1. GPSL@groups.io
   Date   
FW: [SG Coordinators] Call for Papers for post-eclipse national ballooning conference (AHAC 2017)

Jack Crabtree
 


 

From: sgCoordinators [mailto:sgcoordinators-bounces@...] On Behalf Of James Flaten via sgCoordinators
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2017 1:01 PM
To: Space Grant Coordinators Mailing List
Cc: James Flaten ; Matthew Nelson
Subject: [SG Coordinators] Call for Papers for post-eclipse national ballooning conference (AHAC 2017)

 

   My apologies in advance if you get this more than once but we are now one month out from the eclipse so it is a high time to issue a call for papers for the post-eclipse national ballooning conference - AHAC 2017 - to be held here in Minneapolis on October 27-28, 2017.  Please pass this along to all stratospheric ballooning teams in your state, regardless of whether or not they are involved in eclipse ballooning.  Thanks!
                                                                                                                         James
--
James Flaten, Ph.D.
Assoc. Dir. of NASA's MN Space Grant Consortium

e-mail: flate001@...
office phone:  612-626-9295
cell phone:  651-399-2423
skyway office:  205C Akerman Hall
mail room:  107 Akerman Hall

Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics Department
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
110 Union Street SE
Minneapolis MN  55455

http://www.aem.umn.edu/mnsgc

Re: Recovery of the Last GPSL Flight

L. Paul Verhage KD4STH
 

That was imagine, not image.


On Jul 23, 2017 9:52 AM, "'L. Paul Verhage' nearsys@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:


I image we descended faster than 1,000 fpm. There was a lot of balloon on the load line and the parachute is 5 feet in diameter and pretty porous.


On Jul 23, 2017 9:11 AM, "Zack Clobes" <zclobes@...> wrote:
I put you on the wrong side of the road.  Sorry.



On Sun, Jul 23, 2017 at 8:01 AM, 'L. Paul Verhage' nearsys@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 
[Attachment(s) from L. Paul Verhage included below]

I picked up the balloon that Mike and I launched (and Jim also, he had a screamer on the payload string). It landed 1/2 mile southwest of the intersection of US 50 and Essex Heights road. The landing was about 10 feet away from a corn field, so if we had landed in that, recovery would have been via combine in another month of two.

The landing site is 2 miles at a heading of 60 degrees from the last reported position of Mike's tracker (which was at 16,000 feet at the time).

We flew a 3,000 gram balloon and about 8 pounds of payload. I can't get Mike's tracking data off APRS.fi anymore, so I can't get an ascent rate for the early flight until I get home. My video camera ran out of memory after 54 minutes, so I can't get a time of flight. I hope I can get at least an ascent time when I get home from the geiger counter data. 

However, it looks like we landed southwest of most flights. The expected maximum altitude was predicted to be over 100,000 feet and I think the location of the landing site bears that out. 

I'm attaching a few screen prints from the video. The first two show other balloons at launch. The last one was taken at 54:38 after the launch, so it might be around 70,000 feet.   

--
Dr. L. Paul Verhage
Near Space Evangelist
Re: Recovery of the Last GPSL Flight [3 Attachments]

L. Paul Verhage KD4STH
 

I image we descended faster than 1,000 fpm. There was a lot of balloon on the load line and the parachute is 5 feet in diameter and pretty porous.


On Jul 23, 2017 9:11 AM, "Zack Clobes" <zclobes@...> wrote:
I put you on the wrong side of the road.  Sorry.



On Sun, Jul 23, 2017 at 8:01 AM, 'L. Paul Verhage' nearsys@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 
[Attachment(s) from L. Paul Verhage included below]

I picked up the balloon that Mike and I launched (and Jim also, he had a screamer on the payload string). It landed 1/2 mile southwest of the intersection of US 50 and Essex Heights road. The landing was about 10 feet away from a corn field, so if we had landed in that, recovery would have been via combine in another month of two.

The landing site is 2 miles at a heading of 60 degrees from the last reported position of Mike's tracker (which was at 16,000 feet at the time).

We flew a 3,000 gram balloon and about 8 pounds of payload. I can't get Mike's tracking data off APRS.fi anymore, so I can't get an ascent rate for the early flight until I get home. My video camera ran out of memory after 54 minutes, so I can't get a time of flight. I hope I can get at least an ascent time when I get home from the geiger counter data. 

However, it looks like we landed southwest of most flights. The expected maximum altitude was predicted to be over 100,000 feet and I think the location of the landing site bears that out. 

I'm attaching a few screen prints from the video. The first two show other balloons at launch. The last one was taken at 54:38 after the launch, so it might be around 70,000 feet.   

