DM01 - 2019-04-16

Tracker Details

Tracker Type: WSPR

Model: PicoTrackerWSPR1 Rev2

Configuration:

Parameters: (set <param> <val>)

id[4]                       : DM01

callsign[6]                 : KD2KDD

solarMode                   : 0

minMilliVoltGpsLocationLock : 0

minMilliVoltGpsTimeLock     : 0

minMilliVoltTransmit        : 0

gpsLockTimeoutMs            : 150000

lhAltFtThreshold            : 10000

hAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs      : 1800000

lAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs      : 60000

lAlt.stickyMs               : 10800000

crystalCorrectionFactor     : 0

systemClockOffsetMs         : 0

Launch Parameters

Balloon and Payload

36" Qualatex, unstretched
33 gram payload
2.2 grams free lift

Heat sealed neck.

Predictions

Actuals

Walked over by train tracks.

Gusty. Misty.

Decided to launch anyway. Waited for a brief moment when air appeared to rise.

Let it go and it veered immediately toward the tracks. Hit an electrical line and was dragged across it. Then across another. Then appeared to dip behind a building.

I left unclear whether it was lying on the tracks or something else.

It definitely had positive lift in the apt and outside.

Winds make it hard to guess what will happen outside.

As of the next day no sign from it. Probably commuted to Newark and was killed.

General Thoughts / Observations

Stop launching in stupid ways.