Category: Gumstix Overo

Experiments with Gumstix Overo embedded computers.

Expected video quality during the rocket flight

We will be using the Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 for the flight, streaming MJPG video in 640×480 at 30 fps. Although the camera can stream even 1280×720 at 30 fps the USB interface on the Gumstix Overo Fire can not keep up with the required data rate. So here is a test video recorded as JPEG frames in an AVI container – just like it will be recorded by the Gumstix Overo Fire during the flight.

Apparently, Youtube is not very good to process MJPG video (fair enough since MJPG is a sucker anyway) so you should definitely try the source video (35 MB AVI).

Disabling the WiFi on the Gumstix Overo Fire

During the weekend I had some time to look at how to disable the combined WiFi and Bluetooth module on the Gumstix Overo Fire. The power source for the onboard video recorder consists of two 1 Ah LiPo batteries and although I did not have any measurement of the power consumption I knew this should be enough for at least one hour even with WiFi and Bluetooth switched ON during the flight (the wall plug adapter is 5V 1A). Still, I wanted to try to disable the WiFi and Bluetooth module since they are not needed during the flight.

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A few bits and pieces for the onboard video recorder

Today I have received the last pieces that we are going to need for the video recorder based on the Gumstix Overo Fire. I took the opportunity to take some pictures.

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Video recorder update

I have been quite busy since the last update trying various options for recording MJPG video using a Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 and the Gumstix Overo Fire embedded computer. The good news is that there has been significant progress reported in the following sections.

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Gumstix Overo Fire status and re-scoping the project

With only two weeks left until the flight opportunity it was time to make status and try to assess how much I can finish until the launch.

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Kernel panic, accidental downgrade and working webcam

It has been a busy night but I have made good progress with the Gumtix Overo Fire. Today’s report is action packed with kernel panics, painful downgrades and a working webcam.

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Gumstix Overo Fire booting from microSD card

I’m happy to report that I managed to make my Gumstix Overo Fire boot from the microSD card! After a few failed attempts as I mentioned here, I noticed an error message in the boot sequence:

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Gumstix Overo Fire on a rocket

Few weeks ago I was told about an opportunity to fly something small on an amateur rocket in October, when the guys from Danish Space Challenge will launch a bunch of rockets. I figured it was a good excuse to resume my work with the Gumstix Overo embedded conputer that I have lying around.

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