--
Dr. L. Paul Verhage
Near Space Evangelist
Re: Recovery of the Last GPSL Flight [3 Attachments]

Zack Clobes W0ZC
 

I put you on the wrong side of the road.  Sorry.



On Sun, Jul 23, 2017 at 8:01 AM, 'L. Paul Verhage' nearsys@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 
[Attachment(s) from L. Paul Verhage included below]

I picked up the balloon that Mike and I launched (and Jim also, he had a screamer on the payload string). It landed 1/2 mile southwest of the intersection of US 50 and Essex Heights road. The landing was about 10 feet away from a corn field, so if we had landed in that, recovery would have been via combine in another month of two.

The landing site is 2 miles at a heading of 60 degrees from the last reported position of Mike's tracker (which was at 16,000 feet at the time).

We flew a 3,000 gram balloon and about 8 pounds of payload. I can't get Mike's tracking data off APRS.fi anymore, so I can't get an ascent rate for the early flight until I get home. My video camera ran out of memory after 54 minutes, so I can't get a time of flight. I hope I can get at least an ascent time when I get home from the geiger counter data. 

However, it looks like we landed southwest of most flights. The expected maximum altitude was predicted to be over 100,000 feet and I think the location of the landing site bears that out. 

I'm attaching a few screen prints from the video. The first two show other balloons at launch. The last one was taken at 54:38 after the launch, so it might be around 70,000 feet.   

--
Dr. L. Paul Verhage
Near Space Evangelist
Mike's Tracker

L. Paul Verhage KD4STH
 

By the way, Mike's tracker was KD0MEQ-11. If anyone has APRS data from it, could you forward to me? I'd like to start looking at the ascent rate and try modeling the flight.

Please feel free to try figuring out the maximum altitude from the early ascent rate and landing location.

Thanks 

--
Dr. L. Paul Verhage
Near Space Evangelist
Recovery of the Last GPSL Flight

L. Paul Verhage KD4STH
 

I picked up the balloon that Mike and I launched (and Jim also, he had a screamer on the payload string). It landed 1/2 mile southwest of the intersection of US 50 and Essex Heights road. The landing was about 10 feet away from a corn field, so if we had landed in that, recovery would have been via combine in another month of two.

The landing site is 2 miles at a heading of 60 degrees from the last reported position of Mike's tracker (which was at 16,000 feet at the time).

We flew a 3,000 gram balloon and about 8 pounds of payload. I can't get Mike's tracking data off APRS.fi anymore, so I can't get an ascent rate for the early flight until I get home. My video camera ran out of memory after 54 minutes, so I can't get a time of flight. I hope I can get at least an ascent time when I get home from the geiger counter data. 

However, it looks like we landed southwest of most flights. The expected maximum altitude was predicted to be over 100,000 feet and I think the location of the landing site bears that out. 

I'm attaching a few screen prints from the video. The first two show other balloons at launch. The last one was taken at 54:38 after the launch, so it might be around 70,000 feet.   

--
Dr. L. Paul Verhage
Near Space Evangelist
Re: KD0MEQ-11 ........ found!

L. Paul Verhage KD4STH
 

Jim, what is the rough dimensions of your screamer? I plan to package it up and mail it while I visit my dad.


On Jul 20, 2017 8:19 PM, "moody.michael@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:


My missing balloon has been found! The "secondary recovery team" aka a kind hearted Kansan, called my cell phone earlier in the week asking about the payload. He offered to box it up and mail it, but as chance would have it, Paul V. is passing through Kansas on Saturday afternoon.


I will recover my lunchbox with tracker and two GoPros, Paul will get back his parachute and experiments, and Jim will get his "screamer" back as well. Of all the valuable equipment on the flight, I felt worst about Jim losing his screamer. He told me that it was one of the very first things he built for ballooning.


The old red lunchbox has been flying since 2010, but its time for it to retire. I'll hang it in my computer shop as a conversation piece.


With any luck Paul and I will have some photos from the flight.


Right now the only position report from the farmer was 25 miles East of Hutch, on some very private land. We never would have spotted it from any road.


Thanks again to everyone who helped search!


MOHAB Team

Mike KD0MEQ

Tom (no callsign and is therefore lame)

and our mentor Paul KD4STH
KD0MEQ-11 ........ found!

moody.michael@...
 

My missing balloon has been found! The "secondary recovery team" aka a kind hearted Kansan, called my cell phone earlier in the week asking about the payload. He offered to box it up and mail it, but as chance would have it, Paul V. is passing through Kansas on Saturday afternoon.


I will recover my lunchbox with tracker and two GoPros, Paul will get back his parachute and experiments, and Jim will get his "screamer" back as well. Of all the valuable equipment on the flight, I felt worst about Jim losing his screamer. He told me that it was one of the very first things he built for ballooning.


