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diff --git a/doc/altusmetrum.xsl b/doc/altusmetrum.xsl index a3078b82..88c9b80a 100644 --- a/doc/altusmetrum.xsl +++ b/doc/altusmetrum.xsl @@ -175,318 +175,6 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 The latest version may always be downloaded from <ulink url="http://altusmetrum.org/AltOS"/>. </para> - <para> - Both Telemetrum and TeleDongle can be directly communicated - with using USB ports. The first thing you should try after getting - both units plugged into to your computer's usb port(s) is to run - 'ao-list' from a terminal-window to see what port-device-name each - device has been assigned by the operating system. - You will need this information to access the devices via their - respective on-board firmware and data using other command line - programs in the AltOS software suite. - </para> - <para> - TeleMini can be communicated with through a TeleDongle device - over the radio link. When first booted, TeleMini listens for a - TeleDongle device and if it receives a packet, it goes into - 'idle' mode. Otherwise, it goes into 'pad' mode and waits to be - launched. The easiest way to get it talking is to start the - communication link on the TeleDongle and the power up the - TeleMini board. - </para> - <para> - To access the device's firmware for configuration you need a terminal - program such as you would use to talk to a modem. The software - authors prefer using the program 'cu' which comes from the UUCP package - on most Unix-like systems such as Linux. An example command line for - cu might be 'cu -l /dev/ttyACM0', substituting the correct number - indicated from running the - ao-list program. Another reasonable terminal program for Linux is - 'cutecom'. The default 'escape' - character used by CU (i.e. the character you use to - issue commands to cu itself instead of sending the command as input - to the connected device) is a '~'. You will need this for use in - only two different ways during normal operations. First is to exit - the program by sending a '~.' which is called a 'escape-disconnect' - and allows you to close-out from 'cu'. The - second use will be outlined later. - </para> - <para> - All of the Altus Metrum devices share the concept of a two level - command set in their firmware. - The first layer has several single letter commands. Once - you are using 'cu' (or 'cutecom') sending (typing) a '?' - returns a full list of these - commands. The second level are configuration sub-commands accessed - using the 'c' command, for - instance typing 'c?' will give you this second level of commands - (all of which require the - letter 'c' to access). Please note that most configuration options - are stored only in Flash memory; TeleDongle doesn't provide any storage - for these options and so they'll all be lost when you unplug it. - </para> - <para> - Try setting these config ('c' or second level menu) values. A good - place to start is by setting your call sign. By default, the boards - use 'N0CALL' which is cute, but not exactly legal! - Spend a few minutes getting comfortable with the units, their - firmware, and 'cu' (or possibly 'cutecom'). - For instance, try to send - (type) a 'c r 2' and verify the channel change by sending a 'c s'. - Verify you can connect and disconnect from the units while in your - terminal program by sending the escape-disconnect mentioned above. - </para> - <para> - Note that the 'reboot' command, which is very useful on the altimeters, - will likely just cause problems with the dongle. The *correct* way - to reset the dongle is just to unplug and re-plug it. - </para> - <para> - A fun thing to do at the launch site and something you can do while - learning how to use these units is to play with the rf-link access - between an altimeter and the TeleDongle. Be aware that you *must* create - some physical separation between the devices, otherwise the link will - not function due to signal overload in the receivers in each device. - </para> - <para> - Now might be a good time to take a break and read the rest of this - manual, particularly about the two "modes" that the altimeters - can be placed in. TeleMetrum uses the position of the device when booting - up will determine whether the unit is in "pad" or "idle" mode. TeleMini - enters "idle" mode when it receives a command packet within the first 5 seconds - of being powered up, otherwise it enters "pad" mode. - </para> - <para> - You can access an altimeter in idle mode from the Teledongle's USB - connection using the rf link - by issuing a 'p' command to the TeleDongle. Practice connecting and - disconnecting ('~~' while using 'cu') from the altimeter. If - you cannot escape out of the "p" command, (by using a '~~' when in - CU) then it is likely that your kernel has