. This consumes 64kB + of flash space. This configuration space is not available + for storing flight log data. TeleMetrum v2.0 and TeleMega + store configuration data in a bit of eeprom available within + the processor chip, leaving that space available in flash for + more flight data. +

+ To compute the amount of space needed for a single flight, you + can multiply the expected ascent time (in seconds) by 100 + times bytes-per-sample, multiply the expected descent time (in + seconds) by 10 times the bytes per sample and add the two + together. That will slightly under-estimate the storage (in + bytes) needed for the flight. For instance, a TeleMetrum v2.0 flight spending + 20 seconds in ascent and 150 seconds in descent will take + about (20 * 1600) + (150 * 160) = 56000 bytes of storage. You + could store dozens of these flights in the on-board flash. +

+ The default size allows for several flights on each flight + computer, except for TeleMini v1.0, which only holds data for a + single flight. You can adjust the size. +

+ Altus Metrum flight computers will not overwrite existing + flight data, so be sure to download flight data and erase it + from the flight computer before it fills up. The flight + computer will still successfully control the flight even if it + cannot log data, so the only thing you will lose is the data. +

7. Installation

+ A typical installation involves attaching + only a suitable battery, a single pole switch for + power on/off, and two pairs of wires connecting e-matches for the + apogee and main ejection charges. All Altus Metrum products are + designed for use with single-cell batteries with 3.7 volts + nominal. TeleMini v2.0 and EasyMini may also be used with other + batteries as long as they supply between 4 and 12 volts. +

+ The battery connectors are a standard 2-pin JST connector and + match batteries sold by Spark Fun. These batteries are + single-cell Lithium Polymer batteries that nominally provide 3.7 + volts. Other vendors sell similar batteries for RC aircraft + using mating connectors, however the polarity for those is + generally reversed from the batteries used by Altus Metrum + products. In particular, the Tenergy batteries supplied for use + in Featherweight flight computers are not compatible with Altus + Metrum flight computers or battery chargers. Check + polarity and voltage before connecting any battery not purchased + from Altus Metrum or Spark Fun. +

+ By default, we use the unregulated output of the battery directly + to fire ejection charges. This works marvelously with standard + low-current e-matches like the J-Tek from MJG Technologies, and with + Quest Q2G2 igniters. However, if you want or need to use a separate + pyro battery, check out the “External Pyro Battery” section in this + manual for instructions on how to wire that up. The altimeters are + designed to work with an external pyro battery of no more than 15 volts. + +

+ Ejection charges are wired directly to the screw terminal block + at the aft end of the altimeter. You'll need a very small straight + blade screwdriver for these screws, such as you might find in a + jeweler's screwdriver set. +

+ Except for TeleMini v1.0, the flight computers also use the + screw terminal block for the power switch leads. On TeleMini v1.0, + the power switch leads are soldered directly to the board and + can be connected directly to a switch. +

+ For most air-frames, the integrated antennas are more than + adequate. However, if you are installing in a carbon-fiber or + metal electronics bay which is opaque to RF signals, you may need to + use off-board external antennas instead. In this case, you can + replace the stock UHF antenna wire with an edge-launched SMA connector, + and, on TeleMetrum v1, you can unplug the integrated GPS + antenna and select an appropriate off-board GPS antenna with + cable terminating in a U.FL connector. +

Chapter 5. System Operation

1. Firmware Modes

The AltOS firmware build for the altimeters has two - fundamental modes, "idle" and "flight". Which of these modes + fundamental modes, “idle” and “flight”. Which of these modes the firmware operates in is determined at start up time. For - TeleMetrum, the mode is controlled by the orientation of the + TeleMetrum and TeleMega, which have accelerometers, the mode is + controlled by the orientation of the rocket (well, actually the board, of course...) at the time - power is switched on. If the rocket is "nose up", then - TeleMetrum assumes it's on a rail or rod being prepared for + power is switched on. If the rocket is “nose up”, then + the flight computer assumes it's on a rail or rod being prepared for launch, so the firmware chooses flight mode. However, if the rocket is more or less horizontal, the firmware instead enters - idle mode. Since TeleMini doesn't have an accelerometer we can - use to determine orientation, "idle" mode is selected when the - board receives a command packet within the first five seconds - of operation; if no packet is received, the board enters - "flight" mode. + idle mode. Since TeleMini v2.0 and EasyMini don't have an + accelerometer we can use to determine orientation, “idle” mode + is selected if the board is connected via USB to a computer, + otherwise the board enters “flight” mode. TeleMini v1.0 + selects “idle” mode if it receives a command packet within the + first five seconds of operation.

At power on, you will hear three beeps or see three flashes - ("S" in Morse code for start up) and then a pause while + (“S” in Morse code for start up) and then a pause while the altimeter completes initialization and self test, and decides which mode to enter next.

- In flight or "pad" mode, the altimeter engages the flight - state machine, goes into transmit-only mode to - send telemetry, and waits for launch to be detected. - Flight mode is indicated by an "di-dah-dah-dit" ("P" for pad) - on the beeper or lights, followed by beeps or flashes - indicating the state of the pyrotechnic igniter continuity. - One beep/flash indicates apogee continuity, two beeps/flashes - indicate main continuity, three beeps/flashes indicate both - apogee and main continuity, and one longer "brap" sound or - rapidly alternating lights indicates no continuity. For a + Here's a short summary of all of the modes and the beeping (or + flashing, in the case of TeleMini v1) that accompanies each + mode. In the description of the beeping pattern, “dit” means a + short beep while "dah" means a long beep (three times as + long). “Brap” means a long dissonant tone. +

Table 5.1. AltOS Modes

Mode NameAbbreviationBeepsDescription
StartupSdit dit dit +

+ Calibrating sensors, detecting orientation. +

+
IdleIdit dit +

+ Ready to accept commands over USB or radio link. +

+
PadPdit dah dah dit +

+ Waiting for launch. Not listening for commands. +

+
BoostBdah dit dit dit +

+ Accelerating upwards. +

+
FastFdit dit dah dit +

+ Decellerating, but moving faster than 200m/s. +

+
CoastCdah dit dah dit +

+ Decellerating, moving slower than 200m/s +

+
DrogueDdah dit dit +

+ Descending after apogee. Above main height. +

+
MainMdah dah +

+ Descending. Below main height. +

+
LandedLdit dah dit dit +

+ Stable altitude for at least ten seconds. +

+
Sensor errorXdah dit dit dah +

+ Error detected during sensor calibration. +

+


+

+ In flight or “pad” mode, the altimeter engages the flight + state machine, goes into transmit-only mode to send telemetry, + and waits for launch to be detected. Flight mode is indicated + by an “di-dah-dah-dit” (“P” for pad) on the beeper or lights, + followed by beeps or flashes indicating the state of the + pyrotechnic igniter continuity. One beep/flash indicates + apogee continuity, two beeps/flashes indicate main continuity, + three beeps/flashes indicate both apogee and main continuity, + and one longer “brap” sound which is made by rapidly + alternating between two tones indicates no continuity. For a dual deploy flight, make sure you're getting three beeps or flashes before launching! For apogee-only or motor eject flights, do what makes sense.

- If idle mode is entered, you will hear an audible "di-dit" or - see two short flashes ("I" for idle), and the flight state + If idle mode is entered, you will hear an audible “di-dit” or + see two short flashes (“I” for idle), and the flight state machine is disengaged, thus no ejection charges will fire. The altimeters also listen for the radio link when in idle mode for requests sent via TeleDongle. Commands can be issued - to a TeleMetrum in idle mode over either USB or the radio link - equivalently. TeleMini only has the radio link. Idle mode is - useful for configuring the altimeter, for extracting data from - the on-board storage chip after flight, and for ground testing - pyro charges. + in idle mode over either USB or the radio link + equivalently. TeleMini v1.0 only has the radio link. Idle + mode is useful for configuring the altimeter, for extracting + data from the on-board storage chip after flight, and for + ground testing pyro charges. +

+ In “Idle” and “Pad” modes, once the mode indication + beeps/flashes and continuity indication has been sent, if + there is no space available to log the flight in on-board + memory, the flight computer will emit a warbling tone (much + slower than the “no continuity tone”) +

+ Here's a summary of all of the “pad” and “idle” mode indications. +

Table 5.2. Pad/Idle Indications

NameBeepsDescription
Neitherbrap +

+ No continuity detected on either apogee or main + igniters. +

+
Apogeedit +

+ Continuity detected only on apogee igniter. +

+
Maindit dit +

+ Continuity detected only on main igniter. +

+
Bothdit dit dit +

+ Continuity detected on both igniters. +

+
Storage Fullwarble +

+ On-board data logging storage is full. This will + not prevent the flight computer from safely + controlling the flight or transmitting telemetry + signals, but no record of the flight will be + stored in on-board flash. +

+


- One "neat trick" of particular value when TeleMetrum is used with + Once landed, the flight computer will signal that by emitting + the “Landed” sound described above, after which it will beep + out the apogee height (in meters). Each digit is represented + by a sequence of short “dit” beeps, with a pause between + digits. A zero digit is represented with one long “dah” + beep. The flight computer will continue to report landed mode + and beep out the maximum height until turned off. +

+ One “neat trick” of particular value when TeleMetrum or TeleMega are used with very large air-frames, is that you can power the board up while the rocket is horizontal, such that it comes up in idle mode. Then you can raise the air-frame to launch position, and issue a 'reset' command @@ -305,21 +544,21 @@ NAR tower with a screw-driver trying to turn on your avionics before installing igniters!

- TeleMini is configured via the radio link. Of course, that + TeleMini v1.0 is configured solely via the radio link. Of course, that means you need to know the TeleMini radio configuration values or you won't be able to communicate with it. For situations - when you don't have the radio configuration values, TeleMini + when you don't have the radio configuration values, TeleMini v1.0 offers an 'emergency recovery' mode. In this mode, TeleMini is configured as follows: -

  • +

    • Sets the radio frequency to 434.550MHz -

    • +

    • Sets the radio calibration back to the factory value. -

    • +

    • Sets the callsign to N0CALL -

    • +

    • Does not go to 'pad' mode after five seconds. -

    +

To get into 'emergency recovery' mode, first find the row of four small holes opposite the switch wiring. Using a short @@ -327,17 +566,17 @@ NAR together, then power TeleMini up. Once the red LED is lit, disconnect the wire and the board should signal that it's in 'idle' mode after the initial five second startup period. -

2. GPS

- TeleMetrum includes a complete GPS receiver. A complete explanation - of how GPS works is beyond the scope of this manual, but the bottom - line is that the TeleMetrum GPS receiver needs to lock onto at least - four satellites to obtain a solid 3 dimensional position fix and know - what time it is. -

- TeleMetrum provides backup power to the GPS chip any time a - battery is connected. This allows the receiver to "warm start" on +

2. GPS

+ TeleMetrum and TeleMega include a complete GPS receiver. A + complete explanation of how GPS works is beyond the scope of + this manual, but the bottom line is that the GPS receiver + needs to lock onto at least four satellites to obtain a solid + 3 dimensional position fix and know what time it is. +

+ The flight computers provide backup power to the GPS chip any time a + battery is connected. This allows the receiver to “warm start” on the launch rail much faster than if every power-on were a GPS - "cold start". In typical operations, powering up TeleMetrum + “cold start”. In typical operations, powering up on the flight line in idle mode while performing final air-frame preparation will be sufficient to allow the GPS receiver to cold start and acquire lock. Then the board can be powered down during @@ -345,7 +584,7 @@ NAR is turned back on, the GPS system should lock very quickly, typically long before igniter installation and return to the flight line are complete. -

3. Controlling An Altimeter Over The Radio Link

+

3. Controlling An Altimeter Over The Radio Link

One of the unique features of the Altus Metrum system is the ability to create a two way command link between TeleDongle and an altimeter using the digital radio transceivers @@ -353,10 +592,10 @@ NAR altimeter from afar, as if it were directly connected to the computer.

- Any operation which can be performed with TeleMetrum can - either be done with TeleMetrum directly connected to the + Any operation which can be performed with a flight computer can + either be done with the device directly connected to the computer via the USB cable, or through the radio - link. TeleMini doesn't provide a USB connector and so it is + link. TeleMini v1.0 doesn't provide a USB connector and so it is always communicated with over radio. Select the appropriate TeleDongle device when the list of devices is presented and AltosUI will interact with an altimeter over the radio link. @@ -375,16 +614,17 @@ NAR Save Flight Data—Recover flight data from the rocket without opening it up.

  • - Configure altimeter apogee delays or main deploy heights + Configure altimeter apogee delays, main deploy heights + and additional pyro event conditions to respond to changing launch conditions. You can also 'reboot' the altimeter. Use this to remotely enable the - flight computer by turning TeleMetrum on in "idle" mode, + flight computer by turning TeleMetrum or TeleMega on in “idle” mode, then once the air-frame is oriented for launch, you can reboot the altimeter and have it restart in pad mode without having to climb the scary ladder.

  • Fire Igniters—Test your deployment charges without snaking - wires out through holes in the air-frame. Simply assembly the + wires out through holes in the air-frame. Simply assemble the rocket as if for flight with the apogee and main charges loaded, then remotely command the altimeter to fire the igniters. @@ -395,9 +635,10 @@ NAR the monitor flight tab, then use the frequency selector and close the window before performing other desired radio operations.

    - TeleMetrum only enables radio commanding in 'idle' mode, so - make sure you have TeleMetrum lying horizontally when you turn - it on. Otherwise, TeleMetrum will start in 'pad' mode ready for + The flight computers only enable radio commanding in 'idle' mode. + TeleMetrum and TeleMega use the accelerometer to detect which orientation they + start up in, so make sure you have the flight computer lying horizontally when you turn + it on. Otherwise, it will start in 'pad' mode ready for flight, and will not be listening for command packets from TeleDongle.

    TeleMini listens for a command packet for five seconds after @@ -414,70 +655,78 @@ NAR lights on the devices. The red LED will flash each time a packet is transmitted, while the green LED will light up on TeleDongle when it is waiting to receive a packet from the altimeter. -

  • 4. Ground Testing

    +

    4. Ground Testing

    An important aspect of preparing a rocket using electronic deployment for flight is ground testing the recovery system. Thanks to the bi-directional radio link central to the Altus Metrum system, - this can be accomplished in a TeleMetrum or TeleMini equipped rocket + this can be accomplished in a TeleMega, TeleMetrum or TeleMini equipped rocket with less work than you may be accustomed to with other systems. It can even be fun!

    Just prep the rocket for flight, then power up the altimeter - in "idle" mode (placing air-frame horizontal for TeleMetrum or - selected the Configure Altimeter tab for TeleMini). This will cause - the firmware to go into "idle" mode, in which the normal flight + in “idle” mode (placing air-frame horizontal for TeleMetrum or TeleMega, or + selecting the Configure Altimeter tab for TeleMini). This will cause + the firmware to go into “idle” mode, in which the normal flight state machine is disabled and charges will not fire without manual command. You can now command the altimeter to fire the apogee or main charges from a safe distance using your computer and TeleDongle and the Fire Igniter tab to complete ejection testing. -

    5. Radio Link

    - The chip our boards are based on incorporates an RF transceiver, but +

    5. Radio Link

    + Our flight computers all incorporate an RF transceiver, but it's not a full duplex system... each end can only be transmitting or receiving at any given moment. So we had to decide how to manage the link.

    By design, the altimeter firmware listens for the radio link when - it's in "idle mode", which + it's in “idle mode”, which allows us to use the radio link to configure the rocket, do things like ejection tests, and extract data after a flight without having to - crack open the air-frame. However, when the board is in "flight - mode", the altimeter only + crack open the air-frame. However, when the board is in “flight + mode”, the altimeter only transmits and doesn't listen at all. That's because we want to put ultimate priority on event detection and getting telemetry out of the rocket through the radio in case the rocket crashes and we aren't able to extract data later...

    - We don't use a 'normal packet radio' mode like APRS because they're - just too inefficient. The GFSK modulation we use is FSK with the - base-band pulses passed through a - Gaussian filter before they go into the modulator to limit the - transmitted bandwidth. When combined with the hardware forward error - correction support in the cc1111 chip, this allows us to have a very - robust 38.4 kilobit data link with only 10 milliwatts of transmit - power, a whip antenna in the rocket, and a hand-held Yagi on the - ground. We've had flights to above 21k feet AGL with great reception, - and calculations suggest we should be good to well over 40k feet AGL - with a 5-element yagi on the ground. We hope to fly boards to higher - altitudes over time, and would of course appreciate customer feedback - on performance in higher altitude flights! -

    6. Configurable Parameters

    + We don't generally use a 'normal packet radio' mode like APRS + because they're just too inefficient. The GFSK modulation we + use is FSK with the base-band pulses passed through a Gaussian + filter before they go into the modulator to limit the + transmitted bandwidth. When combined with forward error + correction and interleaving, this allows us to have a very + robust 19.2 kilobit data link with only 10-40 milliwatts of + transmit power, a whip antenna in the rocket, and a hand-held + Yagi on the ground. We've had flights to above 21k feet AGL + with great reception, and calculations suggest we should be + good to well over 40k feet AGL with a 5-element yagi on the + ground with our 10mW units and over 100k feet AGL with the + 40mW devices. We hope to fly boards to higher altitudes over + time, and would of course appreciate customer feedback on + performance in higher altitude flights! +

    + TeleMetrum v2.0 and TeleMega can send APRS if desired, and the + interval between APRS packets can be configured. As each APRS + packet takes a full second to transmit, we recommend an + interval of at least 5 seconds to avoid consuming too much + battery power or radio channel bandwidth. +

    6. Configurable Parameters

    Configuring an Altus Metrum altimeter for flight is very - simple. Even on our baro-only TeleMini board, the use of a Kalman - filter means there is no need to set a "mach delay". The few + simple. Even on our baro-only TeleMini and EasyMini boards, the use of a Kalman + filter means there is no need to set a “mach delay”. The few configurable parameters can all be set using AltosUI over USB or or radio link via TeleDongle. -

    6.1. Radio Frequency

    +

    6.1. Radio Frequency

    Altus Metrum boards support radio frequencies in the 70cm band. By default, the configuration interface provides a - list of 10 "standard" frequencies in 100kHz channels starting at + list of 10 “standard” frequencies in 100kHz channels starting at 434.550MHz. However, the firmware supports use of any 50kHz multiple within the 70cm band. At any given launch, we highly recommend coordinating when and by whom each frequency will be used to avoid interference. And of course, both altimeter and TeleDongle must be configured to the same frequency to successfully communicate with each other. -

    6.2. Apogee Delay

    +

    6.2. Apogee Delay

    Apogee delay is the number of seconds after the altimeter detects flight apogee that the drogue charge should be fired. In most cases, this should be left at the default of 0. However, if you are flying @@ -493,7 +742,7 @@ NAR or 3 seconds later to avoid any chance of both charges firing simultaneously. We've flown several air-frames this way quite happily, including Keith's successful L3 cert. -

    6.3. Main Deployment Altitude

    +

    6.3. Main Deployment Altitude

    By default, the altimeter will fire the main deployment charge at an elevation of 250 meters (about 820 feet) above ground. We think this is a good elevation for most air-frames, but feel free to change this @@ -502,87 +751,153 @@ NAR deployment elevation for the backup altimeter to be something lower than the primary so that both pyrotechnic charges don't fire simultaneously. -

    6.4. Maximum Flight Log

    - TeleMetrum version 1.1 and 1.2 have 2MB of on-board flash storage, - enough to hold over 40 minutes of data at full data rate - (100 samples/second). TeleMetrum 1.0 has 1MB of on-board - storage. As data are stored at a reduced rate during descent - (10 samples/second), there's plenty of space to store many - flights worth of data. -

    - The on-board flash is partitioned into separate flight logs, - each of a fixed maximum size. Increase the maximum size of - each log and you reduce the number of flights that can be - stored. Decrease the size and TeleMetrum can store more - flights. +

    6.4. Maximum Flight Log

    + Changing this value will set the maximum amount of flight + log storage that an individual flight will use. The + available storage is divided into as many flights of the + specified size as can fit in the available space. You can + download and erase individual flight logs. If you fill up + the available storage, future flights will not get logged + until you erase some of the stored ones.