The old red lunchbox has been flying since 2010, but its time for it to retire. I'll hang it in my computer shop as a conversation piece.


With any luck Paul and I will have some photos from the flight.


Right now the only position report from the farmer was 25 miles East of Hutch, on some very private land. We never would have spotted it from any road.


Thanks again to everyone who helped search!


MOHAB Team

Mike KD0MEQ

Tom (no callsign and is therefore lame)

and our mentor Paul KD4STH
s3research predictor fixed

Jerry
 

Anyone that tried to use the s3research flight predictor this morning discovered it failed with an unknown error.  This was caused by a change in the GRIB2 file NOAA provides the weather data in.

This has been fixed.  Let me know if you have any other issues with the tool.

If anyone is still using the old version, it will no longer work.
 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com
Re: Balloon chasing program

Bruce Coates
 

Hi Zack

What tile set are you using for your maps?  I now recall that I didn't pursue using your program because the maps for rural areas in Canada was quite poor,  I now see that map set is vastly improved.

73, Bruce


On 11/07/2017 11:15 PM, Zack Clobes wrote:
I think that my Balloon Finder checks most of the boxes...  Have you looked at it?


On Jul 11, 2017 4:09 PM, "Bruce Coates bruce.coates@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 

Hi Jerry

One addition feature I would, recommend would be support for agpwpe type interfaces provided by the various sound card modem programs such as AGW Packet Engine, UZ7HO, and Dire Wolf sound modems.

I run a dedicated Windows programtha i wrote along side APRSISCE/32 which uses text to voice to announce altitude and some other optional parameters so the driver/navigator don't need to stare at a screen.  Incorporating features like that, as others have suggested, would be very convenient. 

73, Bruce - VE5BNC


-------- Original message --------
From: "Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...>
Date: 7/11/17 12:33 AM (GMT+00:00)
To: Larry Phegley <larry.phegley@...>
Cc: GPSL List <gpsl@...>
Subject: Re: [GPSL] Balloon chasing program

 
When you say announce reports, what would be in these reports?

It will NOT run on an iPad or android tablet.  It should run on a windows tablet.
 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com


From: "Larry Phegley larry.phegley@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...>
To:
Cc: Jerry Gable <jerrygable@...>; GPSL List <gpsl@...>
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2017 3:58 PM
Subject: Re: [GPSL] Balloon chasing program

 
I am also interested.  I would like it to announce reports aurally when they arrive plus if the balloon is ascending or descending.

Could it run on my tablet?

Larry
KJ6PBS

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 12:33 PM, David Fields fieldsde@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 
Jerry, 
Looks like a very cool/useful program.  Definitely, continue development.

What more?  Weather data, perhaps.  I can help with beta testing if you need.
Cheers,
David Fields
N4HBO

On Jul 10, 2017, at 11:11, Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:

 
Since GPSL I have been thinking about chase software.  I haven't found any that does what I think it should.  I have looked at http://flighttrack. surfingsatellites.org/ but that is about the only one I know about.  I am looking for one that can be used offline in those bad reception areas balloons like to find.

I decided to start looking at what it would take to write one and have started playing with writing my own.  I have played with the pieces and think I have the stuff to pull this off.  The screenshot below is what I have running now.  The numbers on the right for the balloon are all test but the parser is working and mapping position reports to the map.

The question is: Is anyone else interested?  If I do it jus t for myself I'm not convinced it is worth the effort.

Here are my goals for the tool.
  • Must work offline. 
    • Maps must be able to be cached.
    • Must be able to deal with internet loss as well as PC restarts
  • Show my location and the balloon being chased.
    • decode GPS NEMA data for my location
    • Allow multiple trackers to provide data from the balloon (failure backup and faster update times)
  • Simple interface to allow use in moving cars (not driver)
  • Show what the balloon is currently doing
  • Receive APRS from a radio (KISS mode) and APRS-IS.
  • S how pre-flight prediction
  • Update prediction with real time data from the balloon
  • Run on windows laptop. (Tools allow for Apple laptop & linux builds as well)

So am I doing this for myself or is there interest in this from you?  If yes, what would you like to see in it?


Inline image

 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com
Re: Balloon chasing program

Jerry
 

You need to advertise more.  As you said, it checks most of the boxes.  May have to rethink writing another one.
 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com


From: Zack Clobes
To: Bruce Coates
Cc: Jerry Gable ; Larry Phegley ; GPSL List
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2017 3:15 PM
Subject: Re: [GPSL] Balloon chasing program

I think that my Balloon Finder checks most of the boxes...  Have you looked at it?


