Wings

Wings

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…

The Next Phase

The Next Phase

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…

Enclosure

Enclosure

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…

More Testing

More Testing

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…

Flying Again

Flying Again

For the first time since the catastrophic crash that destroyed the first generation Parachute System Control Computer (PSCC-1), we returned to the test site. As the PSCC-2 had been extensively tested on the ground, the next step was to perform a flight test that would subject it to an environment very similar to the one…

GPS

GPS

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…

Starting Again

Starting Again

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…

Impact

Impact

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…

Altimeter (Part 2)

Altimeter (Part 2)

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…

Altimeter

Altimeter

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…