MM44 - 2020-02-14

Tracker Details

Tracker Type: WSPR

Model: PicoTrackerWSPR1Rev5

Powered by (10) 2" x .75" Aoshike solar cells

Configuration:

gpsLockTimeoutMs : 150000 2:30

lhAltFtThreshold : 25000

hAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs : 600000 10:00

lAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs : 0 0

lAlt.stickyMs : 0 0

crystalCorrectionFactor : 600

systemClockOffsetMs : 12

Launch Parameters

Balloon and Payload

• Single Qualatex balloon
• 15.05 gram payload
• 2.07 grams free lift

Predictions

Actuals

Traveled 1,895 miles.

24.5 hours of flight time.

Max altitude 27,500 ft.

General Thoughts / Observations

This was a test flight to prove out that the tracker could be powered using solar cells, without the aid of batteries or capacitors. The solar panel consisted of ten of the Aoshike 2” x .75” cells. They were mounted on a section of an Amazon Prime envelope.

The test was a success with 37 transmissions before the balloon went quiet. Aside from the solar success, it showed the cells taped to an envelope could survive in winds greater than 90 mph.

Thoughts for next time

Ground tests show that the tracker can be powered with 8 of the Aoshike cells. We will be testing that and some PowerFilm panels.