On Jul 11, 2017 4:09 PM, "Bruce Coates bruce.coates@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 
Hi Jerry

One addition feature I would, recommend would be support for agpwpe type interfaces provided by the various sound card modem programs such as AGW Packet Engine, UZ7HO, and Dire Wolf sound modems.

I run a dedicated Windows programtha i wrote along side APRSISCE/32 which uses text to voice to announce altitude and some other optional parameters so the driver/navigator don't need to stare at a screen.  Incorporating features like that, as others have suggested, would be very convenient. 

73, Bruce - VE5BNC


-------- Original message --------
From: "Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...>
Date: 7/11/17 12:33 AM (GMT+00:00)
To: Larry Phegley <larry.phegley@...>
Cc: GPSL List <gpsl@...>
Subject: Re: [GPSL] Balloon chasing program

 
When you say announce reports, what would be in these reports?

It will NOT run on an iPad or android tablet.  It should run on a windows tablet.
 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com


From: "Larry Phegley larry.phegley@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...>
To:
Cc: Jerry Gable <jerrygable@...>; GPSL List <gpsl@...>
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2017 3:58 PM
Subject: Re: [GPSL] Balloon chasing program

 
I am also interested.  I would like it to announce reports aurally when they arrive plus if the balloon is ascending or descending.

Could it run on my tablet?

Larry
KJ6PBS

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 12:33 PM, David Fields fieldsde@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 
Jerry, 
Looks like a very cool/useful program.  Definitely, continue development.

What more?  Weather data, perhaps.  I can help with beta testing if you need.
Cheers,
David Fields
N4HBO

On Jul 10, 2017, at 11:11, Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:

 
Since GPSL I have been thinking about chase software.  I haven't found any that does what I think it should.  I have looked at http://flighttrack. surfingsatellites.org/ but that is about the only one I know about.  I am looking for one that can be used offline in those bad reception areas balloons like to find.

I decided to start looking at what it would take to write one and have started playing with writing my own.  I have played with the pieces and think I have the stuff to pull this off.  The screenshot below is what I have running now.  The numbers on the right for the balloon are all test but the parser is working and mapping position reports to the map.

The question is: Is anyone else interested?  If I do it jus t for myself I'm not convinced it is worth the effort.

Here are my goals for the tool.
  • Must work offline. 
    • Maps must be able to be cached.
    • Must be able to deal with internet loss as well as PC restarts
  • Show my location and the balloon being chased.
    • decode GPS NEMA data for my location
    • Allow multiple trackers to provide data from the balloon (failure backup and faster update times)
  • Simple interface to allow use in moving cars (not driver)
  • Show what the balloon is currently doing
  • Receive APRS from a radio (KISS mode) and APRS-IS.
  • S how pre-flight prediction
  • Update prediction with real time data from the balloon
  • Run on windows laptop. (Tools allow for Apple laptop & linux builds as well)

So am I doing this for myself or is there interest in this from you?  If yes, what would you like to see in it?


Inline image

 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com
Re: Balloon chasing program

Larry
 

It would be balloon altitude and whether it was descending

On Jul 10, 2017 4:33 PM, "Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 

When you say announce reports, what would be in these reports?

It will NOT run on an iPad or android tablet.  It should run on a windows tablet.
 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com


From: "Larry Phegley larry.phegley@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...>
To:
Cc: Jerry Gable <jerrygable@...>; GPSL List <gpsl@...>
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2017 3:58 PM
Subject: Re: [GPSL] Balloon chasing program

 
I am also interested.  I would like it to announce reports aurally when they arrive plus if the balloon is ascending or descending.

Could it run on my tablet?

Larry
KJ6PBS

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 12:33 PM, David Fields fieldsde@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 
Jerry, 
Looks like a very cool/useful program.  Definitely, continue development.

What more?  Weather data, perhaps.  I can help with beta testing if you need.
Cheers,
David Fields
N4HBO

On Jul 10, 2017, at 11:11, Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:

 
Since GPSL I have been thinking about chase software.  I haven't found any that does what I think it should.  I have looked at http://flighttrack. surfingsatellites.org/ but that is about the only one I know about.  I am looking for one that can be used offline in those bad reception areas balloons like to find.

I decided to start looking at what it would take to write one and have started playing with writing my own.  I have played with the pieces and think I have the stuff to pull this off.  The screenshot below is what I have running now.  The numbers on the right for the balloon are all test but the parser is working and mapping position reports to the map.

The question is: Is anyone else interested?  If I do it jus t for myself I'm not convinced it is worth the effort.

