ben, Author at Castle Point Rocketry

Designing a Circuit Board

February 28, 2019June 5, 2020
by ben

Over the past few weeks, we have been developing our first version of our Printed Circuit Board (PCB). We chose to use Eagle, a PCB Design Software, as it had an easy learning curve as well as an easily attainable educational license. In Eagle, we had to first design and import all the different electronic components that were going to be used into the rocket. We then had to figure out the correct electrical requirements for each component and how to link up each one correctly to the entire system.

The next step was to design the PCB layout itself. We started off with a circular design so it would fit into the rocket base. We then traced the connections so that they didn’t interfere with each other or cross each other. The blue and red lines below show different “levels” of connection. The red traces are the top copper connections, while the blue traces are the bottom copper connections.

We’ve spent a lot of time on it so far, but this is still only our initial design. It still needs to go under testing and multiple iterations to be ready for launch day.

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Sending a Signal Over 3000 Feet

December 7, 2018June 5, 2020
by ben

When determining where to launch, there were many regulations which we had to abide by. One of the challenges we faced was that the launch command could not be sent over a wireless connect. Instead, it would have to be sent over a physical connection for security purposes. Additionally, the mission control center had to be located 3000 feet away from the launch site. Our goal was to find a way to send a signal over a physical connection at a distance of 3000 feet.

I incorrectly surmised that I could send the connection over Ethernet. Upon further study, I found out that Ethernet cables have a maximum distance of 250 feet. I then concluded that the solution would be to get a repeater. This would total about 12 repeaters needed throughout the process, all of which would need to be hooked up to a power source. This is not practical for the goals we have set in place.

I then researched and looked into fiber optic cables. I could convert a signal from Ethernet -> fiber optic -> Ethernet. The fiber optic cable could send enough bandwidth over a distance of 3000 feet to satisfy pre-launch communication. After determining the exact type of fiber optic cable needed and the type of connection that would satisfy the signal converters, we directed our attention towards our future purchase. We are currently in communication with L-com and we hope that they will be able to supply the needed materials.

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PCB Design

Designing a Circuit Board

Sending a Signal Over 3000 Feet

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