HacDC Spaceblimp 6/Projects/Communications
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About
The communications project will deliver a balloon payload that allows receipt of telemetry and other payload data as well allow command of the balloon systems as needed. Communications are commonly delivered over Amateur Radio frequencies by licensed operators. Networks like APRS are favored for some balloon-related communication.
Team Members
- Ethan Waldo (licensed for Amateur Radio)
- Martin (licensed for Amateur Radio)
- Nancy Wolfson
Possible Balloon Communications
- Primary VHF APRS tracker - sends regular APRS beacons with GPS and limited telemetry - use national 144.390 MHz network
- Secondary UHF APRS tracker - sends regular APRS beacons with GPS and limited telemetry - use a frequency to be determined at the launch site
- 13 cm Broadband Downlink - send realtime video or broadband data
- uhf/vhf cross-band repeater - allow hams to communicate long distance with handy-talkies
- 433 MHz ISM band low data rate telemetry
Possible Chase Team Communications
- Cell phone WiFi for APRS.fi information
- VHF and UHF APRS receiver, possibly tracking, text and digitpeating for off-grid operations
- Primary Voice - cell phone
- Secondary Voice - VHF and UHF mobile radios in conjunction with repeaters for off-grid operations operations
Possible Ground Station Communications
- 13 cm broadband receiver/recorder with 90 cm dish
- 433 MHz data receiver/recorder with yagi
- Primary Voice - cell phone
Communications Links
Bionics TinyTrak 4 Likely primary APRS tracker - has limited telemetry capability Arduino TNC using bertos Arduino shield Wouxun KG-UV8D instant cross-band repeater in action our cute little Yaesu VX-1 UHF radio 433 MHz ISM band transceiver - 1 W, up to 256 kbps