DM01 - 2019-05-08

Tracker Details

Tracker Type: WSPR

Model: PicoTrackerWSPR1 Rev3

Powered by 2 AAA batteries


Configuration:

21:42:20.818942, Parameters: (set <param> <val>)
21:42:20.856472, id[4]                       : DM01
21:42:20.894019, callsign[6]                 : KD2KDD
21:42:20.926405, solarMode                   : 0
21:42:20.958640, minMilliVoltGpsLocationLock : 0
21:42:20.996207, minMilliVoltGpsTimeLock     : 0
21:42:21.028497, minMilliVoltTransmit        : 0
21:42:21.081889, gpsLockTimeoutMs            : 150000 0:02:30.000
21:42:21.119809, lhAltFtThreshold            : 10000
21:42:21.173356, hAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs      : 1800000 0:30:00.000
21:42:21.227000, lAlt.wakeAndEvaluateMs      : 60000 0:01:00.000
21:42:21.285922, lAlt.stickyMs               : 10800000 3:00:00.000
21:42:21.318283, crystalCorrectionFactor     : -7600
21:42:21.355604, systemClockOffsetMs         : 6

Launch Parameters

Balloon and Payload

  • 36" Qualatex, unstretched
  • 37.1 gram payload
  • 6.8 grams free lift
  • Half-wave antenna.

Heat sealed neck.

Predictions

Actuals

I launched with having measured 6.8g free lift.

However, it baaaarely rose in a no-wind situation.

It was more humid on the pier than it felt in my apt.

But I was wearing a jacket and had walked, etc, so subjective.

I really don't understand why the lift measured in my apt seems to have much less effect outside.


Finally got some signals! Even some long-distance ones (Hawaii ~= 5,000 miles!)


Was able to receive signals from my apt for hours after launch.


Did not keep specific records on path taken.

General Thoughts / Observations

The move to half-wave dipole from quarter-wave dipole appears to be the solution to the problem.