Satellite Communications - Part 2
The Teensy 3.6 microcontroller has reached the end of production and the Teensy 4.1 is now the suggested device for projects with large I/O requirements. So the Voyager Controller PCB has been updated to V4.0 and then V4.1 as part of accommodating the Teensy 4.1 with connections for the additional serial port supporting the Astronode device as well as a general update.
The Teensy 4.1 is not pin-compatible with the Teensy 3.6, and also required some software changes. Once the new boards arrived, it required a few days to update, integrate and test the updated libraries, and verify their operation, and verify the new board.
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| Voyager Controller V4.0 - Integration Testing |
The integration of the Astrocast Astronode S+ has gone well.
It now supports periodic upload of telemetry data from the vessel, as well as the ability to receive commands to amend the current mission, by inserting new waypoints in the list, or updating existing waypoints. This includes the currently active waypoint.
The aim is to be able to change the route in response to weather systems.
It now supports periodic upload of telemetry data from the vessel, as well as the ability to receive commands to amend the current mission, by inserting new waypoints in the list, or updating existing waypoints. This includes the currently active waypoint.
The aim is to be able to change the route in response to weather systems.
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| New Version 4.1 controller installed - ready for on water trials |
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| Flip-top Antenna Deck to access hidden components |
The satellite telemetry is currently configured to be recorded every 2 hours and uploaded to the satellite at the next available opportunity.
The satellite telemetry data that is uploaded is as follows:
Date and Time
Battery Voltage
Battery Current
Wing Sail Battery Voltage
Average Roll angle
COG
COG Average
Wing Sail Angle
SOG Average
SOG m/s
Heading Magnetic
BTW
DTW
CTE (cross track error)
Max CTE (allowed for this waypoint)
Deck Temp
Equipment Temp
Barometric Pressure
Wing Sail Time Since Last Response
Mission index (way point number)
Current Position
Previous waypoint
Next waypoint
Update January 2024 - bad news with the Satellite Comms:
I've been testing and integrating the Astrocast Astonode S+ devices into the Voyager hardware and software since April 2023.
I have an Astrocast account that I've been operating in trial mode to allow the integration testing to proceed before the account is activated and billing commences.
It looks like there's been a misunderstanding about the monthly fees once billing commences.
I thought it would a few dollars per month, as per their web site (which has now been updated in the last 24 hours after I pointed out the pricing I was expecting.).
The Astocast website previously displayed the following data plans shown in the screenshot below. These prices are very attractive, with no activation fee and with no hidden fee.
I thought it would a few dollars per month, as per their web site (which has now been updated in the last 24 hours after I pointed out the pricing I was expecting.).
The Astocast website previously displayed the following data plans shown in the screenshot below. These prices are very attractive, with no activation fee and with no hidden fee.
The data plans have been removed from one page of the Astrocast website. That's the page I cited during our discussion.
But the data plans with no activation fee and no hidden fee are still present on two other pages:
It seems that this pricing only applies once a service fee of around CHF 50/month or CHF 500/month is paid, depending on the service contract.
They have directed me to a reseller, Soracom.
I'm currently waiting on a response from Soracom. Let's see how that goes...
They have directed me to a reseller, Soracom.
I'm currently waiting on a response from Soracom. Let's see how that goes...
