This is the Draco control board, a rocket guidance/steering system that can be used to stabilize as well as record and transmit the flight data of model rockets.
I developed this board for my own personal use for in model rocketry, but wasn’t too sure as to the rocket I would use for it, so I decided to cram it full of features so that I could use it for multiple purposes. Here are some hardware features:
- 10 servo/general signal outputs for trim servos located on fins
- 3 detonator circuits for igniting rocket motors or deploying parachute
- Camera interface connector for 808 style keychain cameras
- Atmega2560 MCU (same as Arduino Mega)
- RFM95HW Long-Range (LORA) radio transceiver
- Micro SDCard Connector for logging
- LSM9DS1TR IMU for accurate positioning and orientation
- SAM-M8Q GPS module for recovery tracking
- Multi-purpose connector for addon accessories
- MS5607 Barometer for altitude monitoring



I used the newest version of KiCad (at the time) to create this project. One of the features of KiCad is its ability to model the PCB in 3D, which is something I would later use to create a rocket-mount for the board

As well as creating the design using KiCad, I also made a single working prototype of the board for my own use. I got the PCBs made using the ALLPCB service, and assembled it using hot air soldering techniques.



This board will most likely be later utilized in my rocket or high-altitude balloon projects. The prototype I built worked pretty much first try, except for the IMU, which I had to re-heat and re-solder until it worked.
In addition to use in a flying vehicle, this board also found use as a data recorder and logging tool for my rocket motor test stand. The accessory connector was able to be hooked up to a strain gauge which allowed the board to measure and plot the impulse response of various rocket motors. The files were recorded on the SD card.

In addition to the main Draco board, I also soldered up a second USB-powered board, which contains an Arduino Nano and LORA radio. I will use this board to receive and transmit commands to the Draco board.