Rocket Systems Development Series – Part 2 – Long Range Ground Tracking Station (LRGTS)
As we work on the development of the rocket itself we must keep in mind that without the ability to track it we wont be getting very far. Tracking can be done several different ways. The basics indicate that we need a long range antenna which means narrow field antenna, that can maximize on range. In order for us to be able to track our target through much of the systems testing we will need a minimum of 100miles (160km) of reach from our ground station.
(As the equipment gets selected I will be linking it next to each category and elaborating in the details area. Pictures will also be added at that point).
For our initial design we will be modifying a camera tripod and mounting our long range tracking system there. This device must be able to do the following:
- 100 mile range
- Ability to track a rocket launch with precision.
- Integrate with pixhawk or arduopilot
- Telemetry
- Low current draw for long usage (this one might not happen)
- Option to widen the field of transmission to adapt reception at different altitudes
- Waterproof
- Grounded
- Ability to operate within a tent
- must be able to plug into ground station power system
- Telescopic view with high resolution camera recording for field test recordings/analysis
- Laser tracking for burst verification system
We are certain that this station will require a few more things, but for the moment I feel this is a rather ambitious start. Below I will try to elaborate on the equipment I am considering for the stations development. If you have any ideas, please feel free to email me the suggestions. My ears are always open for better methods.
100 MILE RANGE
First we must understand why 100 miles is the initial goal. If we are able to aim, control, target, track our rocket to this range we will have perfected preciseness needed for this task of precision. If we cannot guarantee that it will be able to follow the target through fast and slow changes the station will be a failure right from the start. However, if we are able to track up to that range, and paint our test subject with a laser during high speed, ascends/descends then we will be able to ensure accuracy during our testing and further eliminating single point failures while maximizing recording and viewing time.
ABILITY TO TRACK A ROCKET LAUNCH ACCURATELY
This is a simple labor of precision, plain and simple. The ability to track a rocket accurately at 100 miles range means that not only will it be accurate, but also of use in other projects such as long range FPV flights with R/C platforms; therefore, allowing a much more focused, and longer range than it’s actual design. With a more focused radio beam we can enhance range with minimal costs. We achieve this by maximizing each items capabilities by enhancing its operating environment.
INTEGRATE PIXHAWK OR ARDUPILOT SYSTEMS
Integration of aftermarket systems that provide capabilities of tracking and remote piloting will be handy in situations we have currently planned to be part of the rockets/gliders flight systems. One example that comes to mind immediately is the return to home (RTH) option in Ardupilot. We could use this system to program a flight path back to point of origin (POO). This would assist with a glide slope, speed control, telemetry and high speed flight controls during its descension to 20,000 ft which would be part of the expected range of these systems allowing for high speed journey back and then automated stability. Another great benefit is that it helps ensure repeatability of testing which is key to monitoring micro changes that can help, or deteriorate the flight.
TELEMETRY
An item in flight must be trackable in order to measure progress. Telemetry does exactly that. Knowing telemetry can help determine things such as: fuel quality, efficiency, range, altitude, airspeed, location, glide path, flight path… so on. Telemetry is one of the most useful and needed things to have. All the testing we are planning on doing will rely on the telemetry as one of the variables. This means accuracy in recorded telemetry means when the rocket is returning, it will land in the correct place… hopefully.
LOW CURRENT DRAW
most of these systems can operate efficiently in a little under 1 amp, which means powering it should be simple. The complexity here is powering it, steadily and efficiently without fluctuations in supply to help ensure the most accurate readings are recorded.
OPTION TO WIDEN FIELD OF TRANSMISSION (FOT)
Having this option means that in situations when testing will take place at different altitudes, transmission can be properly focused to the operating range. This helps better ensure very accurate date.
WATERPROOF
We want this unit to be waterproof to help ensure that long distant flights are not interrupted by adverse sudden weather as the kind we get here in our home base in Florida.
GROUNDED
It is important to have this unit grounded to help ensure, or better state minimize the possibility of strikes or inconsistent readings due to static.
ABILITY TO OPERATE WHITIN A TENT THROUGH A BARRIER
Typically these systems have to be facing line of sight (LOS) to the object. At times certain materials become insulators. Specially in situations where properties of materials change at temps above 100°F. Due to the exhausting heat we encounter here in Florida in the summertime, we would absolutely need the ability to help keep this units power through our tent fabric.
MUST BE ABLE TO PLUG INTO GROUND POWER STATION
Part of this tripods portable set-up will be a universal power source for powering a wide range of equipment with the ease. By using standardized plugs, cables, batteries and custom monitoring systems we will be able to keep watch on all systems connected to it, all while providing a steady non fluctuating output.
TELESCOPIC VIEW WITH HIGH RESOLUTION CAMERA FOR TEST TRACKING
By mounting a high powered monocular with a special outfit to mount a high resolution camera we can use the automatic tracking system as an observation platform to document testing of the rocket and its ancilliary systems. The system would be able to document a close up view with adjustable focus for different ranges. This allows us to have one extra set of data points for data analysis.
LASER TRACKING FOR BURST VERIFICATION (BV)
At certain ranges we wont be able to see our subject. By flashing a laser at an object designed to reflect it, we can help ensure consistency of the tracking system as well as get reflections back of projected laser color which are easy to isolate and confirm. Just another added real-time system to help ensure accuracy.
For now we believe we have our hands full with the development of this system, and as funds become available it will continue development, it will just be slower than normal. Check back on this post soon for images that I will be adding to show you how each of these categories have progressed, for those following our series.