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Implementation of 33cm Band Communications for High Altitude Balloons

This research project explores the effectiveness of using the 33-centimeter radio band for communication in high altitude balloon experiments. Objectives include designing an interface for a 900MHz transceiver, programming a microcontroller, and conducting balloon flights to collect data. Results indicate low packet loss and high data rate below 40,000ft, with increasing losses at higher altitudes. Further development is needed to test radio command abilities and advanced transfer methods. Your questions and comments are welcome!

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Implementation of 33cm Band Communications for High Altitude Balloons

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  1. 33cm Band Communications for High Altitude Balloons Clayton G. Jacobs Tucson, Arizona April 21st, 2012

  2. Overview • Research Question • Objectives • Experimentation • Results • Conclusion • Further Development

  3. Research Question: • Is the 33-centimeter Radio Band and useful method of communication for high altitude balloon experiments? • How can a 900mhz transceiver be integrated into a high altitude balloon payload?

  4. Objectives • Design an interface for the transceiver and microcontroller. • Program the microcontroller to operate with the transceiver. • Build a structure to contain payload. • Fly payload on a balloon flight to collect data.

  5. Experimentation • Arduino chosen as the microcontroller. • Radio interface designed using an arduino add-on shield.

  6. Microcontroller Stack

  7. Experimentation Cont. • Radio stack was joined with an ASCEND payload and programmed to transmit telemetry and Geiger counter output. • Matching base station was paired with the radio to receive data.

  8. ASCEND Payload

  9. Experimentation Cont. • The arduino/transeiver module flew on three separate near space balloon flights courtesy of ANSR, Arizona Near Space Research.

  10. ANSR Flights 65, 66, and 67

  11. Results • Transmitted data was received clearly with no packet loss below 40,000ft. • 50% Packet loss from 40,000ft to 70,000ft. • 80% packet loss above 70,000ft. • Received packets were complete and unaltered.

  12. Conclusions • The collected results are favorable. • 33cm band communications are useful for high altitude balloons due to there generally low packet loss and high data rate.

  13. Further Development • While the radios performed well, the radio command ability was not tested. • The available radios were capable of advanced transfer methods that were left untested. • Future tests will evaluate these abilities.

  14. End Questions and Comments Welcome

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