
Project Black cat
- brian goodwin
- Jul 13, 2024
- 2 min read
For building a guided model rocket system with a robust propulsion aspect, along with a DIY guidance system and tail fin stabilization, here’s an estimated parts list and an overview of the components and their integration:
### Parts List for Rocket Propulsion System
1. **Rocket Motor**:
- **Solid Rocket Motor**: Estes C6-5 or D12-5 (depending on rocket size and desired altitude)
- **Motor Mount Kit**: Compatible with chosen rocket motor (e.g., BT-50 motor mount for Estes motors)
2. **Ignition System**:
- **Launch Controller**: Estes Electron Beam Launch Controller or custom-built ignition system
- **Igniters**: Estes Solar Igniters
3. **Airframe and Structural Components**:
- **Body Tube**: High-quality rocket body tube (e.g., BT-55 or BT-60)
- **Nose Cone**: Compatible with body tube, lightweight and aerodynamic (e.g., plastic or balsa wood nose cone)
- **Fins**: Balsa wood or fiberglass fins for stability
### Parts List for DIY Guidance System
1. **Microcontroller**:
- **Arduino Nano or Pro Mini**: Compact and lightweight for fitting in the nose cone
2. **Sensors**:
- **IMU Sensor**: MPU-6050 or MPU-9250 for gyroscopic and accelerometer data
- **Barometric Pressure Sensor**: BMP280 for altitude measurement
3. **Communication Module**:
- **Telemetry Module**: 433MHz or 915MHz telemetry module for data transmission to the ground station
4. **Power Supply**:
- **Battery**: LiPo battery (e.g., 2S 7.4V 500mAh) to power the microcontroller and sensors
- **Voltage Regulator**: 5V voltage regulator to ensure stable power supply
5. **Actuators**:
- **Servos**: Micro servos (e.g., SG90) for controlling tail fin movements
### Parts List for Tail Fin Stabilization and Movement
1. **Tail Fins**:
- **Stabilizing Fins**: Fixed fins made from durable material like balsa wood or fiberglass
- **Control Fins**: Movable fins controlled by servos
2. **Servo Mounts**:
- **Servo Brackets**: Custom or off-the-shelf brackets to mount servos on the rocket body
### Integration and Assembly
1. **Nose Cone Guidance System Integration**:
- **Mounting**: Secure the microcontroller, sensors, and battery inside the nose cone using foam or 3D-printed mounts
- **Wiring**: Connect the IMU sensor and barometric pressure sensor to the microcontroller
- **Programming**: Upload flight control software to the microcontroller to process sensor data and control fin movements
2. **Tail Fin Stabilization**:
- **Fixed Fins**: Attach fixed stabilizing fins to the lower section of the rocket body for basic stability
- **Control Fins**: Install control fins and connect them to the micro servos
- **Servo Control**: Wire the servos to the microcontroller to receive control signals based on flight dynamics
3. **Telemetry and Communication**:
- **Telemetry Module**: Install the telemetry module in the rocket and connect it to the microcontroller for data transmission
- **Ground Station**: Set up a ground station with a compatible receiver to monitor real-time data
### Example Parts with Links:
- **Rocket Motors**: [Estes C6-5](https://www.estesrockets.com/001652-c6-5-engines-3pk.html)
- **Microcontroller**: [Arduino Nano](https://store.arduino.cc/products/arduino-nano)
- **IMU Sensor**: [MPU-6050](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11028)
- **Barometric Pressure Sensor**: [BMP280](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2651)
- **Servos**: [SG90 Micro Servos](https://www.towerpro.com.tw/product/sg90-9g-micro-servo/)
- **Telemetry Module**: [433MHz Telemetry Kit](https://www.amazon.com/3DR-Radio-Telemetry-433Mhz-Module/dp/B072JZL84H)
By integrating these components, you can build a guided model rocket system with effective propulsion, accurate guidance, and stabilized flight. Ensure to follow safety guidelines and conduct tests to fine-tune the system for optimal performance.
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