Manual For Preparation of The Student Telemetry Station For Student Rocket Operations

Manual for preparation of the Student Telemetry Station for
Student Rocket Operations
Student Telemetry
Station Manual
Amund Nylund and Kjetil Henninen
Page 1 of 16
Last update: 13.6.2006

1.
Introduction
At Andya Rocket Range (ARR) we use two telemetry stations for receiving and processing
data from student rockets. The Main Telemetry station (or Main TM station) uses a 10 and a
20 parabolic antenna for receiving signals from the rocket. These antennas are commonly
used by ARR under scientific rocket campaigns. During the student rocket campaign some of
the Main TM station will be set up and operated by ARR staff, and some of the preparations
will be done by students under supervision of a group leader. The Student telemetry station is
used as back up under student rocket campaigns, and for educational purposes in offcampaign matters. The Student TM station will be completely prepared and operated by
students during the student rocket campaign (under supervision of a group leader).
Figure 1 shows a typical block scheme for a telemetry station with the most important
equipment needed to receive and process data from a sounding rocket. This manual will give a
description on how to set up the Student telemetry station for a student rocket launch.
An introduction to the main components of a telemetry station will be given before the
telemetry station is prepared.
Figure 1
Page 2 of 16

2.
Scope of Work
This manual describes how to set-up and configure the Student Telemetry station to receive,
visualize and record sensor and housekeeping information transmitted from a Student Rocket.
The Student Rocket carries a payload section with various sensors, a data encoder and an
S-Band radio transmitter. The radio will transmit on 2279.5 MHz.
Further information on the Rocket Payload can be obtained from the Payload Manual
distributed to the Payload Group.
3.
Available Equipment
The student telemetry station has all the equipment necessary to receive and process data from
the Student Rocket.
The main components of the Student TM station are:
4.
Horn antenna. Antenna gain: about 17 dBi.

Antenna Controller
Microdyne 1100 Receiver
EMR 720 PCM Bit Synchronizer
Bell&Howell VR-3700B Tape Recorder
VikinX Video Distributor
PC with Eidel EE352
Camera & control unit with monitor
TV Monitor for Countdown clock
Operations Intercom
NOGO/ GO- status panel
Equipment interfacing
- Antenna signals (RF) to Down Converter:

Left Hand Circular Polarized to Downconverter Channel 1 (RF IN)
Right Hand Circular Polarized to Downconverter Channel 2 (RF IN)
Down Converter signals to Receiver:
Intermediate Frequency (IF) OUT Ch 1 from Downconverter to RF IN at Receiver.
- Receiver signals to Bit Synchronizer:
Page 3 of 16

Video Out J15 from Receiver to Source Input (SCE 1) at Bit Synchronizer.
This connection should be done via a distribution amplifier.
- Receiver signals to Tape Recorder:

Video from Receiver 1 to Tape Recorder (via a Video distributor).
- Receiver Signals to Main Telemetry Station:
Video Out to Patch Panel
(See patching description below)
- Bit Synchronizer to Eidel PC:
NRZ-L to NRZ-L
0 to Clock Pulse (Cp)
- Main Telemetry Station Signals to Tape Recorder:
Clock Signal (IRIG B) from Main TM via Patch Panels to Tape Recorder
Operation Intercom (Voice) from Main TM via Patch Panels to Tape Recorder
(See patching description below)
NB If you need more parallel signals then available on receivers you can use the Video
distributor. Always remember to use a 50 termination plug on the LOOP connector
whenever inputting signals to any of the channels on the Video distributor.
The Antenna Controller and Camera / Camera controller are already connected up and ready
for use.
Page 4 of 16

5.
Patching signals to / from other locations
There are patch boards in NAROM LAB (Figure 2) and in the Student TM Station (Figure 3).
These are used to send and receive signals to / from various location around the rocket range.
Use coaxial cables with BNC plugs to patch signals according to the listing above.
You will need information from the Main TM Group on where signals are received /
transmitted.
On the patch board on NAROM LAB the Student TM patch board is marked NAROM TM.
NB! The patching in the pictures are just examples.
Figure 2
Figure 3
Page 5 of 16

6.
Set-up of all equipment
- EMR 720 PCM Bit Synchronizer
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Set SOURCE according to input connector used.

