Rocketry@VT
Author: Paul Broome
Email: pbroome4@vt.edu
Software for Rocketry@VT Payload 2022. Run on a ground computer to recieve and record data from the payload executing the matchig payload repoitory. In its current phase, it recieves lora packets via a lora tranciever connected via usb. This data is then logged, and parsed to a .kml file. To view live 3-D trajectory, open google earth and import the liveTrajectory.kml file.
Some software may need to be installed for program to run properly. The following must be installed on the system to proceed.
git
git --version
If no version is currently installed, install by running the following command
sudo apt-get install git
python3 should also be installed by default. Again this can be checked by
python3 --version
and installed by runnning
sudo apt-get install python3
pip3 must be installed and is likely not installedbe by default. To install, run
sudo apt-get install python3-pip
Install the payload software by entering
git clone https://github.com/pbroome4VT/Rocketry-VTPayloadGround.git
pip3 install -r requirements.txt
Some software may need to be installed or added to the windows PATH environment variable. The following must be installed on the system to proceed.
python3 is probably installed by default
git most likely not installed. I reccomend installing github desktop
pip3 must be installed
Download each of the above and add them to you PATH variable
Install the payload software by entering
git clone https://github.com/pbroome4VT/Rocketry-VTPayloadGround.git
pip3 install -r requirements.txt
It is likely, you must edit the reciever.py file! The line near the top of the file that creates the variable SERIAL_PORT must be changed to the serial port assigned to the lora tranciever usb.
On linux this string should be "/dev/ttyUSBx" followed by a number instead of the letter 'x'. The easiest way to
find this is to navigate to the directroy and see which device file appears/disappears when you plug in the usb.
It is most likely "/dev/ttyUSB0".
On windows This string should "COMx" with a number instead of the letter 'x'. You will need to find the COM port
assosicated with the usb connection. This can be done by opening the device manager, navigating the to the view menu
option and selecting "show hidden devices". Then navigate to the COM ports device folder and determine which com
port corresponds to the usb by plugging and unplugging the device.
After intalling, the program can be run by executing the corresponding payload script file.
On linux that means, run linuxPayload.sh
on windows, that means, run windowsPayload.bat