THETA I

THETA I featured a 6-axis gyroscope, pressure sensor, and temperature sensor and was created with an Arduino Nano, Micro SD card reader, MPU 6050, and a BMP 180.  This flight computer is the groundwork for the team’s future custom flight computers. The team is considering adding pyrotechnic channels, higher fidelity sensors, and a GPS tracking system. 

Hardware

Specs

• Arduino NANO 

• MPU6050 

• BMP180 

• SD CARD READER 

• 16GB SD CARDS  

• MINI BEEP SPEAKER

Ground Station

The ground station talks to the flight computer during the flight and for post-flight analysis.  There was an older version of the GUI, made last year (2021-22), made with Python’s Tkinter library and wasn’t the best. After trying to understand and improve its code, it was decided to make a new GUI.  The new GUI is made with QT Designer, which is more intuitive and easier to learn, modify, and make pieces look better. The groundwork has just started, and there is lots to do, but the coding is already off to a better start! 

• Gather live data from Flight Computers while the rocket is in flight 

• Gathers telemetry data from the flight computers 

• Change settings on the flight computer boards while the board is connected to the laptop running the ground station 

Post-Flight Data Analysis