TeleGPS Owner’s Manual

An Owner's Manual for the TeleGPS recording GPS tracker

+TeleGPS Owner’s Manual
TeleGPS Owner’s Manual
An Owner's Manual for the TeleGPS recording GPS tracker
-
Bdale Garbee
`<bdale@gag.com>`
Keith Packard
`<keithp@keithp.com>`
Copyright © 2015 Bdale Garbee and Keith Packard
+

Bdale Garbee

<bdale@gag.com>

Keith Packard

<keithp@keithp.com>

This document is released under the terms of the Creative Commons ShareAlike 3.0 @@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ collaborators, and we certainly appreciate this level of contribution!

Have fun using these products, and we hope to meet all of you out on the rocket flight line somewhere.

Bdale Garbee, KB0G
NAR #87103, TRA #12201

Keith Packard, KD7SQG
-NAR #88757, TRA #12200

Table of Contents

1. TeleGPS Quick Start Guide

2. Using TeleGPS Hardware

2.1. Hooking Up Lithium Polymer Batteries
2.2. On-board Data Recording
2.3. Installation

3. TeleGPS Application

3.1. Telemetry Monitoring

3.1.1. Map
3.1.2. Location
3.1.3. Status
3.1.4. Table

3.2. TeleGPS Menus

3.2.1. New Window

3.3. Graph Data

3.3.1. Data Graph
3.3.2. Graph Configuration
3.3.3. Statistics
3.3.4. Map

3.4. Export Data

3.4.1. Comma Separated Value Format
3.4.2. Keyhole Markup Language (for Google Earth)

3.5. Load Maps

3.6. Preferences

3.6.1. Voice Settings
3.6.2. Log Directory
3.6.3. Callsign
3.6.4. Imperial Units
3.6.5. Serial Debug
3.6.6. Font size
3.6.7. Look & feel
3.6.8. Menu position
3.6.9. Map Cache Size
3.6.10. Manage Frequencies

3.7. Close

3.8. Exit

3.9. Connect Device

3.10. Disconnect

3.11. Scan Channels

3.12. Download Data

3.13. Configure Device

3.13.1. Frequency
3.13.2. RF Calibration
3.13.3. Telemetry/RDF/APRS Enable
3.13.4. Telemetry baud rate
3.13.5. APRS Interval
3.13.6. APRS SSID
3.13.7. APRS Format
3.13.8. Callsign
3.13.9. Logging Trigger Motion
3.13.10. Position Reporting Interval

3.14. Flash Device

A. TeleGPS System Operation

A.1. GFSK Telemetry
A.2. APRS
A.3. Configurable Parameters

B. Handling Precautions

C. Technical Information

C.1. GPS Receiver
C.2. Micro-controller
C.3. Lithium Polymer Battery
C.4. Mechanical Considerations
C.5. On-board data storage

D. Updating Device Firmware

D.1. Updating TeleGPS Firmware

E. Release Notes

E.1. Release Notes for Version 1.6.3

E.1.1. AltOS
E.1.2. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications
E.1.3. AltosDroid
E.1.4. Documentation

E.2. Release Notes for Version 1.6.2

E.2.1. AltOS
E.2.2. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications
E.2.3. Documentation

E.3. Release Notes for Version 1.6.1

E.3.1. AltOS
E.3.2. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications
E.3.3. AltosDroid

E.4. Release Notes for Version 1.6

E.4.1. AltOS
E.4.2. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications

E.5. Release Notes for Version 1.5

E.5.1. AltOS
E.5.2. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications

E.6. Release Notes for Version 1.4.2

E.6.1. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications

E.7. Release Notes for Version 1.4.1

E.7.1. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications:

E.8. Release Notes for Version 1.4

E.8.1. AltOS
E.8.2. AltosUI Application
E.8.3. TeleGPS Application
E.8.4. Documentation

List of Figures

3.1. TeleGPS Map View
3.2. TeleGPS Location View
3.3. TeleGPS Status View
3.4. TeleGPS Information Table
3.5. TeleGPS Graph
3.6. TeleGPS Graph Configuration
3.7. TeleGPS Statistics
3.8. TeleGPS Map
3.9. Load Maps Window
3.10. TeleGPS Preferences Window
3.11. Device Selection Dialog
3.12. Radio Scanning Dialog
3.13. TeleGPS Configuration Dialog

