Dave Akerman

As well as providing a radio downlink of GPS data so we can track and hopefully retrieve the balloon payload, I want that data logged in detail so I can tell afterwards how high it went and where.  GPS data can be imported into Google Earth for example, to show […]

Got the GPS module connected to the Arduino flight computer today.  Easy to connect except that since it’s an olde module it needs more power than the Arduino’s 3.3V output can manage (130mA needed; 75ma available).  Connected to a software UART to make the debugging easier (PC connects to the […]

In my previous entry I said “I’ve emailed Kodak to ask what the voltage limit is, but I’m not expecting a useful reply.” I got a reply. It wasn’t useful. I asked what the maximum battery voltage is.  “1.5V”.  Well, yes, I know 1.5V cells work, but how much higher […]

Well I thought they had! I’m hoping to use my Kodak Zx1 camcorder to video the entire journey from launch to (crash?) landing.  Running on normal alkaline cells it only manages 45 minutes before switching off, which isn’t nearly enough for the flight.  Besides, alkaline cells are poor at the […]

Today I ordered the parachute (a 48″ model – on the “slow and safe” side for the expected weight), a GPS antenna, power regulator for the GPS, and of course some duct tape!  Every project needs some of that!  It it’s good enough to save the Apollo 13 astronauts, it’s […]

Like many UK high altitude balloon projects, the main communications from my balloon will be a low power radio transmitter using the unlicensed 433MHz band.  There are lots of advantages to doing this, not least being the fact that other HAB enthusiasts can “tune in” to the signal and update […]

Today was a weights & measures day – finding out how long batteries last, and how much parts weigh. Stills Camera Installed the CHDK firmware on the Canon IXUS camera, modified it to use less power, and tested that with a cat as the (very still) target!  This confirmed that […]

Inspired by this amazing video, I’ve decided to make an attempt myself to send some cameras and tracking equipment up into space using a weather balloon.  I’ll be documenting the project from design through build and launch (and hopefully recovery!) with a tentative date of early June for the launch. […]