Set INPUT CODE to BI-L
Set DATA POLARITY to NORM
Set DETECTOR to I/D
Set LOOP WIDTH to 0.3
Set PROGRAM to LOCAL
Set BIT RATE to 256.0 KB
Page 6 of 16

Receiver setup
There are two Microdyne 1100 receivers (Figure X) in this telemetry station. One for righthand circulated polarized (RHCP) signals, and one for left-hand circulated polarized (LHCP)
signals. The horn antenna receives both kinds of signals on 2279.5 MHz from the rocket
antennas. The frequency is down converted with a frequency of 1985 MHz in the down
converter located below in the rack. Subtract this frequency from the received frequency and
set the receiver to the right frequency.
Tasks:
Switch on the receivers.

Tune in to the correct frequency.
Make sure the demodulation is set to FM.
Set 2nd LO mode to XTAL.
Set AGC Time Constant to 100 ms
Figure X
Page 7 of 16

- Eidel EE315 PC
The EE315 interface card and software is used to visualize data from the rocket. The encoder
in the rocket payload codes data from the various sensors in the rocket. This code is called
Pulse Code Modulation (PCM). This code has to be decoded by the visualization software.
The PCM code for the student rocket is Bi-L. How this and another code called NRZ
represent binary codes are shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4
The data is transmitted from the rocket to the TM stations in a pre-configured format.
To be able to decode the data again the PC program needs to be set up with the correct format
description. The format configurations is shown in Table 1
Bitrate
PCM code
Sync-word
Frame counter
Words per Frame
Frame per Format
Analogue channels
Analogue word length
Digital channels
Digital word length
256 kbit/s
BiPhase-Level (Bi-L)
16 bit, hex:EB90, bin:1110 1011 1001 0000
16 bit
14
1
8
8 bit
2
8 bit
Table 1
Page 8 of 16

Start-up the Eidel program:
(Switch on the PC and Monitor)
- Type cd dec315 and enter
- Then ee315 and enter. You are now in the main menu.
Key functions:
Use digital book (www.romteknologi.no) chap. 5.5.1 to get familiar with the different
functions keys. Try the functions keys step by step from F2 to F9 (do not use F8 here. It will
only bring you back to DOS). Elsewhere F8 will bring you one step back. In digital book a
more detailed description is given.
Importent files:
Format setup file (name.FOR)
Data & Setup file (name.SIG)
Recorded data file (name.DAT)
Project directory
From the main menu press F6 to get access to project directories. Here you can also make
your own project directory.
Copying of files
Keep in mind that you also include the project name when the old and new file are located on
different project directories (see below):
Copy directory name\file name.file type (ex. FOR) new name
(copy pro\pulsaur.FOR stud\newname.FOR)
Format setup:
Press F2. To get an exiting format file (from your current project directory) press F2.
Now you can select a proper format file (name.FOR).
Data Display setup:
Press F3. To get an exiting signal file (from your current project directory) press F2.
Preparation for recording to a data file (name.DAT):
Press F3, Data Setup and Display.
Press Ctrl F2 for setup of new storing file. Press F6 and type the name of your group.
Push F8 for return to main menu.
Press enter. Use the arrow buttons one step down to decide block size in the column for block
format. Press F5 to edit this size. Put in 500 and press enter. Then press F8 to exit.
Now the bottom line should turn red. Check it!
Use the arrow buttons down the last data line. Press Ctrl F1 for untagging of data storing.
You will now observe that the D disappear from the line. Do this for the 3 data lines above
as well.
Now you are ready to record data from the rocket payload!
When we are receiving signals via the telemetry station the red blinking in upper right corner
Page 9 of 16