List of Tables

A.1. Altus Metrum APRS Comments

Chapter 1. TeleGPS Quick Start Guide

TeleGPS is designed to be easy to use. Requiring no external +NAR #88757, TRA #12200

Table of Contents

1. TeleGPS Quick Start Guide

2. Using TeleGPS Hardware

2.1. Hooking Up Lithium Polymer Batteries
2.2. On-board Data Recording
2.3. Installation

3. TeleGPS Application

3.1. Telemetry Monitoring

3.1.1. Map
3.1.2. Location
3.1.3. Status
3.1.4. Table

3.2. TeleGPS Menus

3.2.1. New Window

3.3. Graph Data

3.3.1. Data Graph
3.3.2. Graph Configuration
3.3.3. Statistics
3.3.4. Map

3.4. Export Data

3.4.1. Comma Separated Value Format
3.4.2. Keyhole Markup Language (for Google Earth)

3.5. Load Maps

3.6. Preferences

3.6.1. Voice Settings
3.6.2. Log Directory
3.6.3. Callsign
3.6.4. Imperial Units
3.6.5. Serial Debug
3.6.6. Font size
3.6.7. Look & feel
3.6.8. Menu position
3.6.9. Map Cache Size
3.6.10. Manage Frequencies

3.7. Close

3.8. Exit

3.9. Connect Device

3.10. Disconnect

3.11. Scan Channels

3.12. Download Data

3.13. Configure Device

3.13.1. Frequency
3.13.2. RF Calibration
3.13.3. Telemetry/RDF/APRS Enable
3.13.4. Telemetry baud rate
3.13.5. APRS Interval
3.13.6. APRS SSID
3.13.7. APRS Format
3.13.8. Callsign
3.13.9. Logging Trigger Motion
3.13.10. Position Reporting Interval

3.14. Flash Device

A. TeleGPS System Operation

A.1. GFSK Telemetry
A.2. APRS
A.3. Configurable Parameters

B. Handling Precautions

C. Technical Information

C.1. GPS Receiver
C.2. 70cm Transmitter
C.3. Micro-controller
C.4. Lithium Polymer Battery
C.5. Mechanical Considerations
C.6. On-board data storage

D. Updating Device Firmware

D.1. Updating TeleGPS Firmware

E. Release Notes

E.1. Release Notes for Version 1.6.3

E.1.1. AltOS
E.1.2. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications
E.1.3. AltosDroid
E.1.4. Documentation

E.2. Release Notes for Version 1.6.2

E.2.1. AltOS
E.2.2. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications
E.2.3. Documentation

E.3. Release Notes for Version 1.6.1

E.3.1. AltOS
E.3.2. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications
E.3.3. AltosDroid

E.4. Release Notes for Version 1.6

E.4.1. AltOS
E.4.2. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications

E.5. Release Notes for Version 1.5

E.5.1. AltOS
E.5.2. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications

E.6. Release Notes for Version 1.4.2

E.6.1. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications

E.7. Release Notes for Version 1.4.1

E.7.1. AltosUI and TeleGPS Applications:

E.8. Release Notes for Version 1.4

E.8.1. AltOS
E.8.2. AltosUI Application
E.8.3. TeleGPS Application
E.8.4. Documentation

List of Figures

3.1. TeleGPS Map View
3.2. TeleGPS Location View
3.3. TeleGPS Status View
3.4. TeleGPS Information Table
3.5. TeleGPS Graph
3.6. TeleGPS Graph Configuration
3.7. TeleGPS Statistics
3.8. TeleGPS Map
3.9. Load Maps Window
3.10. TeleGPS Preferences Window
3.11. Device Selection Dialog
3.12. Radio Scanning Dialog
3.13. TeleGPS Configuration Dialog

List of Tables

A.1. Altus Metrum APRS Comments

Chapter 1. TeleGPS Quick Start Guide

TeleGPS is designed to be easy to use. Requiring no external components, flying takes just a few steps.

