LinkIt One Phone Home Device

We're attempting to use a MediaTek Linkit One as part of our Independent Maker Space Program project. The goal of the IMSP is to develop accessible methods for gathering and analyzing telemetry and data for use in amateur rocketry launch events.

We've already tested the Freescale in an amateur rocket test launch, and this stage of the project involves launching a weather balloon with a data collection payload to high altitude with the intent of gathering as much data as possible about atmospheric conditions, as well as to test a number of different concepts, including redundancy of multiple processors, like Raspberry Pi, Freescale and LinkIt One, and Moteino (an Arduino based transceiver board).

The LinkIt One is intended to be the GSM communicator system that transmits location data when the weather balloon payload lands after release from the balloon.

The test is still in progress, as we've learned more about the different systems and worked out best methods for positioning of the boards, power systems, and communications between different boards. The LinkIt One has proved more challenging to program than the other boards so this Instructable describes the process to date, and will be updated over the next few days prior to the final test of the system, with launch expected early in 2016. (We promise to provide updates!)

LinkIt One Board with SIM card

Freescale Avionics Module

Raspberry Pi

Payload storage device (cooler!)

A vital component for our Phone Home Device.

This is where we hit the biggest snag and are still working to understand the architecture of the LinkIt One board. We've gotten some basic responses out of it, but are not yet fully satisfied with results and need to continue educating ourselves on the system.

This project is being spearheaded by Eureka Factory member Chris Willingham, who earlier shared the 'ible, How to Build a Freescale Avionics Module (and How to Launch a Freescale Avionics Module). Check it out for details on the Freescale component of this build.

The most recent iteration of the Freescale module now includes a GPS and a Moteino (updates that will be added to the other 'ible soon).

Connect the LinkIt One to the Freescale via the USB host connector on the Freescale, via a USB OTG (which we do not have at the moment.)

While we weren't able to complete full testing in time for the LinkIt One project deadline, we did want to share what we've accomplished so far, and the reason for including LinkIt One in our Weather Balloon project. It's tempting to want to call this one a "fail" but we don't believe it is - just a "need more time" experience.

We'll update this 'ible as the project progresses, and hope to have a full Weather Balloon Payload Project Instructable early next year!