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

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.