Near Space
Low cost, DIY electronics
Raspberry Pi flight computer with Arduino flight supervisor and environmental sensors
The electronics
The system used in the latest test flight uses a number of different modules stacked on top of a Raspberry Pi for communicating with the ground and taking measurements.
Software running on the Raspberry Pi communicates with multiple Arduino µCs to read sensor data and communicate with the ground station over radio.
The flight
The styrofoam capsule containing the electronics, antenna and batteries is attached to a weather balloon. When the balloon reaches a height of about 30 km, it bursts due to low pressure expansion, and falls until the parachute opens.
The system sends audible, continous wave signals on the 2 meter band in morse code, which is easily decoded by the ground station or a person. Information sent includes GPS position, temperature and pressure.
Full project documentation
Detailed information on the hardware and software involved, mechanical construction of the capsule as well as our experiences in launching, tracking and recovering the high altitude balloons.
Go to the documentation