Design

The Wiring Diagram shows the connections and pin outs for our system.  This diagram was provided to us by SpaceQuest and is specific to our system configuration.

The Block Diagram shows elements and interconnection for the main communications system. This is the block diagram for the Main Communications system, including the PC-104 computer, onboard the MidSTAR spacecraft.  The SpaceQuest RX-1200 Receiver must operate at 1.767 GHz to satisfy requirement 2. By placing the LU-18 down converter at the front end of the SQRX receiver, the RX-1200 receiver is formed. SpaceQuest can set the frequency of the RX-1200 receiver to the required 1.767 GHz. The Tx-2400 Transmitter must operate at 2.20226 GHz to satisfy requirement 2, and can be set to this frequency by the supplier. The SpaceQuest SQL-MOD 96 modem satisfies requirement 5, GMSK modulation.

The Layout Diagram shows the placement of components on the middle shelf.

Antenna Layout shows the placement of the antennas on the exterior of the spacecraft.

The interface board has three functions: reset interface, two way TTL and RS422 conversion and auto switching between the two Space Quest receivers.

The external view of the interface board shows where the wires are running to and from the board.

The interface board schematic is included.

The Horizon map shows where objects on the horizon impede the signal being sent between the ground antenna and the spacecraft.