of the screen will turn green. This indicated that we have lock on the signal.
When there is about 2 minutes before lift off of the rocket, press Ctrl F3 to start recording.
Stop recording by pressing Ctrl F3 again (when we tell you).
Playback:
(Now you need to be in data setup & display-mode. From the main menu press F3)
To get access to playback of rocket data press Ctrl F5. Use the arrow keys to select the
xxx.dat-file you stored (group name).
Now you are able to make a playback of the recorded data by use of F7 for start/stop.
Press Alt F1 to toggle some of the signals. This means to select which of the signals you will
monitor. Its only possible to monitor 4 signals at the time in this mode. It might be convenient
to toggle the magnetometer ( to watch the spin of the rocket) and accelerometer (acceleration).
When these are toggled, press F4 to monitor them graphically.
Use the arrow buttons to adjust the size of the graphs (200ms, and 20s). Press F7 to start.
Page 10 of 16

The PCM format is shown in Table 2.
Word
Allocation
Data
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
Frame Sync (EB)

Frame Sync (90)
Frame Counter MSB
Frame Counter LSB
Analogue Ch 0
Analogue Ch 1
Analogue Ch 2
Analogue Ch 3
Analogue Ch 4
Analogue Ch 5
Analogue Ch 6
Analogue Ch 7
Digital Ch 0
Digital Ch 1
Temperature PCB-card
Temperature Nose
Magnetometer
Pressure Sensor
Accelerometer Z
Accelerometer Y
Photo Transistor
Payload Battery Voltage
Comment
Spin
First bit pulled high at

lift-off
Table 2
Run the Eidel program and choose F2 Format Setup. The screen in Figure 5 appears
(parameters in the figure is only an example). Set the correct parameters according to Table 1.
Figure 5
Page 11 of 16

Choose the Data Setup and Display on EE315 to set the rest of the parameters in Table 3.
Set up your displays in such way that the analogue channels first show its decimal value, and
then the special scale value. (In EE315 the special scale edit comes up if you push F9). The
special scale value refers to the sensors voltage output level. This voltage has to be converted
to a different value, e.g. bar, meter, g, tesla or gauss. To visualize the sensor output in a special
scale you will need to put in some scaling formulas. Calculation of these formulas must be
based on the bit resolution and sensor output. Thus, study the different sensor data sheets and
try to figure out what the formula means. The different formulas and constants are listed in the
table below. Note that these formulas have to be calibrated when the payload and
experimental group are finished with the sensors.
Page 12 of 16

Sensor
Formula
Scale
name
Scale
Max
value
120
Low High Constants

limit limit
f = 0.05
Scale
Min
value
-10
100
f = 0.05
-10
120
100
10
-10
10
mbar
Optional4 0
(millibars)
g (m/s2)
-60
1100
1015
60
-50
50
g (m/s2)
-60
60
-50
50
V (Volts)
16
5.2
12
m (meter)
10000 0
9000
V (Volts)
16
5.2
12
Temperature ((A/e)*g)/f
PCB
C
(Celcius
degrees)
Temperature ((A/e)*g)/f C
Nose
(Celcius
degrees)
Magnetic
((A/e)*g)*o kA/m
2
Field
Pressure
(((A/e)*g)m)/n
Acceleration (((AZ
k)/e)*g)/i
Acceleration (((AY
k)/e)*g)/i
Photo
((A/e)*g)*l
Transis.
Battery
((A/e)*g)*l
Voltage
Altitude
h*((1((((A/e)*g)m)/n)^j)
Battery
((A/e)*g)*l
Voltage
Umbilical
A
Notes
Optional3 -10
A = word nr
e = 256
f = see notes
g=5
h=
44307.69396
i = 38*10-3
j = 0.190284
k = 130
l = 3.2
m = -0.48
1
n = 0.0045
o=5
Intensity
IN (marks
lift-off)
Mask
first bit
Table 3
During the payload testing you will see if the Eidel computer is correctly configured.
Remember to save all your work. Consult the F1 help page!
This value must be corrected for the barometric pressure at launcher during the rocket campaign. The
correction formula is based on the linear scale pressure output from the pressure sensor datasheet. This formula
is: m = ((Output voltage) 0.0045*(Known Pressure))
2
1 kA/m = 1.25 mTesla (in air), 1 mT = 10 Gauss. In this formula the value is not concurrent with units.
3
The magnetometer used on this sensor is only to register rocket spin variations.
4
Altitude is calculated from the pressure value.
Page 13 of 16

