[roc-chat] Re: ROC Launch Control System
- From: David Erbas-White <derbas@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: roc-chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 07 Oct 2012 19:14:17 -0700
On 10/7/2012 6:03 PM, Richard Dierking wrote:
In my 'real life' job I'm working with some wireless systems (actually,
using a wireless module with our own proprietary control circuitry --
but as the module is FCC approved, don't need to worry about that end of
it). I have tested this system on the lakebed to over a mile,
reliably. If we were to come up with some definitions of exactly such a
'wireless dream system' were to do, I could perhaps cobble something up
that would be extensible.
Effectively, the system I'm working with is a single-master,
multiple-slave system, which would be ideal for what we're doing. To
avoid interference from other sources, we would have to use secure
encoding, along with timing, to ensure safety (i.e., a secure code to
arm the system, system disarms if it either times out or loses signal
from the master, etc.).
If we design a modular system (i.e., a relay box with batteries for
doing the actual firing, and a 'receiver section' that handles the
wireless and intelligence, we should be good to go. Current systems (as
I envision them using these components) would require a PC to act as the
launch controller. If we really wanted to, we could simply build a
wireless box that 'looks' like the current launch controller, but sends
the proper signals via the wireless master -- but I'm just kind of
thinking out loud...
What might be the more difficult aspect (possibly) would be the
continuity detection (wirelessly), as we would need to have the
circuitry in the range-head box to 'tell' the wireless unit if
continuity was present, etc. And this circuitry would need to work in
conjunction with the current system of the push-button/buzzer for the
pad area itself. We'd also need to ensure that we can handle the
wider-range of igniter firing levels (like the new Quest igniters) with
such a system..
Love to hear what other folks might think...
David Erbas-White
*Wireless System:*
These types of systems (particularly multi pad systems) are just being
developed and there's not a lot of experience using them. If we had
to obtain a new system today, I would suggest a wireless system
because of the savings on the weight and cable cost. But we don't
need a new system currently, so let's see what's developed over the
next couple of years and listen to their experiences. In the
meantime, we can save for a system so when ROC's ready, we'll have the
money for a safe and reliable system.
For me, my 'dream system' would look something like this: A small
control box would be located at each launch pad that would be the
receiver for a computer based wireless system. The LCO would launch
rockets using a computer and daylight monitor connected to a powerful
(over 2,500' range) wireless transmitter. The pad control box would
have a shunt and power switch controlled by the person loading the
rocket and be located on a ground stake that would also have the pad
number sign. There would be both audible and visual arm signal on the
box and it would also have a connection for a larger battery if
necessary (i.e. more firing amps). So, no central control boxes, just
place the launch control box with the pad number sign were you want a
pad, attach the launch leads with clips, and away you go. This would
allow for any kind of spacing on rows.
Richard Dierking
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