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GSE1 is Ground Support Equipment designed to be a reliable, industrial rated, ready to operate system to control all types of hybrid rocket pad functions, as well as work with solid fuel motors. This is the most advanced system available today, using microprocessor technology and aviation grade components to achieve a worry free, reliable system, even from 1000's of feet away! Hybrid motors are more complicated to fire than solids, as most of them require filling the motor with nitrous oxide after it is on the pad, and everyone has moved to a safe distance. Some motors also use gaseous oxygen to initiate ignition, another complication. It is fairly typical to leave 1 person at the pad during the filling operation to ensure it is going smoothly, as it is not always easy to detect when the fill is complete. He then most move to a safe distance just before the motor is fired. There are several systems available on the market as pre-assembled, ready to use systems. All systems evolve as efficiently as possible, and have to balance cost with features. I am not satisfied with the choices that were made for the existing commercial systems. I usually recommend that people build their own, as it can be another interesting aspect of the hobby. Sources for components can be found elsewhere on this website. I built a couple of my own systems, and have used them for many years. Eventually, I wanted to build a new, ultra reliable system with safety features that were difficult to implement in a simple system. Based on past experience, I knew that wired connections are potential failure points, and should be minimized. This would require custom circuit boards. GSE1 is the result. Features: RS-422 based-reliable operation up to 3000 feet. Addition of an inexpensive 9V battery option extends range to 3 miles! Audio fill detect-built in audio amplifier allows monitoring sound from the LCO box. For most motors, fill detect is very clear. Temperature fill detect-a thermistor can be placed in the vent path. As the thermistor cools, the status is displayed at the LCO box by an LED flashing faster as it cools, and staying on continuous when liquid is sensed. Mode: System can be run in oxygen mode or not. In oxygen mode, fire is delayed until oxygen reaches the motor, ensuring quick ignition. In non-oxygen mode, continuity is displayed at LCO control box through the fill. The oxygen control is automatically disabled in this mode. Commercial enclosures-all components securely encased in protective small boxes Pad box is about 4 x 4 x 4, LCO box is about 4 x 4 x 2. Fire button debounce-fire button must be held .3 seconds before fire command is actuated. Safety key at LCO box- disables fire circuit. Power switch at Pad box-disconnnects battery and safes the pad. Ultra high intensity status LEDs- 11,000 MCD leds visible in bright desert sun Round aviation style connectors- one of the most expensive components, these high quality connectors come with dust caps, and use round pins and sockets, ensuring a multipoint connection for best reliability. PWM solenoid saver circuitry. Fill, dump and fire (02) solenoids all operate through pulse width modulation signals, allowing additional power to actuate solenoids, but dropping to low power "holding" mode for the duration of the operation cycle. Besides allowing higher 14.4 voltage to improve reliability of the solenoid opening, the low power mode increases solenoid life, and reduces power requirements to where inexpensive, light weight batteries are sufficient to power dozens of launches. MOSFET switches-no mechanical relays to stick or wear out Fire piezo- audible signal if fire circuit is actuated, no need to short leads to test for voltage before connection cable-uses light weight stranded 8 pair cable for all communications. External battery- easily swappable small commonly available battery Fuse-fuse protected circuits Customizable- this microprocessor controlled system is fully programmable. Not Supplied: Microphone, Headphone, Batteries, Charger The batteries and charger are common 6 cell packs used for R/C cars, etc. I recommend the 3000mah NiMH type. 2 batteries are required, or the system will operate off a single 12V source
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