Blogs

On Thursday July 18,2013 we are going to launch another balloon (2nd this year).

This time we are going to fly a PX4FPU and PX4IO board.

Along with our other stuff.

430 Mhz 3DR telemetry

900 Mhz 3DR telemetry

2 Byonics APRS tracking units. 10 watt output. See live track on APRS.FI and search for KE5VSH

Voltage, inside and outside temp sensors, output on APRS.FI

Live 1.5 watt video on 1.2 Ghz. Side outside view.

2 Muvie recording cameras. One pointed up the other down.

1 GoPro Hero 2 pointed to the side.

1 120 db sonaleart for location on recovery.

6 various size lipo batteries. 1000mwh to 6400 mwh

Fiberglass package made by our crew. Inside insulated with 1/2" foam.

BTW....can you believe I get PAID to do this ? (Student intern)

Package weighs about 9 lbs.

Balloon is 1500 gram. Filled with 2 big tanks of helium.

Here are some pics:

7/3/2013 balloon launch equipment

Some of the NEW 7/18/2013 launch equipment. Includes PX4IO and PX

More pics of 7/18/2013 launch equipment:

I hope you enjoy the pics.

We will see if the PX4 holds up as well as the APM's that have flown before. Temps range from 90 F to 33 F inside and 90 F to -70 F outside. The balloon speed gets as high 107 mph on the last flight in the jetstream at ~ 35,000 ft. We have recovered all flight packages (11) so far. Hope to on this also.

Report after launch...and look on APRS.FI on 7/18/13.

Earl