    - All of the configuration data is also stored in the flash - memory, which consumes 64kB on TeleMetrum v1.1/v1.2 and 256B on - TeleMetrum v1.0. This configuration space is not available - for storing flight log data. -

    - To compute the amount of space needed for a single flight, - you can multiply the expected ascent time (in seconds) by - 800, multiply the expected descent time (in seconds) by 80 - and add the two together. That will slightly under-estimate - the storage (in bytes) needed for the flight. For instance, - a flight spending 20 seconds in ascent and 150 seconds in - descent will take about (20 * 800) + (150 * 80) = 28000 - bytes of storage. You could store dozens of these flights in - the on-board flash. -

    - The default size, 192kB, allows for 10 flights of storage on - TeleMetrum v1.1/v1.2 and 5 flights on TeleMetrum v1.0. This - ensures that you won't need to erase the memory before - flying each time while still allowing more than sufficient - storage for each flight. -

    - As TeleMini does not contain an accelerometer, it stores - data at 10 samples per second during ascent and one sample - per second during descent. Each sample is a two byte reading - from the barometer. These are stored in 5kB of - on-chip flash memory which can hold 256 seconds at the - ascent rate or 2560 seconds at the descent rate. Because of - the limited storage, TeleMini cannot hold data for more than - one flight, and so must be erased after each flight or it - will not capture data for subsequent flights. -

    6.5. Ignite Mode

    + Even though our flight computers (except TeleMini v1.0) can store + multiple flights, we strongly recommend downloading and saving + flight data after each flight. +

    6.5. Ignite Mode

    Instead of firing one charge at apogee and another charge at a fixed height above the ground, you can configure the altimeter to fire both at apogee or both during - descent. This was added to support an airframe that has two - TeleMetrum computers, one in the fin can and one in the - nose. + descent. This was added to support an airframe Bdale designed that + had two altimeters, one in the fin can and one in the nose.

    Providing the ability to use both igniters for apogee or main allows some level of redundancy without needing two flight computers. In Redundant Apogee or Redundant Main mode, the two charges will be fired two seconds apart. -

    6.6. Pad Orientation

    - TeleMetrum measures acceleration along the axis of the - board. Which way the board is oriented affects the sign of - the acceleration value. Instead of trying to guess which way - the board is mounted in the air frame, TeleMetrum must be - explicitly configured for either Antenna Up or Antenna - Down. The default, Antenna Up, expects the end of the - TeleMetrum board connected to the 70cm antenna to be nearest - the nose of the rocket, with the end containing the screw +

    6.6. Pad Orientation

    + TeleMetrum and TeleMega measure acceleration along the axis + of the board. Which way the board is oriented affects the + sign of the acceleration value. Instead of trying to guess + which way the board is mounted in the air frame, the + altimeter must be explicitly configured for either Antenna + Up or Antenna Down. The default, Antenna Up, expects the end + of the board connected to the 70cm antenna to be nearest the + nose of the rocket, with the end containing the screw terminals nearest the tail. -

    6.7. Configurable Pyro Channels

    + In addition to the usual Apogee and Main pyro channels, + TeleMega has four additional channels that can be configured + to activate when various flight conditions are + satisfied. You can select as many conditions as necessary; + all of them must be met in order to activate the + channel. The conditions available are: +

    • + Acceleration away from the ground. Select a value, and + then choose whether acceleration should be above or + below that value. Acceleration is positive upwards, so + accelerating towards the ground would produce negative + numbers. Acceleration during descent is noisy and + inaccurate, so be careful when using it during these + phases of the flight. +

    • + Vertical speed. Select a value, and then choose whether + vertical speed should be above or below that + value. Speed is positive upwards, so moving towards the + ground would produce negative numbers. Speed during + descent is a bit noisy and so be careful when using it + during these phases of the flight. +

    • + Height. Select a value, and then choose whether the + height above the launch pad should be above or below + that value. +

    • + Orientation. TeleMega contains a 3-axis gyroscope and + accelerometer which is used to measure the current + angle. Note that this angle is not the change in angle + from the launch pad, but rather absolute relative to + gravity; the 3-axis accelerometer is used to compute the + angle of the rocket on the launch pad and initialize the + system. Because this value is computed by integrating + rate gyros, it gets progressively less accurate as the + flight goes on. It should have an accumulated error of + less than 0.2°/second (after 10 seconds of flight, the + error should be less than 2°). +

      + The usual use of the orientation configuration is to + ensure that the rocket is traveling mostly upwards when + deciding whether to ignite air starts or additional + stages. For that, choose a reasonable maximum angle + (like 20°) and set the motor igniter to require an angle + of less than that value. +

    • + Flight Time. Time since boost was detected. Select a + value and choose whether to activate the pyro channel + before or after that amount of time. +

    • + Ascending. A simple test saying whether the rocket is + going up or not. This is exactly equivalent to testing + whether the speed is > 0. +

    • + Descending. A simple test saying whether the rocket is + going down or not. This is exactly equivalent to testing + whether the speed is < 0. +

    • + After Motor. The flight software counts each time the + rocket starts accelerating (presumably due to a motor or + motors igniting). Use this value to count ignitions for + multi-staged or multi-airstart launches. +

    • + Delay. This value doesn't perform any checks, instead it + inserts a delay between the time when the other + parameters become true and when the pyro channel is + activated. +

    • + Flight State. The flight software tracks the flight + through a sequence of states: +

      1. + Boost. The motor has lit and the rocket is + accelerating upwards. +

      2. + Fast. The motor has burned out and the rocket is + descellerating, but it is going faster than 200m/s. +

      3. + Coast. The rocket is still moving upwards and + decelerating, but the speed is less than 200m/s. +

      4. + Drogue. The rocket has reached apogee and is heading + back down, but is above the configured Main + altitude. +

      5. + Main. The rocket is still descending, and is below + the Main altitude +

      6. + Landed. The rocket is no longer moving. +

      +

      + You can select a state to limit when the pyro channel + may activate; note that the check is based on when the + rocket transitions into the state, and so checking for + “greater than Boost” means that the rocket is currently + in boost or some later state. +

      + When a motor burns out, the rocket enters either Fast or + Coast state (depending on how fast it is moving). If the + computer detects upwards acceleration again, it will + move back to Boost state. +

    Chapter 6. AltosUI

    The AltosUI program provides a graphical user interface for - interacting with the Altus Metrum product family, including - TeleMetrum, TeleMini and TeleDongle. AltosUI can monitor telemetry data, - configure TeleMetrum, TeleMini and TeleDongle devices and many other + interacting with the Altus Metrum product family. AltosUI can + monitor telemetry data, configure devices and many other tasks. The primary interface window provides a selection of - buttons, one for each major activity in the system. This manual - is split into chapters, each of which documents one of the tasks + buttons, one for each major activity in the system. This chapter + is split into sections, each of which documents one of the tasks provided from the top-level toolbar. -

    1. Monitor Flight

    Receive, Record and Display Telemetry Data

    +

    1. Monitor Flight

    Receive, Record and Display Telemetry Data

    Selecting this item brings up a dialog box listing all of the connected TeleDongle devices. When you choose one of these, AltosUI will create a window to display telemetry data as received by the selected TeleDongle device. -

    +

    All telemetry data received are automatically recorded in suitable log files. The name of the files includes the current date and rocket serial and flight numbers. @@ -624,56 +939,57 @@ NAR data relevant to the current state of the flight. You can select other tabs at any time. The final 'table' tab displays all of the raw telemetry values in one place in a spreadsheet-like format. -

    1.1. Launch Pad

    +

    1.1. Launch Pad

    The 'Launch Pad' tab shows information used to decide when the rocket is ready for flight. The first elements include red/green indicators, if any of these is red, you'll want to evaluate whether the rocket is ready to launch: -

    • - Battery Voltage. This indicates whether the Li-Po battery - powering the TeleMetrum has sufficient charge to last for - the duration of the flight. A value of more than - 3.7V is required for a 'GO' status. -

    • - Apogee Igniter Voltage. This indicates whether the apogee - igniter has continuity. If the igniter has a low - resistance, then the voltage measured here will be close - to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is - required for a 'GO' status. -

    • - Main Igniter Voltage. This indicates whether the main - igniter has continuity. If the igniter has a low - resistance, then the voltage measured here will be close - to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is - required for a 'GO' status. -

    • - On-board Data Logging. This indicates whether there is - space remaining on-board to store flight data for the - upcoming flight. If you've downloaded data, but failed - to erase flights, there may not be any space - left. TeleMetrum can store multiple flights, depending - on the configured maximum flight log size. TeleMini - stores only a single flight, so it will need to be - downloaded and erased after each flight to capture - data. This only affects on-board flight logging; the - altimeter will still transmit telemetry and fire - ejection charges at the proper times. -

    • - GPS Locked. For a TeleMetrum device, this indicates whether the GPS receiver is - currently able to compute position information. GPS requires - at least 4 satellites to compute an accurate position. -

    • - GPS Ready. For a TeleMetrum device, this indicates whether GPS has reported at least - 10 consecutive positions without losing lock. This ensures - that the GPS receiver has reliable reception from the - satellites. -

    -

    - The Launchpad tab also shows the computed launch pad position - and altitude, averaging many reported positions to improve the - accuracy of the fix. -

    -

    1.2. Ascent

    +

    Battery Voltage

    + This indicates whether the Li-Po battery powering the + flight computer has sufficient charge to last for + the duration of the flight. A value of more than + 3.8V is required for a 'GO' status. +

    Apogee Igniter Voltage

    + This indicates whether the apogee + igniter has continuity. If the igniter has a low + resistance, then the voltage measured here will be close + to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is + required for a 'GO' status. +

    Main Igniter Voltage

    + This indicates whether the main + igniter has continuity. If the igniter has a low + resistance, then the voltage measured here will be close + to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is + required for a 'GO' status. +

    On-board Data Logging

    + This indicates whether there is + space remaining on-board to store flight data for the + upcoming flight. If you've downloaded data, but failed + to erase flights, there may not be any space + left. Most of our flight computers can store multiple + flights, depending on the configured maximum flight log + size. TeleMini v1.0 stores only a single flight, so it + will need to be + downloaded and erased after each flight to capture + data. This only affects on-board flight logging; the + altimeter will still transmit telemetry and fire + ejection charges at the proper times even if the flight + data storage is full. +

    GPS Locked

    + For a TeleMetrum or TeleMega device, this indicates whether the GPS receiver is + currently able to compute position information. GPS requires + at least 4 satellites to compute an accurate position. +

    GPS Ready

    + For a TeleMetrum or TeleMega device, this indicates whether GPS has reported at least + 10 consecutive positions without losing lock. This ensures + that the GPS receiver has reliable reception from the + satellites. +

    +

    + The Launchpad tab also shows the computed launch pad position + and altitude, averaging many reported positions to improve the + accuracy of the fix. +

    1.2. Ascent

    This tab is shown during Boost, Fast and Coast phases. The information displayed here helps monitor the rocket as it heads towards apogee. @@ -683,7 +999,7 @@ NAR answer the most commonly asked questions you'll hear during flight.

    - The current latitude and longitude reported by the TeleMetrum GPS are + The current latitude and longitude reported by the GPS are also shown. Note that under high acceleration, these values may not get updated as the GPS receiver loses position fix. Once the rocket starts coasting, the receiver should @@ -692,7 +1008,7 @@ NAR Finally, the current igniter voltages are reported as in the Launch Pad tab. This can help diagnose deployment failures caused by wiring which comes loose under high acceleration. -

    1.3. Descent

    +

    1.3. Descent

    Once the rocket has reached apogee and (we hope) activated the apogee charge, attention switches to tracking the rocket on the way back to the ground, and for dual-deploy flights, @@ -704,7 +1020,7 @@ NAR components, but generally range from 15-30m/s on drogue and should be below 10m/s when under the main parachute in a dual-deploy flight.

    - For TeleMetrum altimeters, you can locate the rocket in the + With GPS-equipped flight computers, you can locate the rocket in the sky using the elevation and bearing information to figure out where to look. Elevation is in degrees above the horizon. Bearing is reported in degrees relative to true @@ -721,7 +1037,7 @@ NAR e-matches are designed to retain continuity even after being fired, and will continue to show as green or return from red to green after firing. -

    1.4. Landed

    +

    1.4. Landed

    Once the rocket is on the ground, attention switches to recovery. While the radio signal is often lost once the rocket is on the ground, the last reported GPS position is @@ -734,7 +1050,7 @@ NAR latitude and longitude and enter them into your hand-held GPS unit and have that compute a track to the landing location.

    - Both TeleMini and TeleMetrum will continue to transmit RDF + Our flight computers will continue to transmit RDF tones after landing, allowing you to locate the rocket by following the radio signal if necessary. You may need to get away from the clutter of the flight line, or even get up on @@ -744,13 +1060,19 @@ NAR during the flight are displayed for your admiring observers. The accuracy of these immediate values depends on the quality of your radio link and how many packets were received. - Recovering the on-board data after flight will likely yield + Recovering the on-board data after flight may yield more precise results.

    To get more detailed information about the flight, you can click on the 'Graph Flight' button which will bring up a graph window for the current flight. -

    1.5. Site Map

    +

    1.5. Table

    + The table view shows all of the data available from the + flight computer. Probably the most useful data on + this tab is the detailed GPS information, which includes + horizontal dilution of precision information, and + information about the signal being received from the satellites. +

    1.6. Site Map

    When the TeleMetrum has a GPS fix, the Site Map tab will map the rocket's position to make it easier for you to locate the rocket, both while it is in the air, and when it has landed. The @@ -769,21 +1091,19 @@ NAR

    You can pre-load images for your favorite launch sites before you leave home; check out the 'Preload Maps' section below. -

    2. Save Flight Data

    +

    2. Save Flight Data

    The altimeter records flight data to its internal flash memory. TeleMetrum data is recorded at a much higher rate than the telemetry system can handle, and is not subject to radio drop-outs. As such, it provides a more complete and precise record of the flight. The 'Save Flight Data' button allows you to read the - flash memory and write it to disk. As TeleMini has only a barometer, it - records data at the same rate as the telemetry signal, but there will be - no data lost due to telemetry drop-outs. + flash memory and write it to disk.

    Clicking on the 'Save Flight Data' button brings up a list of - connected TeleMetrum and TeleDongle devices. If you select a - TeleMetrum device, the flight data will be downloaded from that + connected flight computers and TeleDongle devices. If you select a + flight computer, the flight data will be downloaded from that device directly. If you select a TeleDongle device, flight data - will be downloaded from an altimeter over radio link via the + will be downloaded from a flight computer over radio link via the specified TeleDongle. See the chapter on Controlling An Altimeter Over The Radio Link for more information.

    @@ -800,7 +1120,7 @@ NAR The file name for each flight log is computed automatically from the recorded flight date, altimeter serial number and flight number information. -

    3. Replay Flight

    +

    3. Replay Flight

    Select this button and you are prompted to select a flight record file, either a .telem file recording telemetry data or a .eeprom file containing flight data saved from the altimeter @@ -809,42 +1129,49 @@ NAR Once a flight record is selected, the flight monitor interface is displayed and the flight is re-enacted in real time. Check the Monitor Flight chapter above to learn how this window operates. -

    4. Graph Data

    +

    4. Graph Data

    Select this button and you are prompted to select a flight record file, either a .telem file recording telemetry data or a .eeprom file containing flight data saved from flash memory.

    - Once a flight record is selected, a window with four tabs is - opened. The first tab contains a graph with acceleration - (blue), velocity (green) and altitude (red) of the flight, - measured in metric units. The apogee(yellow) and main(magenta) - igniter voltages are also displayed; high voltages indicate - continuity, low voltages indicate open circuits. The second - tab lets you configure which data to show in the graph. The - third contains some basic flight statistics while the fourth - has a map with the ground track of the flight displayed. + Note that telemetry files will generally produce poor graphs + due to the lower sampling rate and missed telemetry packets. + Use saved flight data in .eeprom files for graphing where possible.

    + Once a flight record is selected, a window with multiple tabs is + opened. +

    4.1. Flight Graph

    + By default, the graph contains acceleration (blue), + velocity (green) and altitude (red). +

    The graph can be zoomed into a particular area by clicking and dragging down and to the right. Once zoomed, the graph can be reset by clicking and dragging up and to the left. Holding down control and clicking and dragging allows the graph to be panned. The right mouse button causes a pop-up menu to be displayed, giving you the option save or print the plot. -

    - Note that telemetry files will generally produce poor graphs - due to the lower sampling rate and missed telemetry packets. - Use saved flight data in .eeprom files for graphing where possible. -

    5. Export Data

    +

    4.2. Configure Graph

    + This selects which graph elements to show, and, at the + very bottom, lets you switch between metric and + imperial units +

    4.3. Flight Statistics

    + Shows overall data computed from the flight. +

    4.4. Map

    + Shows a satellite image of the flight area overlaid + with the path of the flight. The red concentric + circles mark the launch pad, the black concentric + circles mark the landing location. +

    5. Export Data

    This tool takes the raw data files and makes them available for external analysis. When you select this button, you are prompted to - select a flight - data file (either .eeprom or .telem will do, remember that - .eeprom files contain higher resolution and more continuous - data). Next, a second dialog appears which is used to select + select a flight data file, which can be either a .eeprom or .telem. + The .eeprom files contain higher resolution and more continuous data, + while .telem files contain receiver signal strength information. + Next, a second dialog appears which is used to select where to write the resulting file. It has a selector to choose between CSV and KML file formats. -

    5.1. Comma Separated Value Format

    +

    5.1. Comma Separated Value Format

    This is a text file containing the data in a form suitable for import into a spreadsheet or other external data analysis tool. The first few lines of the file contain the version and @@ -858,12 +1185,12 @@ NAR the sensor values are converted to standard units, with the barometric data reported in both pressure, altitude and height above pad units. -

    5.2. Keyhole Markup Language (for Google Earth)

    +

    5.2. Keyhole Markup Language (for Google Earth)

    This is the format used by Google Earth to provide an overlay within that application. With this, you can use Google Earth to see the whole flight path in 3D. -

    6. Configure Altimeter

    - Select this button and then select either a TeleMetrum or +

    6. Configure Altimeter

    + Select this button and then select either an altimeter or TeleDongle Device from the list provided. Selecting a TeleDongle device will use the radio link to configure a remote altimeter.

    @@ -873,31 +1200,31 @@ NAR individual configuration entries.

