This CanSat project integrates a real-time telemetry system using LoRa for long-range data transmission, Python for backend data processing and Vue.js for a responsive web dashboard. The system collects and visualizes environmental and positional data from the CanSat during flight, providing reliable communication and an intuitive interface for monitoring mission parameters. You are also able to test the GUI and Python Code without sensors.
- Clone the repository:
git clone https://github.com/Bammer187/Cansat.git
cd CansatThe next steps will assume that you are starting in the Cansat/ directory.
- Install node packages:
cd Groundstation\ GUI/ # On Windows (PS): cd '.\Groundstation GUI\'
npm install- Install python dependencies:
cd Groundstation\ Raspberry/ # On Windows (PS): cd '.\Groundstation Raspberry\'
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate
pip install -r requirements.txt- Build the GUI:
cd Groundstation\ GUI/
npm run build-
Copy the dist/ folder into Groundstation Raspberry/.
-
Start the server:
cd Groundstation\ Gui/
python server_start.py-
Access the UI at http://localhost:5000.
-
(optional) Send test data:
cd Groundstation\ Raspberry/
python tests/post_and_save_to_db.py- If you are using the same sensors as we are and they are running with the LoRa modules, you can start the entire communication in this way:
cd Groundstation\ Raspberry/
python esp_raspberry_start.pyYou can easily replace the Raspberry Pi with a notebook (Windows, macOS, or Linux) to use this system. There are a few necessary steps to ensure everything works properly:
- Determine the Correct Port for Your ESP32:
- macOS/Linux: Open a terminal and run one of the following commands to identify the port your ESP32 is connected to:
ls /dev/ttyUSB*ls /dev/ttyACM*- Windows → Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT)
- Modify
esp_serial_bridge.py:
-
Once you have identified the correct port, replace /dev/serial0 in esp32_serial_bridge.py with your specific port (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0, COM3).
-
Important: Uncomment the sleep function inside the init method to ensure proper initialization delay, especially on Windows where devices may need a moment to be fully recognized by the system.
- Modify
main.cppin the Receiver:
- In the receiver code, comment out the line that initializes the mySerial object.
- Modify
sendSensorDatafunction:
- In the sendSensorData function, uncomment all Serial.write() lines and comment or delete the mySerial.write() lines. You want to ensure that the data is transmitted over the USB port, not through the custom serial pins.
- Running the System:
- After the above modifications, you should be able to connect your ESP32 to the notebook via USB and start the system.
- However, note that there may be some issues when running esp_raspberry_start.py in a virtual environment. The issue could be due to an incompatibility with the serial package installed in the environment.
- If you encounter errors, try running the script outside the virtual environment, as this has resolved similar issues in our tests.
By default, the system updates sensor readings every second. This interval can be adjusted by modifying the settings.ts file for the GUI, changing the sleep durations in the Python scripts, and updating the runEvery() method in the C++ code.
Measured parameters and sensors:
Temperature – BME280
Humidity – BME280
Air Pressure – BME280
Air Quality – MQ-135
X-Axis Acceleration – ADXL345
Y-Axis Acceleration – ADXL345
Z-Axis Acceleration – ADXL345
After each measurement cycle, the data is transmitted via LoRa modules. The ground module is connected to a Raspberry Pi through UART. The Pi reads the incoming values, stores them in a database, and forwards them to a server. The GUI then retrieves and displays the data through HTTP requests.
