Hybrid Fire Control
The static test fire will be controlled by an inexpensive off the shelf PIC based controller board made by Flextek.
A PC, connected to this controller board via RS-232 running control software, sends commands to the controller board. This activates digital outs in the controller board that are connected to smart switches on an interface board which in turn lights the igniter and activates the oxygen and nitrogen soleniods in the sequence defined in the control software.
The Flextek board will also be responsible for data acquisition. This will include (initially) load cell and pressure transducer data.
Control Software features:(beta v 0.2) (screenshot)
- Allows easy changes to sequencing.
- Warns if sequence rules are compromised
- Audible countdown tone
Upcoming version changes
- Logging. Sequence configuration, motor details, data aquisition.
- Bug fixes. Sequences over 30 seconds