    At the bottom of the dialog, there are four buttons: -

    • - Save. This writes any changes to the - configuration parameter block in flash memory. If you don't - press this button, any changes you make will be lost. -

    • - Reset. This resets the dialog to the most recently saved values, - erasing any changes you have made. -

    • - Reboot. This reboots the device. Use this to - switch from idle to pad mode by rebooting once the rocket is - oriented for flight, or to confirm changes you think you saved - are really saved. -

    • - Close. This closes the dialog. Any unsaved changes will be - lost. -

    +

    Save

    + This writes any changes to the + configuration parameter block in flash memory. If you don't + press this button, any changes you make will be lost. +

    Reset

    + This resets the dialog to the most recently saved values, + erasing any changes you have made. +

    Reboot

    + This reboots the device. Use this to + switch from idle to pad mode by rebooting once the rocket is + oriented for flight, or to confirm changes you think you saved + are really saved. +

    Close

    + This closes the dialog. Any unsaved changes will be + lost. +

    The rest of the dialog contains the parameters to be configured. -

    6.1. Main Deploy Altitude

    +

    6.1. Main Deploy Altitude

    This sets the altitude (above the recorded pad altitude) at which the 'main' igniter will fire. The drop-down menu shows some common values, but you can edit the text directly and choose whatever you like. If the apogee charge fires below this altitude, then the main charge will fire two seconds after the apogee charge fires. -

    6.2. Apogee Delay

    +

    6.2. Apogee Delay

    When flying redundant electronics, it's often important to ensure that multiple apogee charges don't fire at precisely the same time, as that can over pressurize the apogee deployment @@ -905,13 +1232,13 @@ NAR Delay parameter tells the flight computer to fire the apogee charge a certain number of seconds after apogee has been detected. -

    6.3. Radio Frequency

    - This configures which of the configured frequencies to use for both +

    6.3. Radio Frequency

    + This configures which of the frequencies to use for both telemetry and packet command mode. Note that if you set this - value via packet command mode, you will have to reconfigure - the TeleDongle frequency before you will be able to use packet - command mode again. -

    6.4. Radio Calibration

    + value via packet command mode, the TeleDongle frequency will + also be automatically reconfigured to match so that + communication will continue afterwards. +

    6.4. RF Calibration

    The radios in every Altus Metrum device are calibrated at the factory to ensure that they transmit and receive on the specified frequency. If you need to you can adjust the calibration @@ -919,60 +1246,91 @@ NAR the value means, read the appendix on calibration and/or the source code for more information. To change a TeleDongle's calibration, you must reprogram the unit completely. -

    6.5. Callsign

    +

    6.5. Telemetry/RDF/APRS Enable

    + Enables the radio for transmission during flight. When + disabled, the radio will not transmit anything during flight + at all. +

    6.6. APRS Interval

    + How often to transmit GPS information via APRS. This option + is available on TeleMetrum v2 and TeleMega + boards. TeleMetrum v1 boards cannot transmit APRS + packets. Note that a single APRS packet takes nearly a full + second to transmit, so enabling this option will prevent + sending any other telemetry during that time. +

    6.7. Callsign

    This sets the call sign included in each telemetry packet. Set this as needed to conform to your local radio regulations. -

    6.6. Maximum Flight Log Size

    +

    6.8. Maximum Flight Log Size

    This sets the space (in kilobytes) allocated for each flight log. The available space will be divided into chunks of this size. A smaller value will allow more flights to be stored, a larger value will record data from longer flights. -

    6.7. Ignite Mode

    +

    6.9. Ignite Mode

    TeleMetrum and TeleMini provide two igniter channels as they were originally designed as dual-deploy flight computers. This configuration parameter allows the two channels to be used in different configurations. -

    • - Dual Deploy. This is the usual mode of operation; the - 'apogee' channel is fired at apogee and the 'main' - channel at the height above ground specified by the - 'Main Deploy Altitude' during descent. -

    • - Redundant Apogee. This fires both channels at - apogee, the 'apogee' channel first followed after a two second - delay by the 'main' channel. -

    • - Redundant Main. This fires both channels at the - height above ground specified by the Main Deploy - Altitude setting during descent. The 'apogee' - channel is fired first, followed after a two second - delay by the 'main' channel. -

    6.8. Pad Orientation

    - Because it includes an accelerometer, TeleMetrum is - sensitive to the orientation of the board. By default, it - expects the antenna end to point forward. This parameter - allows that default to be changed, permitting the board to - be mounted with the antenna pointing aft instead. -

    • - Antenna Up. In this mode, the antenna end of the - TeleMetrum board must point forward, in line with the - expected flight path. -

    • - Antenna Down. In this mode, the antenna end of the - TeleMetrum board must point aft, in line with the - expected flight path. -

    7. Configure AltosUI

    +

    Dual Deploy

    + This is the usual mode of operation; the + 'apogee' channel is fired at apogee and the 'main' + channel at the height above ground specified by the + 'Main Deploy Altitude' during descent. +

    Redundant Apogee

    + This fires both channels at + apogee, the 'apogee' channel first followed after a two second + delay by the 'main' channel. +

    Redundant Main

    + This fires both channels at the + height above ground specified by the Main Deploy + Altitude setting during descent. The 'apogee' + channel is fired first, followed after a two second + delay by the 'main' channel. +

    6.10. Pad Orientation

    + Because they include accelerometers, TeleMetrum and + TeleMega are sensitive to the orientation of the board. By + default, they expect the antenna end to point forward. This + parameter allows that default to be changed, permitting the + board to be mounted with the antenna pointing aft instead. +

    Antenna Up

    + In this mode, the antenna end of the + flight computer must point forward, in line with the + expected flight path. +

    Antenna Down

    + In this mode, the antenna end of the + flight computer must point aft, in line with the + expected flight path. +

    6.11. Configure Pyro Channels

    + This opens a separate window to configure the additional + pyro channels available on TeleMega. One column is + presented for each channel. Each row represents a single + parameter, if enabled the parameter must meet the specified + test for the pyro channel to be fired. See the Pyro Channels + section in the System Operation chapter above for a + description of these parameters. +

    + Select conditions and set the related value; the pyro + channel will be activated when all of the + conditions are met. Each pyro channel has a separate set of + configuration values, so you can use different values for + the same condition with different channels. +

    + Once you have selected the appropriate configuration for all + of the necessary pyro channels, you can save the pyro + configuration along with the rest of the flight computer + configuration by pressing the 'Save' button in the main + Configure Flight Computer window. +

    7. Configure AltosUI

    This button presents a dialog so that you can configure the AltosUI global settings. -

    7.1. Voice Settings

    +

    7.1. Voice Settings

    AltosUI provides voice announcements during flight so that you can keep your eyes on the sky and still get information about the current flight status. However, sometimes you don't want to hear them. -

    • Enable—turns all voice announcements on and off

    • - Test Voice—Plays a short message allowing you to verify - that the audio system is working and the volume settings - are reasonable -

    7.2. Log Directory

    +

    Enable

    Turns all voice announcements on and off

    Test Voice

    + Plays a short message allowing you to verify + that the audio system is working and the volume settings + are reasonable +

    7.2. Log Directory

    AltosUI logs all telemetry data and saves all TeleMetrum flash data to this directory. This directory is also used as the staring point when selecting data files for display or export. @@ -980,36 +1338,43 @@ NAR Click on the directory name to bring up a directory choosing dialog, select a new directory and click 'Select Directory' to change where AltosUI reads and writes data files. -

    7.3. Callsign

    +

    7.3. Callsign

    This value is transmitted in each command packet sent from TeleDongle and received from an altimeter. It is not used in telemetry mode, as the callsign configured in the altimeter board is included in all telemetry packets. Configure this with the AltosUI operators call sign as needed to comply with your local radio regulations. -

    7.4. Imperial Units

    +

    + Note that to successfully command a flight computer over the radio + (to configure the altimeter, monitor idle, or fire pyro charges), + the callsign configured here must exactly match the callsign + configured in the flight computer. This matching is case + sensitive. +

    7.4. Imperial Units

    This switches between metric units (meters) and imperial units (feet and miles). This affects the display of values - use during flight monitoring, data graphing and all of the - voice announcements. It does not change the units used when - exporting to CSV files, those are always produced in metric units. -

    7.5. Font Size

    + use during flight monitoring, configuration, data graphing + and all of the voice announcements. It does not change the + units used when exporting to CSV files, those are always + produced in metric units. +

    7.5. Font Size

    Selects the set of fonts used in the flight monitor window. Choose between the small, medium and large sets. -

    7.6. Serial Debug

    +

    7.6. Serial Debug

    This causes all communication with a connected device to be dumped to the console from which AltosUI was started. If you've started it from an icon or menu entry, the output will simply be discarded. This mode can be useful to debug various serial communication issues. -

    7.7. Manage Frequencies

    +

    7.7. Manage Frequencies

    This brings up a dialog where you can configure the set of frequencies shown in the various frequency menus. You can add as many as you like, or even reconfigure the default set. Changing this list does not affect the frequency settings of any devices, it only changes the set of frequencies shown in the menus. -

    8. Configure Groundstation

    +

    8. Configure Groundstation

    Select this button and then select a TeleDongle Device from the list provided.

    The first few lines of the dialog provide information about the @@ -1024,72 +1389,50 @@ NAR machine will cause settings made here to have no effect.

    At the bottom of the dialog, there are three buttons: -

    • - Save. This writes any changes to the - local Java preferences file. If you don't - press this button, any changes you make will be lost. -

    • - Reset. This resets the dialog to the most recently saved values, - erasing any changes you have made. -

    • - Close. This closes the dialog. Any unsaved changes will be - lost. -

    +

    Save

    + This writes any changes to the + local Java preferences file. If you don't + press this button, any changes you make will be lost. +

    Reset

    + This resets the dialog to the most recently saved values, + erasing any changes you have made. +

    Close

    + This closes the dialog. Any unsaved changes will be + lost. +

    The rest of the dialog contains the parameters to be configured. -

    8.1. Frequency

    +

    8.1. Frequency

    This configures the frequency to use for both telemetry and packet command mode. Set this before starting any operation involving packet command mode so that it will use the right frequency. Telemetry monitoring mode also provides a menu to change the frequency, and that menu also sets the same Java preference value used here. -

    8.2. Radio Calibration

    +

    8.2. Radio Calibration

    The radios in every Altus Metrum device are calibrated at the factory to ensure that they transmit and receive on the specified frequency. To change a TeleDongle's calibration, you must reprogram the unit completely, so this entry simply shows the current value and doesn't allow any changes. -

    9. Flash Image

    - This reprograms any Altus Metrum device by using a TeleMetrum - or TeleDongle as a programming dongle. Please read the - directions for flashing devices in the Updating Device - Firmware chapter below. -

    - Once you have the programmer and target devices connected, - push the 'Flash Image' button. That will present a dialog box - listing all of the connected devices. Carefully select the - programmer device, not the device to be programmed. -

    - Next, select the image to flash to the device. These are named - with the product name and firmware version. The file selector - will start in the directory containing the firmware included - with the AltosUI package. Navigate to the directory containing - the desired firmware if it isn't there. -

    - Next, a small dialog containing the device serial number and - RF calibration values should appear. If these values are - incorrect (possibly due to a corrupted image in the device), - enter the correct values here. -

    - Finally, a dialog containing a progress bar will follow the - programming process. -

    - When programming is complete, the target device will - reboot. Note that if the target device is connected via USB, you - will have to unplug it and then plug it back in for the USB - connection to reset so that you can communicate with the device - again. -

    10. Fire Igniter

    - This activates the igniter circuits in TeleMetrum to help test - recovery systems deployment. Because this command can operate +

    9. Flash Image

    + This reprograms Altus Metrum devices with new + firmware. TeleMetrum v1.x, TeleDongle, TeleMini and TeleBT are + all reprogrammed by using another similar unit as a + programming dongle (pair programming). TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2 + and EasyMini are all programmed directly over their USB ports + (self programming). Please read the directions for flashing + devices in the Updating Device Firmware chapter below. +

    10. Fire Igniter

    + This activates the igniter circuits in the flight computer to help + test recovery systems deployment. Because this command can operate over the Packet Command Link, you can prepare the rocket as for flight and then test the recovery system without needing to snake wires inside the air-frame.

    Selecting the 'Fire Igniter' button brings up the usual device - selection dialog. Pick the desired TeleDongle or TeleMetrum - device. This brings up another window which shows the current - continuity test status for both apogee and main charges. + selection dialog. Pick the desired device. This brings up another + window which shows the current continuity test status for both + apogee and main charges.

    Next, select the desired igniter to fire. This will enable the 'Arm' button. @@ -1099,14 +1442,14 @@ NAR you have 10 seconds to press the 'Fire' button or the system will deactivate, at which point you start over again at selecting the desired igniter. -

    11. Scan Channels

    +

    11. Scan Channels

    This listens for telemetry packets on all of the configured frequencies, displaying information about each device it receives a packet from. You can select which of the three telemetry formats should be tried; by default, it only listens for the standard telemetry packets used in v1.0 and later firmware. -

    12. Load Maps

    +

    12. Load Maps

    Before heading out to a new launch site, you can use this to load satellite images in case you don't have internet connectivity at the site. This loads a fairly large area @@ -1115,8 +1458,8 @@ NAR There's a drop-down menu of launch sites we know about; if your favorites aren't there, please let us know the lat/lon and name of the site. The contents of this list are actually - downloaded at run-time, so as new sites are sent in, they'll - get automatically added to this list. + downloaded from our server at run-time, so as new sites are sent + in, they'll get automatically added to this list.

    If the launch site isn't in the list, you can manually enter the lat/lon values

    @@ -1125,15 +1468,19 @@ NAR once, so if you load more than one launch site, you may get some gray areas in the map which indicate that Google is tired of sending data to you. Try again later. -

    13. Monitor Idle

    +

    13. Monitor Idle

    This brings up a dialog similar to the Monitor Flight UI, - except it works with the altimeter in "idle" mode by sending + except it works with the altimeter in “idle” mode by sending query commands to discover the current state rather than - listening for telemetry packets. -

    Chapter 7. AltosDroid

    + listening for telemetry packets. Because this uses command + mode, it needs to have the TeleDongle and flight computer + callsigns match exactly. If you can receive telemetry, but + cannot manage to run Monitor Idle, then it's very likely that + your callsigns are different in some way. +

    Chapter 7. AltosDroid

    AltosDroid provides the same flight monitoring capabilities as AltosUI, but runs on Android devices and is designed to connect - to a TeleBT receiver over Bluetooth™. Altos Droid monitors + to a TeleBT receiver over Bluetooth™. AltosDroid monitors telemetry data, logging it to internal storage in the Android device, and presents that data in a UI the same way the 'Monitor Flight' window does in AltosUI. @@ -1141,14 +1488,14 @@ NAR This manual will explain how to configure AltosDroid, connect to TeleBT, operate the flight monitoring interface and describe what the displayed data means. -

    1. Installing AltosDroid

    - AltosDroid is included in the Google Play store. To install - it on your Android device, open open the Google Play Store - application and search for "altosdroid". Make sure you don't - have a space between "altos" and "droid" or you probably won't +

    1. Installing AltosDroid

    + AltosDroid is available from the Google Play store. To install + it on your Android device, open the Google Play Store + application and search for “altosdroid”. Make sure you don't + have a space between “altos” and “droid” or you probably won't find what you want. That should bring you to the right page from which you can download and install the application. -

    2. Connecting to TeleBT

    +

    2. Connecting to TeleBT

    Press the Android 'Menu' button or soft-key to see the configuration options available. Select the 'Connect a device' option and then the 'Scan for devices' entry at the bottom to @@ -1158,93 +1505,94 @@ NAR Subsequent connections will not require you to enter that code, and your 'paired' device will appear in the list without scanning. -

    3. Configuring AltosDroid

    +

    3. Configuring AltosDroid

    The only configuration option available for AltosDroid is which frequency to listen on. Press the Android 'Menu' button or soft-key and pick the 'Select radio frequency' entry. That brings up a menu of pre-set radio frequencies; pick the one which matches your altimeter. -

    4. Altos Droid Flight Monitoring

    - Altos Droid is designed to mimic the AltosUI flight monitoring +

    4. AltosDroid Flight Monitoring

    + AltosDroid is designed to mimic the AltosUI flight monitoring display, providing separate tabs for each stage of your rocket flight along with a tab containing a map of the local area with icons marking the current location of the altimeter and the Android device. -

    4.1. Pad

    +

    4.1. Pad

    The 'Launch Pad' tab shows information used to decide when the rocket is ready for flight. The first elements include red/green indicators, if any of these is red, you'll want to evaluate whether the rocket is ready to launch: -

    • - Battery Voltage. This indicates whether the Li-Po battery - powering the TeleMetrum has sufficient charge to last for - the duration of the flight. A value of more than - 3.7V is required for a 'GO' status. -

    • - Apogee Igniter Voltage. This indicates whether the apogee - igniter has continuity. If the igniter has a low - resistance, then the voltage measured here will be close - to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is - required for a 'GO' status. -

    • - Main Igniter Voltage. This indicates whether the main - igniter has continuity. If the igniter has a low - resistance, then the voltage measured here will be close - to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is - required for a 'GO' status. -

    • - On-board Data Logging. This indicates whether there is - space remaining on-board to store flight data for the - upcoming flight. If you've downloaded data, but failed - to erase flights, there may not be any space - left. TeleMetrum can store multiple flights, depending - on the configured maximum flight log size. TeleMini - stores only a single flight, so it will need to be - downloaded and erased after each flight to capture - data. This only affects on-board flight logging; the - altimeter will still transmit telemetry and fire - ejection charges at the proper times. -

    • - GPS Locked. For a TeleMetrum device, this indicates whether the GPS receiver is - currently able to compute position information. GPS requires - at least 4 satellites to compute an accurate position. -

    • - GPS Ready. For a TeleMetrum device, this indicates whether GPS has reported at least - 10 consecutive positions without losing lock. This ensures - that the GPS receiver has reliable reception from the - satellites. -

    -

    - The Launchpad tab also shows the computed launch pad position - and altitude, averaging many reported positions to improve the - accuracy of the fix. -

    -

    5. Downloading Flight Logs

    - Altos Droid always saves every bit of telemetry data it +

    Battery Voltage

    + This indicates whether the Li-Po battery + powering the TeleMetrum has sufficient charge to last for + the duration of the flight. A value of more than + 3.8V is required for a 'GO' status. +

    Apogee Igniter Voltage

    + This indicates whether the apogee + igniter has continuity. If the igniter has a low + resistance, then the voltage measured here will be close + to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is + required for a 'GO' status. +

    Main Igniter Voltage

    + This indicates whether the main + igniter has continuity. If the igniter has a low + resistance, then the voltage measured here will be close + to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is + required for a 'GO' status. +

    On-board Data Logging

    + This indicates whether there is + space remaining on-board to store flight data for the + upcoming flight. If you've downloaded data, but failed + to erase flights, there may not be any space + left. TeleMetrum can store multiple flights, depending + on the configured maximum flight log size. TeleMini + stores only a single flight, so it will need to be + downloaded and erased after each flight to capture + data. This only affects on-board flight logging; the + altimeter will still transmit telemetry and fire + ejection charges at the proper times. +

    GPS Locked

    + For a TeleMetrum or TeleMega device, this indicates whether the GPS receiver is + currently able to compute position information. GPS requires + at least 4 satellites to compute an accurate position. +

    GPS Ready

    + For a TeleMetrum or TeleMega device, this indicates whether GPS has reported at least + 10 consecutive positions without losing lock. This ensures + that the GPS receiver has reliable reception from the + satellites. +

    +

    + The Launchpad tab also shows the computed launch pad position + and altitude, averaging many reported positions to improve the + accuracy of the fix. +

    5. Downloading Flight Logs

    + AltosDroid always saves every bit of telemetry data it receives. To download that to a computer for use with AltosUI, simply remove the SD card from your Android device, or connect your device to your computer's USB port and browse the files on that device. You will find '.telem' files in the TeleMetrum directory that will work with AltosUI directly. -

    Chapter 8. Using Altus Metrum Products

    1. Being Legal

    +

    Chapter 8. Using Altus Metrum Products

    1. Being Legal

    First off, in the US, you need an amateur radio license or other authorization to legally operate the radio transmitters that are part of our products. -

    2. In the Rocket

    - In the rocket itself, you just need a TeleMetrum or - TeleMini board and +

    2. In the Rocket

    + In the rocket itself, you just need a flight computer and a single-cell, 3.7 volt nominal Li-Po rechargeable battery. An 850mAh battery weighs less than a 9V alkaline battery, and will - run a TeleMetrum for hours. - A 110mAh battery weighs less than a triple A battery and will run a TeleMetrum for - a few hours, or a TeleMini for much (much) longer. + run a TeleMetrum or TeleMega for hours. + A 110mAh battery weighs less than a triple A battery and is a good + choice for use with TeleMini.

