MM06 -2018-06-30

Tracker Details

Tracker Type: APRS

Model: PicoTracker1Rev2

Powered by 2 AAA batteries

Configuration:

msBetweenTransmits = 3000 (3s, 0m, 0h)

lhAltFtThreshold = 10000

hAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs = 900000 (900s, 15m, 0h)

lAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs = 30000 (30s, 0m, 0h)

lAlt.stickyMs = 10800000 (10800s, 180m, 3h)

dz.wakeAndEvaluateMs = 7200000 (7200s, 120m, 2h)

Launch Parameters

Balloon and Payload

• 36" Qualatex, unstretched
• 25.35 gram payload
• 2.64 grams free lift

Actuals

• Top Altitude - 24,373 ft
• Duration - 22 hours, 12 minutes
• Distance - 409 miles straight line
• Cause of death - Third dip in elevation, did not recover

General Thoughts / Observations

With 2.64 grams of free lift, the balloon rose nice and steady. It rose to 24,373 feet only to descend to under 1,000 feet. It repeated the up and down pattern three times before ending. The balloon flew north through Florida and into Georgia, it ended just shy of the South Carolina border.

Heat sealing the neck seems to work well. I did not like the placement of my first seal, so I added another resulting in a double heat seal. I need to understand what is driving the erratic elevation.

Thoughts for next time

Stick with low free lift and heat sealing neck. Research if ice build up is likely.