great photo and idea too)

This has been done before… Next steps:

* Launch a balloon carrying a solar-powered micro-UAV with radio beacon+telemetry or better-yet include a beacon plus a VHF/UHF cross-band repeater so people can communicate over the UAV while at the same time the UAV can receive commands for steering and power management.

* Release the solar-powered micro-UAV at high altitude (lots of sun, no clouds). It flies indefinitely. Ham radio operators World-wide track and report via Google Maps, or something similar.

* Base the whole project on global warming research so you get lots of Government and NGO funding.

* Fudge/falsify the encrypted data received to support the man-made global warming hypothesis, thereby ensuring continued funding.

* Covet the raw data so nobody can scrutinize it.

@drone why would you even propose that scenario? there is enough thievery and lying going on as it is without someone adding to it. it would also give a bruise to anyone trying to do legitimate work and or just trying to have fun. so, dont be a party pooper and keep your negativity hidden from the rest of us. thank you.

Looks like Drones up on his way to being a future politician. I think the Republicans would suit you well. : D

Have these folks provided their complete schematics and code? I saw sample code, but nothing complete, and no schematics. I’m looking to implement a low-level altimeter with the MPX4115A and I’d like to crib from someone else’s implementation. :-)

@Moreau: I realize that it may have been sarcasm, but the fact remains that there are plenty of people who do this on a regular basis and really DO make it hell for the rest of us.

Forgive me if I’m even the slightest bit erked at the thought of people even thinking this would be funny. Perhaps the /sarcasm tag is due.. ;)

@Drone-

Your funding proposal is overly complicated. Just appeal to the UN. Tell them that your project is intended to prevent the loss of the glaciers in the Himalayas.

From what I’ve read in the news the last few days, they’ll pick up your ball and run with it– no research or supporting data required.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6994774.ece

Hi Allen,
The TX module I am using is a 25mw module from Radiometrix – the NTX2. I’m using this particular module because I can use it license exempt, as a LIPD (low interference potential device).

When used with conventional low/high logic signals in NBFM mode, it’s range is somewhat of a limiting factor – but when used with a varying input voltage resulting in a varying output tone, coupled with a narrow SSB filter on the receiver, the range is excellent (so long as line of sight is maintained – not hard with the balloon in the sky).

The UKHAS use the same modules, with the only difference being the transmit power – they’re only able to use 10mW. In a recent launch, they exceeded 400km of range with this setup, and were able to track a balloon they launched which landed in France!

As for the Vaisala sondes, these were recovered from sounding balloons launched by our met bureau. The ground setup is prohibitively expensive, but you can decode their data with software like Sondemonitor (http://www.coaa.co.uk/sondemonitor.htm).
Terry.

Hi MrWolf,
Would love to hear about your project. Where are you based?

CASA seems to handle these launches on a case by case basis, there are a few issues to consider. Shoot me an email via the blog and I’ll explain :)

Terry, thanks for the information. I may have to try out this Radiometrix module and see where it leads. And that Sondemonitor program is a really great find. I had no idea somebody reverse-engineered those protocols and made such a nice little program. I attempted something similar with the RS-80 sondes a while back but didn’t get nearly as far. We used to fly an external Garmin GPS with ozonesondes and RS-80 radiosondes. I managed to decode the GPS lat/lon/alt, but the radiosonde PTU eluded me. Nowadays we use the Intermet iMet-1-RSB sondes, which have an open standard for both internal fields and sending external instrument data.

Hi Allen,

Best of Good Luck. I Wish, u will success..