POWER AND CONTROL SYSTEM
The actuators, doors, launchers, and cameras on COLLIDE
would be useless without an electronic system to control them. Over the last few months, Barry and Wayne have made some significant progress in this area. Barry has already constructed a preliminary
actuator controller circuit which was used in the first door system
tests. As for the primary control system, Wayne has decided to use an 80C51GB
MicroController Unit (MCU) for experiment control. This MCU will give us
functionality and flexibility for experiment expansion on future flights,
and includes 48 I/O lines and 8 A-D channels. Intel is generously donating
an EV80C51GX development system to aid us in designing the flight article
and testing the code (see pictures below). The control software for the experiment is nearly completed, and Barry is now building up a prototype control board which will utilize this software.
The power source for COLLIDE is 27 Duracell "D" size batteries. These batteries are grouped into sets of 9, which are contained in three sealed battery containers, one of which is shown below.
NASA has strict regulations regarding batteries, as they can sometimes overload and generate dangerous hydrogen gas. Thus, we will be required to vent these battery boxes through a network of steel tubing. This steel tubing is then routed to the cargo bay of the space shuttle, where any hazardous fumes are expelled.
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