Flight computer and deployment for HPR

Projects Programming
1

So i build alot of high powered rockets. I am working on my Level 3.. someday i will get that but its expensive.

So as i was working on my current rocket, i happened to find my OLD arduino nano from 2014 and my uno from 2022 sitting in the corner of my work box.

I am curious, is it possible to take the nano and make a dual deployment system with it?
IE, at apogee, a drogue parachute is discharge via gunpowder and an electric match, and then at a set altitude, have the same type of event go off but it will be the main chute?

Ok, now time for the disclaimer... i know absolutely NOTHING about programming. I have asked questions on this forum, but they were for others, not me. Mostly group projects.

i have no idea where to even start since i have actually never used an Arduino before

so i guess the first question should be regardless of my abilities is: Can this be done?

thanks

2

Certainly.
You need to identify HOW you’ll detect the altitudes, altimeter or time, then choose devices.
A quick block diagram will identify everything else that’s needed.

It’s not a complex project with either processor, but requires attention to detail. Power sources, weight etc,

Good luck, it sounds like fun.

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3

i preferer altimeter for the detection mechanism :slight_smile:
thanks for chiming in

Im guessing it will all need to be on a breadboard?

4

Breadboard is ok for test & development, but not suitable for vibration or unstable operating environments.

Otherwise for any operational environment, soldered connections are imperative for repeatability and reliability.

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5

oh, dang yeah, true. i forgot bread boards are not soldered. I was thinking of the fiber type board that has holes in it that you solder to... i dont remember its technical name haha.

thanks

6

proto-board, or vero board in many variants !

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7

Available in various sizes

8

Thank you for this. That looks like what im looking for.

Now what kind of altimeters are available for the nano? I know nothing of circuit design, i know the math and theory, but zero on design.

What kind of power source does it need?

Thanks

9

hihi rocketeer here,

there's a bunch of baro sensors available, but if you're going for protoboard soldering you're gonna be limited by whatever has good breakout boards

I'm mainly working on a TVC computer at the moment, but I'm using a BMP581 - I'm not sure if it will be suitable to the altitudes you're needing, lowest pressure is I think 30kpa / 30k ft I'm not sure what altitudes L3 flights go to lol

good luck!
any other rocketry computer questions I can possibly answer

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10

Plenty of Arduino-compatible atmospheric pressure sensors are available. I like the LPS25H, which can give 20 cm resolution when used as an altimeter. The minimum pressure for which it is rated to be accurate is 260 hPa, which corresponds to about 9300 m altitude at -40 C. It will continue to function much higher than that, but measured values may be off.

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i dont even know where to begin with this project.

All i know is that i have the nano, i need a pressure sensor, a way to blow the gunpowder charge, and a power source haha but i dont even know what those products are

i am working on my level 3 as well, but i use eggtimer products or missile works. I am an engineer but not electrical or computer. i know ZERO programming and no circuit design. I am structural and aerospace with microbiology hahaha. odd combination but love it.

i should say, i only want this to work for a flight up to 15000 feet. meaning the computer will handle even a 1200 foot flight or a 15,000 foot flight and anything in between haha

12

I would think these issues have been thoroughly hashed out in the hobbyist high-powered rocket community. They must have forums?

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They do, but they are not the arduino forums. I tend to deal directly with the source or dedicated forum for a product if i can. If i get the project to work and it is successful, i will post it on the rocket forums for others to follow.

14

OK, but I'd think they have a more informed opinion of which sensor devices (altimeter, accelerometers, etc.) are best suited for the application. Certainly more so than random people on the Arduino forum.

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15

I would definitely test it on a cheaper rocket first. Why don't you just use a commercially available unit?

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16

Its not as fun haha.

I do use commercial ones, but i thought building one would be nifty haha

17

Good point, but Arduino forums are pretty cool too haha

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