2013.08.11 NEWS *Craig Peterson has kindly agreed to machine the three throat inserts for the DSS TM-4 motor. The three inserts are all identical except for the throat diameter. These steel inserts allow for simple change of throat diameter to allow the TM-4 motor to operate at different chamber pressures, starting with the lowest pressure for the first test firing. This approach was considered to be a wise precaution, since the DD-slot grain has not been tested before. *A regular Avionics telecon was held this past Sunday. In attendance were Chris King, Hans Olaf Toft, Mattias Lampe and Richard Nakka. Chris reported that he has largely assembled the avionics into the new DART support structure. The sole component left to be mounted is the video camera. Hans reported that he has nearly completed assembly of one copy of the DSS avionics board (switches, connectors, external boards, sensors, etc). Testing so far indicates that nearly all is working well. The sensors, with the exception of the pressure transducer, seem to be working. The gyros currently appear to be a tad ‘noisy’. All switches are functioning. The feature which allows switching from Pad power to Internal power is working. Mattias reported that he has produced additional copies of the circular antennas that are being used for the DSS package. Richard reported that he attempted to start up the electric motor for the de-spin system, but was unsuccessful in getting the motor to operate. The motor being tested is an Turnigy Brushless Outrunner motor, connected to a speed controller and servo tester unit. One of the components may be faulty, according to manufacturer’s Technical Support. Richard also reported that the maiden flight of the DART has been postponed one week to Aug.31 and as a result, the DART flight with the DSS avionics has been pushed off by a week, to Sept.7th. This delay was considered prudent to accommodate extra work being done to prep the DSS TM-4A motor static firing, also expected to occur at the end of August. Photos posted.
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 17:25:32 +0000
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