Directional E-Link : a position and attitude determination- and directional system for WLAN communication antennas onboard stratospheric balloons

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Directional E-Link : a position and attitude determination- and directional system for WLAN communication antennas onboard stratospheric balloons

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Johansson, Gustav / Selinder, Johan

The thesis discusses the problem and solution, as well as design and construction, of an attitude and pointing system intended to be used for increased efficiency of communication onboard stratospheric balloons. It also briefly explains the advantages of utilizing such a system during balloon flights. To be able to point something in a specific direction, information has to be extracted regarding the exact position of the system: continuously and in real time. There are several different methods of doing this, for example by using GPS-receivers, gyros, accelerometers and magnetic sensors. These systems and solutions are discussed in some extent, where advantages and disadvantages to each method is debated, in order to finally come to a design solution. The same scenario is valid for the actual pointing system. A number of different design ideas are considered, highlighting assets and drawbacks for each individual solution. The proposed and implemented design houses a combination of GPS-receivers and accelerometers, as well as magnetoresistive circuits to allow for a complete and redundant attitude determination system. Several additional tests have to be performed for the prototype to be ready for a first flight, many of which are suggested and discussed in this report. A section outlining additional changes and modifications that should be done in order to increase and enhance performance of the system is also included, as well as a paragraph considering future work. ; Validerat; 20101217 (root)