Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: Telchar16y on June 27, 2010, 06:52:57 PM

Title: Rocket tracking using pythagorean theorem.
Post by: Telchar16y on June 27, 2010, 06:52:57 PM

I would like to build a robot that can track a rocket (most likely no higher than 175 meters) and based on angle at its greatest and the launch location calculate approximate height. I would like to know if this is possible if I don't want to spend more than $125 USD on any one component of the robot. All of the above with the exception of the last sentence are tentative and are just the first thing that I thought of. This is not the only task I would like this robot to perform if that makes any difference. If you have any suggestions as far as a better method to find this number using a robot I would appreciate any suggestions. I am new to autonomous robots but have programmed in c++, basic, c# and python. I am looking at using this project board:  PICAXE-28 Project Board and this microprocessor: PICAXE-28X1 IC. I have very little experience with homemade robots but I am willing to spend a while on this project along the lines of years if necessary. Lastly if I am posting in the wrong part of the forum let me know. Thanks.

Title: Re: Rocket tracking using pythagorean theorem.
Post by: Razor Concepts on June 27, 2010, 06:56:16 PM

The hard part is, how does the robot track the rocket?

I'm thinking a little device that you input the angle into and your distance from the launch pad would be a lot easier than having to track a teeny little dot in the sky.

Title: Re: Rocket tracking using pythagorean theorem.
Post by: Telchar16y on June 27, 2010, 07:04:51 PM

Possibly using the exhaust trail and tracking using IR or maybe a something that can analyze color and identify the rocket based on that. The problem I would guess with both of the above ideas is the cost. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Title: Re: Rocket tracking using pythagorean theorem.
Post by: Soeren on June 27, 2010, 07:42:49 PM

Hi,

A rocket gets very hot at the bottom. Heat = IR.
If you don't point it against the sun or close to, you might be able to track it by it's IR signature.

Perhaps see if you can find any info on incoming missile warning systems as used in fighter jets.

Title: Re: Rocket tracking using pythagorean theorem.
Post by: Alfa_Zulu on June 28, 2010, 12:09:36 AM

This is just an idea, but couldn't you use a small gps receiver to record its location and altitude every 1 second or something then use a program to draw a 3d map of its flight using the saved data?

I'm not sure how small you can buy them, and if their accurate at that size, but some I have seen I think would do the job  :)