    - By default, we ship the altimeters with a simple wire antenna. If your - electronics bay or the air-frame it resides within is made of carbon fiber, - which is opaque to RF signals, you may choose to have an SMA connector - installed so that you can run a coaxial cable to an antenna mounted - elsewhere in the rocket. -

    3. On the Ground

    + By default, we ship flight computers with a simple wire antenna. + If your electronics bay or the air-frame it resides within is made + of carbon fiber, which is opaque to RF signals, you may prefer to + install an SMA connector so that you can run a coaxial cable to an + antenna mounted elsewhere in the rocket. However, note that the + GPS antenna is fixed on all current products, so you really want + to install the flight computer in a bay made of RF-transparent + materials if at all possible. +

    3. On the Ground

    To receive the data stream from the rocket, you need an antenna and short feed-line connected to one of our TeleDongle units. If possible, use an SMA to BNC adapter instead of feedline between the antenna feedpoint and @@ -1256,6 +1604,10 @@ NAR The GUI tool, AltosUI, is written in Java and runs across Linux, Mac OS and Windows. There's also a suite of C tools for Linux which can perform most of the same tasks. +

    + Alternatively, a TeleBT attached with an SMA to BNC adapter at the + feed point of a hand-held yagi used in conjunction with an Android + device running AltosDroid makes an outstanding ground station.

    After the flight, you can use the radio link to extract the more detailed data logged in either TeleMetrum or TeleMini devices, or you can use a mini USB cable to plug into the @@ -1264,31 +1616,34 @@ NAR battery, so you'll want one of those anyway... the same cable used by lots of digital cameras and other modern electronic stuff will work fine.

    - If your TeleMetrum-equipped rocket lands out of sight, you may enjoy having a hand-held GPS - receiver, so that you can put in a way-point for the last reported rocket - position before touch-down. This makes looking for your rocket a lot like - Geo-Caching... just go to the way-point and look around starting from there. + If your rocket lands out of sight, you may enjoy having a hand-held + GPS receiver, so that you can put in a way-point for the last + reported rocket position before touch-down. This makes looking for + your rocket a lot like Geo-Caching... just go to the way-point and + look around starting from there. AltosDroid on an Android device + with GPS receiver works great for this, too!

    - You may also enjoy having a ham radio "HT" that covers the 70cm band... you + You may also enjoy having a ham radio “HT” that covers the 70cm band... you can use that with your antenna to direction-find the rocket on the ground the same way you can use a Walston or Beeline tracker. This can be handy if the rocket is hiding in sage brush or a tree, or if the last GPS position doesn't get you close enough because the rocket dropped into a canyon, or the wind is blowing it across a dry lake bed, or something like that... Keith - and Bdale both currently own and use the Yaesu VX-7R at launches. + currently uses a Yaesu VX-7R, Bdale has a Baofung UV-5R + which isn't as nice, but was a whole lot cheaper.

    So, to recap, on the ground the hardware you'll need includes: -

    1. - an antenna and feed-line or adapter -
    2. - a TeleDongle -
    3. - a notebook computer -
    4. - optionally, a hand-held GPS receiver -
    5. - optionally, an HT or receiver covering 435 MHz -

    +

    1. + an antenna and feed-line or adapter +

    2. + a TeleDongle +

    3. + a notebook computer +

    4. + optionally, a hand-held GPS receiver +

    5. + optionally, an HT or receiver covering 435 MHz +

    The best hand-held commercial directional antennas we've found for radio direction finding rockets are from @@ -1299,7 +1654,7 @@ NAR TeleMetrum- or TeleMini- equipped rocket when used with a suitable 70cm HT. TeleDongle and an SMA to BNC adapter fit perfectly between the driven element and reflector of Arrow antennas. -

    4. Data Analysis

    +

    4. Data Analysis

    Our software makes it easy to log the data from each flight, both the telemetry received during the flight itself, and the more complete data log recorded in the flash memory on the altimeter @@ -1314,23 +1669,19 @@ NAR Our ultimate goal is to emit a set of files for each flight that can be published as a web page per flight, or just viewed on your local disk with a web browser. -

    5. Future Plans

    - In the future, we intend to offer "companion boards" for the rocket - that will plug in to TeleMetrum to collect additional data, provide - more pyro channels, and so forth. -

    - Also under design is a new flight computer with more sensors, more - pyro channels, and a more powerful radio system designed for use - in multi-stage, complex, and extreme altitude projects. -

    - We are also working on alternatives to TeleDongle. One is a - a stand-alone, hand-held ground terminal that will allow monitoring - the rocket's status, collecting data during flight, and logging data - after flight without the need for a notebook computer on the - flight line. Particularly since it is so difficult to read most - notebook screens in direct sunlight, we think this will be a great - thing to have. We are also working on a TeleDongle variant with - Bluetooth that will work with Android phones and tablets. +

    5. Future Plans

    + We've designed a simple GPS based radio tracker called TeleGPS. + If all goes well, we hope to introduce this in the first + half of 2014. +

    + We have designed and prototyped several “companion boards” that + can attach to the companion connector on TeleMetrum and TeleMega + flight computers to collect more data, provide more pyro channels, + and so forth. We do not yet know if or when any of these boards + will be produced in enough quantity to sell. If you have specific + interests for data collection or control of events in your rockets + beyond the capabilities of our existing productions, please let + us know!

    Because all of our work is open, both the hardware designs and the software, if you have some great idea for an addition to the current @@ -1341,31 +1692,34 @@ NAR Watch our web site for more news and information as our family of products evolves! -

    Chapter 9. Altimeter Installation Recommendations

    Building high-power rockets that fly safely is hard enough. Mix in some sophisticated electronics and a bunch of radio energy - and oftentimes you find few perfect solutions. This chapter + and some creativity and/or compromise may be required. This chapter contains some suggestions about how to install Altus Metrum - products into the rocket air-frame, including how to safely and + products into a rocket air-frame, including how to safely and reliably mix a variety of electronics into the same air-frame. -

    1. Mounting the Altimeter

    +

    1. Mounting the Altimeter

    The first consideration is to ensure that the altimeter is - securely fastened to the air-frame. For TeleMetrum, we use - nylon standoffs and nylon screws; they're good to at least 50G - and cannot cause any electrical issues on the board. For - TeleMini, we usually cut small pieces of 1/16" balsa to fit + securely fastened to the air-frame. For most of our products, we + prefer nylon standoffs and nylon screws; they're good to at least 50G + and cannot cause any electrical issues on the board. Metal screws + and standoffs are fine, too, just be careful to avoid electrical + shorts! For TeleMini v1.0, we usually cut small pieces of 1/16 inch + balsa to fit under the screw holes, and then take 2x56 nylon screws and screw them through the TeleMini mounting holes, through the balsa and into the underlying material. -

    1. - Make sure TeleMetrum is aligned precisely along the axis of - acceleration so that the accelerometer can accurately - capture data during the flight. -
    2. - Watch for any metal touching components on the - board. Shorting out connections on the bottom of the board - can cause the altimeter to fail during flight. -

    2. Dealing with the Antenna

    +

    1. + Make sure accelerometer-equipped products like TeleMetrum and + TeleMega are aligned precisely along the axis of + acceleration so that the accelerometer can accurately + capture data during the flight. +

    2. + Watch for any metal touching components on the + board. Shorting out connections on the bottom of the board + can cause the altimeter to fail during flight. +

    2. Dealing with the Antenna

    The antenna supplied is just a piece of solid, insulated, wire. If it gets damaged or broken, it can be easily replaced. It should be kept straight and not cut; bending or @@ -1385,7 +1739,7 @@ NAR culprit here -- CF is a good conductor and will effectively shield the antenna, dramatically reducing signal strength and range. Metallic flake paint is another effective shielding - material which is to be avoided around any antennas. + material which should be avoided around any antennas.

    If the ebay is large enough, it can be convenient to simply mount the altimeter at one end and stretch the antenna out @@ -1403,31 +1757,31 @@ NAR tubing towards the side wall of the rocket and it ends up consuming very little space.

    - If you need to place the antenna at a distance from the + If you need to place the UHF antenna at a distance from the altimeter, you can replace the antenna with an edge-mounted SMA connector, and then run 50Ω coax from the board to the antenna. Building a remote antenna is beyond the scope of this manual. -

    3. Preserving GPS Reception

    - The GPS antenna and receiver in TeleMetrum are highly - sensitive and normally have no trouble tracking enough +

    3. Preserving GPS Reception

    + The GPS antenna and receiver used in TeleMetrum and TeleMega is + highly sensitive and normally have no trouble tracking enough satellites to provide accurate position information for - recovering the rocket. However, there are many ways to - attenuate the GPS signal. -

    1. - Conductive tubing or coatings. Carbon fiber and metal - tubing, or metallic paint will all dramatically attenuate the - GPS signal. We've never heard of anyone successfully - receiving GPS from inside these materials. -
    2. - Metal components near the GPS patch antenna. These will - de-tune the patch antenna, changing the resonant frequency - away from the L1 carrier and reduce the effectiveness of the - antenna. You can place as much stuff as you like beneath the - antenna as that's covered with a ground plane. But, keep - wires and metal out from above the patch antenna. -

    -

    4. Radio Frequency Interference

    + recovering the rocket. However, there are many ways the GPS signal + can end up attenuated, negatively affecting GPS performance. +

    1. + Conductive tubing or coatings. Carbon fiber and metal + tubing, or metallic paint will all dramatically attenuate the + GPS signal. We've never heard of anyone successfully + receiving GPS from inside these materials. +

    2. + Metal components near the GPS patch antenna. These will + de-tune the patch antenna, changing the resonant frequency + away from the L1 carrier and reduce the effectiveness of the + antenna. You can place as much stuff as you like beneath the + antenna as that's covered with a ground plane. But, keep + wires and metal out from above the patch antenna. +

    +

    4. Radio Frequency Interference

    Any altimeter will generate RFI; the digital circuits use high-frequency clocks that spray radio interference across a wide band. Altus Metrum altimeters generate intentional radio @@ -1442,15 +1796,15 @@ NAR Voltages are induced when radio frequency energy is transmitted from one circuit to another. Here are things that influence the induced voltage and current: -

    • - Keep wires from different circuits apart. Moving circuits - further apart will reduce RFI. -
    • +

      • + Keep wires from different circuits apart. Moving circuits + further apart will reduce RFI. +

      • Avoid parallel wires from different circuits. The longer two wires run parallel to one another, the larger the amount of transferred energy. Cross wires at right angles to reduce RFI. -

      • +

      • Twist wires from the same circuits. Two wires the same distance from the transmitter will get the same amount of induced energy which will then cancel out. Any time you have @@ -1458,14 +1812,14 @@ NAR even out distances and reduce RFI. For altimeters, this includes battery leads, switch hookups and igniter circuits. -

      • +

      • Avoid resonant lengths. Know what frequencies are present in the environment and avoid having wire lengths near a - natural resonant length. Altusmetrum products transmit on the + natural resonant length. Altus Metrum products transmit on the 70cm amateur band, so you should avoid lengths that are a - simple ratio of that length; essentially any multiple of 1/4 + simple ratio of that length; essentially any multiple of ¼ of the wavelength (17.5cm). -

    5. The Barometric Sensor

    +

    5. The Barometric Sensor

    Altusmetrum altimeters measure altitude with a barometric sensor, essentially measuring the amount of air above the rocket to figure out how high it is. A large number of @@ -1479,11 +1833,11 @@ NAR airflow, have smooth edges, and away from areas of increasing or decreasing pressure.

    - The barometric sensor in the altimeter is quite sensitive to - chemical damage from the products of APCP or BP combustion, so - make sure the ebay is carefully sealed from any compartment - which contains ejection charges or motors. -

    6. Ground Testing

    + All barometric sensors are quite sensitive to chemical damage from + the products of APCP or BP combustion, so make sure the ebay is + carefully sealed from any compartment which contains ejection + charges or motors. +

    6. Ground Testing

    The most important aspect of any installation is careful ground testing. Bringing an air-frame up to the LCO table which hasn't been ground tested can lead to delays or ejection @@ -1505,12 +1859,14 @@ NAR interface through a TeleDongle to command each charge to fire. Make sure the charge is sufficient to robustly separate the air-frame and deploy the recovery system. -

    Chapter 10. Updating Device Firmware

    - The big concept to understand is that you have to use a - TeleDongle as a programmer to update a TeleMetrum or TeleMini, - and a TeleMetrum or other TeleDongle to program the TeleDongle - Due to limited memory resources in the cc1111, we don't support - programming directly over USB. +

    Chapter 10. Updating Device Firmware

    + TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2 and EasyMini are all programmed directly + over their USB connectors (self programming). TeleMetrum v1, TeleMini and + TeleDongle are all programmed by using another device as a + programmer (pair programming). It's important to recognize which + kind of devices you have before trying to reprogram them.

    You may wish to begin by ensuring you have current firmware images. These are distributed as part of the AltOS software bundle that @@ -1520,59 +1876,129 @@ NAR software features. You can always download the most recent version from http://www.altusmetrum.org/AltOS/.

    - We recommend updating the altimeter first, before updating TeleDongle. -

    1. Updating TeleMetrum Firmware

    1. + If you need to update the firmware on a TeleDongle, we recommend + updating the altimeter first, before updating TeleDongle. However, + note that TeleDongle rarely need to be updated. Any firmware version + 1.0.1 or later will work, version 1.2.1 may have improved receiver + performance slightly. +

      + Self-programmable devices (TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2 and EasyMini) + are reprogrammed by connecting them to your computer over USB +

      1.  + Updating TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2 or EasyMini Firmware +

      1. + Attach a battery and power switch to the target + device. Power up the device. +

      2. + Using a Micro USB cable, connect the target device to your + computer's USB socket. +

      3. + Run AltosUI, and select 'Flash Image' from the File menu. +

      4. + Select the target device in the Device Selection dialog. +

      5. + Select the image you want to flash to the device, which + should have a name in the form + <product>-v<product-version>-<software-version>.ihx, such + as TeleMega-v1.0-1.3.0.ihx. +

      6. + Make sure the configuration parameters are reasonable + looking. If the serial number and/or RF configuration + values aren't right, you'll need to change them. +

      7. + Hit the 'OK' button and the software should proceed to flash + the device with new firmware, showing a progress bar. +

      8. + Verify that the device is working by using the 'Configure + Altimeter' item to check over the configuration. +

      1.1. Recovering From Self-Flashing Failure

      + If the firmware loading fails, it can leave the device + unable to boot. Not to worry, you can force the device to + start the boot loader instead, which will let you try to + flash the device again. +

      + On each device, connecting two pins from one of the exposed + connectors will force the boot loader to start, even if the + regular operating system has been corrupted in some way. +

      TeleMega

      + Connect pin 6 and pin 1 of the companion connector. Pin 1 + can be identified by the square pad around it, and then + the pins could sequentially across the board. Be very + careful to not short pin 8 to + anything as that is connected directly to the battery. Pin + 7 carries 3.3V and the board will crash if that is + connected to pin 1, but shouldn't damage the board. +

      TeleMetrum v2

      + Connect pin 6 and pin 1 of the companion connector. Pin 1 + can be identified by the square pad around it, and then + the pins could sequentially across the board. Be very + careful to not short pin 8 to + anything as that is connected directly to the battery. Pin + 7 carries 3.3V and the board will crash if that is + connected to pin 1, but shouldn't damage the board. +

      EasyMini

      + Connect pin 6 and pin 1 of the debug connector, which is + the six holes next to the beeper. Pin 1 can be identified + by the square pad around it, and then the pins could + sequentially across the board, making Pin 6 the one on the + other end of the row. +

      2. Pair Programming

      + The big concept to understand is that you have to use a + TeleMega, TeleMetrum or TeleDongle as a programmer to update a + pair programmed device. Due to limited memory resources in the + cc1111, we don't support programming directly over USB for these + devices. +

      3. Updating TeleMetrum v1.x Firmware

      1. Find the 'programming cable' that you got as part of the starter kit, that has a red 8-pin MicroMaTch connector on one end and a red 4-pin MicroMaTch connector on the other end. -

      2. +

      3. Take the 2 screws out of the TeleDongle case to get access to the circuit board. -

      4. +

      5. Plug the 8-pin end of the programming cable to the matching connector on the TeleDongle, and the 4-pin end to the matching connector on the TeleMetrum. Note that each MicroMaTch connector has an alignment pin that goes through a hole in the PC board when you have the cable oriented correctly. -

      6. +

      7. Attach a battery to the TeleMetrum board. -

      8. +

      9. Plug the TeleDongle into your computer's USB port, and power up the TeleMetrum. -

      10. +

      11. Run AltosUI, and select 'Flash Image' from the File menu. -

      12. +

      13. Pick the TeleDongle device from the list, identifying it as the programming device. -

      14. +

      15. Select the image you want put on the TeleMetrum, which should have a name in the form telemetrum-v1.2-1.0.0.ihx. It should be visible in the default directory, if not you may have to poke around your system to find it. -

      16. +

      17. Make sure the configuration parameters are reasonable looking. If the serial number and/or RF configuration values aren't right, you'll need to change them. -

      18. +

      19. Hit the 'OK' button and the software should proceed to flash the TeleMetrum with new firmware, showing a progress bar. -

      20. +

      21. Confirm that the TeleMetrum board seems to have updated OK, which you can do by plugging in to it over USB and using a terminal program to connect to the board and issue the 'v' command to check the version, etc. -

      22. +

      23. If something goes wrong, give it another try. -

      2. Updating TeleMini Firmware

      1. +

      4. Updating TeleMini Firmware

      1. You'll need a special 'programming cable' to reprogram the - TeleMini. It's available on the Altus Metrum web store, or - you can make your own using an 8-pin MicroMaTch connector on - one end and a set of four pins on the other. -

      2. + TeleMini. You can make your own using an 8-pin MicroMaTch + connector on one end and a set of four pins on the other. +

      3. Take the 2 screws out of the TeleDongle case to get access to the circuit board. -

      4. +

      5. Plug the 8-pin end of the programming cable to the matching connector on the TeleDongle, and the 4-pins into the holes in the TeleMini circuit board. Note that the MicroMaTch @@ -1580,100 +2006,166 @@ NAR the PC board when you have the cable oriented correctly, and that pin 1 on the TeleMini board is marked with a square pad while the other pins have round pads. -

      6. +

      7. Attach a battery to the TeleMini board. -

      8. +

      9. Plug the TeleDongle into your computer's USB port, and power up the TeleMini -

      10. +

      11. Run AltosUI, and select 'Flash Image' from the File menu. -

      12. +

      13. Pick the TeleDongle device from the list, identifying it as the programming device. -

      14. +

      15. Select the image you want put on the TeleMini, which should have a name in the form telemini-v1.0-1.0.0.ihx. It should be visible in the default directory, if not you may have to poke around your system to find it. -

      16. +

      17. Make sure the configuration parameters are reasonable looking. If the serial number and/or RF configuration values aren't right, you'll need to change them. -

      18. +

      19. Hit the 'OK' button and the software should proceed to flash the TeleMini with new firmware, showing a progress bar. -

      20. +

      21. Confirm that the TeleMini board seems to have updated OK, which you can do by configuring it over the radio link through the TeleDongle, or - letting it come up in "flight" mode and listening for telemetry. -

      22. + letting it come up in “flight” mode and listening for telemetry. +

      23. If something goes wrong, give it another try. -

      3. Updating TeleDongle Firmware

      +

    5. Updating TeleDongle Firmware

    Updating TeleDongle's firmware is just like updating TeleMetrum or TeleMini firmware, but you use either a TeleMetrum or another TeleDongle as the programmer. -

