DM04 - 2018-07-08

Tracker Details

Tracker Type: APRS

Model: PicoTracker1

Powered by 2 AAA batteries


Configuration:

  • id[4] = DM04
  • callsign[6] = KD2KDD
  • transmitCount = 2
  • msBetweenTransmits = 3000 (3s, 0m, 0h)
  • lhAltFtThreshold = 10000
  • hAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs = 900000 (900s, 15m, 0h)
  • lAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs = 45000 (45s, 0m, 0h)
  • lAlt.stickyMs = 10800000 (10800s, 180m, 3h)
  • dz.wakeAndEvaluateMs = 1800000 (1800s, 30m, 0h)

Launch Parameters

Balloon and Payload

  • 36" Qualatex, unstretched
  • 30.7 gram payload
  • 3 grams free lift

Heat sealed neck.

Predictions

1 Day

3 Day

Actuals

  • Float Altitude - 20,000 ft
  • Duration - 58 hours, 38 min
  • Cause of death - Float was steady all along, but (theory) got pushed to a higher altitude over Gulf of Mexico

General Thoughts / Observations

Great float. Proved that low free lift is key.

Dealing with water effects (really anything that pushes it higher) is problematic. If the push is weather-related, higher altitude float may avoid the effect.

May have to try two balloons to increase volume and thereby altitude.

Multiple Atlantic Ocean passes indicate not all water is a hazard. Not sure what happened with last time's Lake Erie issue and the Gulf of Mexico issue.