Near Space Exploration Group
In collaboration with
National Severe Storm Labs
Norman, Oklahoma
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Craig (kb5bob) and Ronn(ad5jn) checking out the cool radio equipment in the NSSL truck.
This project was the result of a meeting we had with the National Severe Storm Labs in Norman Oklahoma. At this meeting we discussed how Ham Radio using APRS could help track and locate valuable weather research instruments. Near Space Exploration Group agreed to build four APRS tracker systems for this use.
This mission was quite different from the payload box standpoint. We only fly in clear blue skies with little or no wind. The NSSL folks fly in nastiest weather conditions imagined including heavy rain, high winds, large hail and lighting. Extra effort went into the design and building of the payload package. Double wall construction and special consideration to water infiltration went in to the design.
The OpenTraker's circuit was modified to include a low drop out regulator and titanium electrolytic capacitors. The power source was changed to use 2 each high current D size 3 volt lithium batteries for increased power and flight time.
In the past the NSSL had launched these instruments with the hopes that someone would find them and return them for the $75.00 reward money. These instruments are then reconditioned, tested and readied for flight. The problem is that sometimes they are never found or they were found to late and the elements and time had destroyed the valuable components.
A big thank you goes out to other Ham Radio operators like Norm N0ELS, who tracks and post the telemetry with map overlays using mapping software.
Here is a link to NSSL's Thunderstorm Electrification and Lightning Experiment page.
Payload Box:
a. Custom Made NO5X
Payload:
a. APRS: 144.340 Yeasu VX2 , (Modified) OpenTracker,, Garman GPS 18 (ID N5KCW-11). The GPS technical data is found here
The Opentraker was modified with a LDO (Low Drop Out) regulator instead of the standard 7805 and three Push-On type jumpers have been replaced with jumper wires. This prevents loss of jumpers popping off in flight. Headers. DB9s were not installed to conserve weight. Also caps C1 and C2 were replaced with new values to support the LDO regulator and the low temperature requirements.
Below is a thumbnail image of the modified Opentracker.
Click image for full size
NSSL w/ Tracker Mission Status:
#1 Got hit by lightening and didn't provide us much info. (Packaged lost)
#2 Went up and back down quickly. Full data entire flight. (Package
recovered)
#3 Went up and stopped sending at about the 2 hour point.. Lightening?
(Package recovered, found my a farmer near Stillwater OK)
#4 Went up and tracked back down. Full data for entire flight. (Package
recovered)
#5 Went up and tracked back down. Full data for entire flight. Awaiting recovery
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