Bergen STEM Amateur Radio High Altitude Balloon (ARHAB)

Objective: To test which GoPro field of view if most optimal for the side camera to record the tray opening and closing. Gaining footage of the horizon is also a secondary goal. Method: GoPro Hero 3+ Silver, the camera that will be used for the sides, was mounted in its casing and payload box to simulate recording on the day of the flight. A previous model of the petri dish assembly will be positioned at various distances on the side. A ruler was used to measure the distance of the payload from the petri dish assembly to record different distance possibilities. The camera was recorded at 1080p and 60fps.   Camera mounted into the new, lightweight casing.  Using a standard ruler to measure distance. Below is a diagram of all the possible frames of second and fields of view for each resolution within GoPro Hero 3+ Black, the camera that will be used for the top.  It has been determined for the side camera to record at 60fps at 1080p, in which t...

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.

Objective: Since the GoPro cameras most likely failed due to sun heat during the 2017 launch, we will simulate the environment using a heat lamp, testing whether the cameras will record until its battery depletes, or will automatically shut down prior due to excessive heat. Method: We will set up the cameras in their cases and their respective positions in the payload box. The side cameras (labeled #2 and #3) will be connected to one fully charged power bank (10,000mAh), and the top camera (labeled #1) will be connected to another fully charged power bank by itself. The cameras will start recording before we set them in their cases and into the payload box. A heat lamp will be hung from a steel pole, and its heat will be directed towards the top camera. A thermometer connected to the back of the top camera (since the battery is there) is also on the steel pole within the camera’s field of view so that it can record changes in its temperature, so that in case it fails, we can...

CAD/Hardware Camera fixtures were modified to account for power button and screen used a mill in the workshop in the tech building Model has finished and is ready to be printed Will be using printers in both the tech building and the stem room Proper scr ews are ordered from McMaster that fit inside the limit switches M2 18-8  Stainless Steel Socket Head Screw Circuit/Software Motors work, including timeout feature in case of failure of the limit switches Work has begun on making a circuit for the speaker Cameras Cameras were placed in the box in their proper positions and placed under a heat lamp. Investigation is now going on if they fail or not under these conditions 

General HAB experiments from other teams are being looked at so as to take notes on what to expect, what to do, and what not to do at the balloon launch. CAD The front component for the camera casing has been modified to include a hole for the power button, display screen, and power light and has been saved as an stl file. While the original plan was to print a copy of the updated version and then print the rest once the dimensioning of the first checks out, it will be more time and cost efficient to cut out the hole in an existing component. A front-view drawing of the component with dimensioning has been compiled through Fusion 360. The hole will be added to a preexisting copy tomorrow. Hardware/Software A circuit board has been successfully printed here in the STEM Research Center. The code for the opening and closing of the motors works, but a timeout code is being developed should the limit switches fail. Cameras Tests are being run to determine the optimal fra...

General The Beta Taurids are normally active from June 5 to July 18. However, we may not be ready to launch the balloon by then. CAD A model of the Hero3+ camera and its standard housing was downloaded to Fusion 360 and the model for the upper casing was updated to include holes for the Hero3+'s power button and display screen. The CAD team also continued practicing using the modeling software. Circuit/Software All temperature sensor errors have been resolved and the temperature coding has been integrated into the main file. The motor for one of the sliding covers is operating successfully. Instead of soldering the components directly onto the board, screw-down terminal blocks will be used for peripheral connections including sensors, switches, and motors. Cameras The cameras have been found to have a tendency to overheat and consequentially shut down. Otherwise, they can run for three hours before failing. Calculations have been made to better process and estima...

Software/Circuit Team was able to run the motor from the code Problems arose with the full implementation of the 3 temperature sensors HAB GitHub Camera The cameras are running from the external batteries to see how long the can last in optimal conditions. CAD Full team brainstorm session in the conference room complete design was looked at by everyone problems and solutions mentioned: suspension support cords decoupled landing impact rods landing feet Looking for a way to push down on the slide/lid to keep a more sterile closing arm which is geared to the main thread gear, driven slower into the opposite direction to push down

Software/Circuit Continued practice with arduino Further testing with 3 temperature sensors Near final schematic unless there are any major problems CAD Josh consulted with Kassem about the changes that were made more changes are being worked on to further weight reduction we wish to start printing by the end of the week The Team also attended a 3D-printing workshop so the printers in the research center can be used.