[TNham] UX-5 balloon launch Saturday, December 31

[Greg Williams]

  The University of Tennessee Amateur Radio Club (UTARC) is planning to 
launch the UX-5 balloon on Saturday, Dec. 31. Approximate time for 
liftoff will be at 1830 UTC, or 1:30 PM Eastern Time.

UTARC will attempt the official distance record for this launch with a 
CW beacon on HF relaying telemetry and location information as the 
balloon takes to the air.

The balloon for the launch is designed for distance and longevity, so 
the flight may last over 24 hours if winds and equipment are favorable.

On UTARC's previous balloon flight, UX-4 was carried aloft by a 200 gram 
latex weather balloon, and was in the air for an estimated 2 hours, 
although the transmitter continued to operate for over 36 hours. 
Predictions indicate it probably landed in Virginia. The transmitter was 
built by Carl Lyster (WA4ADG) and had a 0.8 watt output. Reception 
reports were received from as far away as Minnesota, Utah, and British 
Columbia.

Recovery of the balloon is not anticipated at this time unless the 
balloon bursts early into the flight. Contact information will be on the 
balloon in case of a physical recovery.

The telemetry feedback will be in the following format:

Frequency: 14.325 MHz +/- 2kHz
Mode: CW
Sequence: AA4UT/B every 15 seconds; full telemetry every 4 minutes as 
follows:
HI HI AA4UT/B
ALT xxxxxM
LAT xx.xxxxxx(N|S)
LON xxx.xxxxxx(W|E)
SATS xx
TEMP (P|N)xxxC
BATT xx.x VOLTS
SEQ xxxxx
PSE QSL WWW.UTARC.ORG <http://WWW.UTARC.ORG>

Weather forecasts for the launch are not looking pleasant, but UTARC is 
still planning to launch even if conditions are less than favorable. 
Weather does not normally affect a balloon launch unless adverse 
conditions affect the safety of the crew.

As of now, the forecast is as follows:

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 8am. Partly cloudy, 
with a high around 54. West wind between 5 and 10 mph. 

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.

As with the the last launch, postings on DX Clusters will be made and 
signal reports can be sent via the web site at http://balloon.utarc.org

This is a long-distance record attempt. Your reception reports will be 
most welcome and valuable.

Greg Williams, K4HSM