[CRAPRS] Balloon

[djhuff at rockwellcollins.com]

Robert gave a talk at superlaunch about the same issues you found, he had 
2 things you might try.
1. Try using clear plastic instead of black, it has lower surface heating, 
less likely to melt, and can be found in more thicknesses.  A seam sealer 
might also work better than tape.
2. He also suggested using black powder inside, like fine charcoal or dry 
black paint mix powder, it heats up the inside of the balloon, but the 
clear means the exterior doesn't get as hot.  Just pour in some, shake, 
and it will stick by simple static electricity.

As for the launch, I agree that a low lift balloon will always be more of 
a concern, but since plastic doesn't conduct electricity well, you worry 
less about power lines.  The other thing that would be good on low 
altitude flights would be a strobe or blinker, something to help you see 
it better.

There are a couple of active APRS ballon launch sites out there, they can 
give better advice than me.  Look for them on the NSTAR website for links, 
or go to arhab email reflector for dates when and where.


David J Huff
Rockwell Collins Inc.
CS Test Engineer
319.295.8949



Jerry Pasker <info at n-connect.net> 
Sent by: craprs-bounces+djhuff=rockwellcollins.com at rf.org
09/22/2008 12:17 PM

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[CRAPRS] Balloon






Posting from the CRAPRS mailing list:
I should clarify what I'm up to a little better.  A video is here: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sb0_3MlNxc

I found only a few solar balloons that were combined with APRS payloads.

   http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/03/03/103/?nc=1

<SNIP>

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