Rocket launch

Today we are going to attempt to build a rocket launch system with the arduino.  Expect some pictures soon!

Timer

We have created the code to display digits, now it is time to create a timer.  We are going to have two main parts, one to select the duration and another to start the count down.

Splitting numbers up

Using modulo

So we can display different numbers but how can we make a function to display a certain number?  To do this we are going to use an operator called modulo which select the remainder of a number after a division.

Multiplexing

Display Different Numbers

Previously we covered how to display single numbers but we want to be able to display more than single digit numbers.  To do this we are going to use something called multiplexing.  This involves quickly flickering each segment on to display a certain number.

Intro to seven segment displays

Display Numbers

There are many occasions when it is useful to display numbers from an arduino.  This tutorial will cover how to use a 4 digit seven segment display.

Components

For this tutorial I will be using a display from spark fun. It has 4 segments with a decimal point for each number.  If you don't have access to this device then your wiring might be a little different but the software is the same.  Seven segments are labeled as shown in this diagram:

Seven segment - from Wikipedia

GT-2 Reset after emergency

 Mission time: 2015-05-22 11pm

 The weather is still too bad to fly so I haven't had a chance to test my repairs yet.  I have spent more time developing the software and I have the BIP almost completed, just need to add in more information from the drone.  Currently the camera information, the angle limiter and the emergency mode all work.  I also have programmed an additional button on the joystick to exit out of an emergency mode which will save me from having to unplug the battery if an emergency is triggered.

Using the serial for an output

Logging

One useful tool for the arduino is the Serial input output.  This tutorial will only cover outputs for the serial.  If you place the serial outputs in the correct positions you can tell what the arduino is thinking.