    1. +

      1. Find the 'programming cable' that you got as part of the starter kit, that has a red 8-pin MicroMaTch connector on one end and a red 4-pin MicroMaTch connector on the other end. -

      2. +

      3. Find the USB cable that you got as part of the starter kit, and - plug the "mini" end in to the mating connector on TeleMetrum or TeleDongle. -

      4. + plug the “mini” end in to the mating connector on TeleMetrum or TeleDongle. +

      5. Take the 2 screws out of the TeleDongle case to get access to the circuit board. -

      6. +

      7. Plug the 8-pin end of the programming cable to the matching connector on the programmer, and the 4-pin end to the matching connector on the TeleDongle. Note that each MicroMaTch connector has an alignment pin that goes through a hole in the PC board when you have the cable oriented correctly. -

      8. +

      9. Attach a battery to the TeleMetrum board if you're using one. -

      10. +

      11. Plug both the programmer and the TeleDongle into your computer's USB ports, and power up the programmer. -

      12. +

      13. Run AltosUI, and select 'Flash Image' from the File menu. -

      14. +

      15. Pick the programmer device from the list, identifying it as the programming device. -

      16. +

      17. Select the image you want put on the TeleDongle, which should have a name in the form teledongle-v0.2-1.0.0.ihx. It should be visible in the default directory, if not you may have to poke around your system to find it. -

      18. +

      19. Make sure the configuration parameters are reasonable looking. If the serial number and/or RF configuration values aren't right, you'll need to change them. The TeleDongle - serial number is on the "bottom" of the circuit board, and can + serial number is on the “bottom” of the circuit board, and can usually be read through the translucent blue plastic case without needing to remove the board from the case. -

      20. +

      21. Hit the 'OK' button and the software should proceed to flash the TeleDongle with new firmware, showing a progress bar. -

      22. +

      23. Confirm that the TeleDongle board seems to have updated OK, which you can do by plugging in to it over USB and using a terminal program to connect to the board and issue the 'v' command to check the version, etc. Once you're happy, remove the programming cable and put the cover back on the TeleDongle. -

      24. +

      25. If something goes wrong, give it another try. -

      +

    Be careful removing the programming cable from the locking 8-pin connector on TeleMetrum. You'll need a fingernail or perhaps a thin screwdriver or knife blade to gently pry the locking ears out slightly to extract the connector. We used a locking connector on TeleMetrum to help ensure that the cabling to companion boards used in a rocket don't ever come loose accidentally in flight. -

    Chapter 11. Hardware Specifications

    1. TeleMetrum Specifications

    • +

    Chapter 11. Hardware Specifications

    1.  + TeleMega Specifications +

    • + Recording altimeter for model rocketry. +

    • + Supports dual deployment and four auxiliary pyro channels + (a total of 6 events). +

    • + 70cm 40mW ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link. +

    • + Barometric pressure sensor good to 100k feet MSL. +

    • + 1-axis high-g accelerometer for motor characterization, capable of + +/- 102g. +

    • + 9-axis IMU including integrated 3-axis accelerometer, + 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis magnetometer. +

    • + On-board, integrated uBlox Max 7 GPS receiver with 5Hz update rate capability. +

    • + On-board 8 Megabyte non-volatile memory for flight data storage. +

    • + USB interface for battery charging, configuration, and data recovery. +

    • + Fully integrated support for Li-Po rechargeable batteries. +

    • + Can use either main system Li-Po or optional separate pyro battery + to fire e-matches. +

    • + 3.25 x 1.25 inch board designed to fit inside 38mm air-frame coupler tube. +

    2.  + TeleMetrum v2 Specifications +

    • Recording altimeter for model rocketry.

    • Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges).

    • - 70cm ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link. + 70cm, 40mW ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link. +

    • + Barometric pressure sensor good to 100k feet MSL. +

    • + 1-axis high-g accelerometer for motor characterization, capable of + +/- 102g. +

    • + On-board, integrated uBlox Max 7 GPS receiver with 5Hz update rate capability. +

    • + On-board 8 Megabyte non-volatile memory for flight data storage. +

    • + USB interface for battery charging, configuration, and data recovery. +

    • + Fully integrated support for Li-Po rechargeable batteries. +

    • + Uses Li-Po to fire e-matches, can be modified to support + optional separate pyro battery if needed. +

    • + 2.75 x 1 inch board designed to fit inside 29mm air-frame coupler tube. +

    3. TeleMetrum v1 Specifications

    • + Recording altimeter for model rocketry. +

    • + Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges). +

    • + 70cm, 10mW ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link.

    • Barometric pressure sensor good to 45k feet MSL.

    • @@ -1692,12 +2184,36 @@ NAR optional separate pyro battery if needed.

    • 2.75 x 1 inch board designed to fit inside 29mm air-frame coupler tube. -

    2. TeleMini Specifications

    • +

    4.  + TeleMini v2.0 Specifications +

    • + Recording altimeter for model rocketry. +

    • + Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges). +

    • + 70cm, 10mW ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link. +

    • + Barometric pressure sensor good to 100k feet MSL. +

    • + On-board 1 megabyte non-volatile memory for flight data storage. +

    • + USB interface for configuration, and data recovery. +

    • + Support for Li-Po rechargeable batteries (using an + external charger), or any 3.7-15V external battery. +

    • + Uses Li-Po to fire e-matches, can be modified to support + optional separate pyro battery if needed. +

    • + 1.5 x .8 inch board designed to fit inside 24mm air-frame coupler tube. +

    5.  + TeleMini v1.0 Specifications +

    • Recording altimeter for model rocketry.

    • Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges).

    • - 70cm ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link. + 70cm, 10mW ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link.

    • Barometric pressure sensor good to 45k feet MSL.

    • @@ -1711,35 +2227,60 @@ NAR optional separate pyro battery if needed.

    • 1.5 x .5 inch board designed to fit inside 18mm air-frame coupler tube. -

    Chapter 12. FAQ

    - TeleMetrum seems to shut off when disconnected from the - computer. Make sure the battery is adequately charged. Remember the +

    6.  + EasyMini Specifications +

    • + Recording altimeter for model rocketry. +

    • + Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges). +

    • + Barometric pressure sensor good to 100k feet MSL. +

    • + On-board 1 megabyte non-volatile memory for flight data storage. +

    • + USB interface for configuration, and data recovery. +

    • + Support for Li-Po rechargeable batteries (using an + external charger), or any 3.7-15V external battery. +

    • + Uses Li-Po to fire e-matches, can be modified to support + optional separate pyro battery if needed. +

    • + 1.5 x .8 inch board designed to fit inside 24mm air-frame coupler tube. +

    Chapter 12. FAQ

    + TeleMetrum seems to shut off when disconnected from the + computer. + Make sure the battery is adequately charged. Remember the unit will pull more power than the USB port can deliver before the - GPS enters "locked" mode. The battery charges best when TeleMetrum + GPS enters “locked” mode. The battery charges best when TeleMetrum is turned off.

    - It's impossible to stop the TeleDongle when it's in "p" mode, I have - to unplug the USB cable? Make sure you have tried to "escape out" of + It's impossible to stop the TeleDongle when it's in “p” mode, I have + to unplug the USB cable? + Make sure you have tried to “escape out” of this mode. If this doesn't work the reboot procedure for the TeleDongle *is* to simply unplug it. 'cu' however will retain it's - outgoing buffer IF your "escape out" ('~~') does not work. + outgoing buffer IF your “escape out” ('~~') does not work. At this point using either 'ao-view' (or possibly 'cutemon') instead of 'cu' will 'clear' the issue and allow renewed communication.

    - The amber LED (on the TeleMetrum) lights up when both - battery and USB are connected. Does this mean it's charging? + The amber LED (on the TeleMetrum) lights up when both + battery and USB are connected. Does this mean it's charging? + Yes, the yellow LED indicates the charging at the 'regular' rate. If the led is out but the unit is still plugged into a USB port, then the battery is being charged at a 'trickle' rate.

    - There are no "dit-dah-dah-dit" sound or lights like the manual mentions? - That's the "pad" mode. Weak batteries might be the problem. - It is also possible that the TeleMetrum is horizontal and the output - is instead a "dit-dit" meaning 'idle'. For TeleMini, it's possible that - it received a command packet which would have left it in "pad" mode. + There are no “dit-dah-dah-dit” sound or lights like the manual + mentions? + That's the “pad” mode. Weak batteries might be the problem. + It is also possible that the flight computer is horizontal and the + output + is instead a “dit-dit” meaning 'idle'. For TeleMini, it's possible that + it received a command packet which would have left it in “pad” mode.

    - How do I save flight data? + How do I save flight data? Live telemetry is written to file(s) whenever AltosUI is connected to the TeleDongle. The file area defaults to ~/TeleMetrum but is easily changed using the menus in AltosUI. The files that @@ -1751,7 +2292,7 @@ NAR data after physically retrieving your altimeter. Make sure to save the on-board data after each flight; while the TeleMetrum can store multiple flights, you never know when you'll lose the altimeter... -

    Appendix A. Notes for Older Software

    +

    Appendix A. Notes for Older Software

    Before AltosUI was written, using Altus Metrum devices required some finesse with the Linux command line. There was a limited @@ -1861,17 +2402,17 @@ NAR not function due to signal overload in the receivers in each device.

    Now might be a good time to take a break and read the rest of this - manual, particularly about the two "modes" that the altimeters + manual, particularly about the two “modes” that the altimeters can be placed in. TeleMetrum uses the position of the device when booting - up will determine whether the unit is in "pad" or "idle" mode. TeleMini - enters "idle" mode when it receives a command packet within the first 5 seconds - of being powered up, otherwise it enters "pad" mode. + up will determine whether the unit is in “pad” or “idle” mode. TeleMini + enters “idle” mode when it receives a command packet within the first 5 seconds + of being powered up, otherwise it enters “pad” mode.

    You can access an altimeter in idle mode from the TeleDongle's USB connection using the radio link by issuing a 'p' command to the TeleDongle. Practice connecting and disconnecting ('~~' while using 'cu') from the altimeter. If - you cannot escape out of the "p" command, (by using a '~~' when in + you cannot escape out of the “p” command, (by using a '~~' when in CU) then it is likely that your kernel has issues. Try a newer version.

    Using this radio link allows you to configure the altimeter, test @@ -1880,7 +2421,7 @@ NAR is in 'idle mode' and then place the rocket vertically on the launch pad, walk away and then issue a reboot command. The altimeter will reboot and start sending data - having changed to the "pad" mode. If the TeleDongle is not receiving + having changed to the “pad” mode. If the TeleDongle is not receiving this data, you can disconnect 'cu' from the TeleDongle using the procedures mentioned above and THEN connect to the TeleDongle from inside 'ao-view'. If this doesn't work, disconnect from the @@ -1927,25 +2468,32 @@ NAR the Log and Device menus. It has a wonderful display of the incoming flight data and I am sure you will enjoy what it has to say to you once you enable the voice output! -

    Appendix B. Drill Templates

    +

    Appendix B. Drill Templates

    These images, when printed, provide precise templates for the mounting holes in Altus Metrum flight computers -

    1. TeleMetrum template

    +

    1. TeleMega template

    + TeleMega has overall dimensions of 1.250 x 3.250 inches, and + the mounting holes are sized for use with 4-40 or M3 screws. +

    2. TeleMetrum template

    TeleMetrum has overall dimensions of 1.000 x 2.750 inches, and the mounting holes are sized for use with 4-40 or M3 screws. -

    2. TeleMini template

    +

    3. TeleMini v2/EasyMini template

    + TeleMini v2 and EasyMini have overall dimensions of 0.800 x 1.500 inches, and the + mounting holes are sized for use with 4-40 or M3 screws. +

    4. TeleMini v1 template

    TeleMini has overall dimensions of 0.500 x 1.500 inches, and the mounting holes are sized for use with 2-56 or M2 screws. -

    Appendix C. Calibration

    - There are only two calibrations required for a TeleMetrum board, and - only one for TeleDongle and TeleMini. All boards are shipped from - the factory pre-calibrated, but the procedures are documented here - in case they are ever needed. Re-calibration is not supported by - AltosUI, you must connect to the board with a serial terminal program - and interact directly with the on-board command interpreter to effect - calibration. -

    1. Radio Frequency

    - The radio frequency is synthesized from a clock based on the 48 MHz +

    Appendix C. Calibration

    + There are only two calibrations required for TeleMetrum and + TeleMega, and only one for TeleDongle, TeleMini and EasyMini. + All boards are shipped from the factory pre-calibrated, but + the procedures are documented here in case they are ever + needed. Re-calibration is not supported by AltosUI, you must + connect to the board with a serial terminal program and + interact directly with the on-board command interpreter to + effect calibration. +

    1. Radio Frequency

    + The radio frequency is synthesized from a clock based on the crystal on the board. The actual frequency of this oscillator must be measured to generate a calibration constant. While our GFSK modulation @@ -1957,13 +2505,14 @@ NAR temperature changes is small enough that re-calibration by customers should generally not be required.

    - To calibrate the radio frequency, connect the UHF antenna port to a - frequency counter, set the board to 434.550MHz, and use the 'C' - command in the on-board command interpreter to generate a CW - carrier. For TeleMetrum, this is best done over USB. For TeleMini, - note that the only way to escape the 'C' command is via power cycle - since the board will no longer be listening for commands once it - starts generating a CW carrier. + To calibrate the radio frequency, connect the UHF antenna + port to a frequency counter, set the board to 434.550MHz, + and use the 'C' command in the on-board command interpreter + to generate a CW carrier. For USB-enabled boards, this is + best done over USB. For TeleMini v1, note that the only way + to escape the 'C' command is via power cycle since the board + will no longer be listening for commands once it starts + generating a CW carrier.

    Wait for the transmitter temperature to stabilize and the frequency to settle down. Then, divide 434.550 MHz by the @@ -1973,26 +2522,18 @@ NAR command. Testing with the 'C' command again should show a carrier within a few tens of Hertz of the intended frequency. As with all 'c' sub-commands, follow this with a 'c w' to write the - change to the parameter block in the on-board DataFlash chip. + change to the parameter block in the on-board storage chip.

    Note that any time you re-do the radio frequency calibration, the radio frequency is reset to the default 434.550 Mhz. If you want to use another frequency, you will have to set that again after calibration is completed. -

    2. TeleMetrum Accelerometer

    - The TeleMetrum accelerometer we use has its own 5 volt power - supply and - the output must be passed through a resistive voltage divider to match - the input of our 3.3 volt ADC. This means that unlike the barometric - sensor, the output of the acceleration sensor is not ratio-metric to - the ADC converter, and calibration is required. Explicitly - calibrating the accelerometers also allows us to load any device - from a Freescale family that includes at least +/- 40g, 50g, 100g, - and 200g parts. Using gravity, - a simple 2-point calibration yields acceptable results capturing both - the different sensitivities and ranges of the different accelerometer - parts and any variation in power supply voltages or resistor values - in the divider network. +

    2. TeleMetrum and TeleMega Accelerometers

    + While barometric sensors are factory-calibrated, + accelerometers are not, and so each must be calibrated once + installed in a flight computer. Explicitly calibrating the + accelerometers also allows us to load any compatible device. + We perform a two-point calibration using gravity.

    To calibrate the acceleration sensor, use the 'c a 0' command. You will be prompted to orient the board vertically with the UHF antenna @@ -2006,110 +2547,152 @@ NAR The +1g and -1g calibration points are included in each telemetry frame and are part of the header stored in onboard flash to be downloaded after flight. We always store and return raw ADC - samples for each sensor... so nothing is permanently "lost" or - "damaged" if the calibration is poor. + samples for each sensor... so nothing is permanently “lost” or + “damaged” if the calibration is poor.

    In the unlikely event an accel cal goes badly, it is possible - that TeleMetrum may always come up in 'pad mode' and as such not be - listening to either the USB or radio link. If that happens, - there is a special hook in the firmware to force the board back - in to 'idle mode' so you can re-do the cal. To use this hook, you - just need to ground the SPI clock pin at power-on. This pin is - available as pin 2 on the 8-pin companion connector, and pin 1 is - ground. So either carefully install a fine-gauge wire jumper - between the two pins closest to the index hole end of the 8-pin - connector, or plug in the programming cable to the 8-pin connector - and use a small screwdriver or similar to short the two pins closest - to the index post on the 4-pin end of the programming cable, and - power up the board. It should come up in 'idle mode' (two beeps), - allowing a re-cal. -

    Appendix D. Release Notes

    Version 1.21

    + that TeleMetrum or TeleMega may always come up in 'pad mode' + and as such not be listening to either the USB or radio link. + If that happens, there is a special hook in the firmware to + force the board back in to 'idle mode' so you can re-do the + cal. To use this hook, you just need to ground the SPI clock + pin at power-on. This pin is available as pin 2 on the 8-pin + companion connector, and pin 1 is ground. So either + carefully install a fine-gauge wire jumper between the two + pins closest to the index hole end of the 8-pin connector, or + plug in the programming cable to the 8-pin connector and use + a small screwdriver or similar to short the two pins closest + to the index post on the 4-pin end of the programming cable, + and power up the board. It should come up in 'idle mode' + (two beeps), allowing a re-cal. +

    Appendix D. Release Notes

    Version 1.3

    + Version 1.3 is a major release. It adds support for TeleMega, + TeleMetrum v2.0, TeleMini v2.0 and EasyMini. +

    + AltOS Firmware Changes +

    • + Add STM32L processor support. This includes enhancements to + the scheduler to support products with many threads. +

    • + Add NXP LPC11U14 processor support. +

    • + Support additional pyro channels. These are configurable + through the UI to handle air starts, staging, additional + recovery events and external devices such as cameras. +

    • + Add 3-axis gyro support for orientation tracking. This + integrates the gyros to compute the angle from vertical during + flight, allowing the additional pyro events to be controlled + by this value. +

    • + Many more device drivers, including u-Blox Max 7Q GPS, + Freescale MMA6555 digital single-axis accelerometer, + Invensense MPU6000 3-axis accelerometer + 3 axis gyro, + Honeywell HMC5883 3-axis magnetic sensor and the TI CC1120 and + CC115L digital FM transceivers +

    +

    + AltosUI changes +

    • + Support TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2.0, TeleMini v2.0 and EasyMini telemetry and log formats. +

    • + Use preferred units for main deployment height configuration, + instead of always doing configuration in meters. +

    +

    + MicroPeak UI changes +

    • + Add 'Download' button to menu bar. +

    • + Save the last log directory and offer that as the default for new downloads +

    +

    Version 1.2.1

    Version 1.2.1 is a minor release. It adds support for TeleBT and the AltosDroid application, provides several new features in AltosUI and fixes some bugs in the AltOS firmware.

