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The ASCENT telemetry system is part of the ASCENT flight computer of the student rocketry club Spaceflight Rocketry Gießen e.V., which is being developed for the PIPE 2 and ARCHER experimental rockets.
This dual-frequency 169/869 MHz telemetry system based on Radiocrafts RC232 radio modules allows bidirectional data exchange between rockets and groundstations with a range of 20 km and a minimum data rate of 1.2 kbps.
The design can also be used in areas outside of rocketry like Smart Home or RC.
- Receiving flight data from our rockets
- Sending radio commands to our rockets
- Displaying live telemetry on a serial monitor or UI
- Storing flight data for post-flight analysis
In January 2026, we performed our first long range test over a distance of 2 km. Despite poor weather conditions and objects inside the first Fresnel zone, the received signal strength was on par with the theoretical maximum without any connection losses. This test ruled out major design flaws which could result in large losses.
This excellent performance was confirmed by multiple medium range tests.
In April 2026, the system was successfully tested on the PIPE 2 rocket to an altitude of 350 m and experienced no link issues during the whole flight.
This repository contains all files necessary to reproduce the telemetry system, including hardware, firmware, and software. It also includes user manuals and design rationals which help to understand and adapt the system.
So far, this repository includes design files and assembly instructions for our helical 869 MHz groundstation antenna.
We also do our own FDTD-simulations to verify the antenna design and will include them in the repository soon.
In the future, the repository will also contain an 869 MHz QFH design.
The system includes separate onboard and groundstation electronics. The groundstation uses a modular approach with a motherboard to which up to four daughterboards with radio modules can be connected.
Find the contents here:
| Onboard | Motherboard | Daughterboard |
|---|---|---|
| KiCad Design Files | KiCad Design Files | KiCad Design Files |
| PDF Schematic | PDF Schematic | PDF Schematic |
| Gerber Files | Gerber Files | Gerber Files |
| BOM | BOM | BOM |
| iBOM | iBOM | iBOM |
| PCB 3D Model | PCB 3D Model | PCB 3D Model |
| PCB Images | PCB Images | PCB Images |
Included:
- Onboard and ground station electronics firmware
- Radiocrafts RC1780HP-RC232 code library
- Package encoding and decoding code library
Python-based software to display telemetry data on a modern, minimalistic interface with the ability to store flight data. In the future, sending radio command directly in UI will be possible.
Included:
- GNSS map view
- Height plot over time
- Acceleration plot over time
- Battery voltage indicator with visual warnings
- Connection quality indicator with visual warnings
- Status event indicator
Please note that radio systems may be subject to local regulations. Ensure that any testing or deployment of these systems complies with national and regional laws regarding RF transmission. The project maintainers are not responsible for misuse or regulatory violations.
Copyright Spaceflight Rocketry Giessen e.V. 2026.
This source describes Open Hardware and is licensed under the CERN-OHL-S v2.
You may redistribute and modify this source and make products using it under the terms of the CERN-OHL-S v2 or any later version.
This source is distributed WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDING OF MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Please see the CERN-OHL-S v2 for applicable conditions.
Source location: https://github.com/Spaceflight-Rocketry-Giessen-e-V/Telemetry
As per CERN-OHL-S v2 section 4, should you produce hardware based on this source, you must where practicable maintain the Source Location in its documentation or license information.