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Low Altitude Balloon Experiment in Technology ( LABET)

Low Altitude Balloon Experiment in Technology ( LABET). Group Members Mike Svendsen – Computer Engineer Steve Towey – Computer Engineer Brian Walker – Architect Richard George – Industrial Technology Client – ISU Space Systems and Control Lab (SSCL) Advisor – Matt Nelson. Overview.

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Low Altitude Balloon Experiment in Technology ( LABET)

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  1. Low Altitude Balloon Experiment in Technology (LABET) Group Members Mike Svendsen – Computer Engineer Steve Towey – Computer Engineer Brian Walker – Architect Richard George – Industrial Technology Client – ISU Space Systems and Control Lab (SSCL) Advisor – Matt Nelson

  2. Overview • Client Statement of Need • Project Requirements and Deliverables • Project Plan • Subsystem Designs & Implementations • Testing • Lessons Learned

  3. Client Statement of Need • The SSCL desires a blimp platform for research and outreach events.  • The need is to have an outdoor blimp platform capable of carrying a small payload and able to navigate in calm to light winds.

  4. Requirements • Functional Requirements • Vertical lift -500 feet • Wireless control - 1500 feet • Carry 7 ounce payload • Fly time of 20+ minutes • Sensor to determine position • Operating Environment • Outdoors • Winds up to 10mph • Humidity up to 90% • Non-Functional • Durable and reusable design • Controlled via computer interface • Positional data displayed on computer

  5. Project Deliverables • Complete balloon system meeting requirements • Operating manuals • Detailed design documentation

  6. Project Plan • Work Breakdown • Mike and Steve responsible for electronic components • Brian and Richard for non electronic components • Task Breakdown • Gantt Chart

  7. Communication / Collaboration • Weekly meetings with team and advisor (client) • At least a weekly meeting with just electronics team • Frequent meetings in lab for implementation • Used Dropbox to facilitate SVN like role • Used GoogleDocs to facilitate sharing of information

  8. Costs

  9. System Overview

  10. Balloon Design • Hybrid Latex Blimp System

  11. Balloon Implementation • Initial implementation • Struggled to achieve lift • Weight calculation inaccuracies • Propellers not performing as specified • Redesign • Remove stiffeners • Remove latex balloons • Increase to 2 mil plastic

  12. Frame Design • Cross Foam Core Load Frame • Rigid material yet light, inexpensive • Bass wood for motor mounts • Propeller shrouds • System box

  13. Frame Implementation • Difficulties attaching balloon around electronics box • Shortened weight distributors • Propellers not exact specified length, did not fit in vertical shroud • Slightly trim propeller tips

  14. Propulsion Design • Weight constraint • Battery life requirement • 10 mph wind requirement Battery Life Calculations Thrust Calculations

  15. Propulsion Implementation • Mount motors • Attach propellers securely • Attach easy to use bullet connectors • Attach Deans plugs • Connect motors to Electronic Speed Controllers

  16. Circuit Design • Compile list of sensors • Select specific sensor • Consider cost, voltage, accuracy • Select processor capable of handling inputs

  17. Circuit Implementation • Package types • ESCs raising voltage • Solution – Diode • Voltage drop during XBee Transmission • Clean signal off of regulator pin • Breadboard potential issue

  18. Onboard Control Logic Design

  19. Onboard Control Implementation • Implemented each sensor separately • Xbee • ADC (gyro) • I2C (compass, pressure) • GPS • Timers (ESCs) • Simple, flexible message format • Dealing with limited program space

  20. Base Station Design • C++ on Linux

  21. Base Station Implementation • Writing KML Files • Implementing OpenGL GUI • Serial communication • Thread interaction

  22. Testing Approach

  23. Important Tests • Individual module tests • System lift • Base station and onboard system interaction • Assembly tests • Battery Life • Communication Range • Indoor test flights (Uncooperative weather recently) • Tests not carried out • Outdoor tests – Fight winds

  24. Lessons Learned • Skills • Basics of constructing practical circuits • Basics of PIC Programming • Be flexible - hold up in one area, work on another • Test changes one at a time to isolate unknowns • Budget enough time for documentation • Interdisciplinary team

  25. Questions?

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