[CRAPRS] Getting in to APRS

[djhuff at rockwellcollins.com]

I would echo your ideas.  I went to Superlaunch (www.superlaunch.org) a 
few years ago and learned a lot about amateur balooning and APRS.  They 
talked about your concerns for baloon landing damage, and stated there 
were 3 key factors to consider.
1. Try to fly somewhere rural.  They suggest staying away from large 
lakes, large cities, and large airports.  If you have a baloon with quick 
lift, it is really only a concern at altitudes below 70000 feet.  If you 
launch somewhere near an airport, you can use findu and a couple phone 
calls to the correct FAA numbers can cover most airplane concerns.  If you 
call ahead, the forewarning is much better recieved.
2. Baloons have a much more predicable path than you think.  The guys at 
this launch had a program, you input winds, weights, and a few other 
variables, and you will get a good idea of where the landing will be. 
3. I think there are many locals who would help, in fact there are quite a 
few who have already done it. 
There is the ISU ballon launch group, (can't find the website now)
The Central Iowa Ballon Enthusiasts CIBE.  Mostly KB0JQO Ryan, and Larry 
N0BKB (www.tsss.org was their old blog)
The NSTAR group, the most active near Omaha. (www.nstar.org)
As well as the Colorado ballon group www.eoss.org

If you start it, I bet we can get a launch or 2 here in Eastern IA, there 
seem to be lots of people interested.

As for the APRS digi, by all means we need more rural ones.  I have setup 
at least 2 county wide ones, and there are still gaps.

David KC0GFO
Now living in Hiawatha
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