Launch Pad
Goal: Develop the most overkill model rocket launch pad, to push my skills and learn more
Features
Right from the start, I had grand visions of what the launch pad could like like. I wanted something overkill, a really cool piece of engineering. So I added lots of features, built the frame from steel and added its signature aluminium checker plate and brushed aluminium look.
The launch pad has base clamps and upper clamps, to hold the rocket in place up until ignition. The base clamps were developed over a period of 2 weeks, and are one of the most complicated mechanical systems I have ever developed, due to their self opening/closing lids. They are also engineered to ensure any load against them from the rockets thrust is not put on the servo motors. The upper clamps are very fragile and basic, they will be upgraded in the future.
To ensure the launch pad would last a long time and to learn more about engineering, the launch pad is constructed from welded steel RHS. This is then covered in an aluminium checker plate top, brushed aluminium sides and black aluminium edges to finish off the aesthetic. The strong back was poorly engineered and weighs far too much, so an additional structure is bolted onto the read of the launch pad to stop it from tipping on launch.
The launch pad consists of three computers. A main computer to control everything, an LED board to hold the 30 resistors and a servo computer to control the four base servo activated clamps. The main computer receives signals from the controller via wireless transmission through an NRF24, these signals tell the computer what to do. Past launch attempts have proven this wireless system to be unreliable, with frequent loss of signal. As a result, this system will be upgraded to a cable running between the controller and launch pad in the future.
A pneumatics system was designed into the launch pad for two reasons. Because I wanted to learn more about pneumatics and because it looks cool. This system of gauges, valves and electronics has one job, to retract the stringback just before ignition. The pre-launch vision involved the strong back slowly tilting back, still in motion which the rocket lifts off. This would be an awesome camera shot, though still has not been made reality.
To find out much more about how the launch pad works and the process to make it, as well as some files, check out my Instructables writeup on it.
https://www.instructables.com/Overkill-Model-Rocket-Launch-Pad/
Major 2022 upgrades
2022 started with major upgrades to the launch pad, to increase reliability, allowing me to focus my time on the rockets control system development. These upgrades included a complete revamp of the launch pads entire electrical and pneumatic systems.