New Developments: Microcomputing and Arduino

As you may infer from the title, we have been making some progress and some changes in our project, relating to the implementation of microcomputers, specifically an Arduino Microcomputer, to control the whole mission. What is a Microcomputer? If you guessed that it's a really small computer, then you'd be right. Basically it's a programmable computer chip that can be used to control motors, LED's, read data from sensors, and things of that sort. It will serve as the "brain" of the mission, mainly to read GPS data and send the information over radio transmission. Arduino is the brand of microcomputer which we are using, mainly because I just got one (thank's Mom and Dad), and it'll be easy to program and buy the extra hardware for it.

Arduino Uno Microprocessor

 With the decision to use this method, we have cut some cost while adding more versatility to the mission. We now have the ability to run servos and motors, log altitude and temperature data, and a wide variety of other possibilities. One idea is to perform a HALO Launch, which is a High Altitude, Low Opening launch. This basically means that we would delay the activation of the parachute until it reaches a given altitude, like 1000 feet. This has two advantages. The main advantage is that it would lower the descent time considerably and the capsule would land very close to straight underneath where the balloon popped. The other advantage is that it would be totally awesome for the capsule to reach terminal velocity as it falls, which may be 100-200 miles per hour. Then again, if the parachute failed to open upon command, we would have a serious problem on our hands. We're still thinking this whole thing through.

To sum it all up, the Arduino is going to help us considerably in making a reliable recovery and data logging system. We'll keep you posted as we prototype and test these new ideas.