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

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 and most recent software are already assembled and 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

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. [ ] Tuen on the transmitter
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. [ ] Record the distance between transmitter and receiver: _______ (in meters?)
6. [ ] Launch the _ 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 __ software to receive 915 MHz
10. [ ] Observe 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, 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> )
13. [ ] Observe the transmitted signal received by GroundSphere

<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 simulate predicted link budget (which comes from <insert link to spreadsheet> analysis) and confirm signal reception. These instructions assume that the receiver and most recent software are already assembled and 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

• 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:

<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). These instructions assume that the receiver and most recent software are already assembled and 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