Proceedings Article | 21 May 2014
KEYWORDS: Relays, Control systems, Antennas, Global Positioning System, Field programmable gate arrays, Rockets, Human-machine interfaces, Sensors, Gemini Planet Imager, Oscillators
McQ has developed a wireless, time-synchronized, event control system to control, monitor, and record events with
precise timing over large test sites for applications such as high speed rocket sled payload testing. Events of interest may
include firing rocket motors and launch sleds, initiating flares, ejecting bombs, ejecting seats, triggering high speed
cameras, measuring sled velocity, and triggering events based on a velocity window or other criteria. The system
consists of Event Controllers, a Launch Controller, and a wireless network. The Event Controllers can be easily
deployed at areas of interest within the test site and maintain sub-microsecond timing accuracy for monitoring sensors,
electronically triggering other equipment and events, and providing timing signals to other test equipment. Recorded
data and status information is reported over the wireless network to a server and user interface. Over the wireless
network, the user interface configures the system based on a user specified mission plan and provides real time
command, control, and monitoring of the devices and data. An overview of the system, its features, performance, and
potential uses is presented.
