Launch was on May 25, 2002, with tracking of both GPS/APRS and VOR systems. The APRS worked very well, with reports every two minutes copied directly at the launch site as well as some digipeater repeats and real-time web tracking on www.findu.com. VORtex bearings were more sporadic, but generally matched the GPS positions.
The payload package included:
STATUS AT 1726Z: The 10m signal has faded into the noise, with temperature data consistent with a normal descent and VOR data indicating a landing spot 8 to 12 miles west of Waterbury, CT. This beacon should run for at least 48 hours, so there is a good chance of recovery.
STATUS 05/26/2002: After two visits to the GPS landing area, it was not recovered. The first time we heard data bursts on 144.39 MHz which were timed like ours, but unfortunately the laptop battery died before we copied a position! On the second visit there were no transmissions; we simply walked the fields and looked for a white box. On future flights, we will add a simple RF beacon that runs for at least a week, so that we have a chance at recovery after the day of the flight.
The VORtex package landed near Waterbury, CT, and although Keith N1XTK took a long ride around that area and heard bits of CW from the payload, it was not recovered either before the battery died. Here again, a simple long-life beacon might have made the difference.
Specs of the HamBONE-02A balloon:
Envelope: 2100g ML-541A latex sounding balloon inflated to 3 lbs free lift
Target rise rate: >1000 ft/min
Expected burst altitude: 75,000 feet
Downlink: 28.212 MHz CW, 50 mW "fireball"
APRS: 144.390 MHz FM, 1200 baud UNPROTO packet
Battery life expectancy: CW beacon 48 hours, VORtex 15 hours, APRS 4 hours
Telemetry format is as follows:
DE KA2QPG/BLN 02A F006 OAT NEG 24C V1 072 V2 133 V3 201 PSE QSL AR
F 006 - Frame counter, increments on each data frame.
OAT NEG 24C - Outside air temp, Celcius.
V1 072, V2 133, V3 301 - VORtex timings from three stations.
For the formula for converting VORtex timings to actual VOR radials, see the
VORtex page. We are planning to use the following
VOR stations:
Reception reports, especially from near the landing area, are welcome. At peak altitude (around 80 minutes after launch) the range should be about 300 miles from the NY/CT/MA state corner. Use the mail link below.
Press this button for an email link:
Page updated July 25, 2002