issues. Try a newer version. - </para> - <para> - Using this rf link allows you to configure the altimeter, test - fire e-matches and igniters from the flight line, check pyro-match - continuity and so forth. You can leave the unit turned on while it - is in 'idle mode' and then place the - rocket vertically on the launch pad, walk away and then issue a - reboot command. The altimeter will reboot and start sending data - having changed to the "pad" mode. If the TeleDongle is not receiving - this data, you can disconnect 'cu' from the Teledongle using the - procedures mentioned above and THEN connect to the TeleDongle from - inside 'ao-view'. If this doesn't work, disconnect from the - TeleDongle, unplug it, and try again after plugging it back in. - </para> - <para> - On TeleMetrum, the GPS will eventually find enough satellites, lock in on them, - and 'ao-view' will both auditorially announce and visually indicate - that GPS is ready. - Now you can launch knowing that you have a good data path and - good satellite lock for flight data and recovery. Remember - you MUST tell ao-view to connect to the TeleDongle explicitly in - order for ao-view to be able to receive data. - </para> - <para> - The altimeters provide RDF (radio direction finding) tones on - the pad, during descent and after landing. These can be used to - locate the rocket using a directional antenna; the signal - strength providing an indication of the direction from receiver to rocket. - </para> - <para> - TeleMetrum also provides GPS trekking data, which can further simplify - locating the rocket once it has landed. (The last good GPS data - received before touch-down will be on the data screen of 'ao-view'.) - </para> - <para> - Once you have recovered the rocket you can download the eeprom - contents using either 'ao-dumplog' (or possibly 'ao-eeprom'), over - either a USB cable or over the radio link using TeleDongle. - And by following the man page for 'ao-postflight' you can create - various data output reports, graphs, and even kml data to see the - flight trajectory in google-earth. (Moving the viewing angle making - sure to connect the yellow lines while in google-earth is the proper - technique.) - </para> - <para> - As for ao-view.... some things are in the menu but don't do anything - very useful. The developers have stopped working on ao-view to focus - on a new, cross-platform ground station program. So ao-view may or - may not be updated in the future. Mostly you just use - the Log and Device menus. It has a wonderful display of the incoming - flight data and I am sure you will enjoy what it has to say to you - once you enable the voice output! - </para> - <section> - <title>FAQ</title> - <para> - TeleMetrum seems to shut off when disconnected from the - computer. Make sure the battery is adequately charged. Remember the - unit will pull more power than the USB port can deliver before the - GPS enters "locked" mode. The battery charges best when TeleMetrum - is turned off. - </para> - <para> - It's impossible to stop the TeleDongle when it's in "p" mode, I have - to unplug the USB cable? Make sure you have tried to "escape out" of - this mode. If this doesn't work the reboot procedure for the - TeleDongle *is* to simply unplug it. 'cu' however will retain it's - outgoing buffer IF your "escape out" ('~~') does not work. - At this point using either 'ao-view' (or possibly - 'cutemon') instead of 'cu' will 'clear' the issue and allow renewed - communication. - </para> - <para> - The amber LED (on the TeleMetrum) lights up when both - battery and USB are connected. Does this mean it's charging? - Yes, the yellow LED indicates the charging at the 'regular' rate. - If the led is out but the unit is still plugged into a USB port, - then the battery is being charged at a 'trickle' rate. - </para> - <para> - There are no "dit-dah-dah-dit" sound or lights like the manual mentions? - That's the "pad" mode. Weak batteries might be the problem. - It is also possible that the Telemetrum is horizontal and the output - is instead a "dit-dit" meaning 'idle'. For TeleMini, it's possible that - it received a command packet which would have left it in "pad" mode. - </para> - <para> - It's unclear how to use 'ao-view' and other programs when 'cu' - is running. You cannot have more than one program connected to - the TeleDongle at one time without apparent data loss as the - incoming data will not make it to both programs intact. - Disconnect whatever programs aren't currently being used. - </para> - <para> - How do I save flight data? - Live telemetry is written to file(s) whenever 'ao-view' is connected - to the TeleDongle. The file area defaults to ~/altos - but is easily changed using the menus in 'ao-view'. The files that - are written end in '.telem'. The after-flight - data-dumped files will end in .eeprom and represent continuous data - unlike the rf-linked .telem files that are subject to the - turnarounds/data-packaging time slots in the half-duplex rf data path. - See the above instructions on what and how to save the eeprom stored - data after physically retrieving your TeleMetrum. Make sure to save - the on-board data after each flight, as the current firmware will - over-write any previous flight data during a new flight. - </para> - </section> - </chapter> - <chapter> - <title>Specifications</title> - <section> - <title>TeleMetrum Specifications</title> - <itemizedlist> - <listitem> - <para> - Recording altimeter for model rocketry. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges). - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - 70cm ham-band transceiver for telemetry downlink. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - Barometric pressure sensor good to 45k feet MSL. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - 1-axis high-g accelerometer for motor characterization, capable of - +/- 50g using default part. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - On-board, integrated GPS receiver with 5hz update rate capability. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - On-board 1 megabyte non-volatile memory for flight data storage. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - USB interface for battery charging, configuration, and data recovery. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - Fully integrated support for LiPo rechargeable batteries. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - Uses LiPo to fire e-matches, can be modiied to support - optional separate pyro battery if needed. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - 2.75 x 1 inch board designed to fit inside 29mm airframe coupler tube. - </para> - </listitem> - </itemizedlist> - </section> - <section> - <title>TeleMini Specifications</title> - <itemizedlist> - <listitem> - <para> - Recording altimeter for model rocketry. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges). - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - 70cm ham-band transceiver for telemetry downlink. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - Barometric pressure sensor good to 45k feet MSL. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - On-board 5 kilobyte non-volatile memory for flight data storage. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - RF interface for battery charging, configuration, and data recovery. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - Support for LiPo rechargeable batteries, using an external charger. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - Uses LiPo to fire e-matches, can be modiied to support - optional separate pyro battery if needed. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - 1.5 x .5 inch board designed to fit inside 18mm airframe coupler tube. - </para> - </listitem> - </itemizedlist> - </section> </chapter> <chapter> <title>Handling Precautions</title> @@ -918,9 +606,6 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 </para> </section> </section> - - - <section> <title>Updating Device Firmware</title> <para> @@ -1160,92 +845,6 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 provided from the top-level toolbar. </para> <section> - <title>Packet Command Mode</title> - <subtitle>Controlling An Altimeter Over The Radio Link</subtitle> - <para> - One of the unique features of the Altus Metrum environment is - the ability to create a two way command link between TeleDongle - and an altimeter using the digital radio transceivers built into - each device. This allows you to interact with the altimeter from - afar, as if it were directly connected to the computer. - </para> - <para> - Any operation which can be performed with TeleMetrum - can either be done with TeleMetrum directly connected to - the computer via the USB cable, or through the packet - link. Simply select the appropriate TeleDongle device when - the list of devices is presented and AltosUI will use packet - command mode. - </para> - <para> - One oddity in the current interface is how AltosUI selects the - frequency for packet mode communications. Instead of providing - an interface to specifically configure the frequency, it uses - whatever frequency was most recently selected for the target - TeleDongle device in Monitor Flight mode. If you haven't ever - used that mode with the TeleDongle in question, select the - Monitor Flight button from the top level UI, pick the - appropriate TeleDongle device. Once the flight monitoring - window is open, select the desired frequency and then close it - down again. All Packet Command Mode operations will now use - that frequency. - </para> - <itemizedlist> - <listitem> - <para> - Save Flight Data—Recover flight data from the rocket without - opening it up. