Next Launch Set for Summer 2014

A lot of life events have prevented progress, but we have decided that the next launch will be some time in the summer of 2014. We already have the gear ready, we are just waiting for the winds to change. We have found that the best time to launch is in early summer due to lower wind resistance and fewer down drafts.

We do have a lot of goodies coming in the next few months, so don't expect us to be silent. I know this summer's been pretty quiet. With house buying and growing families we had to set a few things on the back burner. Unfortunately, I think this project got hit the most. Not to say we haven't been working on it. There are some great updates to come with some new footage and images. We also have a new website that we are about ready to launch. I won't paste the link yet. You will just have to subscribe to the blog to get the latest news.

Thanks for visiting!
Joey

Much requested ublox max-6q pinout / datasheet

Below is the much requested ublox max-6q (from CSGshop) pinout / datasheet.

The only pins that are required to use are GND, PWR, and TXD. all other pins can be ignored. This device works directly with the tinygps library for arduino.

1.SCL     2. SDA
3.TXD     4. RXD
5.GND     6. PWR (5V)

Tracker Version 2.0 Hardware

Payload housing was made using the Ubiquiti Unifi WiFi AP (I thought it looked awesome and aerodynamic)


GPS Module U-Blox Max-6 (Made for high altitudes)

Micro SD card logger called the OpenLog (any serial data sent to this chip is automatically recorded to a .TXT file. Just output commas between values and change the extension to .CSV)

Micro Controller is the Arduino Nano ver. 3.0 (All the functions of the UNO including built in 5 volt  regulator and on board FTDI, and only 1/6 the size. Why would I ever go back to the UNO after finding this amazing board?)

Radio Transmitter is the HX1-144.390-10 (Low power Long distance output. Make sure you get the -10 version and not the -3. -3 will work but -10 is better and is the same price.

Extras!

Just found some stuff on my PC that I thought was interesting. Let the uploading commence!

Above: Payload 1(Click to enlarge)

Below: New payload design (Using the U-Blox Max-6 GPS Module, and a breakout board to make it 5volt compatible)

This is the U-blox Max-6Q GPS Module and eval board (available at http://www.csgshop.com)

This little guy (including the antenna it is about the size of a quarter) can reach altitudes of over 50 Miles above the Earth!

Downsizing!

Currently in the process of downsizing the electronics.

The entire data-logger will be the size of the micro processor directly under the quarter.

I will create an entire post about the finished product.

No camera next time. Going for an altitude record!

Special thanks to JTorba (http://kj6wmj.torba.us/)  For his Nano-Trackuino Design.

Discussion Time

Let's discuss the time leading up to, during, and directly after the last launch!

(To be completed)

More Graphs and Data!

For the few people that care, I have gathered a collection of charts and stats that represent data from BOTH flights!

The below data was far different than what we predicted.

So without further dramatization,  here it is!

The below graphs represent a (temperature based on altitude) comparison of flights 1 and 2

The first chart compares external temperatures

 This second chart compares internal payload temperatures

(The above graphs are courtesy of M. Magnus) 

The below graphs represent the temperature and altitudes of ascent and descent.

Launch 2 Flight Path

Second Launch!!!

We Launched Again Today!!!!!

See below for images and data.