Building a Rocket Flight Computer With Ground Control Integration

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on constructing a rocket flight computer with seamless ground control integration. In this project, we'll be using the powerful STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller, along with essential sensors and components such as the MPU6050, BMP280, buzzer, MOSFET, and NRF24L01 wireless transceiver. Whether you're a hobbyist, student, or professional, this step-by-step Instructable will equip you with the knowledge to create a sophisticated flight computer capable of monitoring and controlling various aspects of a rocket's flight. Stay tuned as we dive into the details of assembling, programming, and testing this advanced system.

Rocket flight computer .

Introduction

Welcome to this detailed guide on building a rocket flight computer using the STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller. This project includes a suite of sensors and components designed to monitor and control various aspects of a rocket's flight. The components used in this project are:

• STM32F103C8T6: A powerful microcontroller unit (MCU) for handling all computations and control tasks.
• MPU6050: A 6-axis motion tracking device (accelerometer and gyroscope) for measuring acceleration and angular velocity.
• BMP280: A barometric pressure sensor for altitude measurement.
• Buzzer: For audio notifications.
• MOSFET (IRF24N): For switching high power loads.
• NRF24L01: A wireless transceiver module for communication.

By the end of this guide, you'll have a fully functional flight computer capable of monitoring and controlling a model rocket's flight.

• STM32F103C8T6 Microcontroller
• MPU6050 Accelerometer and Gyroscope
• BMP280 Barometric Pressure Sensor
• Buzzer
• IRF24N MOSFET
• NRF24L01 Wireless Transceiver
• Breadboard and Jumper Wires
• Resistors and Capacitors (as needed)
• Soldering Kit (for final assembly)
• Battery and Power Supply
• Programming tools (ST-Link/V2, USB to TTL converter)

1. Install STM32CubeMX: This graphical tool from STMicroelectronics helps to initialize and configure the STM32 MCU.
2. Install STM32CubeIDE: An integrated development environment for coding and debugging.
3. Install the necessary drivers for ST-Link/V2 and USB to TTL converter.

1. Open STM32CubeMX and create a new project.
2. Select the STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller from the part number list.
3. Configure the clock settings: Ensure the system clock is set up correctly for your application.
4. Enable peripheral interfaces:
5. I2C for MPU6050 and BMP280.
6. SPI for NRF24L01.
7. GPIO for the Buzzer and MOSFET control.
8. Generate the project and open it in STM32CubeIDE.

MPU6050

• VCC to 3.3V
• GND to GND
• SCL to I2C1_SCL (PB6)
• SDA to I2C1_SDA (PB7)

BMP280

• VCC to 3.3V
• GND to GND
• SCL to I2C1_SCL (PB6)
• SDA to I2C1_SDA (PB7)

NRF24L01

• VCC to 3.3V
• GND to GND
• CSN to SPI1_NSS (PA4)
• SCK to SPI1_SCK (PA5)
• MOSI to SPI1_MOSI (PA7)
• MISO to SPI1_MISO (PA6)
• CE to PB0
• IRQ to PB1

Buzzer

• Positive lead to PB8 through a current-limiting resistor.
• Negative lead to GND.

MOSFET (IRF24N)

• Gate to PB9
• Drain to the load (e.g., ignition system)
• Source to GND

Initializing Peripherals

1. I2C Initialization: Configure the I2C peripheral to communicate with MPU6050 and BMP280.
2. SPI Initialization: Set up SPI communication for NRF24L01.
3. GPIO Initialization: Configure the GPIO pins for the Buzzer and MOSFET.

c
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void SystemClock_Config(void) {
    // Configure system clock settings here
}

void MX_I2C1_Init(void) {
    // Configure I2C1 for MPU6050 and BMP280
}

void MX_SPI1_Init(void) {
    // Configure SPI1 for NRF24L01
}

void MX_GPIO_Init(void) {
    // Configure GPIO for Buzzer and MOSFET
}

Reading Sensor Data

1. MPU6050 Data Acquisition:

c
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void read_MPU6050(void) {
    // Implement I2C read function to get accelerometer and gyroscope data
}

1. BMP280 Data Acquisition:

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void read_BMP280(void) {
    // Implement I2C read function to get altitude data
}

Wireless Communication

1. Initialize NRF24L01:

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void init_NRF24L01(void) {
    // Configure NRF24L01 for wireless communication
}

1. Transmit Data:

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void transmit_data(void) {
    // Use SPI to send data from sensors to the ground control
}

Buzzer and MOSFET Control

1. Buzzer Activation:

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void activate_buzzer(void) {
    // Implement buzzer activation for alerts
}

1. MOSFET Control:

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void control_MOSFET(bool state) {
    // Control MOSFET state (e.g., for igniting a secondary stage)
}

1. Test each component individually to ensure they are working correctly.
2. Calibrate the sensors: Follow specific calibration procedures for MPU6050 and BMP280.
3. Integrate and test the full system: Ensure all components work together seamlessly.

1. Solder the components onto a PCB: For a more robust and permanent setup.
2. Ensure all connections are secure and free of shorts.
3. Encase the electronics: Protect the flight computer in a suitable enclosure that can withstand the rocket's environment.

1. Mount the flight computer onto the rocket: Ensure it is securely attached and well-insulated.
2. Perform pre-flight checks: Verify all systems are functioning correctly.
3. Launch and monitor: Use the NRF24L01 module for real-time data transmission to ground control.

Congratulations! You have successfully built and tested a rocket flight computer using STM32F103C8T6, MPU6050, BMP280, a buzzer, a MOSFET, and NRF24L01. This project not only enhances your understanding of embedded systems and sensor integration but also paves the way for more advanced aerospace projects. Happy launching!

if you are interested in my rocket flight computer and ground control software, please contact me.