Near Space Exploration Group

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

In collaboration with

National Severe Storm Labs

Norman, Oklahoma

Mission #3 06/?/2007

(Tracker # 2)

Tracker # 2 was found and reflown on Mission # 3. After launch the GPS failed to get a lock. The transmitter continued to beacon last known GPS location. This tracker has not been found.

Right here is where the GPS failed.
Last good packet, then no fix, then total GPS failure.
John

N5KCW-11>APOT02,HOTSPR*,WIDE2-1,qAO,WB0TAX:/010946z3558.49N/09700.78WO069/038 05.8V 15CNSSL WX Flight www.nearspaceexploration.org/A=025138

N5KCW-11>APOT02,WIDE2-2,qAO,WG5B:!35=8.7�9/09700.00ONO FIX 05.8V 15CNSSL WX Flight www.nearspaceexploration.org

N5KCW-11>APOT02,WIDE2-2,qAR,WX0U-2:!7578.8�0/008<N.00�ONO FIX 05.8V 15CNSSL WX Flight www.nearspaceexploration.org
N5KCW-11>APOT02,WIDE2-2,qAR,WX0U-2:> 05.8V 15CNSSL WX
 

Update 06/19/2007

Tracker number 002  stopped working on it's way down at about 20,000 feet.

A farmer near Stillwater found tracker number 2. The EFM was not attached. It separated from the payload train and has not been recovered at this time.

The tracker came down with the balloon and parachute.

Sherman opened the box and all was bone dry. The radio powered up. The batteries had 1.5 volts.

I will give Sherman the APRs log, but I think trying to find the EFM will be looking for a needle in a haystack. There is no data to indicate when it got separated and I fear it is lost unless someone happens upon it.

John

Update 06/20/2007

John, et al,
    We brought the tracker back on line.  We initially powered the tracker back on on the bench.   Then we took it to the roof with an external battery pack. GPS took about 3 minutes to pick up satellites.  Kenwood THD7 then started picking up packets with GPS attached.   We checked the web and saw theAPRS being picked up.    John, looks like temperature might have been the problem on this one.   We are trying to figure a way to temperature test the unit without just spraying it with some frigid air.   We probably ought to look at the rest of the flights and the temps involved versus how you recall setting the Opentracker's sensitivity.   Hope the trackers #03 and #04 aren't going to experience this.
 
==Sherman-