Daniel Tohti
Electronic Payload for Yultuz

Electronic Payload for Yultuz


C++ Sensor Integration Arduino

Project Overview

I am developing an Electronic Payload for my Level 2 Tripoli Certification Rocket, named Yultuz, designed to collect real-time atmospheric data during flight. This payload will process and transmit data from various sensors to a ground station that I will be creating. The main objective is to track variations in atmospheric pressure and temperature with respect to altitude, comparing these measurements against standard atmospheric models.

Hardware Selection

  • Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense
    This microcontroller was selected for its built-in pressure and temperature sensors, simplifying the integration of the required sensing capabilities into the payload.

  • Arduino UNO R4 Minima
    The ground station will be connected to this microcontroller to manage and display the received data.

  • RRC3+ Altimeters
    Two RRC3+ Altimeters from Missile Works will be used, providing altitude data and acting as dual deployment devices for the rocket. The redundancy of two altimeters ensures mission success in the critical deployment phase, as one altimeter can serve as a backup in case of failure.

  • XBee Communication Systems (XB3-24Z8UT)
    These will be used to wirelessly transmit data from the payload to the ground station in real time, ensuring smooth communication throughout the flight.

  • Additional Components

    • Micro-SD Storage for local data logging.
    • Medium-gain antennas with 2.4 GHz capability for data transmission.
    • A 3.7V 500 mAh LiPo Battery to ensure the payload operates throughout the flight.

Software Tools and Development

The project will use several development tools to process, analyze, and visualize the collected data:

  • Arduino IDE for programming the microcontrollers.
  • MATLAB and Python for post-flight data processing and visualization, allowing for detailed analysis of the atmospheric data against standard models.
  • Altium Designer for developing the circuit diagrams for the payload, ensuring a robust design.

Payload Integration

The payload will be integrating in my Level 2 rocket through an electronics bay within a coupler tube. More details on the rest of the rocket and the physical mounting system can be found in the following link to my Yultuz project: Yultuz: A Tripoli L2 Certification Rocket

Next Steps: Acquiring Components & Creating the Ground Station

The next steps involve assembling and integrating the hardware, writing the necessary code for data acquisition and transmission, and conducting preliminary ground tests before full-scale rocket launches. At present, I am facing a funding gap, and I do not have the funds necessary to purchase the components for assembly. Stay tuned for updates!