Rocket Thrust Sensor & Data Logger Kit with Arduino Mega
Build a High-Precision Rocket Thrust Stand & Combustion Monitoring System - Arduino Mega Based
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Static fire testing is the heartbeat of amateur and university rocketry. This kit empowers you to bring professional-grade thrust measurement and chamber condition monitoring to your own test stand. It transforms a simple load cell into a calibrated thrust sensor, pairs two MPX5700 pressure transducers for combustion chamber analysis, and adds a MAX6675 thermocouple for exhaust or chamber wall temperature. Every sensor, the Arduino Mega, and the data logging hardware arrive in one box, ready to be assembled into a rugged DIN-rail mounted system that rivals equipment found in student satellite labs.
What You'll Build
You'll construct a self-contained thrust data acquisition unit that captures real-time force, dual pressure readings, and temperature during rocket motor burns. The load cell mounts directly under your motor mount; the pressure sensors tap into the combustion chamber via reinforced tubing. A 2.4-inch TFT displays live readings, while the DS3231 RTC timestamps every sample stored on the MicroSD card. The result is a turn-key instrumentation box you can carry to a field, power with a 12V battery, and have logging within minutes.
What You'll Learn
- Calibrate a 20 kg load cell with HX711 amplifier for accurate thrust measurement
- Interface MAX6675 thermocouple to read combustion chamber or nozzle temperatures up to 1024�C
- Dual-channel pressure monitoring with MPX5700 sensors for chamber pressure and differential analysis
- Design a time-synchronized data logging system using DS3231 and MicroSD that exports CSV files for MATLAB or Excel
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Mega 2560 | 1 |
| HX711 + 20kg Load Cell | 1 |
| MAX6675 Thermocouple | 1 |
| MPX5700 Pressure Sensor | 2 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| 2.4in TFT ILI9341 | 1 |
| LM2596 Buck Converter | 1 |
| 100nF Caps | 15 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 3 |
| DIN Rail Enclosure | 1 |
| 12V 5A PSU | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
Final-year B.Tech/M.Tech aerospace and mechanical engineering teams building solid or hybrid motor test stands at institutes like IIT Madras, NIT Trichy, BIT Mesra, or VIT. Smart India Hackathon participants creating rocket ground support equipment. Advanced rocketry clubs and professional researchers aged 25+ who need a repeatable, calibrated DAQ solution without spending weeks integrating separate modules.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project - accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the enclosure to access the AI companion trained on this thrust stand project. It covers wiring diagrams, calibration steps, and common pitfalls. You can also reach our support team on WhatsApp for live guidance.
Can this kit measure thrust above 20 kg?
The included 20 kg load cell handles most small solid motors; for higher thrust, you can swap in a higher-capacity load cell (e.g., 50 kg) with the same HX711 board. The AI companion will walk you through recalibration.
Do I need an actual rocket motor to test the system?
No. You can simulate thrust with known calibration weights and pressurize the MPX5700 sensors using a bicycle pump and a sealed container. The build guide includes a complete dry-run verification procedure before any live fire.
Is this kit compatible with hybrid rocket motors?
Yes. The MPX5700 measures absolute pressure up to 700 kPa, which covers typical hybrid combustion chamber pressures. The thermocouple can be positioned on the nozzle or chamber wall with the provided bracket ideas.
Kitchen - Load cell measures thrust, thermocouple measures chamber temperature and pressure sensor monitors combustion chamber.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Mega 2560
- HX711 + 20kg Load Cell
- MAX6675 Thermocouple
- MPX5700 Pressure Sensor x2
- DS3231 RTC
- MicroSD Module
- 2.4in TFT ILI9341
- LM2596 Buck Converter
- 100nF Caps x15
- PCB Prototype Board x3
- DIN Rail Enclosure
- 12V 5A PSU
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit - 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo - 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
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Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items