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - Configure altimeter apogee delays or main deploy heights - to respond to changing launch conditions. You can also - 'reboot' the altimeter. Use this to remotely enable the - flight computer by turning TeleMetrum on in "idle" mode, - then once the airframe is oriented for launch, you can - reboot the altimeter and have it restart in pad mode - without having to climb the scary ladder. - </para> - </listitem> - <listitem> - <para> - Fire Igniters—Test your deployment charges without snaking - wires out through holes in the airframe. Simply assembly the - rocket as if for flight with the apogee and main charges - loaded, then remotely command the altimeter to fire the - igniters. - </para> - </listitem> - </itemizedlist> - <para> - Packet command mode uses the same RF frequencies as telemetry - mode. Configure the desired TeleDongle frequency using the - flight monitor window frequency selector and then close that - window before performing the desired operation. - </para> - <para> - TeleMetrum only enables packet command mode in 'idle' mode, so - make sure you have TeleMetrum lying horizontally when you turn - it on. Otherwise, TeleMetrum will start in 'pad' mode ready for - flight and will not be listening for command packets from TeleDongle. - </para> - <para> - TeleMini listens for a command packet for five seconds after - first being turned on, if it doesn't hear anything, it enters - 'pad' mode, ready for flight and will no longer listen for - command packets. - </para> - <para> - When packet command mode is enabled, you can monitor the link - by watching the lights on the - devices. The red LED will flash each time they - transmit a packet while the green LED will light up - on TeleDongle while it is waiting to receive a packet from - the altimeter. - </para> - </section> - <section> <title>Monitor Flight</title> <subtitle>Receive, Record and Display Telemetry Data</subtitle> <para> @@ -1484,6 +1083,92 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 </section> </section> <section> + <title>Packet Command Mode</title> + <subtitle>Controlling An Altimeter Over The Radio Link</subtitle> + <para> + One of the unique features of the Altus Metrum environment is + the ability to create a two way command link between TeleDongle + and an altimeter using the digital radio transceivers built into + each device. This allows you to interact with the altimeter from + afar, as if it were directly connected to the computer. + </para> + <para> + Any operation which can be performed with TeleMetrum + can either be done with TeleMetrum directly connected to + the computer via the USB cable, or through the packet + link. Simply select the appropriate TeleDongle device when + the list of devices is presented and AltosUI will use packet + command mode. + </para> + <para> + One oddity in the current interface is how AltosUI selects the + frequency for packet mode communications. Instead of providing + an interface to specifically configure the frequency, it uses + whatever frequency was most recently selected for the target + TeleDongle device in Monitor Flight mode. If you haven't ever + used that mode with the TeleDongle in question, select the + Monitor Flight button from the top level UI, pick the + appropriate TeleDongle device. Once the flight monitoring + window is open, select the desired frequency and then close it + down again. All Packet Command Mode operations will now use + that frequency. + </para> + <itemizedlist> + <listitem> + <para> + Save Flight Data—Recover flight data from the rocket without + opening it up. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + Configure altimeter apogee delays or main deploy heights + to respond to changing launch conditions. You can also + 'reboot' the altimeter. Use this to remotely enable the + flight computer by turning TeleMetrum on in "idle" mode, + then once the airframe is oriented for launch, you can + reboot the altimeter and have it restart in pad mode + without having to climb the scary ladder. