NearspaceBalloon

2011-12-05T23:27:48Z

Ricko: Imported from TWiki

=!! Nearspace Balloon =

== Project Summary ==

The idea is to create a high altitude balloon that will reach at least 70,000 feet. The balloon should meet the following requirements:

# Be designed to reach at least 70,000 foot altitude.
# Have a primary payload that is less than 6lbs.
# Primary payload and secondary payloads may not weight more than 12lbs combined.
# Take photographs on the way up and down.
# Transmit GPS coordinates so we can track it from the ground.
== Project Members ==
{| border="1"
|-
| '''Name''' || '''Contact''' || '''Callsign'''
|-
| Rick O || rick (at) richardosgood.com || KE7SAL
|-
| Kevin K || kd7ahu (at) att.net || KD7AHU
|-
| James H || |
|}

== TODO ==

# Acquire GPS unit for payload. This needs a serial interface to talk to the TinyTrak3.
# Come up with a power supply for the GPS and TinyTrak.
# Get all of the electronics together and test them together.
# Figure out how much room we need in the chassis.
# Design and build the chassis.
# Find an easy way to mount everything inside the chassis so it is accessible but secured nicely (velcro?).
# Acquire the balloon.
# Build the balloon filling apparatus.
# Build and test the tracking station(s).
# Acquire everything else.
# Write and tripple check launch procedures.
# Document Build Process
# GO GO GO!
== Balloon Components ==
{| border="1"
|-
| '''Component''' || '''Description''' || '''Supplier''' || '''Price''' || '''Assigned to'''
|-
| Chassis || Lightweight but strong chassis big enough to contain all electronics. Need to access internals for adjustments and need to be able to attach parachute/balloon. Need identifying information and make it VISIBLE. || ? || ? || Laura
|-
| Balloons || Needs to be big enough to lift the full weight of the payload and then some. || Vance? || $0 || Ben + Laura
|-
| Parachute || Needs to be able to safely return the full payload weight to the ground, but quickly so it doesn't drift too far. Also must be VISIBLE. || Ben || $0 || Rick
|-
| GPS || Must work over 65,000ft. Many GPS units do not work at those altitudes. || James || $0 || James
|-
| Primary GPS Radio || 5 watts should be enough. 2 meters is preferable. || Rick || $0 || Rick
|-
| Camera || Needs to be able to take time lapse photos. || Kevin || ? || Kevin
|-
| Power Supply || Needs to power the GPS and TNC at least. Maybe also the radio and camera. || | ||
|-
| TNC || Using the TinyTrak 3. TEST to make sure it reaches digipeaters and transmits altitude before launch. || Rick || $0 || Rick
|-
| Radio Antenna || Can make a simple J-pole out of ladder line from RadioShack. || Rick || $0 || Kevin
|-
| Video Camera Power || Figure out how to power video camera with external power || Ben || $0 || Tom
|-
| Audible Beacon || Some lound noise maker so we can find it easily once it lands || ? || ? || ?
|}

=== Payload Primary Radio ===

We are using an old HTX-202 2 meter HT originally made by RadioShack. This one has a strange glitch where you get an on screen error when power is applied. To bypass this, you have to hold the function key and the D1 key and then turn the power on. I'm not sure how to fix this permenantly. The radio has a BNC connector for the antenna. This radio is capable of ourputting 5 Watts and requires a 12 volt power supply. The radio has a small battery compartment that can hold 8 AA batteries. We have used 8 Lithium AA batteries in a previous balloon with success.

=== Payload Primary Antenna ===

We can make a simple J-Pole antenna from strong ladder line available at RadioShack. We will need the proper BNC connector in order to hook the antenna up to the HTX-202 radio. [http://www.w4ava.org/2mjpole.pdf Here] is a guide on how a proper antenna can be made from ladder line. We will probably also need a small piece of coax cable to connect the anteanna to the radio.

=== TNC Configuration ===

We are using the TinyTrak3. The TinyTrak requires a 7 to 30 volt power supply. It is also currently configured to distribute power to the GPS through the DB-9 connector. We may or may not be able to use this depending on how much power the GPS requires. I believe this feature can be disabled by moving (or removing) a resistor on the TinyTrak3 PCB.