Here are my goals for the tool.
  • Must work offline. 
    • Maps must be able to be cached.
    • Must be able to deal with internet loss as well as PC restarts
  • Show my location and the balloon being chased.
    • decode GPS NEMA data for my location
    • Allow multiple trackers to provide data from the balloon (failure backup and faster update times)
  • Simple interface to allow use in moving cars (not driver)
  • Show what the balloon is currently doing
  • Receive APRS from a radio (KISS mode) and APRS-IS.
  • S how pre-flight prediction
  • Update prediction with real time data from the balloon
  • Run on windows laptop. (Tools allow for Apple laptop & linux builds as well)

So am I doing this for myself or is there interest in this from you?  If yes, what would you like to see in it?


Inline image

 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com
Re: Balloon chasing program

Zack Clobes W0ZC
 

I think that my Balloon Finder checks most of the boxes...  Have you looked at it?


On Jul 11, 2017 4:09 PM, "Bruce Coates bruce.coates@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 

Hi Jerry

One addition feature I would, recommend would be support for agpwpe type interfaces provided by the various sound card modem programs such as AGW Packet Engine, UZ7HO, and Dire Wolf sound modems.

I run a dedicated Windows programtha i wrote along side APRSISCE/32 which uses text to voice to announce altitude and some other optional parameters so the driver/navigator don't need to stare at a screen.  Incorporating features like that, as others have suggested, would be very convenient. 

73, Bruce - VE5BNC


-------- Original message --------
From: "Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...>
Date: 7/11/17 12:33 AM (GMT+00:00)
To: Larry Phegley <larry.phegley@...>
Cc: GPSL List <gpsl@...>
Subject: Re: [GPSL] Balloon chasing program

 

When you say announce reports, what would be in these reports?

It will NOT run on an iPad or android tablet.  It should run on a windows tablet.
 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com


From: "Larry Phegley larry.phegley@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...>
To:
Cc: Jerry Gable <jerrygable@...>; GPSL List <gpsl@...>
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2017 3:58 PM
Subject: Re: [GPSL] Balloon chasing program

 
I am also interested.  I would like it to announce reports aurally when they arrive plus if the balloon is ascending or descending.

Could it run on my tablet?

Larry
KJ6PBS

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 12:33 PM, David Fields fieldsde@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 
Jerry, 
Looks like a very cool/useful program.  Definitely, continue development.

What more?  Weather data, perhaps.  I can help with beta testing if you need.
Cheers,
David Fields
N4HBO

On Jul 10, 2017, at 11:11, Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:

 
Since GPSL I have been thinking about chase software.  I haven't found any that does what I think it should.  I have looked at http://flighttrack. surfingsatellites.org/ but that is about the only one I know about.  I am looking for one that can be used offline in those bad reception areas balloons like to find.

I decided to start looking at what it would take to write one and have started playing with writing my own.  I have played with the pieces and think I have the stuff to pull this off.  The screenshot below is what I have running now.  The numbers on the right for the balloon are all test but the parser is working and mapping position reports to the map.

The question is: Is anyone else interested?  If I do it jus t for myself I'm not convinced it is worth the effort.

Here are my goals for the tool.
  • Must work offline. 
    • Maps must be able to be cached.
    • Must be able to deal with internet loss as well as PC restarts
  • Show my location and the balloon being chased.
    • decode GPS NEMA data for my location
    • Allow multiple trackers to provide data from the balloon (failure backup and faster update times)
  • Simple interface to allow use in moving cars (not driver)
  • Show what the balloon is currently doing
  • Receive APRS from a radio (KISS mode) and APRS-IS.
  • S how pre-flight prediction
  • Update prediction with real time data from the balloon
  • Run on windows laptop. (Tools allow for Apple laptop & linux builds as well)

So am I doing this for myself or is there interest in this from you?  If yes, what would you like to see in it?


Inline image

 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com
Re: Balloon chasing program

Bruce Coates
 

Hi Jerry

One addition feature I would, recommend would be support for agpwpe type interfaces provided by the various sound card modem programs such as AGW Packet Engine, UZ7HO, and Dire Wolf sound modems.

I run a dedicated Windows programtha i wrote along side APRSISCE/32 which uses text to voice to announce altitude and some other optional parameters so the driver/navigator don't need to stare at a screen.  Incorporating features like that, as others have suggested, would be very convenient. 

73, Bruce - VE5BNC


-------- Original message --------
From: "Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...>
Date: 7/11/17 12:33 AM (GMT+00:00)
To: Larry Phegley <larry.phegley@...>
Cc: GPSL List <gpsl@...>
Subject: Re: [GPSL] Balloon chasing program

 

When you say announce reports, what would be in these reports?

