Mach 30 Shepard Test Stand
The Mach 30 Shepard Test Stand is a test stand for Estes rocket motors. The Shepard Test Stand uses an Arduino Uno with a custom shield to provide the physical interface between the data collecting computer and the required sensors.
Licenses
Hardware
OtherThe test stand is mostly functional. That means that it is unlikely that it is protected by copyright in a significant way. The Mach30 Open Design Pledge makes it clear to users that copyright restrictions will not prevent them from copying or improving upon the hardware.
Software
ApacheThe software related to the test stand is protected by copyright. The Apache license governs how others can copy and build upon the software.
The documentation for the test stand is collected on the Mach 30 website. This documentation is protected by copyright and licensed under a CC-BY license. That means that others can copy and build upon the documentation as long as they give credit to Mach 30.
Branding
Information
The Shepard Test Stand name mostly describes what the hardware is and what it does. Mach 30 might be able to obtain trademark protection for “Shepard” test stands if it wanted to use that name to differentiate test stands that come from Mach 30 from other test stands. The larger “Mach 30” name is unique and more than simply descriptive. Therefore Mach 30 could distribute their own Shepard Test Stands under the Mach 30 name and prevent others from using the same brand name on their products.
Protectability Spectrum of Project Components
Shepard Test Stand Hardware
This functional test hardware largely lacks creative embellishment beyond its functional elements.
Shepard Test Stand Name
The test stand name is largely descriptive, and it does not have a distinctive logo.
Shepard Test Stand Documentation
The documentation is rich, incorporating prose, graphics, and other protectable elements.
Shepard Test Stand Software
Software is protectable under copyright.