First, download and install the software from http://altusmetrum.org/AltOS. This will make sure that @@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ tabs, each of which contain some information about the TeleGPS board. The final table tab displays many of the raw telemetry values in one place in a spreadsheet-like format.
3.1.1. Map
The Map tab shows the TeleGPS track over time on top of map data making it easy to locate -the device.
Figure 3.1. TeleGPS Map View

The map’s default scale is approximately 3m +the device.
Figure 3.1. TeleGPS Map View

The map’s default scale is approximately 3m (10ft) per pixel. The map can be dragged using the left mouse button. The map will attempt to keep the rocket roughly centered while data is @@ -150,10 +150,10 @@ rocket’s path will be traced on a dark gray background instead.
You can pre-load images for your favorite launch sites before you leave home; check out Section 3.5, “Load Maps”.
3.1.2. Location
The Location tab shows the raw GPS data -received from TeleGPS.
Figure 3.2. TeleGPS Location View

3.1.3. Status
The Status tab shows data relative to the +received from TeleGPS.
Figure 3.2. TeleGPS Location View

3.1.3. Status
The Status tab shows data relative to the location of TeleGPS when the application first -received telemetry from it.
Figure 3.3. TeleGPS Status View

3.1.4. Table
The Table tab shows detailed information about -the GPS receiver
Figure 3.4. TeleGPS Information Table

3.2. TeleGPS Menus

TeleGPS has three or four menus at the top of +received telemetry from it.

Figure 3.3. TeleGPS Status View

3.1.4. Table

The Table tab shows detailed information about +the GPS receiver

Figure 3.4. TeleGPS Information Table

3.2. TeleGPS Menus

TeleGPS has three or four menus at the top of the window:

File: @@ -183,9 +183,9 @@ collected. The X axis is time in seconds; there are a variety of Y axes available for different kinds of data. This window also allows you to see some statistics computed from the data, and an overall map -of the entire data record.
3.3.1. Data Graph
Figure 3.5. TeleGPS Graph

3.3.2. Graph Configuration
Figure 3.6. TeleGPS Graph Configuration

This selects which graph elements to show, and, at the +of the entire data record.
3.3.1. Data Graph
Figure 3.5. TeleGPS Graph

3.3.2. Graph Configuration
Figure 3.6. TeleGPS Graph Configuration

This selects which graph elements to show, and, at the bottom, lets you switch between metric and imperial -units
3.3.3. Statistics
Figure 3.7. TeleGPS Statistics

Shows overall data computed from the flight.
3.3.4. Map
Figure 3.8. TeleGPS Map

Shows a map of the area overlaid with the GPS track. As with +units
3.3.3. Statistics
Figure 3.7. TeleGPS Statistics

Shows overall data computed from the flight.
3.3.4. Map
Figure 3.8. TeleGPS Map

Shows a map of the area overlaid with the GPS track. As with the telemetry monitoring window, you can select the style of map and zoom level using buttons along the side; you can scroll the map by dragging within the map pressing @@ -215,7 +215,7 @@ are converted to standard units, with the barometric data reported in both pressure, altitude and height above pad units.
3.4.2. Keyhole Markup Language (for Google Earth)
This is the format used by Google Earth to provide an overlay within that application. With this, you can use Google Earth to -see the whole path in 3D.
3.5. Load Maps
Figure 3.9. Load Maps Window

Before heading out to a new launch site, you can use +see the whole path in 3D.

3.5. Load Maps

Figure 3.9. Load Maps Window

Before heading out to a new launch site, you can use this to load satellite images in case you don’t have internet connectivity at the site.

There’s a drop-down menu of launch sites we know about; if your favorites aren’t there, please let us @@ -263,7 +263,7 @@ Google Maps; note that Google limits how many images you can fetch at once, so if you load more than one launch site, you may get some gray areas in the map which indicate that Google is tired of sending data to -you. Try again later.

3.6. Preferences

Figure 3.10. TeleGPS Preferences Window

3.6.1. Voice Settings

TeleGPS provides voice announcements during +you. Try again later.

3.6. Preferences

Figure 3.10. TeleGPS Preferences Window

3.6.1. Voice Settings

TeleGPS provides voice announcements during flight so that you can keep your eyes on the sky and still get information about the current flight status. However, sometimes you @@ -332,8 +332,8 @@ open and the application running.

3.9. Connect Device

Selecting this item brings up a dialog box listing all of the connected TeleDongle devices. When you choose one of these, AltosUI will display telemetry data as -received by the selected TeleDongle device.

Figure 3.11. Device Selection Dialog

3.10. Disconnect

Disconnects the currently connected TeleDongle or -TeleBT

3.11. Scan Channels

Figure 3.12. Radio Scanning Dialog

Scans the configured set of frequencies looking for +received by the selected TeleDongle device.