=== Primary GPS ===

James has lent his Garmin eTrex GPS unit to the project. He has also donated his serial/power cable to the project. We need to figure out how much power the eTrex requires and is capable of accepting. Initial tests show that it may be expecting around 3 Volts but perhaps it can accept 5 Volts, which would make our power supply simpler. There is some useful information about Garmin eTrex connectors on [http://www.nomad.ee/micros/etrex.shtml this site].
== Launch Site Components ==
{| border="1"
|-
| '''Component''' || '''Description''' || '''Supplier''' || '''Price''' || '''Assigned to'''
|-
| Large Tarp || This protects the balloon from the dirt, rockets, etc on the ground. || | ||
|-
| Helium || Need enough to fill the balloon to proper buoyancy. Twice that if we want a second chance. || | ||
|-
| Weights || We attach these to the balloon during filling to ensure that it doesn't float away and also that we have reached proper buoyancy. || | ||
|-
| Helium tank regulator || This allows us to control the speed at which we fill the balloon with helium. || | ||
|-
| Hose || To connect the Helium regulator to the balloon fill aparatus. || | ||
|-
| Balloon fill aparatus || Need something to insert into the neck of the balloon to pump the helium into. Small piece of PVC pipe could work. || | ||
|-
| Pipe clamps/tape || To clamp the balloon neck to the fill aparatus. || | ||
|-
| Cotton gloves || Anyone who handles the balloon wears these to protect the balloon from dirt and oil from hands. || | ||
|-
| Extra Batteries || Batteries for everything. Just in case... || | ||
|}

== Tracking Station Components ==
{| border="1"
|-
| '''Component''' || '''Description''' || '''Supplier''' || '''Price''' || '''Assigned to'''
|-
| Laptop || Laptop that can run tracking software and possibly hook up to a GPS for simplified tracking. || | ||
|-
| Power inverter || Power inverter so we can power the laptop indefinitely from a vehicle. || Rick || $0 || Rick
|-
| TNC || Can be software or hardware. Must be able to decode APRS packets for plotting on a map. || | ||
|-
| Tracking software || For tracking the balloon's position in real time on a map. || | ||
|-
| Digital Maps || Need maps for the tracking software. These are not always free. || | ||
|-
| External Antenna || Like a magmount on top of the vehicle for signal reception. || Rick || $0 || Rick
|-
| Walkie Talkies || For vehicle to vehicle communication during the chase. || | ||
|-
| GPS || To keep track of vehicle location in comparison to balloon. Also for plotting optimal route to balloon. || | ||
|-
| Ham Radio || Dedicated ham radio for receiving APRS packets directly from the balloon. Essential for tracking. || Rick || $0 || Rick
|}

<h2>
== Tracking Station Configuration ==

<span style="color: #000000; line-height: normal; font-size: small;">See the APRSTrackingStation page for more details.</span>
</h2>
== Launch Sites ==

Potential launch sites go here. Good to have alternates in case weather conditions don't play well with our plans. Need to ensure the balloon will not land anywhere near large bodies of water, forrest, or mountains. We want to recover the payload after all.
== Launch Procedure ==

Launch procedure goes here once we have everything else designed and built.
<div id="_mcePaste" style="overflow: hidden; position: absolute; left: -10000px; top: 320px; width: 1px; height: 1px;"> 

logging telemetry data to sd card
</div>

== Additional Ideas ==

# Internal / External Temperature Sensors
# Logging telemetry data to SD card
-- Main.RickO - 2011-10-12

Ems Articles Discuss

2011-01-17T15:48:27Z

Ricko: Imported from TWiki

NOTE: Revision r7 of the Articles was submitted to the OR Corporation Division for filing on 1/5/11.

Todo or consider:
* If there is a possibility of a class of membership that is non-voting I think we should mention it in the articles otherwise ORS 65 may allow them all to vote.
** The membership shell be devided into a voting class and a non-voting class. Only the voting class shell have voting previlges. General requirements for all membership and specific requirements for each class shell be set forth in the bylaws.
* Do we need to provied the addresses of the incorporators? Yes.
** If so must they be amended if they change?
* Should we change all mention of organization to corporation?
** I think we should keep it organization (Rick)
* We may amend the articles later to delete the name and address of the initial registered agent or registered office, if a statement of change is on file with the Office of the Secretary of State.
* What is the difference between public benefit, and mutual benefit in regards to 501(c)3? Seems like we don't have a choice, we must be public benifit.
* Add to the secrataies duties must complete all anual reports dues, paperwork 30 days before the deadline.

Done:
*

==== Limiting Board Members Liability: ====

By including this statement of personal liability, a director can avoid personal liability as long as he or she runs the organization in a legal, reasonable manner.

It is important to remember that directors can still be held liable for debts to the IRS, debts due to fraudulent activity, and employment claims. D&O insurance and further protect the assets of board members, staff and volunteers.

From ORS 65:

(c) A provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director or uncompensated officer to the corporation or its members for monetary damages for conduct as a director or officer, provided that no such provision shall eliminate or limit the liability of a director or officer for any act or omission occurring prior to the date when such provision becomes effective, and such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director or officer for:

(A) Any breach of the director’s or officer’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its members;

(B) Acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

(C) Any unlawful distribution;

(D) Any transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal benefit; and

(E) Any act or omission in violation of ORS 65.361 to 65.367; and

http://www.ilrg.com/forms/

-- Main.ClifCox - 2011-01-03

Eugene Makerspace Wiki - User contributions [en]

Legal Stuff

NearspaceBalloon

Ems Articles Discuss