Bergen STEM Amateur Radio High Altitude Balloon (ARHAB)

General We are looking into other methods of analyzing meteor dust. In addition to using an electron microscope, we are also looking into: Spectroscopic analysis Titration Qualitative analysis of cations and/or anions. CAD Yesterday, we started printing the bottom holder component, but the 3D printer jammed roughly halfway into the print. Enough of the slot for the petri dish was printed for us to test if it fits, which it does. We are going to try reprinting the component today. We tried printing another copy, but the printer jammed again after printing the first few layers. A third attempt is underway. We are also reprinting the back parts of the camera casings. Earlier, we removed part of one of the walls of the components' model to resolve a clipping issue between it and the camera. We cannot incorporate this change into the existing prints of the component without risking the removal of the whole wall. Circuits We resolved some issues with the circuit boar...

General We are taking inventory of what we need for the tethered launch. CAD We have made revisions to the bottom holder and rail components of the dust capturing system and are going to start printing one or both pieces of the assembly today. We are also sanding down the newer lid to reduce friction and add clearance. Circuits We are still testing how to compensate for the motors' low torque. The two methods we are considering are using a higher voltage to yield more torque and using two motors per assembly and have them operate slower. Cameras We are trying to determine if aluminum and/or mylar foil will aid in reducing heat buildup as initially hypothesized. Of the websites and reviews read, it seems mylar is the better solution. It is more reflective, provides more insulation, and is lighter than aluminum foil.

General We are going over what we need for the tethered flight, namely what we have and what we need. We also discussed what we are doing for "phase 2" of the HAB Project: launching hobby rockets from a high altitude balloon. CAD The second lid has been printed but needed to be sanded down. Otherwise, the second lid weighs the same as the first: 0.25 lbs. We are also printed both of the gears today. Unlike the prototype assembly, the new gears can be back-driven without neither them nor the lid slipping. However, the motors by themselves could not provide enough torque to retract and extend the lid. This was remedied by overvolting them. Circuits We are continuing to test logging the data from the sensors. Cameras We have conducted another experiment with the cameras and compiled a report: https://bergenballoon.blogspot.com/2019/06/camera-test-in-sun.html

Last week we were able to test the GoPro cameras outside to see at what temperature the GoPro cameras fail, especially the top camera that would be directly facing the sun. The high was 83F in the afternoon, with several clouds in the sky. The thermometer cord was attached to the back of the top camera to record its changes in temperature. Attaching a thermometer to back of GoPro Inside Payload (Top camera connected to one power bank, side cameras connected to another) Setting up pole and payload so that the camera can record changes in thermometer. Results: 38900 Lux of Sun on Roof Top Camera (#1, Gopro Hero 3+ Black, 720p at 120fps): 98.2F - Initial Thermometer Reading at 10:35AM 116.8F - Thermometer Reading at 11:57AM 108.7F- Thermometer Reading at 1:16PM 36.5GB of memory used, recorded for 2 hours and 52 min (172 min) Side Camera (#2, GoPro Hero 3+ Silver, 1080p at 60fps): Temperature data not recorded for this ex...

General We discussed general issues and status updates regarding the subdivisions of the HAB Team. One of the topics discussed was the risks to the electronics onboard the payload on landing as well as the risks to ourselves depending on where it falls. On a similar note, we set up accounts and channels for Slack to improve communication between teammates. Professor Griffo and Ian looked over and updated the 2016 checklist so that it applies to our current project. It includes everything we need and directions for launch. We still need to go over the checklist to make sure we still have everything in the toolbox or if we need anything else.   We are also deciding on the parameters for the upcoming tethered flight. CAD We refined the newer print of the lid to reduce its thickness and width. These issues were likely because of the slicing software and/or printer rounding to the wrong measurements. We sanded down the sides of the lid in addition to reprinting t...

General We ran a new simulation of the flight trajectory using the CUSF Landing Predictor 2.5 and searched for the displayed landing coordinates on Google Maps. If launched today, the payload would land at 41.2763 N, 74.8146 W, which is in Sandyston, New Jersey near the Delaware River. If launched a week later on June 13th, the payload would land at 42.8818 N, 74.9573 W, which is in Warren, New York in or near Cullen and on a farmyard (amidst some hay bales). CAD The good news is that the lid has been printed. The bad news is that it is too thick to fit into the rim. Work is underway to fix the component's model and reprint it. Hardware & Software A new circuit board is being printed. Cameras We are testing the cameras in direct sunlight to determine if they will fail. We also reviewed the footage of prior launches to better prepare for the payload's retrieval.