View source for NSB04042016 Meeting Notes

= Near Space Balloon Meeting Minutes for April 4th 2016 =
* Does everyone understand what the project is? Have you seen examples online?
* How we will manage the project.
** Logistics
** Online tools for collaboration<br />- Libre board<br />- Git<br />- EMS WIki<br />- GChat?<br />We'll start with this Wiki and go from there.
* Breakdown of required major tasks
** Payload Electronics
### Telemetry<br clear="none" />
#### GPS receiver<br />- WIll need to be conscious of altitude limitations in different chipsets
#### Transmitter
#### Modem
### Photo Camera
### Video Camera
** Payload Chassis<br />- Needs to be able to survive a reasonable impact.<br />- Needs to be insulated to protect electronics from cold<br />- Needs to fit weight regulations
** Balloon<br />- Latex weather balloon, grows during ascent
** Balloon fill station
### Protective gear<br />- Gloves to protect against contaimination that could cause premature pop, like skin oils <br />- Protect it from ground hazards
### Method to measure lift<br />- Must be able to gauge lift and calibrate to avoid neutral bouyancy, premature poppage, etc
### Method to attach balloon to payload
** Parachute <br />- Bright colors for visibility
** Mobile tracking station(s)<br />- Receiver, modem, computer for plotting location.
** Launch sites<br />- Free software that can help optimize launch location based on weather and vehicle parameters. <br />- Want to avoid cross-mountain flight
** Weather predictions
* Legal requirements<br />- No cell phones<br />- Ham communications<br />- Payload cannot weight more than 6lbs on its own (up to 12lbs but no single 6lb object)<br /> - Rick suggests define base payload, then anything extra hangs from it as separate payload.<br />- 3oz^2 limit for density<br />- No rope of cable with greater than 50lb separation force <br />- Can't drop like gliders or anything<br />- TODO: Is there a special permit needed for transporting the canister?
* Acquiring parts or materials<br />- When we need monies or resources, let's chat as a group to see what's available and also reach out to discuss.
* Areas of interest<br />Cord: Launch location<br />Jeffrey: Chassis<br />Weston: Telemetry & software<br />Ben: Parachute and terminal recovery. Will check Spot activation costs.<br />Kass: Chassis team, balloon
* Assign some tasks with deadlines <br />Deferred for now. Changing to setting a new meeting date. April 23rd at 10AM. Goal for everyone will be to provide a rough guestimate about when they can meet their tasks. We will schedule the launch date based on this data.
* Choose preliminary launch date<br />- We'll do this at the next meeting.