I’m setting this up now for use on launch day. It’s a text/SMS service that allows me to push updates to anyone subscribed. IF you want to follow along on launch day via text messges, this will be the best method. I don’t think I can ‘blog’ in real-time from the road. If you don’t […]

Read more "Update #21 – Subscribe to launch day updates"

It’s a been a BIG week here for the project. This will be a general update and I can drill into more detail on each of these in subsequent updates as I get time; I just feel like I need to get some of this down ‘on paper’ and keep everyone in the loop. Each […]

Read more "Update #20 – BIG Update/s"

I’m considering adding this little piece to the foam container. It’s an entry-level soldering project I put together 2-3 months ago and I might buy and assemble another one for $10-12. Including the 9v battery, it only adds 70 grams. http://www.velleman.eu/products/view/?id=339222 It’s possible that if we land in a tree or thick wooded area, an […]

Read more "Update #19 – DIY Audio Beacon"

I’ve had a few days to write this one up but I wanted to see how the construction held up before posting. I’ll offer a little explanation, some tips and tricks, and then post all the photos below. This construction technique is easy. Cheap too. It lends itself to unlimited custom shapes and sizes. Sunday […]

Read more "Update #18 – Fabricating a Foam Paylod Container"

It’s COLD and WINDY outside today (by Texas standards). I decided to run a quick prediction on a balloon launched with a standard payload and good lifting capacity as if we were launching ‘right now’. The ascent times and descent times basically don’t change: 2 hours up 1 hour down. BUT the recovery location would […]

Read more "Update #17 – More on Wind and Balloon Path Prediction"