MM18 - 2019-02-15
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
Balloon and Payload
- One 36" Qualatex balloon
- 29.3 gram payload
- 1.54 grams free lift
Actuals
- Top Altitude - 18,107 ft
- Duration - 75.1 hours
- Distance - 2,479 miles following path
- Cause of death - Unknown, signals stopped
General Thoughts / Observations
My best flight yet traveling 2,479 miles over 75 hours! The goal of this flight was to reach the Dominican Republic, instead it passed through neighboring Haiti, then went on to reach the coast of Guatemala before losing signal.
This flight went well. It was noticed that NOAA predicted paths were updated after that fact and came in useful for plotting the course for long periods of time with no signal.
Thoughts for next time
Continue with current configuration while working on the next generation tracker and homemade (larger) balloons.
