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Highlights of recent developments on the MiniSShot Project
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- Richard has successfully hydrostatic proof-tested both motor casings
for the ProtoSShot-M Mark II motor to a pressure of 1350 psi, which
represents 135% MEOP (max operating pressure). Both motor casings plus
the Short Stack casing have been painted and are ready to be shipped to
California. Here is a photo of the Short Stack casing:
http://www.sugarshot.org/downloads/shortstackcasing.jpg
- A new, factory-calibrated "button" load cell and thermal labels have
been ordered from Omega. "Flame Guard" and "ceramic paint additive" have
been ordered from Hy-Tech -- Rick Maschek will be testing these as a
possible protective liner for the casting tubes.
-Romanian rocketeer Vlad Mateica has volunteered to do friction, impact
& static sensitivity of our "ignition primer" which is painted on the
ends of grain segments to aid ignition. This follows a suggestion by
Grant Saviers that such testing be conducted for safety reasons.
-Andre Alexandre reports that the thermal measurement boards are "almost
done", per schedule.
-Hans reports the following progress on the Chute Controller and the
Main Computer:
Chute Controller:
"The events with the Sugar Rush flight have been investigated, and the
most likely cause seems to be that a defunct RS232 connection corrupted
the Chute Controller settings. The lesson learned from this is that
better care must be taken to ensure that a corrupted setup is detected.
A setup sanity check during boot has been implemented. It will make it
very unlikely that a corrupted setup remains undetected. Setup errors
are reported via both RS232 and i2c and by the status LEDs. Data from
the Sugar Rush flight will be used to dry run the Chute Controller prior
to its next flight. The changes will however not be implemented for the
SN002, since Ed doesn't have the programmer."
Main Computer:
"Lots of progress on the main computer software:
* Drivers for memory and external ADC are implemented.
* Command interface for memory upload/erase and force launch trigger.
* Main sample loop scans all 16 analog channels, packs data and stores
them in memory.
* Main sample loop scans for GPS NMEA input, packs data and stores them
in memory. GPS data seems garbled though.
* First draft of Main Computer manual ready."
The draft of the manual may be downloaded here:
http://www.sugarshot.org/downloads/minisshot_main_computer_manual.pdf
Comments and suggestions are welcome. Send to either this list or to
Hans directly: hot at vip.cybercity.dk
-The "Launch Pad" fundraising campaign got off to a ear-splitting,
roaring start...! To date, we've collected $1125. Donations have slowed
and the rocket is currently struggling to "climb the tower". Spread the
word, and let's make this campaign a success before its time.
http://www.sugarshot.org/fundraiser.html
A hearty thank-you goes out to the following
Bronze donors:
Jeppe Locht
Jeremiah Johnson
Rick Maschek
Mark Quinn
Silver donors! :
Matthew Campbell
Nicholas Edmunds
Scott Jolley
and an extra special thanks to our 3rd Gold donor: !!
Mark LaBarre
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Project
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