Electronic Hardware

2023-24-Avionics-MIDAS-Assembly (1).jpg
2023-24-Avionics-MIDAS-PCB-Front.PNG
2023-24-Avionics-MIDAS-PCB-Back.PNG
2024-MIDAS-Soldering-2.jpg
2023-24-Avionics-CAM-Assembly.jpg
DSCF1971.JPG

What do we do?

Electronics Hardware designs and builds the electronics that support our rockets getting to space. How do we know how fast the rocket is going, or where it is? When do we deploy parachutes or ignite a second stage? That's E-Hardware. We design our own printed circuit boards (PCBs) that handle live data, telemetry, and in-flight events.

PCB Design At Our Core

A large part of our team is PCB design, something you can’t learn in any class at UIUC. Members get hands-on experience with:

  • KiCad EDA

  • Circuit design

  • Electronics debugging

  • Soldering

  • Radio frequency

  • and so much more…

Our PAST PRojects

MIDAS

Custom Flight Computer

MIDAS sends live data to the ground and can execute in flight events like igniting the second stage, and deploying parachutes. MIDAS has successfully flown in control of Stargazer 1.4, and on Aether II tracked the rocket up to more than 75,000 feet and assisted in recovery over 20 miles way.

Pictured: MIDAS Igniting Stargazer 1.4 Sustainer

CAM

Camera control board

CAM is our custom video control board that powers and switches between cameras on the rocket, transmitting live video from the rocket to our video system on the ground. CAM communicates with MIDAS for in-flight commanding

Pictured: CAM connected to MIDAS

SAM Turret

Antenna Tracker

An automated antenna tracker powered by our motor control board. By keeping antennas pointed right at the rocket, SAM makes sure we can get the strongest signal for data or video.

Pictured: SAM Setup

FEAther Duo

Ground Receiver

Our dual-radio ground station receiver that talks with MIDAS during flight. It can receive telemetry from multiple stages and lets us send commands back to the rocket.

Pictured: Aether II Ground Station

POWER STATION

Field power

Our portable power system that provides more than enough power to help run the tools necessary for integration on launch day. Ensures smooth launch-day operation with high power inverters and consistent charge through solar power.

Pictured: Deployed Power Station

MORE COOL PROJECTS ArE ON THE WAY,

And you can help build them. No Experience is needed, we will teach you everything!

E-Hardware Lead