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How To Build A Lightweight GPS Datalogger For Model Rocket Applications

Step 4Operation

Operation
Operation
Prior to launch, the only communication there is between you and the GPSDL is the blinking LED included on the GPS antennae PCB. A flashing LED means less than 3 satellites are acquired, a steady on LED signals that the antennae has acquired at least 3 of the 12 satellites available. Once you have visual that three or more satellites are acquired, the GPSDL is loaded into the rocket. At liftoff the 5.5g normally open, non-latching accelerometer switch is momentarily tripped signaling the microcontroller to log 20 bytes of GPS data every second for 5 minutes. Once 5 minutes is up it automatically resets itself to take another 5 minutes of data once the accelerometer switch is tripped again. You can record two 5 minute flights before data will need to be downloaded or you will overwrite the data already collected. The power supply is a 300 mAh 7.4V Li-Po battery. The GPSDL needs a steady diet of 5V, and it will run for approximately 3 hours on a full charge with this battery. No data is lost if power is lost. The only way data can be lost is if it is overwritten. GPS signals will travel through plastic, glass and cardboard.--The staples of model rocketry. The only things that will block the signal is concrete, metal or in the form of heavy rain or snow--H20. The antennae tested showed excellent Rx, even in a crowed, signal noisy, urban environment where I live.
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Author:wwgd
Embedded programmer that doesn't have the time to go to work.--I have too many important projects to work on!