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FC-877 Top View 

AFC-877 Flight Computer

 

 

 

The AFC Flight Computer is currently out of production.

 


 

The AFC-877 Flight Computer combines barometric and acceleration sensors with non-volatile data storage, multiple, individually programmable pyro outputs and in flight telemetry capabilities to create a powerful and flexible rocket control and data gathering system.

While the AFC-877 has been designed for use in medium and large rockets, a board size of only 5.0" x 1.75" (12.7cm x 4.4cm), allows the AFC-877 to fit inside a 2.0" ID tube.

  • Four independently programmable pyro outputs: Each pyro output can be individually programmed for any of six different flight events, with a backup timer on each output. Each pyro output can be triggered on:

    • Apogee (with 0-199 second delay and backup timer)
    • Low Altitude (with 0-199 backup timer)
    • Stage 1 burnout (with 0-199 second delay and backup timer)
    • Stage 2 burnout (with 0-199 second delay and backup timer)
    • Stage 3 burnout (with 0-199 second delay and backup timer)
    • Timer (0-199 seconds after launch detection)

  • Maximum altitude, speed and acceleration recording: After a flight with the AFC-877 installed, your rocket's peak altitude (apogee), maximum speed and acceleration will be reported on the LCD display, and the peak altitude will be beeped out on the piezo buzzer.
  • Telemetry: As data is being recorded during flight, the current flight parameters (time, barometric and inertial altitude, acceleration and velocity) are sent to the on-board serial port. The AFC-877 can plug directly into the AGTS GPS/ Telemetry System, allowing you to monitor your rocket's performance in real time during flight! In addition, once the flight event reporting is complete, the AFC-877 will relay the GPS location data from the AGTS/1, allowing you to use the GPS data to locate your rocket.
  • Hybrid compatible launch detection: Digital signal processing produces clean launch detection, even with the unique acceleration profile produced by some hybrid motors. Breakwire launch detection is also available!
  • Program without an attached computer: Using the LCD and the three pushbuttons on the AFC-877, all flight parameters can be programmed; pyro output programming, data sampling rate, etc. Leave your laptop at home!
  • Program with an attached computer: Or bring your laptop with you! The AFC-877 can be connected to a PC or Palm PDA with the included Flight analysis software - CATS. CATS, or Command And Telemetry Software, allows you to program all flight parameters, as well as upload, display and store flight data, and display in-flight telemetry (when connected to an AGTS Receiver via the computers' serial port).
  • Nonvolatile data storage: pressure and acceleration are sampled at a user selected interval (20, 50 or 100ms). At the highest rate, the total measurement time is 326 seconds (almost five and a half minutes). At the lowest sampling rate, 100ms, flight data can be stored for over 27 minutes. Flight data and maximums are stored in nonvolatile memory (powering off the unit has no effect on the data) and can be uploaded and viewed as many times as you like.
  • Field Upgradeable Firmware: Download future versions of the program code from our website, and then using the supplied CATS flight analysis software, upgrade your AFC-877 system to the latest firmware in less than a minute.

 

 

AGTS/1 GPS Telemetry System

Overview:
FC-877 Top View The AGTS/1 GPS Telemetry System combines a small GPS engine with a radio transmitter and receiver to create a sophisticated amateur rocket in-flight telemetry and post-flight tracking and recovery system, that is able to integrate with the AFC-877 Flight Computer for detailed accelerometer telemetry, or stand-alone for GPS data only.

While the AGTS/1 Flight Modules have been designed for use in medium and large rockets, the small size and low power requirements allows the AGTS/1 to be flown in mid-power 2.6" rockets as well. The AGTS Transmitter Modules are offered in two versions: the first, the AGTS/1i, has an antenna integrated directly onto the GPS receiver, allowing very simple mounting in smaller airframes; the second, the AGTS/1e, has an external GPS antenna, allowing the maximum flexibility in module and antenna mounting.

The AGTS/1 GPS Telemetry System consists of the AGTS/1e Flight Module and the AGTS/1 Ground Station. In addition either a PDA or PC with appropriate software is also required to display usable GPS data.



AGTS/1 Features

  • The AGTS/1e comes with an with external GPS antenna to ensure best performance.
  • Commercial Radio Technology: Uses commercial radio equipment - no amateur (HAM) radio license required.
  • GPS Data Transmission: By connecting a PC or PDA to the AGTS/1 Ground Station, you can see the GPS coordinates of your rocket - then using handheld GPS, like a Garmin or Magellan unit, you can then walk or drive directly to your rocket on the ground! No more hours of searching and no more lost rockets!
  • Telemetry: While the AGTS/1 Flight Module is powered on, GPS data is sent to the transmitter. The AGTS/1 Ground Station receives the data and sends it out the serial port to either a PC or a PDA. Software that reads standard GPS sentences can then either display the GPS coordinates in latitude and longitude, or will display the location on a map, depending on the software used.
  • AFC-877 Integration: Unique to the AGTS/1 is the ability to integrate with the AFC-877 Flight Computer for a true in-flight telemetry system. When connected to the AFC-877,  the AGTS/1 Flight Module will broadcast GPS data prior to launch, AFC-877 data from launch to apogee, and GPS data continuously until powered down.
  • Serial Output: The serial output allows the AGTS/1 Flight Module to be directly connected to a serial port for connection to a PC or PDA. In this mode, the AGTS/1 Flight Module will function exactly like a handheld GPS, allowing GPS-compatible map software, like "MS Maps and Streets", to display your location!
  • AGTS/1i Internal Antenna: The internal antenna on the AGTS/1i Flight Module allows for easy installation into tight spaces in minimum diameter airframes or nosecones.
  • AGTS/1e External Antenna: The external antenna on the AGTS/1e Flight Module allows for more flexible mounting options than with the AGTS/1. It also allows the antenna to be mounted outside carbon-fiber composite or metal airframes.
  • Low Power Requirements: The AGTS/1 Flight Module requires a 7.2v R/C - Hobby Battery for power. These are readily available at hobby and electronics stores, such as Radio Shack.
  • 900Mhz Spread Spectrum Signal: The 900Mhz frequency used allows for small antennas on both the AGTS/1i Flight Module, while maintaining good transmission ranges. The spread spectrum technology allows up to 9600 baud data transmission rates (we use 4800 baud).
  • Designed Specifically for Amateur Rocketry: The AGTS/1 System has been designed specifically for use in amateur rockets, the principals of the company are all active rocketeers and use the system in their own rockets.

 

PRICING

The AFC-877

 The AFC-877package includes the AFC-877 Flight Computer, a serial/TTL adapter board, a mini-cd with the CATS Software, User Manual (in pdf format) and the PalmOS Utilities, and a Quick Start Guide.

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AFC-877 
CAR L4 / TRA L3 Bundle Pricing

 The AFC-877 CAR L4 / TRA L3 Bundle provides a special price for flyers attempting their Canadian Association of Rocketry CAR Level 4, TRA Level 3 or NAR  Level 3 High Power Rocketry Certification flight. The bundle consists of two complete AFC-877 Flight Computers at a significant savings from the regular separate price of $698.

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AGTS/1 GPS Telemetry System

details coming soon

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AGTS/1 Ground Station

details coming soon

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Complete Bundle

One AFC-877, one AGTS/1 GPS Telemetry System and one AGTS/1 Ground Station

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