Sunday, April 17, 2016
Payload Rework and Testing
We’re just shy of a month away from my first launch in almost six years.
I’ve been busy reworking, redesigning, and testing the payloads that will be used on the upcoming flight.
I’ve been busy reworking, redesigning, and testing the payloads that will be used on the upcoming flight.
The launch is in support of the Edgerton Explorit Center, in Aurora, NE.
Location: East side of the Edgerton Explorit Center
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2016
Launch Time: 9:30 AM CDT
My friend and ARHAB mentor, Mark Conner N9XTN from NSTAR will also be launching a balloon that day.
Here’s a few images of what I’ve been working on:
Soft-sided lunch coolers make good payload containers. I started using these back in 2005, one of the many ideas I borrowed from Mark N9XTN.
APRS tracking circuitry consisting of a UniTraq model GT-320FW(AS) GPS module and an ArgentData OpenTracker+ SMT. This payload has been fairly reliable the past couple of flights.
Alinco DJ-S11 2 meter transceiver and battery pack tucked away in foam. Top of the image is the data logger enclosure and its GPS module (upper left).
Inside the data logger enclosure.
Had to do a few repairs to the CW beacon.
The CW beacon has a new home, tucked inside the foam (pool noodle) on the GoPro camera payload.
Dual GoPro cameras for HD video and stills
I’m waiting for one more device to arrive. Apparently the USPS lost my newest gear somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, so a new one is being shipped and should arrive this week. I’ll be trying out a Tracksoar. A new Open Source APRS tracking module. It was a KickStarter project that got funding earlier this year.
As we get closer to launch day I’ll be updating this site with the latest information as well asmy Twitter account.
– Rog KC0MWM