Figure 3.11. Device Selection Dialog

3.10. Disconnect

Disconnects the currently connected TeleDongle or +TeleBT

3.11. Scan Channels

Figure 3.12. Radio Scanning Dialog

Scans the configured set of frequencies looking for telemetry signals. A list of all of the discovered signals is show; selecting one of those and clicking on Monitor will select that frequency in the @@ -354,7 +354,7 @@ starting TeleGPS again. Note that if there is no more space available in the device, then no data will be recorded.

The file name for each data log is computed automatically from the recorded date, altimeter serial -number and flight number information.

3.13. Configure Device

Figure 3.13. TeleGPS Configuration Dialog

Select this button and then select any connected TeleGPS +number and flight number information.

3.13. Configure Device

Figure 3.13. TeleGPS Configuration Dialog

Select this button and then select any connected TeleGPS device from the list provided.

The first few lines of the dialog provide information about the connected device, including the product name, software version and hardware serial @@ -469,7 +469,7 @@ same time while keeping the identify of each one separate in the receiver. By default, the SSID is set to the last digit of the device serial number.

The APRS packet format includes a comment field that can have arbitrary text in it. AltOS uses this to send -status information as shown in the following table.

Table A.1. Altus Metrum APRS Comments

Field	Example	Description
1	L	GPS Status U for unlocked, L for locked
2	6	Number of Satellites in View
3	B4.0	Altimeter Battery Voltage
4	1286	Device Serial Number

Here’s an example of an APRS comment showing GPS lock with 6 +status information as shown in the following table.

Table A.1. Altus Metrum APRS Comments

Field	Example	Description
1	L	GPS Status U for unlocked, L for locked
2	6	Number of Satellites in View
3	B4.0	Altimeter Battery Voltage
4	1286	Device Serial Number

Here’s an example of an APRS comment showing GPS lock with 6 satellites in view and a primary battery at 4.0V from device 1876.

L6 B4.0 1876

Make sure your primary battery is above 3.8V and GPS is locked with at least 5 or 6 satellites in view before flying. If GPS is switching between L and @@ -511,12 +511,13 @@ both by not being covered by foam or tape or other materials that might directly block the hole on the top of the sensor, and also by having a suitable static vent to outside air.

As with all other rocketry electronics, Altus Metrum altimeters must be protected from exposure to corrosive motor exhaust and ejection -charge gasses.

Appendix C. Technical Information

C.1. GPS Receiver

TeleGPS uses the u-Blox Max-7Q GPS receiver.

C.2. Micro-controller

TeleGPS uses an NXP LPC11U14 micro-controller. This +charge gasses.

Appendix C. Technical Information

C.1. GPS Receiver

TeleGPS uses the u-Blox Max-7Q GPS receiver.

C.2. 70cm Transmitter

TeleGPS uses a TI CC115L transmitter. This radio +produces 10mW of RF output.

C.3. Micro-controller

TeleGPS uses an NXP LPC11U14 micro-controller. This tiny CPU contains 32kB of flash for the application -and 4kB of RAM for temporary data storage.

C.3. Lithium Polymer Battery

Shipping restrictions may prevent us from including a -battery battery with TeleGPS.

C.4. Mechanical Considerations

TeleGPS is designed to be rugged enough for typical +and 4kB of RAM for temporary data storage.

C.4. Lithium Polymer Battery

Shipping restrictions may prevent us from including a +battery battery with TeleGPS.

C.5. Mechanical Considerations

TeleGPS is designed to be rugged enough for typical rocketry applications. The 4 mounting holes on the -board are sized for use with 4-40 or M3 screws.

C.5. On-board data storage

TeleGPS has 2MB of non-volatile storage, separate from +board are sized for use with 4-40 or M3 screws.

C.6. On-board data storage

TeleGPS has 2MB of non-volatile storage, separate from the code storage memory. The TeleGPS firmware uses this to log information during flight.

Appendix D. Updating Device Firmware

TeleGPS is programmed directly over its USB connectors.

You may wish to begin by ensuring you have current firmware images. These are distributed as part of the TeleGPS software bundle that -- cgit v1.2.3

TeleGPS Owner’s Manual

An Owner's Manual for the TeleGPS recording GPS tracker