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Rockets Down Under

GDT-2 Mk1 Payload
Video Camera Rocket Payload

David Boyd's Australian Rocketry Home Page

 

Overview of the GDT-2 Mk1 Payload
Features of the GDT-2 Mk1 payload was constructed to fly on the GDT2 flight. However shipping problems meant that it wouldn't arrive in time. An alternative Payload was flown on GDT-2 using my new 75mm payload bus system..

Described below is the Mk1 payload, which still has not flown. The features of the GDT-2 Mk1 payload are:

  • Advanced fight computer with non-volatile memory, altimeter, accelerometer, main and drogue chute deployment, software backup pyro timers.
  • Real-time in-flight telemetry transmitted back to the ground station.
  • Real-time in-flight color video transmission.
  • Optional GPS unit.
  • Remote control and testing of all payload functions via an umbilical cable that detaches at launch. Individual electronic modules can be remotely turned on or off, and the payload is remotely armed.

 

 

20010621 - GDT2 Payload - Workshop View.jpg (25151 bytes)

 It has to start somewhere !

This is the electronics test bench in my workshop.

20010621 - GDT2 Payload - Front View 2.jpg (46700 bytes)

 This image shows most of the GDT-2 payload (upside down).

Uppermost is the flight computer. Below left the backup timer, below right the backup battery, and below centre the on/off switches. The ribboncable on the left is the umbilical cable with connector. In front of this cable is the camera leed.

20010621 - GDT2 Payload - Front View 1.jpg (196378 bytes)

 Close-up view of the ALT5 flight computer. Click on the image to enlarge it for a more detailed view.

The largest chip is the microprocessor, with modem chip below it. The round silver disk is the altimeter pressure sensor. The accelerometer is located under the PCB. The four mounting holes are for a Motorola Oncore M12 GPS unit.

20010621 - GDT2 Payload - Rear View 3.jpg (39731 bytes)

 The other side of the payload (upside down). From Top to bottom is the transmitter antenna, ATV12-440 video transmitte (in shielded case), and 12V 2000mAh Ni-Cad battery pack.

Hidden in each of the bulkheads are the pyro charge cannisters and connectors.

20010621 - GDT2 Payload - TV Transmitter & Shield.jpg (27987 bytes)

 This is the ATV440 video transmitter with the shielded case removed. The aluminium bracket attaches to a large aluminium heatsink (not shown).

This page created 17th July 2001, last updated 26th May 2002.

This page has been accessed times since 17th July 2001.

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Rockets Down Under

David Boyd's Australian Rocketry Home Page