Test 1.1.2 Instructions¶

• Test 1.1.2 Instructions
  • Test Hardware
  • Test 1: Lab Test
  • Test 2: Field Test
  • Test 3: From Orbit Test

Test Hardware¶

• Transmitter for lab and field tests - http://www.ti.com/ww/en/RF-BoosterPack/index.shtml
• Ground Sphere test rig
• 915 MHz transmitter, see link above
• Computer (min system reqs:_______________)

Test 1: Lab Test¶

Lab test using low power transmitter at 915 MHz to confirm signal reception and system gain (not an AX.25 signal, but close enough). These instructions assume that the receiver is already assembled and most recent software is installed. If not, accomplish the next 2 steps.

1. Follow the instruction for "GroundSphere Kit assembly"
2. Follow the instructions for Operations Manual - "Getting Started and Set up"

Test Date: _________________________ Test Location: ___________________________________

Record Test Conditions: _________________________________________________________________

Additional Tools Needed:
Tape Measure

Safety concerns:
_________________

Outcome

• Partial verification of technical requirement 1.1.2,
• Confirmation of Ground Sphere performance in best case laboratory conditions
• Confirmation of Ground Sphere performance in simulated orbital conditions

Instructions:

1. [ ] Turn on computer
2. [ ] Turn on the transmitter
3. [ ] Plug the GroundSphere USB data connector into an open USB port
4. [ ] Plug the GroundSphere power cord into a standard 120v power outlet
5. [ ] Record the distance between transmitter and receiver: _______ (in meters?)
6. [ ] Launch the SeeDeR version 0.1 software
7. [ ] Tune the transmitter to 915 MHz
8. [ ] Set transmitter power to ____ NOTE: (This is a reasonably strong terrestrial signal, and is an unrealistically high power to expect from SkyCube)
9. [ ] Tune the SeeDeR version 0.1 software to receive 915 MHz
10. [ ] Observe and capture/record the transmitted signal received by GroundSphere
11. [ ] Move the transmitter ___ (4 meters?) from the GroundSphere antenna
12. [ ] Set the transmitter power level to _______. NOTE: (at this power level, the intent is to get as close as possible to the signal strength that we expect to receive form SkyCube as it flys directly overhead of the antenna, given its orbital parameters <link to TLE file used in calculations> )
13. [ ] Observe the transmitted signal received by GroundSphere

<insert image of laboratory setup>
<insert screenshot image of computer screen showing high power 915 MHz signal>
<insert screenshot image of computer screen showing low power 915 MHz signal>

TEST PROCEDURE COMPLETE

Test 2: Field Test¶

Long range field test using low power transmitter at 915 MHz to verify the predicted link budget (which comes from <insert link to spreadsheet> analysis) and confirm signal reception. It is recommended to conduct this test with at least 2 individuals. These instructions assume that the receiver is already assembled and most recent software is installed. If not, accomplish the next 2 steps.

1. Follow the instruction for "GroundSphere Kit assembly"
2. Follow the instructions for Operations Manual - "Getting Started and Set up"

Test Date: _________________________ Test Location: ___________________________________

Record Test Conditions: _________________________________________________________________

Additional Tools Needed:
Portable table or truck bed (on which to set up receiver equip and computer)
Access to 120V a/c power for computer (generator or car inverter)
Multiple outlet, or power strip
Tape measure or distance finding equipment (GPS?)

Safety concerns:
Weather caution
Traffic caution
Portable power for equipment(?)

Outcome

• Partial verification of technical requirement 1.1.2,
• Confirmation of Ground Sphere performance in optimal fielded conditions
• Confirmation of Ground Sphere performance at a far distance to simulate orbital conditions

Instructions:

Mission Control Set Up

1. [ ] Set up receiver and computer on portable table.
2. [ ] Turn on computer
3. [ ] Plug the GroundSphere USB data connector into an open USB port
4. [ ] Plug the GroundShpere power cord into a standard 120v power outlet
5. [ ] Launch the SeeDeR version 0.1 software
6. [ ] Move to a distance (km) away from the receiver set up, then set up the transmitter
7. [ ] Record the distance between transmitter and receiver: _______ (in km?)

Remote transmit site Set Up

1. [ ] Power on and tune the transmitter to 915 MHz
2. [ ] Set transmitter power to ____ NOTE: (This is a reasonably strong terrestrial signal, and is an unrealistically high power to expect from SkyCube)
3. [ ] Tune the __ software to receive 915 MHz
4. [ ] Observe and capture/record the transmitted signal received by GroundSphere
5. [ ] Set the transmitter power level to _______. NOTE: (at this power level, we are simulating the signal that we expect to receive form SkyCube as it flys directly overhead of the antenna, given its orbital parameters <link to TLE file used in calculations> )

<insert image of receiver setup>
<insert image of transmitter setup>
<insert screenshot image of computer screen showing high power 915 MHz signal>
<insert screenshot image of computer screen showing low power 915 MHz signal>

TEST PROCEDURE COMPLETE

Test 3: From Orbit Test¶

acquire signal from orbiting cubesat operating on 915 MHz (NPS just launched two cubesats which use the same radio and configuration as SkyCube). Orbital prediction software will need to be used to calculate the appropriate timing for this test. It is only possible to conduct the steps below in anticipation of a 915 MHz signal source flying overhead. These instructions assume that the receiver is already assembled and most recent software is installed. If not, accomplish the next 2 steps.

1. Follow the instruction for "GroundSphere Kit assembly"
2. Follow the instructions for Operations Manual - "Getting Started and Set up"

Test Date: _________________________ Test Location: ___________________________________

Record Test Conditions: _________________________________________________________________

Tools Needed:
Ground Sphere test rig
915 MHz transmitter, see link above
Computer (min system reqs:_______________)
Tape Measure or distance find equipment (GPS?)

Safety concerns:
Weather caution
Traffic caution *

Outcome

Instructions:

<insert screenshot image of computer screen showing signal received from satellite>

TEST PROCEDURE COMPLETE