We started the day with the planned tests of the wing simulators. The modified third generation Parachute Test Payload (PTP-3) had three possible configurations that we tested, with the goal of evaluating the effects of the different wing sizes on a payloads stability during ascent. With all of these tests we endeavored to keep the…
Over the past few years, much of our focus has been on developing a functional parachute system and the Parachute System Control Computer (PSCC) that will manage it. This development is still ongoing, but the progress made thus far has freed us up to began work on the next phase of Project Redirect; the guidance…
With the goal of eliminating the faults that caused the failure during the Parachute System Control Computers (PSCC) last drop test, we kept two objectives in mind as we developed the second generation PSCC. The first of these goals was to improve the electronics and code of the PSCC-2, enhancing it’s reliability and accuracy. This…
With the Parachute System Control Computer (PSCC-2) fully programed and functioning, we had reached the point where we could perform an immediate drop test. But, there was one more test we wanted to do before we staked the payload and all of it’s electronics on the performance of the PSCC-2. In preparation for the test…
Our research into a new GPS module for the Parachute System Control Computer (PSCC) led to a promising discovery; advanced GPS modules are available that utilize Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) data to determine position and altitude with an accuracy of a few centimeters. RTK data provides the GPS with information it needs to correct for the…
The most recent test of the Parachute System Control Computer (PSCC), which is designed to automatically deploy the parachute during decent ended in failure. Not only did the PSCC display once again a concerning lack of reliability but, as it did not deploy the parachutes in time, it and the Parachute Test Payload (PTP) that…
After the results of our last tests, we were feeling confident that the PSCC (Parachute System Control Computer) was approaching a functional sate. During our latest in a series of tests, all aspects of the PSCC code worked as expected, with the only issue being a recurring discrepancy in the GPS and air pressure altitude…
A little over a week later we returned to the test site, once again ready to test the PSCC. This time we were better prepared, bringing with us a wider selection of tools and an upgraded battery charger that could charge the FTS’s (Flight Test System) battery much faster. While originally we planned to fly…
Development of the PSCC code that would automatically deploy the parachutes proved much easier than expected. Only a few days after the GPS issue was solved, this code was ready for testing. Functionally, this version of the PSCC code is simple and functions as follows: During operation the code takes altitude readings from the PSCC’s…
Due to unfavorable weather conditions, we were unable to work on the PSCC (Parachute System Control Computer) and instead performed some much needed upgrades to the PTP-1 (Parachute Test Payload, Gen 1). The PTP-1 (pictured above) was built to flight test the parachute system without risking damage to expensive equipment in the event of a…