Bell&Howell VR-3700B Tape Recorder
Prior to operation, the tape recorder heads need to be cleaned and demagnetized.
Then you need to load the recorder with a tape.
The Group leader will instruct you how to prepare the tape recorder for use.
1. Set PHASE LOCK SELECTOR to TACH
2. Set RECORD TEST SELECTOR to NORM
3. Set TAPE SPEED SELECTOR to 60
The tape recorder has seven available channels for recording, you can select any channel to
record any of the available signals. Remember that the purpose of the recording is to store
data for the future, and to have the possibility to replay the rocket data if there are any errors
in the set up of the decoding software.
Note: You will need to document on which channels you have recorded the various data!!
- Horn Antenna and Antenna Controller
Switch on antenna controller and power to the Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) in the antenna
pedestal. To be able to control the antenna you need to switch on the Elevation and Azimuth
motor power as well.
NB. Be aware of the LEFT SECTOR / RIGHT SECTOR lights next to the Azimuth
display. Normally you should always turn the antenna towards the illuminated lamp to avoid
twisting the internal cables in the pedestal.
Page 14 of 16

- Camera and Camera Controller
Switch on the Camera controller and Monitor. You might need to wipe off the camera lens if it
has been raining lately. You can zoom in / out with the Tele and Wide buttons, the other
buttons on the camera controller are not used.
- TV with countdown clock
You will need to set up a TV in the Student TM to receive campaign information and
countdown clock.
- Operations Intercom
The Operations Intercom is used during countdown to communicate between the various
stations around the rocket range. Please be quick and to the point when using the Operations
Intercom. Also note that the whole rocket range can hear you when you are using this
Intercom.
7.
Test and preparation
After all equipment has been connected and configured you need to test the system.
This is done in cooperation with the Payload group.
The rocket payload will be switched on, and you can test that you have :
- Reception of signal on both Receivers (note signal level)
- Sync lock on Bit Synchronizer
- Sync lock on Eidel315 system
- Display of data on Eidel315 system
You should also practice using the antenna controller, as you will need to manually track the
rocket during part of the flight. Group leader will demonstrate how this is done. You will be
given a table listing the expected rocket trajectory.
Page 15 of 16

8.
Countdown and Launch
When you are satisfied that all the equipment are working, you are ready for Countdown and
Launch. The group will have to nominate dedicated personnel to operate the various systems
during the operation.
Tasks during the operation are:
- Pre-pointing the antenna.
Nominal launcher settings are given during the pre-flight meeting; the antenna is directed
according to these settings and pre-computed trajectory listing.
- Report status and Go / No Go indication according to Countdown Procedure.
The Countdown procedure will be handed out during pre-flight meeting.
- Start recording according to Countdown Procedure.
- Track the rocket manually from the rocket reaches apogee to impact in the ocean.
- Stop recording according to Countdown Procedure.
9.
End of Operation
After completion of the Rocket operation you will need to shut down all equipment, and tidy
up the Student Telemetry Station.
Remember to make copies of all data recorded
Remember to make notes on all configuration settings and interfacing before you power off
units and / or remove cables.
Please remove any temporarily installed equipment or cables.
Please remove all waste or any other items you have brought with you to the Student
Telemetry Station.
Page 16 of 16

Manual For Preparation of The Student Telemetry Station For Student Rocket Operations

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Manual for preparation of the Student Telemetry Station for

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Amund Nylund and Kjetil Henninen