    AltOS Firmware Changes -

    • +

      • Add support for TeleBT -

      • +

      • In TeleMini recovery mode (when booted with the outer two debug pins connected together), the radio parameters are also set back to defaults (434.550MHz, N0CALL, factory radio cal). -

      • +

      • Add support for reflashing the SkyTraq GPS chips. This requires special host-side code which currently only exists for Linux. -

      • +

      • Correct Kalman filter model error covariance matrix. The values used previously assumed continuous measurements instead of discrete measurements. -

      • +

      • Fix some bugs in the USB driver for TeleMetrum and TeleDongle that affected Windows users. -

      • +

      • Adjusted the automatic gain control parameters that affect receive performance for TeleDongle. Field tests indicate that this may improve receive performance somewhat. -

      +

    AltosUI Changes -

    • +

      • Handle missing GPS lock in 'Descent' tab. Previously, if the GPS position of the pad was unknown, an exception would be raised, breaking the Descent tab contents. -

      • +

      • Improve the graph, adding tool-tips to show values near the cursor and making the displayed set of values configurable, adding all of the flight data as options while leaving the default settings alone so that the graph starts by showing height, speed and acceleration. -

      • +

      • Make the initial position of the AltosUI top level window configurable. Along with this change, the other windows will pop up at 'sensible' places now, instead of on top of one another. -

      • +

      • Add callsign to Monitor idle window and connecting dialogs. This makes it clear which callsign is being used so that the operator will be aware that it must match the flight computer value or no communication will work. -

      • +

      • When downloading flight data, display the block number so that the user has some sense of progress. Unfortunately, we don't know how many blocks will need to be downloaded, but at least it isn't just sitting there doing nothing for a long time. -

      • +

      • Add GPS data and a map to the graph window. This lets you see a complete summary of the flight without needing to 'replay' the whole thing. -

      -

    Version 1.2

    +

    +

    Version 1.2

    Version 1.2 is a major release. It adds support for MicroPeak and the MicroPeak USB adapter.

    AltOS Firmware Changes -

    • +

      • Add MicroPeak support. This includes support for the ATtiny85 processor and adaptations to the core code to allow for devices too small to run the multi-tasking scheduler. -

      +

    MicroPeak UI changes -

    • +

      • Added this new application -

      +

    Distribution Changes -

    • +

      • Distribute Mac OS X packages in disk image ('.dmg') format to greatly simplify installation. -

      • +

      • Provide version numbers for the shared Java libraries to ensure that upgrades work properly, and to allow for multiple Altus Metrum software packages to be installed in the same directory at the same time. -

      -

    Version 1.1.1

    +

    +

    Version 1.1.1

    Version 1.1.1 is a bug-fix release. It fixes a couple of bugs in AltosUI and one firmware bug that affects TeleMetrum version 1.0 boards. Thanks to Bob Brown for help diagnosing the Google Earth @@ -2117,7 +2700,7 @@ NAR Distance value in the Descent tab.

    AltOS Firmware Changes -

    • +

      • TeleMetrum v1.0 boards use the AT45DB081D flash memory part to store flight data, which is different from later TeleMetrum boards. The AltOS v1.1 driver for this chip couldn't erase @@ -2125,20 +2708,20 @@ NAR configuration values. This bug doesn't affect newer TeleMetrum boards, and it doesn't affect the safety of rockets flying version 1.1 firmware. -

      +

    AltosUI Changes -

    • +

      • Creating a Google Earth file (KML) from on-board flight data (EEPROM) would generate an empty file. The code responsible for reading the EEPROM file wasn't ever setting the GPS valid bits, and so the KML export code thought there was no GPS data in the file. -

      • +

      • The “Landed” tab was displaying all values in metric units, even when AltosUI was configured to display imperial units. Somehow I just missed this tab when doing the units stuff. -

      • +

      • The “Descent” tab displays the range to the rocket, which is a combination of the over-the-ground distance to the rockets current latitude/longitude and the height of the rocket. As @@ -2147,109 +2730,109 @@ NAR eventually land. A new “Ground Distance” field has been added which displays the distance to a spot right underneath the rocket. -

      • +

      • Sensor data wasn't being displayed for TeleMini flight computers in Monitor Idle mode, including things like battery voltage. The code that picked which kinds of data to fetch from the flight computer was missing a check for TeleMini when deciding whether to fetch the analog sensor data. -

      -

    Version 1.1

    +

    +

    Version 1.1

    Version 1.1 is a minor release. It provides a few new features in AltosUI and the AltOS firmware and fixes bugs.

    AltOS Firmware Changes -

    • +

      • Add apogee-lockout value. Overrides the apogee detection logic to prevent incorrect apogee charge firing. -

      • +

      • Fix a bug where the data reported in telemetry packets was from 320ms ago. -

      • +

      • Force the radio frequency to 434.550MHz when the debug clock pin is connected to ground at boot time. This provides a way to talk to a TeleMini which is configured to some unknown frequency. -

      • +

      • Provide RSSI values for Monitor Idle mode. This makes it easy to check radio range without needing to go to flight mode. -

      • +

      • Fix a bug which caused the old received telemetry packets to be retransmitted over the USB link when the radio was turned off and back on. -

      +

    AltosUI Changes -

    • +

      • Fix a bug that caused GPS ready to happen too quickly. The software was using every telemetry packet to signal new GPS data, which caused GPS ready to be signalled after 10 packets instead of 10 GPS updates. -

      • +

      • Fix Google Earth data export to work with recent versions. The google earth file loading code got a lot pickier, requiring some minor white space changes in the export code. -

      • +

      • Make the look-n-feel configurable, providing a choice from the available options. -

      • +

      • Add an 'Age' element to mark how long since a telemetry packet has been received. Useful to quickly gauge whether communications with the rocket are still active. -

      • +

      • Add 'Configure Ground Station' dialog to set the radio frequency used by a particular TeleDongle without having to go through the flight monitor UI. -

      • +

      • Add configuration for the new apogee-lockout value. A menu provides a list of reasonable values, or the value can be set by hand. -

      • +

      • Changed how flight data are downloaded. Now there's an initial dialog asking which flights to download, and after that finishes, a second dialog comes up asking which flights to delete. -

      • +

      • Re-compute time spent in each state for the flight graph; this figures out the actual boost and landing times instead of using the conservative values provide by the flight electronics. This improves the accuracy of the boost acceleration and main descent rate computations. -

      • +

      • Make AltosUI run on Mac OS Lion. The default Java heap space was dramatically reduced for this release causing much of the UI to fail randomly. This most often affected the satellite mapping download and displays. -

      • +

      • Change how data are displayed in the 'table' tab of the flight monitoring window. This eliminates entries duplicated from the header and adds both current altitude and pad altitude, which are useful in 'Monitor Idle' mode. -

      • +

      • Add Imperial units mode to present data in feet instead of meters. -

      -

    Version 1.0.1

    +

    +

    Version 1.0.1

    Version 1.0.1 is a major release, adding support for the TeleMini device and lots of new AltosUI features

    AltOS Firmware Changes -

    • +

      • Add TeleMini v1.0 support. Firmware images for TeleMini are included in AltOS releases. -

      • +

      • Change telemetry to be encoded in multiple 32-byte packets. This enables support for TeleMini and other devices without requiring further updates to the TeleDongle firmware. -

      • +

      • Support operation of TeleMetrum with the antenna pointing aft. Previous firmware versions required the antenna to be pointing upwards, now there is a configuration option allowing the antenna to point aft, to aid installation in some airframes. -

      • +

      • Ability to disable telemetry. For airframes where an antenna just isn't possible, or where radio transmissions might cause trouble with other electronics, there's a configuration option to disable all telemetry. Note that the board will still enable the radio link in idle mode. -

      • +

      • Arbitrary frequency selection. The radios in Altus Metrum devices can be programmed to a wide range of frequencies, so instead of limiting devices to 10 pre-selected 'channels', the @@ -2257,7 +2840,7 @@ NAR 70cm band. Note that the RF matching circuit on the boards is tuned for around 435MHz, so frequencies far from that may reduce the available range. -

      • +

      • Kalman-filter based flight-tracking. The model based sensor fusion approach of a Kalman filter means that AltOS now computes apogee much more accurately than before, generally @@ -2265,31 +2848,31 @@ NAR allows the baro-only TeleMini device to correctly identify Mach transitions, avoiding the error-prone selection of a Mach delay. -

      +

    AltosUI Changes -

    • +

      • Wait for altimeter when using packet mode. Instead of quicly timing out when trying to initialize a packet mode configuration connection, AltosUI now waits indefinitely for the remote device to appear, providing a cancel button should the user get bored. This is necessary as the TeleMini can only be placed in "Idle" mode if AltosUI is polling it. -

      • +

      • Add main/apogee voltage graphs to the data plot. This provides a visual indication if the igniters fail before being fired. -

      • +

      • Scan for altimeter devices by watching the defined telemetry frequencies. This avoids the problem of remembering what frequency a device was configured to use, which is especially important with TeleMini which does not include a USB connection. -

      • +

      • Monitor altimeter state in "Idle" mode. This provides much of the information presented in the "Pad" dialog from the Monitor Flight command, monitoring the igniters, battery and GPS status withing requiring the flight computer to be armed and ready for flight. -

      • +

      • Pre-load map images from home. For those launch sites which don't provide free Wi-Fi, this allows you to download the necessary satellite images given the location of the launch @@ -2298,61 +2881,61 @@ NAR you've got a launch site not on that list, please send the name of it, latitude and longitude along with a link to the web site of the controlling club to the altusmetrum mailing list. -

      • +

      • Flight statistics are now displayed in the Graph data window. These include max height/speed/accel, average descent rates and a few other bits of information. The Graph Data window can now be reached from the 'Landed' tab in the Monitor Flight window so you can immediately see the results of a flight. -

      -

    Version 0.9.2

    +

    +

    Version 0.9.2

    Version 0.9.2 is an AltosUI bug-fix release, with no firmware changes. -

    • +

      • Fix plotting problems due to missing file in the Mac OS install image. -

      • +

      • Always read whole eeprom blocks, mark empty records invalid, display parsing errors to user. -

      • +

      • Add software version to Configure AltosUI dialog -

    Version 0.9

    +

    Version 0.9

    Version 0.9 adds a few new firmware features and accompanying AltosUI changes, along with new hardware support. -

    • +

      • Support for TeleMetrum v1.1 hardware. Sources for the flash memory part used in v1.0 dried up, so v1.1 uses a different part which required a new driver and support for explicit flight log erasing. -

      • +

      • Multiple flight log support. This stores more than one flight log in the on-board flash memory. It also requires the user to explicitly erase flights so that you won't lose flight logs just because you fly the same board twice in one day. -

      • +

      • Telemetry support for devices with serial number >= 256. Previous versions used a telemetry packet format that provided only 8 bits for the device serial number. This change requires that both ends of the telemetry link be running the 0.9 firmware or they will not communicate. -

    Version 0.8

    +

    Version 0.8

    Version 0.8 offers a major upgrade in the AltosUI interface. Significant new features include: -

    • +

      • Post-flight graphing tool. This lets you explore the behaviour of your rocket after flight with a scroll-able and zoom-able chart showing the altitude, speed and acceleration of the airframe along with events recorded by the flight computer. You can export graphs to PNG files, or print them directly. -

      • +

      • Real-time moving map which overlays the in-progress flight on satellite imagery fetched from Google Maps. This lets you see in pictures where your rocket has landed, allowing you to plan recovery activities more accurately. -

      • +

      • Wireless recovery system testing. Prep your rocket for flight and test fire the deployment charges to make sure things work as expected. All without threading wires through holes in your airframe. -

      • +

      • Optimized flight status displays. Each flight state now has it's own custom 'tab' in the flight monitoring window so you can focus on the most important details. Pre-flight, the system @@ -2361,51 +2944,51 @@ NAR they're all green and your rocket is ready for flight. There are also tabs for ascent, descent and landing along with the original tabular view of the data. -

      • +

      • Monitor multiple flights simultaneously. If you have more than one TeleDongle, you can monitor a flight with each one on the same computer. -

      • +

      • Automatic flight monitoring at startup. Plug TeleDongle into the machine before starting AltosUI and it will automatically connect to it and prepare to monitor a flight. -

      • +

      • Exports Google Earth flight tracks. Using the Keyhole Markup Language (.kml) file format, this provides a 3D view of your rocket flight through the Google Earth program. -

    Version 0.7.1

    +

    Version 0.7.1

    Version 0.7.1 is the first release containing our new cross-platform Java-based user interface. AltosUI can: -

    • +

      • Receive and log telemetry from a connected TeleDongle device. All data received is saved to log files named with the current date and the connected rocket serial and flight numbers. There is no mode in which telemetry data will not be saved. -

      • +

      • Download logged data from TeleMetrum devices, either through a direct USB connection or over the air through a TeleDongle device. -

      • +

      • Configure a TeleMetrum device, setting the radio channel, callsign, apogee delay and main deploy height. This can be done through either a USB connection or over a radio link via a TeleDongle device. -

      • +

      • Replay a flight in real-time. This takes a saved telemetry log or eeprom download and replays it through the user interface so you can relive your favorite rocket flights. -

      • +

      • Reprogram Altus Metrum devices. Using an Altus Metrum device connected via USB, another Altus Metrum device can be reprogrammed using the supplied programming cable between the two devices. -

      • +

      • Export Flight data to a comma-separated-values file. This takes either telemetry or on-board flight data and generates data suitable for use in external applications. All data is exported using standard units so that no device-specific knowledge is needed to handle the data. -

      • +

      • Speak to you during the flight. Instead of spending the flight hunched over your laptop looking at the screen, enjoy the view while the computer tells you what’s going on up there. During @@ -2414,4 +2997,4 @@ Version 0.7.1 is the first release containing our new cross-platform Java-based range information to try and help you find your rocket in the air. Once on the ground, the direction and distance are reported. -

    +

    diff --git a/AltOS/doc/altusmetrum.pdf b/AltOS/doc/altusmetrum.pdf index 3751b88..02cb97e 100644 Binary files a/AltOS/doc/altusmetrum.pdf and b/AltOS/doc/altusmetrum.pdf differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/ascent.png b/AltOS/doc/ascent.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fd1cd09 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/ascent.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/companion.html b/AltOS/doc/companion.html index 6936953..086fa71 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/companion.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/companion.html @@ -1,10 +1,10 @@ -AltOS Companion Port

    AltOS Companion Port

    Protocol Definitions

    Keith Packard

    +AltOS Companion Port

    AltOS Companion Port

    Protocol Definitions

    Keith Packard

    This document is released under the terms of the Creative Commons ShareAlike 3.0 license. -

    Revision History
    Revision 0.113 January 2012
    Initial content

    1. Companion Port

    +

    Revision History
    Revision 0.113 January 2012
    Initial content

    1. Companion Port

    Many Altus Metrum products come with an eight pin Micro MaTch connector, called the Companion Port. This is often used to program devices using a programming cable. However, it can also @@ -12,20 +12,20 @@ (hence the name).

    The Companion Port provides two different functions: -

    • +

      • Power. Both battery-level and 3.3V regulated power are available. Note that the amount of regulated power is not huge; TeleMetrum contains a 150mA regulator and uses, at peak, about 120mA or so. For applications needing more than a few dozen mA, placing a separate regulator on them and using the battery for power is probably a good idea. -

      • +

      • SPI. The flight computer operates as a SPI master, using a protocol defined in this document. Companion boards provide a matching SPI slave implementation which supplies telemetry information for the radio downlink during flight -

      -

    2. Companion SPI Protocol

    +

    +

    2. Companion SPI Protocol

    The flight computer implements a SPI master communications channel over the companion port, and uses this to get information about a connected companion board and then to get @@ -42,11 +42,11 @@

    Because of the limits of the AVR processors used in the first two companion boards, the SPI data rate is set to 187.5kbaud. -

    3. SPI Message Formats

    +

    3. SPI Message Formats

    This section first defines the command message format sent from the flight computer to the companion board, and then the various reply message formats for each type of command message. -

    3.1. Command Message

    Table 1. Companion Command Message

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    0uint8_tcommandCommand identifier
    1uint8_tflight_stateCurrent flight computer state
    2uint16_ttickFlight computer clock (100 ticks/second)
    4uint16_tserialFlight computer serial number
    6uint16_tflightFlight number
    8   

    Table 2. Companion Command Identifiers

    ValueNameDescription
    1SETUPSupply the flight computer with companion +

    3.1. Command Message

    Table 1. Companion Command Message

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    0uint8_tcommandCommand identifier
    1uint8_tflight_stateCurrent flight computer state
    2uint16_ttickFlight computer clock (100 ticks/second)
    4uint16_tserialFlight computer serial number
    6uint16_tflightFlight number
    8   

    Table 2. Companion Command Identifiers

    ValueNameDescription
    1SETUPSupply the flight computer with companion information
    2FETCHReturn telemetry information
    3NOTIFYTell companion board when flight state changes

    The flight computer will send a SETUP message shortly after @@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ use this to change data collection parameters, disabling data logging until the flight starts and terminating it when the flight ends. -

    3.2. SETUP reply message

    Table 3. SETUP reply contents

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    0uint16_tboard_idBoard identifier
    2uint16_tboard_id_inverse~board_id—used to tell if a board is present
    4uint8_tupdate_periodMinimum time (in 100Hz ticks) between FETCH commands
    5uint8_tchannelsNumber of data channels to retrieve in FETCH command
    6   

    +

    3.2. SETUP reply message

    Table 3. SETUP reply contents

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    0uint16_tboard_idBoard identifier
    2uint16_tboard_id_inverse~board_id—used to tell if a board is present
    4uint8_tupdate_periodMinimum time (in 100Hz ticks) between FETCH commands
    5uint8_tchannelsNumber of data channels to retrieve in FETCH command
    6   

    The SETUP reply contains enough information to uniquely identify the companion board to the end user as well as for the flight computer to know how many data values to expect in @@ -85,12 +85,12 @@ bit-wise inverse of board_id. Current companion boards use USB product ID as the board_id, but the flight computer does not interpret this data and so it can be any value. -

    3.3. FETCH reply message

    Table 4. FETCH reply contents

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    0uint16_tdata00th data item
    2uint16_tdata11st data item
    ...   

    +

    3.3. FETCH reply message

    Table 4. FETCH reply contents

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    0uint16_tdata00th data item
    2uint16_tdata11st data item
    ...   

    The FETCH reply contains arbitrary data to be reported over the flight computer telemetry link. The number of 16-bit data items must match the 'channels' value provided in the SETUP reply message. -

    4. History and Motivation

    +

    4. History and Motivation

    To allow cross-programming, the original TeleMetrum and TeleDongle designs needed to include some kind of connector. With that in place, adding the ability to connect diff --git a/AltOS/doc/companion.pdf b/AltOS/doc/companion.pdf index d10306b..a0e0f60 100644 Binary files a/AltOS/doc/companion.pdf and b/AltOS/doc/companion.pdf differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/configure-altimeter.png b/AltOS/doc/configure-altimeter.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..afb1932 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/configure-altimeter.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/configure-altosui.png b/AltOS/doc/configure-altosui.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..43fd400 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/configure-altosui.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/configure-groundstation.png b/AltOS/doc/configure-groundstation.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9f836e7 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/configure-groundstation.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/configure-pyro.png b/AltOS/doc/configure-pyro.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4f03c0a Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/configure-pyro.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/descent.png b/AltOS/doc/descent.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0c479e7 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/descent.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/device-selection.png b/AltOS/doc/device-selection.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ffd067d Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/device-selection.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/easymini-top.jpg b/AltOS/doc/easymini-top.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2b9e0a3 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/easymini-top.jpg differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/fire-igniter.png b/AltOS/doc/fire-igniter.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8580457 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/fire-igniter.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/graph-configure.png b/AltOS/doc/graph-configure.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b588833 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/graph-configure.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/graph-map.png b/AltOS/doc/graph-map.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fd0fb13 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/graph-map.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/graph-stats.png b/AltOS/doc/graph-stats.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6f5c979 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/graph-stats.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/graph.png b/AltOS/doc/graph.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c7c7b7d Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/graph.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/landed.png b/AltOS/doc/landed.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7b4f317 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/landed.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/launch-pad.png b/AltOS/doc/launch-pad.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a6f142d Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/launch-pad.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/load-maps.png b/AltOS/doc/load-maps.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dc7ea64 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/load-maps.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/micropeak.html b/AltOS/doc/micropeak.html index 8a0f85c..2f6afb7 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/micropeak.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/micropeak.html @@ -1,10 +1,10 @@ -MicroPeak Owner's Manual

    MicroPeak Owner's Manual

    A recording altimeter for hobby rocketry

    Keith Packard

    +MicroPeak Owner's Manual

    MicroPeak Owner's Manual

    A recording altimeter for hobby rocketry

    Keith Packard

    This document is released under the terms of the Creative Commons ShareAlike 3.0 license. -

    Revision History
    Revision 0.129 October 2012
    +

    Revision History
    Revision 0.129 October 2012
    Initial release with preliminary hardware.
    Revision 1.018 November 2012
    Updates for version 1.0 release. @@ -14,11 +14,9 @@ Add documentation for the MicroPeak USB adapter board. Note the switch to a Kalman filter for peak altitude determination. -

    Acknowledgements

    -

    +


    Acknowledgements

    Thanks to John Lyngdal for suggesting that we build something like this. -

    -

    +

    Have fun using these products, and we hope to meet all of you out on the rocket flight line somewhere.


