MM12 - 2018-09-24

Tracker Details

Tracker Type: APRS

Model: PicoTracker1Rev2

Configuration:

transmitCount = 2

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

lhAltFtThreshold = 10000

hAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs = 200000 (200s, 3m, 0h)

lAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs = 35000 (35s, 0m, 0h)

lAlt.stickyMs = 14400000 (14400s, 240m, 4h)

dz.wakeAndEvaluateMs = 937500 (937s, 15m, 0h)

Launch Parameters

Balloon and Payload

One 36" Qualatex balloon
32.3 gram payload
1.73 grams free lift

Actuals

Top Altitude - 20,408 ft
Duration - 34.6 hours
Distance - 462 miles following path
Cause of death - Transmissions stopped

General Thoughts / Observations

This flight started a little rocky, the balloon almost hit a tree soon after launch and then there was no aprs.fi signal for 15 minutes. The balloon reached its float about the same time it reached the gulf, it then sailed north, back into Florida then up into Georgia where it eventually ended.

This flight had a very stable floats, and had good duration. It was another flight with long periods with no aprs.fi signals. One gap lasted almost 10 hours, there were several that were half hour long.

Thoughts for next time

Keep with current sealing and free lift settings, continue to try to understand what is causing the signal gaps.

Buzzing Robins Air Force Base