Telemetry ball here we come!

I think I finally solved my problems with building a telemetry ball. In case you didn’t know, I have been trying to build a ball that we could launch then get data from it that would tell us stuff like how much force was put into the ball or acceleration, things like that. I tried building one from parts from Sparkfun but I didn’t choose a high enough G force and the thing just couldn’t take it. This time around I knew I needed a higher rating on the meter but where to get one and how to build it.

I think I have found what I am looking for. http://gcdataconcepts.com/x250-2.html

This is the device. A simple self-contained unit that I launch, retrieve, plug-in and launch again.

This should do the trick. If you are interested in exactly what it does then follow the link. Basically it has a triple axis gyro in it that is capable of up to 250G’s. That should be sufficient.

Next came the ball that I needed to launch it in. It had to be similar in size to a pumpkin but it also had to be indestructible and I had to be able to open it up. I found this online after searching for sometime, http://www.amazon.com/Hueter-Toledo-Inc-Best-Ball/dp/B0002DI32C

I plan on sawing it in half then using the spray foam like what you would find at Home Depot to fill the void. Using draw latches I should be able to latch it closed and it should stay closed. I might run a small USB extension cord to the outside so I don’t have to open it up but I think I will have to open it just to turn it on and off so I don’t get a long running graph.

 

Another item I decided to add is a small beeper like device. The idea is that, once launched, the ball would be difficult to find. By placing one of those key locators inside and pushing the locator button when out in the field I should be able to find the ball pretty quickly. I found this one online. http://www.improvementscatalog.com/electronic-key-finder/12301 It says it has a range of 120 ft. That should be good enough. The only problem is whether the sound will be loud enough. I didn’t find just a beeping device. That probably would have been cheaper but this adds a little bit of flair to the whole project.

Trust me, I’ll have the results up as soon as I get them.

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