MM47 - 2020-05-08

Tracker Details

Tracker Type: WSPR

Model: PicoTrackerWSPR1Rev5

Configuration:

trackerId[4] : MM47

wsprCallsignId[2] : Q4

gpsLockTimeoutMs : 150000 2:30

lhAltFtThreshold : 20000

hAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs : 2700000 45:00

lAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs : 180000 3:00

lAlt.stickyMs : 36000000 10:00:00

crystalCorrectionFactor : 750

systemClockOffsetMs : 5

Launch Parameters

Balloon and Payload

Single 52" TR9 sphere
22.9 gram payload
2.5 grams free lift

Predictions

General Thoughts / Observations

This was a triple fail. Three launches, three fails!

With the first launch, I miscalculated the free lift and launched with a negative 3 grams of free lift. I was able to recover the balloon which was caught in some bushes 435 feet away.

I added more helium. The second launch saw the balloon rise 50 feet then be brought down by a downdraft and get tangled in a boat trailer. Again I was able to recover the balloon and the tracker.

The third launch also rose about 50 feet then was also taken down momentarily by a downdraft. It began its reassent, but did not clear the power lines across the street. The tracker exploded on the power lines 700 feet from the launch spot. The balloon floated away…..

Thoughts for next time

The next flight will again test the custom balloons - will be doing more careful planning with wind currents.