# TeleLaunch — Multi-channel Wireless Launch Controller System #
TeleLaunch is secure radio-controlled rocket launch system capable of
-operating up to 400 pads from a single controler. A typical TeleLaunch
-system consists of one LCO board and one or more pyro boards. The LCO
-boards available include the full-featured TeleLCO, and the much simpler
-TeleLCOTwo. Avaialbe pyro boards include TeleFireOne and TeleFireFour,
-which control one or four pads, respectively.
+operating up to 800 pads from a single controler. A typical TeleLaunch
+system consists of one LCO board and one or more pyro boards.
-## TeleLCO ##
+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.
-TeleLCO controls up to 100 TeleFire boxes and is powered by a
-rechargable lithium polymer
+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.
- * USB connection to charge battery.
+## Launch Control Boards ##
- * Large 1.36 inch LCD display for selected pad
+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.
- * Rotary knobs for pad selection
+### TeleLCO ###
- * LED indicators for remote arming, continuity and RF quality
+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.
- * Arming switch and firing button
+ * Large 1.36 inch LCD display for selected bank and pad
-Circuit diagrams and PCB layouts are provided here:
+ * Rotary knob for pad selection
-[[!map pages="TeleLaunch/telelco-v0.2/* and ! TeleLaunch/telelco-v0.2/*/*"]]
+### TeleLCOTwo ###
-## 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.
-More information coming soon.
+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.
-## TeleFireOne ##
+TeleLCOTwo comes packaged in a weather-sealed polycarbonate box with
+switches on one face, and BNC antenna connector and USB connectors. It
+can be placed on a table, but is typical hand-held during operation.
-More information coming soon.
+## Pyro Boards ##
-## TeleFireFour ##
+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.
-TeleFireFour has four igniter circuits, each of which uses a 70A
-automotive relay to provide a low resistance path, high-current from
-the power source to the igniter leads. TeleFireFour can be powered by any
-10-15V supply, from 3-cell lithium polymer packs used in RC aircraft
-to a 12V lead acid battery.
+Each board features:
* Continuity Detection. Igniter continuity uses a low-current sensing
system which sends only 100µA through the igniter to prevent false
- ignition. The circuit also detects a shorted relay.
+ ignition. The circuit also detects dead shorts.
- * Local LED continuity, arming and RF quality indicators.
+ * 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. A positive power switch shutting off the
- igniters and relays prevents the LCO from engaging the firing
- circuit.
+ * 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.
-Circuit diagrams and PCB layouts are provided here:
+ * 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.
-[[!map pages="TeleLaunch/telefire-v0.2/* and ! TeleLaunch/telefire-v0.2/*/*"]]
+### TeleFireOne ###
-## Radio Communications ##
+TeleFireOne is a pyro board supporting a single igniter circuit. This
+makes TeleFireOne idea for individuals, launch trailers, or for "away
+cells" at larger club launches.
-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.
+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.
+
+### 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.
+
+## 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)
-TeleLaunch operates in the 70cm amateur band at 10mW to avoid
-interference with any rocketry electronics.
projects / web / altusmetrum / commitdiff