Download SimSat Educational Program Development

Figure 8: System Block Diagram16
Both the compass and GPS modules connect directly to the flight computer through RS-232 serial
communication and are each considered modules of the system. The remaining analog sensors such as
the temperature sensor and photo resisters connect to the PCB and are fed into the analog to digital
converter and are grouped into a single module. The outputs of the ADC are then connected in parallel to
the flight computer. The output of the flight computer is stored on compact flash during flight, and can be
PC interfaced for post flight data transfer. Also implemented into the system is the SAARP protocol for
radio transmission of GPS tracking information, however there is no communications module integrated
into the system to transmit the data.17 Figure 9 shows the completed SimSat prototype at the conclusion
of the 2003 MQP
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17
Paredes, Eduardo, Buchholz, Brooke. “SimSat Attitude Determination and Reporting,” 2003
Paredes, Eduardo, Buchholz, Brooke. “SimSat Attitude Determination and Reporting,” 2003
16