    @@ -28,11 +26,10 @@ NAR Keith Packard, KD7SQG
    NAR #88757, TRA #12200
          

    -

    -

    Chapter 1. Quick Start Guide

    +

    Chapter 1. Quick Start Guide

    MicroPeak is designed to be easy to use. Requiring no external components, flying takes just a few steps -

    • +

      • Install the battery. Fit a CR1025 battery into the plastic carrier. The positive (+) terminal should be towards the more open side of the carrier. Slip the carrier into the battery @@ -58,17 +55,17 @@ NAR

      • Finish preparing the rocket for flight. After the previous flight data have been reported, MicroPeak waits for - 30 seconds before starting to check for launch. This gives + one minute before starting to check for launch. This gives you time to finish assembling the rocket. As those activities might cause pressure changes inside the airframe, MicroPeak might accidentally detect boost. If you need to do - anything to the airframe after the 30 second window passes, + anything to the airframe after the one minute window passes, make sure to be careful not to disturb the altimeter. The - LED will remain dark during the 30 second delay, but after + LED will remain dark during the one minute delay, but after that, it will start blinking once every 3 seconds.

      • - Fly the rocket. Once the rocket passes about 10m in height - (32 feet), the micro-controller will record the ground + Fly the rocket. Once the rocket passes about 30m in height + (100 feet), the micro-controller will record the ground pressure and track the pressure seen during the flight. In this mode, the LED flickers rapidly. When the rocket lands, and the pressure stabilizes, the micro-controller will record @@ -80,7 +77,7 @@ NAR Recover the data. Turn MicroPeak off and then back on. MicroPeak will blink out the maximum height for the last flight. Turn MicroPeak back off to conserve battery power. -

    Chapter 2. Handling Precautions

    +

    Chapter 2. Handling Precautions

    All Altus Metrum products are sophisticated electronic devices. When handled gently and properly installed in an air-frame, they will deliver impressive results. However, as with all electronic @@ -110,12 +107,12 @@ NAR As with all other rocketry electronics, Altus Metrum altimeters must be protected from exposure to corrosive motor exhaust and ejection charge gasses. -

    Chapter 3. The MicroPeak USB adapter

    MicroPeak stores barometric pressure information for the first 48 seconds of the flight in on-board non-volatile memory. The contents of this memory can be downloaded to a computer using the MicroPeak USB adapter. -

    1. Installing the MicroPeak software

    +

    1. Installing the MicroPeak software

    The MicroPeak application runs on Linux, Mac OS X and Windows. You can download the latest version from http://altusmetrum.org/AltOS. @@ -124,19 +121,24 @@ NAR be installed. A compatible version of this driver is included with the MicroPeak application, but you may want to download a newer version from http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm. -

    2. Downloading Micro Peak data

    • +

    2. Downloading Micro Peak data

    • Connect the MicroPeak USB adapter to a USB cable and plug it in to your computer.

    • Start the MicroPeak application, locate the File menu and select the Download entry.

    • - The MicroPeak USB adapter has a small phototransistor on the - end of the board furthest from the USB connector. Locate - this and place the LED on the MicroPeak right over - it. Turn on the MicroPeak board and adjust the position - until the blue LED on the MicroPeak USB adapter blinks in - time with the orange LED on the MicroPeak board. + The MicroPeak USB adapter has a small phototransistor on + the end of the board furthest from the USB + connector. Locate this and place the LED on the MicroPeak + directly in contact with it. The MicroPeak LED and the + MicroPeak USB adapter photo need to be touching—even a + millimeters of space between them will reduce the light + intensity from the LED enough that the phototransistor + will not sense it. Turn on the MicroPeak board and adjust + the position until the blue LED on the MicroPeak USB + adapter blinks in time with the orange LED on the + MicroPeak board.

    • After the maximum flight height is reported, MicroPeak will pause for a few seconds, blink the LED four times rapidly @@ -145,7 +147,7 @@ NAR it will present the data in a graph and offer to save the data to a file. If not, you can power cycle the MicroPeak board and try again. -

    3. Analyzing MicroPeak Data

    +

    3. Analyzing MicroPeak Data

    The MicroPeak application can present flight data in the form of a graph, a collection of computed statistics or in tabular form. @@ -188,11 +190,11 @@ NAR Data tab) to a file, change the application Preferences, Close the current window or close all windows and Exit the application. -

    4. Configuring the MicroPeak application

    +

    4. Configuring the MicroPeak application

    The MicroPeak application has a few user settings which are configured through the Preferences dialog, which can be accessed from the File menu. -

    • +

      • The Log Directory is where flight data will be saved to and loaded from by default. Of course, you can always navigate to other directories in the file chooser windows, @@ -222,7 +224,7 @@ NAR Note that MicroPeak shares a subset of the AltosUI preferences, so if you use both of these applications, change in one application will affect the other. -

    Chapter 4. Technical Information

    1. Barometric Sensor

    MicroPeak uses the Measurement Specialties MS5607 sensor. This has a range of 120kPa to 1kPa with an absolute accuracy of 150Pa and a resolution of 2.4Pa. @@ -236,7 +238,7 @@ NAR taken while the altimeter is at rest. Flight pressure is computed from a Kalman filter designed to smooth out any minor noise in the sensor values. -

    2. Micro-controller

    +

    2. Micro-controller

    MicroPeak uses an Atmel ATtiny85 micro-controller. This tiny CPU contains 8kB of flash for the application, 512B of RAM for temporary data storage and 512B of EEPROM for non-volatile @@ -247,8 +249,8 @@ NAR this mode, the chip consumes only .1μA of power. MicroPeak uses this mode once the flight has ended to preserve battery power. -

    3. Lithium Battery

    - The CR1025 battery used by MicroPeak holes 30mAh of power, +

    3. Lithium Battery

    + The CR1025 battery used by MicroPeak holds 30mAh of power, which is sufficient to run for over 40 hours. Because MicroPeak powers down on landing, run time includes only time sitting on the launch pad or during flight. @@ -264,7 +266,7 @@ NAR battery with MicroPeak. If so, many stores carry CR1025 batteries as they are commonly used in small electronic devices such as flash lights. -

    4. Atmospheric Model

    +

    4. Atmospheric Model

    MicroPeak contains a fixed atmospheric model which is used to convert barometric pressure into altitude. The model was converted into a 469-element piece wise linear approximation @@ -280,7 +282,7 @@ NAR altitude is subtracted from the computed apogee altitude, so the resulting height is more accurate than either the ground or apogee altitudes. -

    5. Mechanical Considerations

    +

    5. Mechanical Considerations

    MicroPeak is designed to be rugged enough for typical rocketry applications. It contains two moving parts, the battery holder and the power switch, which were selected for their @@ -296,7 +298,7 @@ NAR any direction. Because it is a sliding switch, orienting the switch perpendicular to the direction of rocket travel will serve to further protect the switch from launch forces. -

    6. On-board data storage

    +

    6. On-board data storage

    The ATtiny85 has 512 bytes of non-volatile storage, separate from the code storage memory. The MicroPeak firmware uses this to store information about the last completed @@ -309,7 +311,7 @@ NAR at regular intervals during the flight. This information can be extracted from MicroPeak through any AVR programming tool. -

    Table 4.1. MicroPeak EEPROM Data Storage

    AddressSize (bytes)Description
    0x0004Average ground pressure (Pa)
    0x0044Minimum flight pressure (Pa)
    0x0082Number of in-flight samples
    0x00a … 0x1fe2Instantaneous flight pressure (Pa) low 16 bits

    +

    Table 4.1. MicroPeak EEPROM Data Storage

    AddressSize (bytes)Description
    0x0004Average ground pressure (Pa)
    0x0044Minimum flight pressure (Pa)
    0x0082Number of in-flight samples
    0x00a … 0x1fe2Instantaneous flight pressure (Pa) low 16 bits

    All EEPROM data are stored least-significant byte first. The instantaneous flight pressure data are stored without the upper 16 bits of data. The upper bits can be reconstructed @@ -329,7 +331,7 @@ NAR 25°C. So, you can count on the pressure data being accurate, but speed or acceleration data computed from this will be limited by the accuracy of this clock. -

    7. MicroPeak Programming Interface

    +

    7. MicroPeak Programming Interface

    MicroPeak exposes a standard 6-pin AVR programming interface, but not using the usual 2x3 array of pins on 0.1" centers. Instead, there is a single row of tiny 0.60mm × diff --git a/AltOS/doc/micropeak.pdf b/AltOS/doc/micropeak.pdf index 3dd1476..5379725 100644 Binary files a/AltOS/doc/micropeak.pdf and b/AltOS/doc/micropeak.pdf differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.7.1.html b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.7.1.html index 7012755..7a1f22b 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.7.1.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.7.1.html @@ -1,36 +1,36 @@ -


    +


    Version 0.7.1 is the first release containing our new cross-platform Java-based user interface. AltosUI can: -

    • +

      • Receive and log telemetry from a connected TeleDongle device. All data received is saved to log files named with the current date and the connected rocket serial and flight numbers. There is no mode in which telemetry data will not be saved. -

      • +

      • Download logged data from TeleMetrum devices, either through a direct USB connection or over the air through a TeleDongle device. -

      • +

      • Configure a TeleMetrum device, setting the radio channel, callsign, apogee delay and main deploy height. This can be done through either a USB connection or over a radio link via a TeleDongle device. -

      • +

      • Replay a flight in real-time. This takes a saved telemetry log or eeprom download and replays it through the user interface so you can relive your favorite rocket flights. -

      • +

      • Reprogram Altus Metrum devices. Using an Altus Metrum device connected via USB, another Altus Metrum device can be reprogrammed using the supplied programming cable between the two devices. -

      • +

      • Export Flight data to a comma-separated-values file. This takes either telemetry or on-board flight data and generates data suitable for use in external applications. All data is exported using standard units so that no device-specific knowledge is needed to handle the data. -

      • +

      • Speak to you during the flight. Instead of spending the flight hunched over your laptop looking at the screen, enjoy the view while the computer tells you what’s going on up there. During @@ -39,4 +39,4 @@ Version 0.7.1 is the first release containing our new cross-platform Java-based range information to try and help you find your rocket in the air. Once on the ground, the direction and distance are reported. -

    +

    diff --git a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.8.html b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.8.html index ee4943d..8ace7a9 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.8.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.8.html @@ -1,23 +1,23 @@ -

    +


    Version 0.8 offers a major upgrade in the AltosUI interface. Significant new features include: -

    • +

      • Post-flight graphing tool. This lets you explore the behaviour of your rocket after flight with a scroll-able and zoom-able chart showing the altitude, speed and acceleration of the airframe along with events recorded by the flight computer. You can export graphs to PNG files, or print them directly. -

      • +

      • Real-time moving map which overlays the in-progress flight on satellite imagery fetched from Google Maps. This lets you see in pictures where your rocket has landed, allowing you to plan recovery activities more accurately. -

      • +

      • Wireless recovery system testing. Prep your rocket for flight and test fire the deployment charges to make sure things work as expected. All without threading wires through holes in your airframe. -

      • +

      • Optimized flight status displays. Each flight state now has it's own custom 'tab' in the flight monitoring window so you can focus on the most important details. Pre-flight, the system @@ -26,16 +26,16 @@ they're all green and your rocket is ready for flight. There are also tabs for ascent, descent and landing along with the original tabular view of the data. -

      • +

      • Monitor multiple flights simultaneously. If you have more than one TeleDongle, you can monitor a flight with each one on the same computer. -

      • +

      • Automatic flight monitoring at startup. Plug TeleDongle into the machine before starting AltosUI and it will automatically connect to it and prepare to monitor a flight. -

      • +

      • Exports Google Earth flight tracks. Using the Keyhole Markup Language (.kml) file format, this provides a 3D view of your rocket flight through the Google Earth program. -

    +

    diff --git a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.9.2.html b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.9.2.html index c4bf75b..9e16524 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.9.2.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.9.2.html @@ -1,9 +1,9 @@ -

    +


    Version 0.9.2 is an AltosUI bug-fix release, with no firmware changes. -

    • +

      • Fix plotting problems due to missing file in the Mac OS install image. -

      • +

      • Always read whole eeprom blocks, mark empty records invalid, display parsing errors to user. -

      • +

      • Add software version to Configure AltosUI dialog -

    +

    diff --git a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.9.html b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.9.html index bd17cf4..f5ed9a7 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.9.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-0.9.html @@ -1,20 +1,20 @@ -

    +


    Version 0.9 adds a few new firmware features and accompanying AltosUI changes, along with new hardware support. -

    • +

      • Support for TeleMetrum v1.1 hardware. Sources for the flash memory part used in v1.0 dried up, so v1.1 uses a different part which required a new driver and support for explicit flight log erasing. -

      • +

      • Multiple flight log support. This stores more than one flight log in the on-board flash memory. It also requires the user to explicitly erase flights so that you won't lose flight logs just because you fly the same board twice in one day. -

      • +

      • Telemetry support for devices with serial number >= 256. Previous versions used a telemetry packet format that provided only 8 bits for the device serial number. This change requires that both ends of the telemetry link be running the 0.9 firmware or they will not communicate. -

    +

    diff --git a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.0.1.html b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.0.1.html index 361ad04..a58fed6 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.0.1.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.0.1.html @@ -1,27 +1,27 @@ -

    +


    Version 1.0.1 is a major release, adding support for the TeleMini device and lots of new AltosUI features

    AltOS Firmware Changes -

    • +

      • Add TeleMini v1.0 support. Firmware images for TeleMini are included in AltOS releases. -

      • +

      • Change telemetry to be encoded in multiple 32-byte packets. This enables support for TeleMini and other devices without requiring further updates to the TeleDongle firmware. -

      • +

      • Support operation of TeleMetrum with the antenna pointing aft. Previous firmware versions required the antenna to be pointing upwards, now there is a configuration option allowing the antenna to point aft, to aid installation in some airframes. -

      • +

      • Ability to disable telemetry. For airframes where an antenna just isn't possible, or where radio transmissions might cause trouble with other electronics, there's a configuration option to disable all telemetry. Note that the board will still enable the radio link in idle mode. -

      • +

      • Arbitrary frequency selection. The radios in Altus Metrum devices can be programmed to a wide range of frequencies, so instead of limiting devices to 10 pre-selected 'channels', the @@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ 70cm band. Note that the RF matching circuit on the boards is tuned for around 435MHz, so frequencies far from that may reduce the available range. -

      • +

      • Kalman-filter based flight-tracking. The model based sensor fusion approach of a Kalman filter means that AltOS now computes apogee much more accurately than before, generally @@ -37,31 +37,31 @@ allows the baro-only TeleMini device to correctly identify Mach transitions, avoiding the error-prone selection of a Mach delay. -

      +

    AltosUI Changes -

    • +

      • Wait for altimeter when using packet mode. Instead of quicly timing out when trying to initialize a packet mode configuration connection, AltosUI now waits indefinitely for the remote device to appear, providing a cancel button should the user get bored. This is necessary as the TeleMini can only be placed in "Idle" mode if AltosUI is polling it. -

      • +

      • Add main/apogee voltage graphs to the data plot. This provides a visual indication if the igniters fail before being fired. -

      • +

      • Scan for altimeter devices by watching the defined telemetry frequencies. This avoids the problem of remembering what frequency a device was configured to use, which is especially important with TeleMini which does not include a USB connection. -

      • +

      • Monitor altimeter state in "Idle" mode. This provides much of the information presented in the "Pad" dialog from the Monitor Flight command, monitoring the igniters, battery and GPS status withing requiring the flight computer to be armed and ready for flight. -

      • +

      • Pre-load map images from home. For those launch sites which don't provide free Wi-Fi, this allows you to download the necessary satellite images given the location of the launch @@ -70,12 +70,12 @@ you've got a launch site not on that list, please send the name of it, latitude and longitude along with a link to the web site of the controlling club to the altusmetrum mailing list. -

      • +

      • Flight statistics are now displayed in the Graph data window. These include max height/speed/accel, average descent rates and a few other bits of information. The Graph Data window can now be reached from the 'Landed' tab in the Monitor Flight window so you can immediately see the results of a flight. -

      +

    diff --git a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.1.1.html b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.1.1.html index 4e33c11..2281d94 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.1.1.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.1.1.html @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -

    +


    Version 1.1.1 is a bug-fix release. It fixes a couple of bugs in AltosUI and one firmware bug that affects TeleMetrum version 1.0 boards. Thanks to Bob Brown for help diagnosing the Google Earth @@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ Distance value in the Descent tab.

    AltOS Firmware Changes -

    • +

      • TeleMetrum v1.0 boards use the AT45DB081D flash memory part to store flight data, which is different from later TeleMetrum boards. The AltOS v1.1 driver for this chip couldn't erase @@ -14,20 +14,20 @@ configuration values. This bug doesn't affect newer TeleMetrum boards, and it doesn't affect the safety of rockets flying version 1.1 firmware. -

      +

    AltosUI Changes -

    • +

      • Creating a Google Earth file (KML) from on-board flight data (EEPROM) would generate an empty file. The code responsible for reading the EEPROM file wasn't ever setting the GPS valid bits, and so the KML export code thought there was no GPS data in the file. -

      • +

      • The “Landed” tab was displaying all values in metric units, even when AltosUI was configured to display imperial units. Somehow I just missed this tab when doing the units stuff. -

      • +

      • The “Descent” tab displays the range to the rocket, which is a combination of the over-the-ground distance to the rockets current latitude/longitude and the height of the rocket. As @@ -36,11 +36,11 @@ eventually land. A new “Ground Distance” field has been added which displays the distance to a spot right underneath the rocket. -

      • +

      • Sensor data wasn't being displayed for TeleMini flight computers in Monitor Idle mode, including things like battery voltage. The code that picked which kinds of data to fetch from the flight computer was missing a check for TeleMini when deciding whether to fetch the analog sensor data. -

      +

    diff --git a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.1.html b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.1.html index a86a5ae..c1be788 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.1.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.1.html @@ -1,73 +1,73 @@ -

    +


    Version 1.1 is a minor release. It provides a few new features in AltosUI and the AltOS firmware and fixes bugs.

