Okay, I can’t actually see it but that’s not the point. I’ve been thinking quite a bit about the tracking system. I need some way to track the balloon and the rig when it comes down, so that when it lands I know where to find it. The way the current tracking systems work, is by using a GPS receiver to determine the location by satellite, then it sends that data via cellphone networks (called GSM, which stands for “Global System for Mobile communications”) to the client on the ground. This is fine in places that have signal (i.e. the ground) but when one is 40Km up in the air, cell networks aren’t so hot.
It looks like I will have to build my own tracking system to broadcast its location via radio (fig. 1). The theory is simple: all that is needed is a GPS receiver chip, something to power it, and some way to process the signal and send it via radio waves. Onboard storage isn’t a bad idea, as this system might lose signal higher up, but with onboard storage (SD card) will still be able to save the route of the balloon for analysis and use in my presentation.
I will also have to have some way to receive the signal (fig. 2), as it will probably be very weak, coming all the way from 30’000m above sea level. This receiver will have to be able to interface with a computer, so that I can get real time tracking information on where the balloon is.
I’m fairly certain this will work, but I will have to seek out an expert to help me with this one. I don’t think WikiHow will cut it…
