[LeArc] Balloon Down

[Mark Garrett]

I got this from Mark KA9SZX....

I got a call yesterday from a old friend of mine Bill Brown, WB8ELK and he
said that Pete Sias, W0OY who launched a balloon Saturday from Kansas.  The
balloon lost telemetry APRS on 144.340 but regained it as the balloon was
descending at 61,000 feet.  They were able to get a track from it and
believed it has landed somewhere between LaHarpe and Blandisville.
The APRS is probably dead by now but there is a secondary beacon on board.
It runs on 28.322 with a antenna cut for 2 meters for the 5th harmonic of
141.610.  This is keyed on and off.  If the package is on the ground it
would have a range of up to a mile, if in a tree much more.  The battery
should be good till Saturday.
I need help from the local hams in tracking this.  If you could find out who
is a ham in that area and if they have an outdoor 2 meter beam if they could
try listening for it or if they have an HF setup listening to the
fundamental would be good.  If they hear anything have them give me a call
at (309) 255-6987.

I am going to go out searching this afternoon and see if I can hear
anything.  I did not know the balloon was up and since it was not on the
APRS frequency of 144.390 I would have been unable to mark it's progress and
the beacon was not published.

Anyway anyone that wants to search or help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Mark Garrett
KA9SZX



-------------------------------------------------------
Amateur Radio Operator
Duane Whittingham - N9SSN
Skywarn, ARES/RACES, EMA/ESDA
Red Cross Volunteer & SATERN Member