[[!meta title="TeleLaunch"]] # TeleLaunch — Multi-channel Wireless Launch Controller System # TeleLaunch is secure radio-controlled rocket launch system capable of operating up to 792 pads from a single controler. A typical TeleLaunch system consists of one LCO board and one or more pyro boards. TeleLaunch uses a two-way digital radio communications system for positive indication of all operations. The communications link is secured with AES CBC-MAC to prevent accidental or intentional operation from unauthorized transmitters. TeleLaunch operates in the 70cm amateur band at low power using Altus Metrum's proven modulation and coding schem to avoid interference with any rocketry electronics or other communication devices. All boards in the TeleLaunch system are easily configured using USB for parameters like operating frequency, callsign, cryptographic key, and in the case of pyro boards the designated bank number. ## Launch Control Boards ## All launch control boards in the TeleLaunch system are designed to use a lithium polymer battery that can be recharged over USB. They support distinct arm and fire switches, continuous indication of igniter continuity, and have super-bright LED indicators for remote arming, continuity, and RF link quality plus an audible indication of arming. ### TeleLCO ### TeleLCO controls up to 100 TeleFire banks, comes packaged in a rugged case, and is typically placed on a table for use by the designated LCO. * Large 1.36 inch LCD display for selected bank and pad * Rotary knob for pad selection The TeleLCO hardware design is available from [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project [hw/telelco](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telelco;a=summary). ### TeleLCOTwo ### A small LCO board capable of handling up to two TeleFireOne pyro boards, or one channel each on TeleFireEight boards. TeleLCOTwo is ideal for individuals or clubs that have an existing launch control system but want to use TeleLaunch for an "away" launch cell. TeleLCOTwo is configured in advance by USB to know which two pyro channels it should interact with, and then a simple rocker switch selects between the two during use. TeleLCOTwo comes packaged in a weather-sealed polycarbonate box with switches on one face, and BNC antenna connector and USB connectors through the box walls. It can be placed on a table, but is typically hand-held during operation. The TeleLCOTwo hardware design is available from [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project [hw/telelcotwo](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telelcotwo;a=summary). ## Pyro Boards ## Each pyro board in the TeleLaunch system uses FET technology for lowest possible resistance paths, allowing maximum current to be reliably delivered from the power source to the igniter leads. TeleFire boards can be powered by any 10-15V supply. This would typically be a 12V lead acid battery, but 3-cell lithium polymer packs used in RC aircraft are also suitable. Each board features: * Continuity Detection. Igniter continuity uses a low-current sensing system which sends only 100µA through the igniter to prevent false ignition. * Super-bright LEDs for continuity, arming and RF quality indicators. * Strobe and Siren. TeleFireFour has two 12V medium current (5A) outputs to drive a siren and strobe light when the launch system is armed and ready to fire. * Local arming switch. When in the safe position, power is completely disconnected from the igniter circuits to prevent any possibility of the LCO accidentally engaging firing circuits during rocket preparations at the pad. * Each board is designed to fit in a standard Hammond weather-sealed polycarbonate enclosure with weather-sealed rocker switches for power and arming plus cable glands for DC input cable and igniter output cables. Alternatively, boards can be configured to mount in the user's choice of enclosure, such as a metal ammo box or larger NEMA enclosure with space for the user's choice of external connectors. ### TeleFireOne ### TeleFireOne is a pyro board supporting a single igniter circuit. This makes TeleFireOne ideal for individuals, launch trailers, or for "away cells" at larger club launches. All high-current connections are made on the board using standard 1/4-inch spade lugs, with screw terminals for the siren and strobe. This allows for easy packaging and quick board swaps. The TeleFireOne hardware design is available from [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project [hw/telefireone](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telefireone;a=summary). ### TeleFireEight ### TeleFireEight has eight igniter circuits, making it ideal for use at club launches. Larger clubs or launch site setups can use multiple boards to organize the site into multiple banks with up to 8 rockets each. All connections are made on the board using 1/4-in spade lugs for eash packaging and quick board swaps. The TeleFireEight hardware design is available from [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project [hw/telefireeight](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telefireeight;a=summary). ## Documentation ## Not written yet. ## Software ## TeleLaunch firmware is part of the larger [AltOS](/AltOS) suite of software. ## Availability ## Several prototype systems have been built and successfully deployed. Lessons learned from use of those systems are currently being incorporated into new board revisions, and general availability of the system for sale is expected in the first half of 2018. ## Licenses ## TeleLaunch hardware is licensed under the [TAPR](http://www.tapr.org) [Open Hardware License](http://www.tapr.org/ohl.html) TeleLaunch software is licensed [GPL version 2](http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.html)