Keep it simple

Well, we have decided to simplify the balloon design. For this first flight all we want to do is get as high as possible and get as many pictures/videos as possible. So we are leaving out the arduino/camera tilt portion. We will just have the camera pointed out the side running a looping program to continuously take pictures and videos. No arduino, servo, temperature probes, etc...

This will lighten the load considerably (especially because of the reduced number of batteries needed) and simplify the payload. If this flight succeeds we can make another with a more complicated payload.

Successful test of gps tracker!

We successfully programmed the new Micro-Trak (called 'buzz') and hooked it to the garmin 18lvc gps. It sent out its current location via aprs and was picked up both by my mobile radio and an aprs igate! This is an important test as buzz will be the primary means of tracking the balloon.

Still need to fine tune the duration and power of the output and test battery life.

KC9PUN

Got my callsign! Also received my shiny new radio - a Kenwood TM-D710A. I installed in in my car Friday despite the rain and was receiving gps data from various sites via the built in APRS function. Just today I hooked up my older garmin gps to it and was able to broadcast out my location via APRS. It showed up on the internet almost immediatly, which allows me to post my location at any time. Very cool/nerdy.

Also was able to do some flying today as the weather was nice. Flew the easystar with the camera 'pod'. I had some problems with the servos controlling the camera glitching so I flew with the camera in a static postion. I flew normal while Mark wore the goggles. He reported the view was very cool. I just need to fix the servo problem so I can point the camera in flight. I also ordered some small magnets so I can more securly attach the camera pod, as I'm worried about it flying lose during flight - which would not be a good thing.

Also got some time in with the mini ultra stick. No crashes all around - always a good thing.

Ham Radio

I took the ham radio Technician test Saturday and passed! So I'm officially a licensed nerd now. I have not yet gotten my call sign, and have to wait until it appears in the FCC database before I can legally transmit. It should show up in a few days. As I do not have a radio yet that is not an issue. I've been eyeing the Kenwood TM-D710A, its gotten very good reviews and has APRS capability built in, which I need for tracking the balloon.

Also purchased and have put together my new Easy Star plane. Its ideal for FPV. I also bought a brushless motor upgrade which significantly increases the power of said plane. I still need my camera mount which should arrive shortly and also need to rig some sort of Y-adapter for the power to go to the speed controller and the camera.

Flying...

I have not done much with the arduino in the last couple of days... I mounted the camera on the mount and still need to create the software to tilt and take pics.

Did do some flying yesterday as the weather was very nice. Flew both the magpie and did quite a bit with the ultra stick. I'm digging the ultra stick. I currently only have one battery for it, but I just ordered another in addition to a new easy star with brushless combo which will become my new fpv plane.