Inaki Iturriaga

ARGENTINA • + Follow

Inaki Iturriaga

ARGENTINA
- 4
- 0
1

Components

	ATTINY85-20SU	x 1
	18mm Piezo/Buzzer/Beeper	x 1
	BMP280	x 1
	slide-switch	x 1

Tools, APP Software Used etc.

	arduino IDE Arduino
	Soldering Iron Kit

Description

Altitude Indicator with Beeper for Rocketry

Altitude Indicator for Model Rocketry

In our ever-advancing technological landscape, countless projects employ diverse components to amass, process, and visually represent data for a myriad of applications. This innovative device, known as the Altitude Indicator, serves as a sturdy, adaptable platform for model rocket enthusiasts. It employs an ATTiny85 microcontroller, a BMP280 sensor for measuring altitude, and a simple buzzer connected to pin 6.

Disclaimer:

Please note that this Altitude Indicator has been designed specifically for model rocketry. The data displayed by the buzzer in the form of distinct beeps corresponds to the maximum altitude reached by the rocket, as measured by the BMP280 sensor. For the Indicator to function properly, it must be incorporated into the rocket's structure, and it is vital to protect the device from intense heat and vibration associated with the rocket's launch and descent.

Potential Applications:

Model Rocketry: The primary application of the Altitude Indicator is in model rocketry. By collecting data from the BMP280 sensor and transforming it into a series of beeps, the device offers a unique way for enthusiasts to determine the maximum altitude reached by their rockets. Each beep signifies a digit from the altitude, with the amount of beeps indicating the digit itself.
Portable Devices: Given its compact design and power efficiency, this Altitude Indicator can be utilized in a range of portable devices. Its potential isn't limited to model rocketry; one could easily adapt the concept for use in hiking equipment, portable weather devices, or any application requiring a simple, audibly indicated data representation.
IoT and Hobbyist Devices: The small, modular design of this Altitude Indicator makes it an excellent candidate for various IoT and hobbyist projects, like DIY weather balloons, drones, or even amateur radiosondes.

Building Guide - Altitude Indicator:

Gather the necessary tools and materials: You will need an ATTiny85 microcontroller, a BMP280 sensor, a buzzer, soldering iron, solder, flux, desoldering wick or pump, brass sponge or steel wool for cleaning the soldering iron tip, heat-resistant surface or soldering mat, and tweezers or small pliers for holding components.
Prepare the PCB board: Clean the PCB board with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove any dust or grease, ensuring proper solder adherence.
Prepare the components: Inspect each component for any damage. If any pins are bent or if there are excessive leads, correct and trim them as needed.
Insert the male pins into the components: For the ATTiny85 and the BMP280, gently insert the pins into the suitable holes. Make sure the pins are correctly aligned and securely inserted.
Secure the components to the PCB: Place each component on the PCB, aligning the male pins with the corresponding solder pads or holes. Secure the components with masking tape, Blu-Tack, or a tiny amount of hot glue.
Heat up the soldering iron: Switch on your soldering iron and let it reach the appropriate temperature (around 350°C or 650°F for 60/40 solder).
Tin the soldering iron tip: Apply a small amount of solder to the iron tip to create a thin layer of molten solder. This process, known as "tinning," enhances heat transfer and simplifies the soldering process.
Solder the components to the PCB: Hold the soldering iron in one hand and the solder in the other. Touch the iron tip to the junction of the component lead (or male pin) and the PCB pad. After a brief moment, introduce the solder to the joint. The solder should flow smoothly and create a shiny, concave fillet. Simultaneously remove the solder and the iron, allowing the joint to cool. Repeat for each component lead or pin.
Inspect the solder joints: Use a magnifying glass or microscope to scrutinize the solder joints for any cold solder, bridges, or other defects. Cold solder joints appear dull or grainy and may result in poor connections. Bridges are undesired solder connections between adjacent pads or traces and may cause short circuits.
Fix any issues: If you find any solder joint problems, use a desoldering wick or pump to remove the excess solder, clean the area, and try again. If a component is poorly aligned or damaged, carefully remove it, clean the area, and replace it with a new component.
Clean the PCB: After successfully soldering all components, clean the PCB with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove any residual flux.
Test the assembled board: After the PCB has dried, power up the board and test its functionality. If the buzzer correctly indicates a series of beeps based on your inputs, congratulations! You've successfully assembled your custom Altitude Indicator.
Programming the Board: Use the provided code snippets to test the Altitude Indicator. Make sure the device correctly measures altitude and translates it into a series of beeps. Customize the code to suit your specific needs or the specific needs of your model rocket.

Happy rocketing!

Code

Arduino

#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_Sensor.h>
#include <Adafruit_BMP280.h>

// Pin for the buzzer
#define BUZZER 6

Adafruit_BMP280 bmp; // I2C

double maxAltitude = -999999;

void setup() {
  // Initialize sensor
  if (!bmp.begin()) {
    // Failed to initialize BMP280
    // Indicate error state using the buzzer
    tone(BUZZER, 1000, 2000);
    while (1);
  }
  
  pinMode(BUZZER, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  double altitude = bmp.readAltitude();
  if (altitude > maxAltitude) {
    maxAltitude = altitude;
    // Convert maxAltitude to a series of beeps and emit through buzzer
    transmitAltitudeAsBeeps(maxAltitude);
    // End beep
    tone(BUZZER, 1000, 2000);
    delay(3000); // delay before repeating the series
  }

  delay(100); // Delay between readings
}

void transmitAltitudeAsBeeps(double altitude) {
  int integerPart = (int)altitude;
  // Converting each digit of altitude to series of beeps
  while (integerPart > 0) {
    int digit = integerPart % 10;
    for (int i = 0; i < digit; i++) {
      // Emit beep
      tone(BUZZER, 1000, 100);
      delay(300); // delay between each beep in a digit
    }
    delay(1000); // delay between digits
    integerPart /= 10;
  }
}

CAD-Custom parts and enclosures

Part 1

Beeper_1.stl

Part 2

Beeper_2.stl

Download Gerbers Download BOM(Bill of materials)

Jul 15,2023

1,146 views

Altitude Indicator with Beeper for Rocketry

The Altitude Indicator is a DIY tool to audibly report the peak altitude of model rockets.

1146

Published: Jul 15,2023

Download Gerber file 1

BOM(Bill of materials)

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