K2GXT High Altitude Balloon
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Contents |
Objectives
The RIT Amateur Radio Club aims to design, construct, and fly a high altitude balloon carrying amateur radio in the Spring of 2011. The expected launch date is May 7th, 2011 during the Imagine RIT Innovation and Creativity festival held at the Rochester Institute of Technology campus. K2GXT feels that this project is unique because:
- Good engineering practice
- Publish full documentation on-line
- Best solutions with most simple implementation
- Modular design
- Reusable low-cost frame
- Extremely adaptable
Launching a high altitude balloon is not new to ham radio. K2GXT does not feel that flying a balloon in near-space is good enough and wish to design and construct a solid platform to use for years of flight.
Sections
Logistics
Information gathered and actions taken to fulfill FAR-101 FAA regulations. The RIT campus (Launch Location) was under 2 miles from an airport and required additional measures above Far-101 to be taken.
Mechanical Structure
The structural design of the payload incorporates both the rigid poly-carbonate structure, thermal insulation, and balloon/parachute rigging.
Electronics:Hardware
An overview of the electronic systems that allow the balloon payload to transmit it's position, command and control, operate sensors, and other functions.
Electronics:Software
A description of the firmware programmed onto a Texas Instruments MSP430 micro controller using C.
Total Cost
One Flight
| Component | Cost |
| Mechanical Payload | $78.69 |
| Flight Hardware | $268.62 |
| Electronic Components | $58.00 |
| GPS Tracking System | $168.19 |
| GoPro HD Hero 960 (Additional RIT Funding) | $149.99 |
| $723.49 |
Just Payload
| Component | Cost |
| Mechanical Payload | $78.69 |
| Electronic Components | $58.00 |
| GPS Tracking System | $168.19 |
| GoPro HD Hero 960 (Additional RIT Funding) | $149.99 |
| $454.87 |
Flight Stats, Pictures, and Video
The RITCHIE-1 payload was launched at 10:51am Saturday May 7th, 2011 from the RIT campus near the outdoor track. It reached its peak recorded altitude of 96,305 feet at 1:16:57pm according to GPS data. The payload quickly descended and landed in a tree in Clifton Springs, NY at 1:45PM.
Pre-Flight Build Video
In-Flight Time-Lapse Video
