sam dodge mentored by dr. tom sharp electronics system
TRANSCRIPT
Arduino Microcontroller
• Programmable in C
• 6 Analog Inputs/Outputs, 15 Digital Inputs/Outputs
• A multiplexer was used to extend the number of analog pins to 13
• Records time
Sensors
• Humidity Sensors
• 2 Gas Sensors
• 3 Axis Accelerometer
• Pressure Sensor
• 2 Temperature Sensors
• Geiger Counter
Camera Control
• Still camera takes a picture every 8 seconds
• Video camera takes 10 minute video clips to prevent from turning off
• Both are controlled by digital pins
Post Launch Data Processing
• File from data logger can be imported into excel for analysis
• MATLAB was also used to analyze the results
Problems
• Battery enclosure on camera
• Voltage Regulator
• Low batteries
• Arduino physical reset switch
• Voltage on arduino pins controlling digital sensors
Circuit Board Etching
• Less dependant on wire connections
• A more reliable design would use one board rather than two
• Can’t be easily changed
Better Cameras
• Video Camera
• Still Camera– Some cameras can be hacked to take
pictures by themselves at a set time interval
• With better cameras, they can be isolated from the rest of the system
Other
• Better Testing
• Redundant Power Systems– Is redundancy worth the extra weight?
• Complexity vs Reliability