Dart II update Page 1

Update 2/27/07

We held a net on the 147.210 repeater this evening and had a nice discussion about the launch. I wish to thank those that checked in and are part of this event. I also want to thank Ronn Folk and Craig Wright for their assistance in time, money, and material.

Tonight on the net I think several things were finalized and one of the things that came out is that there are people out there that do not know the frequencies being used so here is a break down of Frequencies.

Payload Frequencies:

APRS 1 144.390

APRS 2 144.340

Parrot Repeater 446.000

ATV 434.000

CW ID Beacon 147.475

Communication Frequencies

Initial Communications 146.820 Repeater PL 151.4 (Net Control, WA9AFM TOM)

Simplex Chase Frequency: 146.45

Parrot Repeater Operation. Here is a very brief explanation on how the parrot repeater works.

Put your UHF Radio on 446.000 frequency. LISTEN.. if you cannot hear conversation, then press your PTT and WAIT 1 second and then say, "CQ THIS IS (GIVE YOUR CALLSIGN and location) UNKEY. Wait a couple of seconds.. You will hear YOUR transmission come back down to you. Wait for a reply. REMEMBER this is a simplex repeater which means that if someone is answering your call they have to respond to your transmission and then the repeater retransmits their transmission back to you. Be patient! Don't be a hog.. make a contact or two and then wait for others to make a contact. It is fun to see who can get the greatest distance on a UHF repeater at 300 mW.

If you are not sure of these instructions, email me and I can answer any questions.

Harry (KC5TRB) is working our predictions to see where the balloon may travel to, and when we get closer that projection will be posted on the web site which is www .nearspaceexploration.org .

Here it is a few days away and we are still developing power supplies, and making changes to hardware.

We will keep you advised. Attached is a photo of the launch site, compliments of Harry, KC5TRB.

John Robbins

NO5X

DART Flight Dir.

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2/27/2007

The Flight controller for the DART-CAM has failed. I have build a better one using less parts. I will test it tonight!

Ronn Folk

AD5JN

Dart Flight Engineer

Final Update, DART-2.

This graphic shows the telemetry data between payload boxes 1 and 2. Payload 1 (NO5X) had less equipment in it than payload box 2 which may account for the difference in on board temperatures.

The difference between battery voltage in payload box 1 and 2 is that in Payload box 1 the APRS transmitter was powered by it's own internal battery. In payload box 2 the transmitter was powered by the main power supply. Two 7805 regulators with heat sinks were used in payload box 2 and I feel that is the main difference between the two temps.

First Update, DART-3

Just a hint of what is coming. Ronn, Craig and I are planning a flight in the July/Aug time frame for this year.......big, really big balloon, very small package......

We will keep you advised on the progress of this flight...

J.Robbins