It will NOT run on an iPad or android tablet.  It should run on a windows tablet.
 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com


From: "Larry Phegley larry.phegley@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...>
To:
Cc: Jerry Gable <jerrygable@...>; GPSL List <gpsl@...>
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2017 3:58 PM
Subject: Re: [GPSL] Balloon chasing program

 
I am also interested.  I would like it to announce reports aurally when they arrive plus if the balloon is ascending or descending.

Could it run on my tablet?

Larry
KJ6PBS

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 12:33 PM, David Fields fieldsde@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 
Jerry, 
Looks like a very cool/useful program.  Definitely, continue development.

What more?  Weather data, perhaps.  I can help with beta testing if you need.
Cheers,
David Fields
N4HBO

On Jul 10, 2017, at 11:11, Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:

 
Since GPSL I have been thinking about chase software.  I haven't found any that does what I think it should.  I have looked at http://flighttrack. surfingsatellites.org/ but that is about the only one I know about.  I am looking for one that can be used offline in those bad reception areas balloons like to find.

I decided to start looking at what it would take to write one and have started playing with writing my own.  I have played with the pieces and think I have the stuff to pull this off.  The screenshot below is what I have running now.  The numbers on the right for the balloon are all test but the parser is working and mapping position reports to the map.

The question is: Is anyone else interested?  If I do it jus t for myself I'm not convinced it is worth the effort.

Here are my goals for the tool.
  • Must work offline. 
    • Maps must be able to be cached.
    • Must be able to deal with internet loss as well as PC restarts
  • Show my location and the balloon being chased.
    • decode GPS NEMA data for my location
    • Allow multiple trackers to provide data from the balloon (failure backup and faster update times)
  • Simple interface to allow use in moving cars (not driver)
  • Show what the balloon is currently doing
  • Receive APRS from a radio (KISS mode) and APRS-IS.
  • S how pre-flight prediction
  • Update prediction with real time data from the balloon
  • Run on windows laptop. (Tools allow for Apple laptop & linux builds as well)

So am I doing this for myself or is there interest in this from you?  If yes, what would you like to see in it?


Inline image

 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com
W5VSI Items at the Meeting, July 11, 2017

Marty Griffin
 

Hi Group!

 

Nick and I have been charged with cleaning out Mike’s EOSS shed.  Of interest are the following, most of which will be in my truck at the meeting or at Mama Roma’s  (:  Make an offer or simply surprise us.  We want this stuff out of our homes.

 

Lithium Ion battery cells, several hundred, all you can eat

440 ATV Downconverter, P.C. Electronics, Model TVC4G

Az-El setup with two rotators (Kenwood and CDR), all control cables, heavy tripod, all controllers.  Great for EME, satellite work.

KPC3 Plus Original Manuals (2)

2m 5-element beam (est.), interested?  Not in truck, pickup at shed

440 11-element beam (est.) interested?  Not in truck, pickup at shed

1296 circular polarized beam, interested?  Not in truck, pickup at shed

MFJ Screw Terminal Strip, banana plugs

PK-80 AEA Packet Controller

KPC-3 Plus Manual

DTMF Kits

Magellan GPS Meridian, 12 channel, in very old box.  Original price $449.95!  Wow!

Micronta Automotive Electronic Compass, Cat No 63-641

 

All the 1986 Raven balloons you can eat.  30 years old, still sealed.  Make offer.  GPSL friends, you can pick-up or pay shipping…  First come, first served.  Talk to Nick or Marty.

 

Raven N60-2.5L-0.54 54K!  HUGE!  Bigger than Dallas!

 

Raven 19K (opened box) (1)

 

Raven Model N60-3.5L-0.019 19K (2)

 

Raven Model CL-2.5-0.0072 7.2K Cylindrical (3)

 

Raven top inflated, DFD 5500, Type-A, 26 ft. Gore Length (6)

 

10K 0.6 mil (1)

 

Regards,

Marty, WA0GEH, WA0GEH@...

Nick, N0LP, N0LP@...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Re: Balloon chasing program [1 Attachment]

James Ewen VE6SRV
 

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 2:25 PM, Jerry Gable jerrygable@yahoo.com
[GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Google doesn't allow their maps to be cached so the plan is OpenStreetMaps or one of the derivatives.
The current implementation does the caching. I still have to figure out the best way to do the cache pre-load.
A typical landing zone can easily be 5+ GB of maps.
A typical landing zone can easliy be kept under a couple dozen MB of
map if you don't grab map tiles that show each sidewalk block. There's
no real need to go past zoom level 14. Most areas won't give you much
detail beyond that. If you're trying to use the map to stay on the
proper side of the road you better look out the window because the
accuracy of the map isn't going to be good enough to keep you from
driving into oncoming traffic. Zoom level 19 is ridiculous to drag in.

