Arduino: A Technical Reference

Chapter 13. Model Rocket Launcher: A Design Study

This chapter is a departure from the previous three chapters. Instead of using an example project (or projects, in the case of Chapter 10) to illustrate how the concepts, tools, and components described in earlier chapters are used in real applications, this chapter illustrates how to perform a design study. We won’t actually build anything, but we will define some possible approaches, identify suitable tools and components, and evaluate design trade-offs. This type of engineering activity applies to more than just model rocket launchers; it can be applied to an Arduino design project with any degree of complexity.

Note

Remember that since the main emphasis of this book is on the Arduino hardware and related modules, sensors, and components, the software shown is intended only to highlight key points, not to present complete ready-to-run examples. The full software listings for the examples and projects can be found on GitHub.

Overview

An Arduino-controlled rocket launcher is an interesting application for several reasons: first, it is very extensible and you can take it as far as you want (and can afford) within the limits imposed by the Arduino hardware; second, physically the launcher can be anything from a small plastic box with a switch and an LED to a console with digital readouts and a keyswitch or two; third, the launcher can support a wide range of functions beyond simply applying current to an igniter. It could have ...