[LeArc] balloon plans

[Mark Garrett]

I have found out more information on the balloon launch here and wanted to
give the group an update.  

When I was contacted on Tuesday and told that the balloon was needing to be
launched on November 3rd I was given the impression that they were looking
for a spot to launch their balloon and looking for volunteers to assist,
track and recover.  Something we could do in such a short time period.
  
It appears that they were looking for a group that was already somewhat
established and had funds available to launch their package.  Unfortunately
they were in the position to send the package to us and we would cover the
rest.
  
To launch a balloon I estimate it would cost around $250 for the balloon,
helium, and peripherals that it takes to get it off the ground.  Costs are
usually spread out among hams who have a real desire or are supported by
learning institutions who make it part of their class to participate. We
have nothing in place like that here, not now at least.

I have done this in the past and it is a real fun event to do but we
involved the ham community to get behind us and made it a real event for the
area involving hams from Decatur to Indianapolis to assist in launch, track,
documentation, participation and recovery.  If you want to watch what we did
it is kinda long (6 minutes) go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ0f0Hy5ZH8

I am a little sad to see that we will not have a flight here on November
3rd.  They are a lot of fun.  I hope we can get some fun activities going
around here soon be it a balloon we can follow from another group or even a
foxhunt or two to get some interest stirring. 

In the mean time if you are looking to the skies and you have an internet
connection the listing for balloon flights are at:
http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/ARHABlaunchannouncements.htm

Remember these balloons at 100,000 feet have a 400 mile range and there are
several groups that we can monitor from the Macomb area.  Check the site
above and or monitor their efforts from: www.findu.com
Just enter the call and number of the APRS balloon into one of the links
provided for a real time reporting of the balloon.

This balloon launch announcements are run by Ralph Wallio, W0RPK who has a
full listing of interesting articles on ballooning at his home site of:
http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/

And the one super site for amateur balloon launches for 2008:

http://nearspaceventures.com/gpsl2008/index.html


Have a good weekend everyone.

Mark Garrett
KA9SZX