Flooding all of those requests can quickly piss off a map supplier.
Bingo! Don't try to grab every tile everywhere. If you really need
that, build your own tile server and render your own tiles.

Will have to figure out a way to mark off the area and then parse out the map requests
over some time.
Pull in the tiles as the user looks at the area. Grab tiles for the
level being viewed and a level or two below. That's not a lot of tiles
to grab, and doesn't put a huge load on the tile server. Keep those
tiles on the HD for offline viewing. Oh yeah, use the standard file
storage method so that other programs using the tiles can share rather
than having to use unique repositories.

Look at aprsisce/32. Lynn Deffenbaugh has been using the OSM and other
tiles for a lot of years now. You can even get topographic tile sets
if you like.

http://aprsisce.wikidot.com/start

http://aprsisce.wikidot.com/tile-sets

With aprsisce/32, you can simply scroll around the map, and it will
pull in tiles for the area you have looked at automatically.

I can scroll around Alberta and grab all tiles down to Z14 in about
20-30 minutes. (350 miles X 750 miles)

BTW, I am interested in your program as well.

I do all that you have on your screen currently with APRSISCE/32 for
the APRS mapping, and my AvMap G6. The AvMap puts 3 user selected
parameters on screen on the GPS, and will center on the targeted
callsign. I usually have altitude, course and speed of the balloon on
screen there. I put the decoded packets on the screen of the D710. The
computer can show the map, track of the balloon, others chasing. etc.
You can put aliases on the station if you like.

I can't get vertical rate on screen though. We send that via status
text from the payload though so you can see it. Time to landing is
interesting. Obviously hard to calculate until after burst.

A vertical altitude graph would be nice to see, so you can observe the
height over time.

James
VE6SRV
Re: Balloon chasing program

Jerry
 

When you say announce reports, what would be in these reports?

It will NOT run on an iPad or android tablet.  It should run on a windows tablet.
 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com


From: "Larry Phegley larry.phegley@... [GPSL]"
To:
Cc: Jerry Gable ; GPSL List
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2017 3:58 PM
Subject: Re: [GPSL] Balloon chasing program

 
I am also interested.  I would like it to announce reports aurally when they arrive plus if the balloon is ascending or descending.

Could it run on my tablet?

Larry
KJ6PBS

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 12:33 PM, David Fields fieldsde@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 
Jerry, 
Looks like a very cool/useful program.  Definitely, continue development.

What more?  Weather data, perhaps.  I can help with beta testing if you need.
Cheers,
David Fields
N4HBO

On Jul 10, 2017, at 11:11, Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:

 
Since GPSL I have been thinking about chase software.  I haven't found any that does what I think it should.  I have looked at http://flighttrack. surfingsatellites.org/ but that is about the only one I know about.  I am looking for one that can be used offline in those bad reception areas balloons like to find.

I decided to start looking at what it would take to write one and have started playing with writing my own.  I have played with the pieces and think I have the stuff to pull this off.  The screenshot below is what I have running now.  The numbers on the right for the balloon are all test but the parser is working and mapping position reports to the map.

The question is: Is anyone else interested?  If I do it jus t for myself I'm not convinced it is worth the effort.

Here are my goals for the tool.
  • Must work offline. 
    • Maps must be able to be cached.
    • Must be able to deal with internet loss as well as PC restarts
  • Show my location and the balloon being chased.
    • decode GPS NEMA data for my location
    • Allow multiple trackers to provide data from the balloon (failure backup and faster update times)
  • Simple interface to allow use in moving cars (not driver)
  • Show what the balloon is currently doing
  • Receive APRS from a radio (KISS mode) and APRS-IS.
  • S how pre-flight prediction
  • Update prediction with real time data from the balloon
  • Run on windows laptop. (Tools allow for Apple laptop & linux builds as well)

So am I doing this for myself or is there interest in this from you?  If yes, what would you like to see in it?


Inline image

 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com
Re: Balloon chasing program

Larry
 

I am also interested.  I would like it to announce reports aurally when they arrive plus if the balloon is ascending or descending.

Could it run on my tablet?

Larry
KJ6PBS

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 12:33 PM, David Fields fieldsde@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
 

Jerry, 
Looks like a very cool/useful program.  Definitely, continue development.

What more?  Weather data, perhaps.  I can help with beta testing if you need.
Cheers,
David Fields
N4HBO

On Jul 10, 2017, at 11:11, Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:

 

Since GPSL I have been thinking about chase software.  I haven't found any that does what I think it should.  I have looked at http://flighttrack.surfingsatellites.org/ but that is about the only one I know about.  I am looking for one that can be used offline in those bad reception areas balloons like to find.

