Embedded Files
Tracker Details
Tracker Details
Tracker Type: APRS
Model: PicoTracker1Rev2
Powered by 2 AAA batteries
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 = 1200000 (1200s, 20m, 0h)
Launch Parameters
Launch Parameters
Balloon and Payload
Balloon and Payload
- Three 36" Qualatex balloons
- 29.2 gram payload
- 1.64 grams free lift
Actuals
Actuals
- Top Altitude - 27,222 ft
- Duration - 22.5 hours
- Distance - 1,004 miles following path
- Cause of death - GPS failure
General Thoughts / Observations
General Thoughts / Observations
What a great flight! This set new personal records for both elevation (27,222 feet) and distance (1,004 miles). The goal was to reach Mexico (another first), the balloon managed to ride some nice wind currents right into the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula in less than 15 hours. This was three qualatex balloons tethered together, with a total free lift of 1.64 grams. The GPS was from an older batch, and although tested for 10 hours turned out to be intermittent.
After reaching Mexico, the balloon continued on for a half day then, presumably, the GPS failed and the signals stopped.
This flight had GPS issues, otherwise all went well. Using three balloons resulted in a higher elevation, aside from catching faster wind speeds there may not be any further advantage over single or double balloons.
Thoughts for next time
Thoughts for next time
Continue trying to find a way to pre-test GPS modules.
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