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Wanted: HAM to Assist Propeller Balloon Project — Parallax Forums

Wanted: HAM to Assist Propeller Balloon Project

Jay KickliterJay Kickliter Posts: 446
edited 2008-12-21 20:37 in General Discussion
I've been working on a Propeller-based high-altitude balloon for a few months now. Most of the work is done now. But, to be conservative, I'd say it's about 2-3 months away from completion (I'm in college, so don't have much free time). I've hit a wall though, I can't draw on the GI Bill until Augist, so I really can't spend much more money on something I might not get back. The only part I have for an APRS system is a small Alinco transceiver and a hand-held Radio Shack HTX-202, I'll be buying an OpenTracker + or Tiny Track. I will also have cell phone tacking, but that will only work if it lands within range of a GSM tower.

If there are any amateur radio operators within a 2 - 3 hour drive of NYC (preferably somewhere rural-ish and far from major airports) who have a good APRS tracking system, and would like to assist in tracking and possibly recovering the balloon, let me know. I'll give you credit on any website I may make out of the project.

Jay

Post Edited (Jay Kickliter) : 12/6/2008 6:42:47 PM GMT

Comments

  • sylvie369sylvie369 Posts: 1,622
    edited 2008-12-06 19:44
    I'm too far away to be much help with the tracking, but I have built both an Opentracker and a TinyTrak4. I converted the latter to a "TT4D" - the version with an LCD display - which works great. I put a couple of photos up over on the BigRedBee GPS forum in the "PicPac Replacement" thread.

    The Opentracker at $32 seems like a no-brainer to me. I built mine just for something to practice soldering on.
  • Bruce BatesBruce Bates Posts: 3,045
    edited 2008-12-06 20:00
    Jay -

    I am nearby at the Jersery Shore. I will send you a PM with details. I'm not sure whether I may be able to help or not, but four eyes are better than two (so to speak). smile.gif

    Regards,

    Bruce Bates

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    When all else fails, try inserting a new battery.
  • NR1XNR1X Posts: 111
    edited 2008-12-09 20:20
    I'm in north eastern ct and will help track ballon.. will also spread the word to other hams in the area.. lots of aprs activity in this area!! keep me posted as far as launch status..
  • Carl HayesCarl Hayes Posts: 841
    edited 2008-12-09 21:12
    If you check with the local ham radio clubs (many in your area, I think), you'll probably get lots of enthusiastic help.· Visit the ARRL web site www.arrl.org for help in contacting the clubs.· ARRL is the national organization and knows about nearly every local club.· They're very friendly on the telephone, too.

    On the web site, click "Clubs" and you get a screen on which you can enter your ZIP code and get a list of clubs near you.

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    · -- Carl, nn5i@arrl.net
  • Jay KickliterJay Kickliter Posts: 446
    edited 2008-12-10 14:43
    Thanks everybody for the offers. When I come to a firmer date, I'll post again.

    Joining a HAM club is a good idea. I haven't even taken my test yet, since I really only need it to do this. But I was a signals guy in the Navy, so I'm not worried about passing it. But I am having difficulty figuring how to set up an OS X based ground system.
  • NR1XNR1X Posts: 111
    edited 2008-12-21 20:37
    Jay, google "Xastir"... i have never used it but know some have!! it is designed for linux but will also work for mac os x. By all means get your licence!! tech class is a piece of cake, general is even better!! i have worked 30 states and 8 contries in 21 days on hf digital modes.. mostly psk31, a keaboard to keyboard mode that is only 31 hz wide!!! also can use sound card to decode ax.25 packet like APRS..check out AGWPE, it isnt made for mac but works real well on windows.. designed by a greek ham (SV2AGW) and free for hams to use.. step 1 is GET LICENCED!! after that its all down hill... 73 de KB1NRB·· Allan in CT
    PS i dont visit this forum too often so if you have questions email me direct· address in my profile
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