I decided to start looking at what it would take to write one and have started playing with writing my own.  I have played with the pieces and think I have the stuff to pull this off.  The screenshot below is what I have running now.  The numbers on the right for the balloon are all test but the parser is working and mapping position reports to the map.

The question is: Is anyone else interested?  If I do it jus t for myself I'm not convinced it is worth the effort.

Here are my goals for the tool.
  • Must work offline. 
    • Maps must be able to be cached.
    • Must be able to deal with internet loss as well as PC restarts
  • Show my location and the balloon being chased.
    • decode GPS NEMA data for my location
    • Allow multiple trackers to provide data from the balloon (failure backup and faster update times)
  • Simple interface to allow use in moving cars (not driver)
  • Show what the balloon is currently doing
  • Receive APRS from a radio (KISS mode) and APRS-IS.
  • S how pre-flight prediction
  • Update prediction with real time data from the balloon
  • Run on windows laptop. (Tools allow for Apple laptop & linux builds as well)

So am I doing this for myself or is there interest in this from you?  If yes, what would you like to see in it?


Inline image

 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com
Re: Balloon chasing program

Mark Conner N9XTN
 

Another tricky part I've found is estimating vertical angles without mechanical assistance.  90 degrees above the horizon isn't "tilt your head back as far as it will go", it's more like "tilt your head, arch your back, and fall on your a**".

- Mark

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 3:15 PM, L. Paul Verhage <nearsys@...> wrote:

Great idea adding an elevation calculation. I do it in my head with varying accuracy because it's a great experience for the new to near space to see the balloon at 100,000 feet.


On Jul 10, 2017 2:04 PM, "Mark Conner mconner1@... [GPSL]" <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:


Jerry,

I'm with you that the existing programs do only part of the job.  I still use APRSPlus, not only due to inertia, but because it has offline maps and the display can be configured to give essential info right on the map display.  When I have cell coverage, I also use aprs.fi but hate to rely on that.

Some things I find handy that you might consider:

  • Last several packets (parsed or raw) for a particular callsign or wildcard
  • Balloon course in addition to alt/speed
  • Dead reckoning of current position (updated near real time like aprs.fi) based on last position and course/speed
  • Real-time (1 Hz) display of vehicle position (perhaps all moving APRS stations) and course indicator
  • I-gate packets received on RF to APRS-IS 
  • I-gate position reports of chase vehicle (and, ideally, transmit on RF at intervals)
  • Limit display to callsigns filtered by (multiple) wildcards

New features I don't have that I'd like:

  • Audible alert for burst detection
  • Compute balloon's angle above horizon from chase vehicle (can probably assume flat earth) to aid in visual search

Suggestions for current interface:

  • Put distance to balloon under compass (or maybe inside balloon icon)

Looking forward to your progress on this!

73 de Mark N9XTN


On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 1:11 PM, Jerry Gable jerrygable@... [GPSL] <GPSL-noreply@...> wrote:
[Attachment(s) from Jerry Gable included below]

Since GPSL I have been thinking about chase software.  I haven't found any that does what I think it should.  I have looked at http://flighttrack.surfingsatellites.org/ but that is about the only one I know about.  I am looking for one that can be used offline in those bad reception areas balloons like to find.

I decided to start looking at what it would take to write one and have started playing with writing my own.  I have played with the pieces and think I have the stuff to pull this off.  The screenshot below is what I have running now.  The numbers on the right for the balloon are all test but the parser is working and mapping position reports to the map.

The question is: Is anyone else interested?  If I do it just for myself I'm not convinced it is worth the effort.

Here are my goals for the tool.
  • Must work offline. 
    • Maps must be able to be cached.
    • Must be able to deal with internet loss as well as PC restarts
  • Show my location and the balloon being chased.
    • decode GPS NEMA data for my location
    • Allow multiple trackers to provide data from the balloon (failure backup and faster update times)
  • Simple interface to allow use in moving cars (not driver)
  • Show what the balloon is currently doing
  • Receive APRS from a radio (KISS mode) and APRS-IS.
  • Show pre-flight prediction
  • Update prediction with real time data from the balloon
  • Run on windows laptop. (Tools allow for Apple laptop & linux builds as well)

So am I doing this for myself or is there interest in this from you?  If yes, what would you like to see in it?


Inline image

 
Jerry Gable
Balloon Flight Prediction tools
http://www.s3research.com
Re: APRS.fi

L. Paul Verhage KD4STH
 

Thanks, I'll set up an account.


On Jul 10, 2017 3:16 PM, "Derek Sigler" <dereksigler@...> wrote:
For me I have to log in and it shows imperial.  If no account is logged in it defaults to metric.
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