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + Fire Igniters—Test your deployment charges without snaking + wires out through holes in the airframe. Simply assembly the + rocket as if for flight with the apogee and main charges + loaded, then remotely command the altimeter to fire the + igniters. + </para> + </listitem> + </itemizedlist> + <para> + Packet command mode uses the same RF frequencies as telemetry + mode. Configure the desired TeleDongle frequency using the + flight monitor window frequency selector and then close that + window before performing the desired operation. + </para> + <para> + TeleMetrum only enables packet command mode in 'idle' mode, so + make sure you have TeleMetrum lying horizontally when you turn + it on. Otherwise, TeleMetrum will start in 'pad' mode ready for + flight and will not be listening for command packets from TeleDongle. + </para> + <para> + TeleMini listens for a command packet for five seconds after + first being turned on, if it doesn't hear anything, it enters + 'pad' mode, ready for flight and will no longer listen for + command packets. + </para> + <para> + When packet command mode is enabled, you can monitor the link + by watching the lights on the + devices. The red LED will flash each time they + transmit a packet while the green LED will light up + on TeleDongle while it is waiting to receive a packet from + the altimeter. + </para> + </section> + <section> <title>Save Flight Data</title> <para> The altimeter records flight data to its internal flash memory. @@ -1877,10 +1562,10 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 <section> <title>Flash Image</title> <para> - This reprograms any Altus Metrum device by using a TeleMetrum or - TeleDongle as a programming dongle. Please read the directions - for connecting the programming cable in the main TeleMetrum - manual before reading these instructions. + This reprograms any Altus Metrum device by using a TeleMetrum + or TeleDongle as a programming dongle. Please read the + directions for flashing devices in the Updating Device + Firmware section above </para> <para> Once you have the programmer and target devices connected, @@ -2125,4 +1810,330 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 </para> </section> </chapter> + <chapter> + <title>Hardware Specifications</title> + <section> + <title>TeleMetrum Specifications</title> + <itemizedlist> + <listitem> + <para> + Recording altimeter for model rocketry. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges). + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + 70cm ham-band transceiver for telemetry downlink. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + Barometric pressure sensor good to 45k feet MSL. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + 1-axis high-g accelerometer for motor characterization, capable of + +/- 50g using default part. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + On-board, integrated GPS receiver with 5hz update rate capability. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + On-board 1 megabyte non-volatile memory for flight data storage. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + USB interface for battery charging, configuration, and data recovery. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + Fully integrated support for LiPo rechargeable batteries. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + Uses LiPo to fire e-matches, can be modiied to support + optional separate pyro battery if needed. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + 2.75 x 1 inch board designed to fit inside 29mm airframe coupler tube. + </para> + </listitem> + </itemizedlist> + </section> + <section> + <title>TeleMini Specifications</title> + <itemizedlist> + <listitem> + <para> + Recording altimeter for model rocketry. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges). + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + 70cm ham-band transceiver for telemetry downlink. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + Barometric pressure sensor good to 45k feet MSL. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + On-board 5 kilobyte non-volatile memory for flight data storage. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + RF interface for battery charging, configuration, and data recovery. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + Support for LiPo rechargeable batteries, using an external charger. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + Uses LiPo to fire e-matches, can be modiied to support + optional separate pyro battery if needed. + </para> + </listitem> + <listitem> + <para> + 1.5 x .5 inch board designed to fit inside 18mm airframe coupler tube. + </para> + </listitem> + </itemizedlist> + </section> + </chapter> + <chapter> + <title>FAQ</title> + <para> + TeleMetrum seems to shut off when disconnected from the + computer. Make sure the battery is adequately charged. Remember the + unit will pull more power than the USB port can deliver before the + GPS enters "locked" mode. The battery charges best when TeleMetrum + is turned off. + </para> + <para> + It's impossible to stop the TeleDongle when it's in "p" mode, I have + to unplug the USB cable? Make sure you have tried to "escape out" of + this mode. If this doesn't work the reboot procedure for the + TeleDongle *is* to simply unplug it. 