August 2005, Issue 181

Flight Computer for High-Power Rocketry

MORE TO COME

So what’s next? The big Level 3. It’s a lot harder to fly a Level 3 class rocket. I’ll need to plan this one with a Level 3 rocketeer. Plus everything is more costly. I still have a lot to learn as a Level 2 rocketeer. I plan on running many more test flights to make sure everything is working at 100% before I add a flight computer to a Level 3 rocket.

High-power rocketry has come a long way over the years. My passion for embedded control electronics and firmware has turned this activity into an addiction that drives me to dream up new widgets. What can I dream up next for this sport? The PDA handheld device can serve as a great tool. I plan on refining ZSAT II’s basic hardware platform.

A lot of work still needs to be done with respect to the process of recovering the rocket when it lands. Adding MP3 voice prompts to the system would be a great start.

Another area I am thinking about is video (and still imaging on the ground and in the air). I envision a number of cameras working together to document my missions from numerous angles.

Blending devices and systems that weren’t originally intended for use in the high-power rocket market is a fun and rewarding process. With my PDA cell phone, I can launch and recover my high power rockets. This was a technological advance that just had to be done. One small step for BootStrap Bill, one giant leap for PDAs.

Author’s note: Three levels of high-power rocketry certification were set up in 1995 according to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) code 1127. Some states haven’t adopted it yet. Check your state’s laws before attempting to launch a high-power rocket. The federal government regulates high-power rockets and motors. You must apply for and receive an FAA waiver before launching high-power rocket. You must also apply for and receive a BATF LEU permit before taking receipt of any rocket motors exceeding 62.5 g of propellant.