    AltOS Firmware Changes -

    • +

      • Add apogee-lockout value. Overrides the apogee detection logic to prevent incorrect apogee charge firing. -

      • +

      • Fix a bug where the data reported in telemetry packets was from 320ms ago. -

      • +

      • Force the radio frequency to 434.550MHz when the debug clock pin is connected to ground at boot time. This provides a way to talk to a TeleMini which is configured to some unknown frequency. -

      • +

      • Provide RSSI values for Monitor Idle mode. This makes it easy to check radio range without needing to go to flight mode. -

      • +

      • Fix a bug which caused the old received telemetry packets to be retransmitted over the USB link when the radio was turned off and back on. -

      +

    AltosUI Changes -

    • +

      • Fix a bug that caused GPS ready to happen too quickly. The software was using every telemetry packet to signal new GPS data, which caused GPS ready to be signalled after 10 packets instead of 10 GPS updates. -

      • +

      • Fix Google Earth data export to work with recent versions. The google earth file loading code got a lot pickier, requiring some minor white space changes in the export code. -

      • +

      • Make the look-n-feel configurable, providing a choice from the available options. -

      • +

      • Add an 'Age' element to mark how long since a telemetry packet has been received. Useful to quickly gauge whether communications with the rocket are still active. -

      • +

      • Add 'Configure Ground Station' dialog to set the radio frequency used by a particular TeleDongle without having to go through the flight monitor UI. -

      • +

      • Add configuration for the new apogee-lockout value. A menu provides a list of reasonable values, or the value can be set by hand. -

      • +

      • Changed how flight data are downloaded. Now there's an initial dialog asking which flights to download, and after that finishes, a second dialog comes up asking which flights to delete. -

      • +

      • Re-compute time spent in each state for the flight graph; this figures out the actual boost and landing times instead of using the conservative values provide by the flight electronics. This improves the accuracy of the boost acceleration and main descent rate computations. -

      • +

      • Make AltosUI run on Mac OS Lion. The default Java heap space was dramatically reduced for this release causing much of the UI to fail randomly. This most often affected the satellite mapping download and displays. -

      • +

      • Change how data are displayed in the 'table' tab of the flight monitoring window. This eliminates entries duplicated from the header and adds both current altitude and pad altitude, which are useful in 'Monitor Idle' mode. -

      • +

      • Add Imperial units mode to present data in feet instead of meters. -

      +

    diff --git a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.2.1.html b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.2.1.html index 7b869ce..b2943dc 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.2.1.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.2.1.html @@ -4,58 +4,58 @@ AltosUI and fixes some bugs in the AltOS firmware.

    AltOS Firmware Changes -

    • +

      • Add support for TeleBT -

      • +

      • In TeleMini recovery mode (when booted with the outer two debug pins connected together), the radio parameters are also set back to defaults (434.550MHz, N0CALL, factory radio cal). -

      • +

      • Add support for reflashing the SkyTraq GPS chips. This requires special host-side code which currently only exists for Linux. -

      • +

      • Correct Kalman filter model error covariance matrix. The values used previously assumed continuous measurements instead of discrete measurements. -

      • +

      • Fix some bugs in the USB driver for TeleMetrum and TeleDongle that affected Windows users. -

      • +

      • Adjusted the automatic gain control parameters that affect receive performance for TeleDongle. Field tests indicate that this may improve receive performance somewhat. -

      +

    AltosUI Changes -

    • +

      • Handle missing GPS lock in 'Descent' tab. Previously, if the GPS position of the pad was unknown, an exception would be raised, breaking the Descent tab contents. -

      • +

      • Improve the graph, adding tool-tips to show values near the cursor and making the displayed set of values configurable, adding all of the flight data as options while leaving the default settings alone so that the graph starts by showing height, speed and acceleration. -

      • +

      • Make the initial position of the AltosUI top level window configurable. Along with this change, the other windows will pop up at 'sensible' places now, instead of on top of one another. -

      • +

      • Add callsign to Monitor idle window and connecting dialogs. This makes it clear which callsign is being used so that the operator will be aware that it must match the flight computer value or no communication will work. -

      • +

      • When downloading flight data, display the block number so that the user has some sense of progress. Unfortunately, we don't know how many blocks will need to be downloaded, but at least it isn't just sitting there doing nothing for a long time. -

      • +

      • Add GPS data and a map to the graph window. This lets you see a complete summary of the flight without needing to 'replay' the whole thing. -

      +

    diff --git a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.2.html b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.2.html index 3f7453e..e9a4eb7 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.2.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.2.html @@ -3,25 +3,25 @@ the MicroPeak USB adapter.

    AltOS Firmware Changes -

    • +

      • Add MicroPeak support. This includes support for the ATtiny85 processor and adaptations to the core code to allow for devices too small to run the multi-tasking scheduler. -

      +

    MicroPeak UI changes -

    • +

      • Added this new application -

      +

    Distribution Changes -

    • +

      • Distribute Mac OS X packages in disk image ('.dmg') format to greatly simplify installation. -

      • +

      • Provide version numbers for the shared Java libraries to ensure that upgrades work properly, and to allow for multiple Altus Metrum software packages to be installed in the same directory at the same time. -

      +

    diff --git a/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.3.html b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.3.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7000d2b --- /dev/null +++ b/AltOS/doc/release-notes-1.3.html @@ -0,0 +1,42 @@ +

    + Version 1.3 is a major release. It adds support for TeleMega, + TeleMetrum v2.0, TeleMini v2.0 and EasyMini. +

    + AltOS Firmware Changes +

    • + Add STM32L processor support. This includes enhancements to + the scheduler to support products with many threads. +

    • + Add NXP LPC11U14 processor support. +

    • + Support additional pyro channels. These are configurable + through the UI to handle air starts, staging, additional + recovery events and external devices such as cameras. +

    • + Add 3-axis gyro support for orientation tracking. This + integrates the gyros to compute the angle from vertical during + flight, allowing the additional pyro events to be controlled + by this value. +

    • + Many more device drivers, including u-Blox Max 7Q GPS, + Freescale MMA6555 digital single-axis accelerometer, + Invensense MPU6000 3-axis accelerometer + 3 axis gyro, + Honeywell HMC5883 3-axis magnetic sensor and the TI CC1120 and + CC115L digital FM transceivers +

    +

    + AltosUI changes +

    • + Support TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2.0, TeleMini v2.0 and EasyMini telemetry and log formats. +

    • + Use preferred units for main deployment height configuration, + instead of always doing configuration in meters. +

    +

    + MicroPeak UI changes +

    • + Add 'Download' button to menu bar. +

    • + Save the last log directory and offer that as the default for new downloads +

    +

    diff --git a/AltOS/doc/scan-channels.png b/AltOS/doc/scan-channels.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bf6b6e5 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/scan-channels.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/site-map.png b/AltOS/doc/site-map.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a6d3f78 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/site-map.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/table.png b/AltOS/doc/table.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..86cb988 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/table.png differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/telemega-v1.0-top.jpg b/AltOS/doc/telemega-v1.0-top.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..709d59f Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/telemega-v1.0-top.jpg differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/telemetrum-v1.1-thside.jpg b/AltOS/doc/telemetrum-v1.1-thside.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2ffbdbd Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/telemetrum-v1.1-thside.jpg differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/telemetry.html b/AltOS/doc/telemetry.html index dc7c606..db76d5d 100644 --- a/AltOS/doc/telemetry.html +++ b/AltOS/doc/telemetry.html @@ -1,10 +1,10 @@ -AltOS Telemetry

    AltOS Telemetry

    Packet Definitions

    Keith Packard

    +AltOS Telemetry

    AltOS Telemetry

    Packet Definitions

    Keith Packard

    This document is released under the terms of the Creative Commons ShareAlike 3.0 license. -

    Revision History
    Revision 0.101 July 2011
    Initial content

    1. Packet Format Design

    +

    Revision History
    Revision 0.101 July 2011
    Initial content

    1. Packet Format Design

    AltOS telemetry data is split into multiple different packets, all the same size, but each includs an identifier so that the ground station can distinguish among different types. A single @@ -22,14 +22,14 @@ All packet types start with a five byte header which encodes the device serial number, device clock value and the packet type. The remaining 27 bytes encode type-specific data. -

    2. Packet Formats

    - This section first defines the packet header common to all packets - and then the per-packet data layout. -

    2.1. Packet Header

    Table 1. Telemetry Packet Header

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    0uint16_tserialDevice serial Number
    2uint16_ttickDevice time in 100ths of a second
    4uint8_ttypePacket type
    5   

    +

    2. Packet Formats

    + This section first defines the packet header common to all packets + and then the per-packet data layout. +

    2.1. Packet Header

    Table 1. Telemetry Packet Header

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    0uint16_tserialDevice serial Number
    2uint16_ttickDevice time in 100ths of a second
    4uint8_ttypePacket type
    5   

    Each packet starts with these five bytes which serve to identify which device has transmitted the packet, when it was transmitted and what the rest of the packet contains. -

    2.2. Sensor Data

    TypeDescription
    0x01TeleMetrum Sensor Data
    0x02TeleMini Sensor Data
    0x03TeleNano Sensor Data

    +

    2.2. Sensor Data

    TypeDescription
    0x01TeleMetrum Sensor Data
    0x02TeleMini Sensor Data
    0x03TeleNano Sensor Data

    TeleMetrum, TeleMini and TeleNano share this same packet format for sensor data. Each uses a distinct packet type so that the receiver knows which data values are valid and which @@ -38,63 +38,63 @@ Sensor Data packets are transmitted once per second on the ground, 10 times per second during ascent and once per second during descent and landing -

    Table 2. Sensor Packet Contents

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    5uint8_tstateFlight state
    6int16_taccelaccelerometer (TM only)
    8int16_tprespressure sensor
    10int16_ttemptemperature sensor
    12int16_tv_battbattery voltage
    14int16_tsense_ddrogue continuity sense (TM/Tm)
    16int16_tsense_mmain continuity sense (TM/Tm)
    18int16_taccelerationm/s² * 16
    20int16_tspeedm/s * 16
    22int16_theightm
    24int16_tground_presAverage barometer reading on ground
    26int16_tground_accelTM
    28int16_taccel_plus_gTM
    30int16_taccel_minus_gTM
    32   

    2.3. Configuration Data

    TypeDescription
    0x04Configuration Data

    +

    Table 2. Sensor Packet Contents

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    5uint8_tstateFlight state
    6int16_taccelaccelerometer (TM only)
    8int16_tprespressure sensor
    10int16_ttemptemperature sensor
    12int16_tv_battbattery voltage
    14int16_tsense_ddrogue continuity sense (TM/Tm)
    16int16_tsense_mmain continuity sense (TM/Tm)
    18int16_taccelerationm/s² * 16
    20int16_tspeedm/s * 16
    22int16_theightm
    24int16_tground_presAverage barometer reading on ground
    26int16_tground_accelTM
    28int16_taccel_plus_gTM
    30int16_taccel_minus_gTM
    32   

    2.3. Configuration Data

    TypeDescription
    0x04Configuration Data

    This provides a description of the software installed on the flight computer as well as any user-specified configuration data.

    Configuration data packets are transmitted once per second during all phases of the flight -

    Table 3. Sensor Packet Contents

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    5uint8_ttypeDevice type
    6uint16_tflightFlight number
    8uint8_tconfig_majorConfig major version
    9uint8_tconfig_minorConfig minor version
    10uint16_tapogee_delayApogee deploy delay in seconds
    12uint16_tmain_deployMain deploy alt in meters
    14uint16_tflight_log_maxMaximum flight log size (kB)
    16charcallsign[8]Radio operator identifier
    24charversion[8]Software version identifier
    32   

    2.4. GPS Location

    TypeDescription
    0x05GPS Location

    +

    Table 3. Sensor Packet Contents

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    5uint8_ttypeDevice type
    6uint16_tflightFlight number
    8uint8_tconfig_majorConfig major version
    9uint8_tconfig_minorConfig minor version
    10uint16_tapogee_delayApogee deploy delay in seconds
    12uint16_tmain_deployMain deploy alt in meters
    14uint16_tflight_log_maxMaximum flight log size (kB)
    16charcallsign[8]Radio operator identifier
    24charversion[8]Software version identifier
    32   

    2.4. GPS Location

    TypeDescription
    0x05GPS Location

    This packet provides all of the information available from the Venus SkyTraq GPS receiver—position, time, speed and precision estimates.

    GPS Location packets are transmitted once per second during all phases of the flight -

    Table 4. GPS Location Packet Contents

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    5uint8_tflagsSee GPS Flags table below
    6int16_taltitudem
    8int32_tlatitudedegrees * 107
    12int32_tlongitudedegrees * 107
    16uint8_tyear 
    17uint8_tmonth 
    18uint8_tday 
    19uint8_thour 
    20uint8_tminute 
    21uint8_tsecond 
    22uint8_tpdop* 5
    23uint8_thdop* 5
    24uint8_tvdop* 5
    25uint8_tmodeSee GPS Mode table below
    26uint16_tground_speedcm/s
    28int16_tclimb_ratecm/s
    30uint8_tcourse/ 2
    31uint8_tunused[1] 
    32   

    +

    Table 4. GPS Location Packet Contents

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    5uint8_tflagsSee GPS Flags table below
    6int16_taltitudem
    8int32_tlatitudedegrees * 107
    12int32_tlongitudedegrees * 107
    16uint8_tyear 
    17uint8_tmonth 
    18uint8_tday 
    19uint8_thour 
    20uint8_tminute 
    21uint8_tsecond 
    22uint8_tpdop* 5
    23uint8_thdop* 5
    24uint8_tvdop* 5
    25uint8_tmodeSee GPS Mode table below
    26uint16_tground_speedcm/s
    28int16_tclimb_ratecm/s
    30uint8_tcourse/ 2
    31uint8_tunused[1] 
    32   

    Packed into a one byte field are status flags and the count of satellites used to compute the position fix. Note that this number may be lower than the number of satellites being tracked; the receiver will not use information from satellites with weak signals or which are close enough to the horizon to have significantly degraded position accuracy. -

    Table 5. GPS Flags

    BitsNameDescription
    0-3nsatsNumber of satellites in solution
    4validGPS solution is valid
    5runningGPS receiver is operational
    6date_validReported date is valid
    7course_validground speed, course and climb rates are valid

    +

    Table 5. GPS Flags

    BitsNameDescription
    0-3nsatsNumber of satellites in solution
    4validGPS solution is valid
    5runningGPS receiver is operational
    6date_validReported date is valid
    7course_validground speed, course and climb rates are valid

    Here are all of the valid GPS operational modes. Altus Metrum products will only ever report 'N' (not valid), 'A' (Autonomous) modes or 'E' (Estimated). The remaining modes are either testing modes or require additional data. -

    Table 6. GPS Mode

    ModeNameDecsription
    NNot ValidAll data are invalid
    AAutonomous modeData are derived from satellite data
    DDifferential Mode +

    Table 6. GPS Mode

    ModeNameDecsription
    NNot ValidAll data are invalid
    AAutonomous modeData are derived from satellite data
    DDifferential Mode Data are augmented with differential data from a known ground station. The SkyTraq unit in TeleMetrum does not support this mode
    EEstimated Data are estimated using dead reckoning from the last known data -
    MManualData were entered manually
    SSimulatedGPS receiver testing mode

    2.5. GPS Satellite Data

    TypeDescription
    0x06GPS Satellite Data

    +

    MManualData were entered manually
    SSimulatedGPS receiver testing mode

    2.5. GPS Satellite Data

    TypeDescription
    0x06GPS Satellite Data

    This packet provides space vehicle identifiers and signal quality information in the form of a C/N1 number for up to 12 satellites. The order of the svids is not specified.

    GPS Satellite data are transmitted once per second during all phases of the flight. -

    Table 7. GPS Satellite Data Contents

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    5uint8_tchannelsNumber of reported satellite information
    6sat_info_tsats[12]See Per-Satellite data table below
    30uint8_tunused[2] 
    32   

    Table 8. GPS Per-Satellite data (sat_info_t)

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    0uint8_tsvidSpace Vehicle Identifier
    1uint8_tc_n_1C/N1 signal quality indicator
    2   

    3. Data Transmission

    +

    Table 7. GPS Satellite Data Contents

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    5uint8_tchannelsNumber of reported satellite information
    6sat_info_tsats[12]See Per-Satellite data table below
    30uint8_tunused[2] 
    32   

    Table 8. GPS Per-Satellite data (sat_info_t)

    OffsetData TypeNameDescription
    0uint8_tsvidSpace Vehicle Identifier
    1uint8_tc_n_1C/N1 signal quality indicator
    2   

    3. Data Transmission

    Altus Metrum devices use the Texas Instruments CC1111 microcontroller which includes an integrated sub-GHz digital transceiver. This transceiver is used to both transmit and receive the telemetry packets. This section discusses what modulation scheme is used and how this device is configured. -

    3.1. Modulation Scheme

    +

    3.1. Modulation Scheme

    Texas Instruments provides a tool for computing modulation parameters given a desired modulation format and basic bit rate. For AltOS, the basic bit rate was specified as 38 kBaud, resulting in the following signal parmeters: -

    Table 9. 

    ParameterValueDescription
    ModulationGFSKGaussian Frequency Shift Keying
    Deviation20.507812 kHzFrequency modulation
    Data rate38.360596 kBaudRaw bit rate
    RX Filter Bandwidth93.75 kHzReceiver Band pass filter bandwidth
    IF Frequency140.62 kHzReceiver intermediate frequency

    3.2. Error Correction

    +

    Table 9. Modulation Scheme

    ParameterValueDescription
    ModulationGFSKGaussian Frequency Shift Keying
    Deviation20.507812 kHzFrequency modulation
    Data rate38.360596 kBaudRaw bit rate
    RX Filter Bandwidth93.75 kHzReceiver Band pass filter bandwidth
    IF Frequency140.62 kHzReceiver intermediate frequency

    3.2. Error Correction

    The cc1111 provides forward error correction in hardware, which AltOS uses to improve reception of weak signals. The overall effect of this is to halve the available bandwidth for data from 38 kBaud to 19 kBaud. -

    Table 10. 

    ParameterValueDescription
    Error CorrectionConvolutional coding FEC1/2 code, constraint length m=4
    Interleaving4 x 4Reduce effect of noise burst
    Data WhiteningXOR with 9-bit PNRRotate right with bit 8 = bit 0 xor bit 5, initial - value 111111111

    4. TeleDongle packet format

    +

    Table 10. Error Correction

    ParameterValueDescription
    Error CorrectionConvolutional coding1/2 rate, constraint length m=4
    Interleaving4 x 4Reduce effect of noise burst
    Data WhiteningXOR with 9-bit PNRRotate right with bit 8 = bit 0 xor bit 5, initial + value 111111111

    4. TeleDongle packet format

    TeleDongle does not do any interpretation of the packet data, instead it is configured to receive packets of a specified length (32 bytes in this case). For each received packet, @@ -106,9 +106,9 @@ the packet data, two bytes added by the cc1111 radio receiver hardware and finally a checksum so that the host software can validate that the line was transmitted without any errors. -

    Table 11. 

    OffsetNameExampleDescription
    0length22Total length of data bytes in the line. Note that +

    Table 11. Packet Format

    OffsetNameExampleDescription
    0length22Total length of data bytes in the line. Note that this includes the added RSSI and status bytes
    1 ·· length-3packet4f ·· 00Bytes of actual packet data
    length-2rssi3fReceived signal strength. dBm = rssi / 2 - 74
    length-1lqia9Link Quality Indicator and CRC status. Bit 7 - is set when the CRC is correct
    lengthchecksum88(0x5a + sum(bytes 1 ·· length-1)) % 256

    5. History and Motivation

    + is set when the CRC is correct

    lengthchecksum88(0x5a + sum(bytes 1 ·· length-1)) % 256

    5. History and Motivation

    The original AltoOS telemetry mechanism encoded everything available piece of information on the TeleMetrum hardware into a single unified packet. Initially, the packets contained very diff --git a/AltOS/doc/telemetry.pdf b/AltOS/doc/telemetry.pdf index 987f01d..8cfee40 100644 Binary files a/AltOS/doc/telemetry.pdf and b/AltOS/doc/telemetry.pdf differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/telemini-v1-top.jpg b/AltOS/doc/telemini-v1-top.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f79714c Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/telemini-v1-top.jpg differ diff --git a/AltOS/doc/telemini-v2-top.jpg b/AltOS/doc/telemini-v2-top.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bc8ae45 Binary files /dev/null and b/AltOS/doc/telemini-v2-top.jpg differ