'cu' however will retain it's + outgoing buffer IF your "escape out" ('~~') does not work. + At this point using either 'ao-view' (or possibly + 'cutemon') instead of 'cu' will 'clear' the issue and allow renewed + communication. + </para> + <para> + The amber LED (on the TeleMetrum) lights up when both + battery and USB are connected. Does this mean it's charging? + Yes, the yellow LED indicates the charging at the 'regular' rate. + If the led is out but the unit is still plugged into a USB port, + then the battery is being charged at a 'trickle' rate. + </para> + <para> + There are no "dit-dah-dah-dit" sound or lights like the manual mentions? + That's the "pad" mode. Weak batteries might be the problem. + It is also possible that the Telemetrum is horizontal and the output + is instead a "dit-dit" meaning 'idle'. For TeleMini, it's possible that + it received a command packet which would have left it in "pad" mode. + </para> + <para> + How do I save flight data? + Live telemetry is written to file(s) whenever AltosUI is connected + to the TeleDongle. The file area defaults to ~/TeleMetrum + but is easily changed using the menus in AltosUI. The files that + are written end in '.telem'. The after-flight + data-dumped files will end in .eeprom and represent continuous data + unlike the rf-linked .telem files that are subject to losses + along the rf data path. + See the above instructions on what and how to save the eeprom stored + data after physically retrieving your altimeter. Make sure to save + the on-board data after each flight; while the TeleMetrum can store + multiple flights, you never know when you'll lose the altimeter... + </para> + </chapter> + <appendix> + <title>Notes for Older Software</title> + <para> + <emphasis> + Before AltosUI was written, using Altus Metrum devices required + some finesse with the Linux command line. There was a limited + GUI tool, ao-view, which provided functionality similar to the + Monitor Flight window in AltosUI, but everything else was a + fairly 80's experience. This appendix includes documentation for + using that software. + </emphasis> + </para> + <para> + Both Telemetrum and TeleDongle can be directly communicated + with using USB ports. The first thing you should try after getting + both units plugged into to your computer's usb port(s) is to run + 'ao-list' from a terminal-window to see what port-device-name each + device has been assigned by the operating system. + You will need this information to access the devices via their + respective on-board firmware and data using other command line + programs in the AltOS software suite. + </para> + <para> + TeleMini can be communicated with through a TeleDongle device + over the radio link. When first booted, TeleMini listens for a + TeleDongle device and if it receives a packet, it goes into + 'idle' mode. Otherwise, it goes into 'pad' mode and waits to be + launched. The easiest way to get it talking is to start the + communication link on the TeleDongle and the power up the + TeleMini board. + </para> + <para> + To access the device's firmware for configuration you need a terminal + program such as you would use to talk to a modem. The software + authors prefer using the program 'cu' which comes from the UUCP package + on most Unix-like systems such as Linux. An example command line for + cu might be 'cu -l /dev/ttyACM0', substituting the correct number + indicated from running the + ao-list program. Another reasonable terminal program for Linux is + 'cutecom'. The default 'escape' + character used by CU (i.e. the character you use to + issue commands to cu itself instead of sending the command as input + to the connected device) is a '~'. You will need this for use in + only two different ways during normal operations. First is to exit + the program by sending a '~.' which is called a 'escape-disconnect' + and allows you to close-out from 'cu'. The + second use will be outlined later. + </para> + <para> + All of the Altus Metrum devices share the concept of a two level + command set in their firmware. + The first layer has several single letter commands. Once + you are using 'cu' (or 'cutecom') sending (typing) a '?' + returns a full list of these + commands. The second level are configuration sub-commands accessed + using the 'c' command, for + instance typing 'c?' will give you this second level of commands + (all of which require the + letter 'c' to access). Please note that most configuration options + are stored only in Flash memory; TeleDongle doesn't provide any storage + for these options and so they'll all be lost when you unplug it. + </para> + <para> + Try setting these config ('c' or second level menu) values. A good + place to start is by setting your call sign. By default, the boards + use 'N0CALL' which is cute, but not exactly legal! + Spend a few minutes getting comfortable with the units, their + firmware, and 'cu' (or possibly 'cutecom'). + For instance, try to send + (type) a 'c r 2' and verify the channel change by sending a 'c s'. + Verify you can connect and disconnect from the units while in your + terminal program by sending the escape-disconnect mentioned above. + </para> + <para> + Note that the 'reboot' command, which is very useful on the altimeters, + will likely just cause problems with the dongle. The *correct* way + to reset the dongle is just to unplug and re-plug it. + </para> + <para> + A fun thing to do at the launch site and something you can do while + learning how to use these units is to play with the rf-link access + between an altimeter and the TeleDongle. Be aware that you *must* create + some physical separation between the devices, otherwise the link will + not function due to signal overload in the receivers in each device. + </para> + <para> + Now might be a good time to take a break and read the rest of this + manual, particularly about the two "modes" that the altimeters + can be placed in. TeleMetrum uses the position of the device when booting + up will determine whether the unit is in "pad" or "idle" mode. TeleMini + enters "idle" mode when it receives a command packet within the first 5 seconds + of being powered up, otherwise it enters "pad" mode. + </para> + <para> + You can access an altimeter in idle mode from the Teledongle's USB + connection using the rf link + by issuing a 'p' command to the TeleDongle. Practice connecting and + disconnecting ('~~' while using 'cu') from the altimeter. If + you cannot escape out of the "p" command, (by using a '~~' when in + CU) then it is likely that your kernel has issues. Try a newer version. + </para> + <para> + Using this rf link allows you to configure the altimeter, test + fire e-matches and igniters from the flight line, check pyro-match + continuity and so forth. You can leave the unit turned on while it + is in 'idle mode' and then place the + rocket vertically on the launch pad, walk away and then issue a + reboot command. The altimeter will reboot and start sending data + having changed to the "pad" mode. If the TeleDongle is not receiving + this data, you can disconnect 'cu' from the Teledongle using the + procedures mentioned above and THEN connect to the TeleDongle from + inside 'ao-view'. If this doesn't work, disconnect from the + TeleDongle, unplug it, and try again after plugging it back in. + </para> + <para> + On TeleMetrum, the GPS will eventually find enough satellites, lock in on them, + and 'ao-view' will both auditorially announce and visually indicate + that GPS is ready. + Now you can launch knowing that you have a good data path and + good satellite lock for flight data and recovery. Remember + you MUST tell ao-view to connect to the TeleDongle explicitly in + order for ao-view to be able to receive data. + </para> + <para> + The altimeters provide RDF (radio direction finding) tones on + the pad, during descent and after landing. These can be used to + locate the rocket using a directional antenna; the signal + strength providing an indication of the direction from receiver to rocket. + </para> + <para> + TeleMetrum also provides GPS trekking data, which can further simplify + locating the rocket once it has landed. (The last good GPS data + received before touch-down will be on the data screen of 'ao-view'.) + </para> + <para> + Once you have recovered the rocket you can download the eeprom + contents using either 'ao-dumplog' (or possibly 'ao-eeprom'), over + either a USB cable or over the radio link using TeleDongle. + And by following the man page for 'ao-postflight' you can create + various data output reports, graphs, and even kml data to see the + flight trajectory in google-earth. (Moving the viewing angle making + sure to connect the yellow lines while in google-earth is the proper + technique.) + </para> + <para> + As for ao-view.... some things are in the menu but don't do anything + very useful. The developers have stopped working on ao-view to focus + on a new, cross-platform ground station program. So ao-view may or + may not be updated in the future. Mostly you just use + the Log and Device menus. It has a wonderful display of the incoming + flight data and I am sure you will enjoy what it has to say to you + once you enable the voice output! + </para> + </appendix> + <appendix + xmlns:xi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XInclude"> + <title>Release Notes</title> + <xi:include href="release-notes-0.9.2.xsl" xpointer="xpointer(/article/*)"/> + <xi:include href="release-notes-0.9.xsl" xpointer="xpointer(/article/*)"/> + <xi:include href="release-notes-0.8.xsl" xpointer="xpointer(/article/*)"/> + <xi:include href="release-notes-0.7.1.xsl" xpointer="xpointer(/article/*)"/> + </appendix> </book> |