EOSS-346 Training/Qual Flight - Recap

KCØRPS's picture
Submitted by KCØRPS on Tue, 09/12/2023 - 11:58

Summary:

We conducted cross-training for EOSS member on stringing and powering up flight payloads and filling the balloon for flight.  

We launched one 1500gm balloon at 10:31 AM MST with a total of 10 EOSS payloads. Two were new 'top' payloads for qualification, and a payload and release with new firmware.  This firmware adds an 'auto release' capability at at a programmable altitude. All of the new payloads and firmware worked and were qualified.  We planned to cut down the flight string at 85K Ft, but the top payload developed issues so we could not command the release.  The balloon burst naturally at 96,201 Ft.   The payloads were recovered in a field of wind turbines at 39.31125, -103.42301.at 3:40 PM MST.

Recap Gallery: 
Original Announcement: 

This is a combination cross-training and payload qualificaton flight.  The goal is to cross-train EOSS members in flight string prep, balloon fill, launch proceedures, best practices in managing students and parents, and tracking and recovery.  We will be attempting to qualify several new payloads.  This flight will be a relaxed, fun flight where we can all learn from the experience of other members. The Tracking and Recovery and FAA training portion of the training has been postponed to a later date (TBD) as it has been too difficult to properly address these topics on flight day. This will provide the other topics more time for effectiveness.  The date (TBD) will be announced on these pages, watch these pages and vie email. 

  • 09/08/23 - Rev E Payload Plan now current. Dropped 1 EOSS Camera
  • 09/08/23 - Rev D Payload Plan posted. Minor cosmetic changes only from Rev C. Go for flight!!
  • 09/04/23 - Rev C Payload Plan posted. Final configuration and weights.  Cutdown altitude changed to 85K'
  • 08/22/23 - Rev B Payload Plan Posted: Added EOSS Cameras, Moved launch site to Deer Trail

Flight prediction may be found here.  Live tracking the day of the flight may be found here.

Event Date: 
Saturday, September 9, 2023 - 00:00 to 23:45
Flight Coordinator: 
Mark - KCØD
Launch Site: 
Deer Trail
Flights: 

EOSS-346

EOSS training and payload qual flight

Balloon Type: 
Totex 1500g Latex
Parachute: 
12 ft Rocketman
Beacons: 
       
 
Frequency Callsign Type Notes
145.645 MHz KC0D-14 Remote Release/DF Top Paired with Release Baker
144.340 MHz AE0SS-13 APRS/Digi EOSSX Bottom, Primary Beacon
Payload Plan: 
PDF icon EOSS-346 REVE 09-08-23.pdf
FrequencyList: 

EOSS Preflight Net @ 7 PM Mountain Time the preceding night:

The preflight net is hosted on the Fun Machine linked system https://www.we0fun.com/  

EchoLink *CANONCTY* conference and on the TGIF DMR Network Node: 1997 Talkgroup 815

Denver area Frequencies: 

  • 449.225 MHz (-5 MHz Offset, 141.3 Hz CTCSS) Mt Thorodin
  • 448.150 MHz (-5 MHz Offset, 141.3 Hz CTCSS) DIA
  • 449.975 Mhz (-5 MHz Offset, 100 Hz CTCSS) Westcreek
  • 447.525 MHz (-5 MHz Offset, 146.2 Hz CTCSS) Devils Head   

Back up Pre Flight Net Frequincies

  •  146.940 MHz (-600 KHz Offset, 103.5 Hz CTCSS) Rocky Mountain Radio League (RMRL) Repeater if the RMHAM machine is down
  •  146.640 MHz (-600 KHz Offset, 100.0 Hz CTCSS) Denver Radio League (DRL) Repeater will serve as a backup to the backup repeater 

Flight Day:
Launch Site:
        • 446.050 MHz Simplex  
        (Note that some radios assume these are repeater frequencies and attempt to put a 5 MHz offset in the transmit frequency automatically)

Track & Recovery Operations:
        Repeaters:
        • 449.450 MHz (-5 MHz Offset, 103.5 Hz Tone) RMRL repeater

        Simplex Frequencies:
        • 446.100 MHz Balloon #1 Field Simplex 
        (Note that some radios assume these are repeater frequencies and attempt to put a 5 MHz offset in the transmit frequency automatically)

Digital Mobile Radio (DMR):

The decision as to which talkgroup use will be made by the EOSS RF Coordinator on a per flight basis.

  • Rocky Mountain Wide Network – Talk Group 700 - Rocky Mountain Ham Radio has approval to the use "Wide" for flight operations.
  • Central Colorado Regional Network – Talk Group 720 - On occasion, EOSS may use the Central Colorado Regional Network (Talk Group 720).
Tactical Calls: 
       
 
Tactical Call Sign Name Notes
Alpha WAØGEH, KCØD Marty, Mark  
Bravo W9CN Mike  
Delta KØSCC Stephen  
Echo NØNDM, KD0NT Larry, Jim  
Foxtrot NØRPF, K0BRA Rob, Doug  
Ground Station  KCØL  John  
       
       
       
TR Breakfast: 
Breakfast is optional and is scheduled for 6:00 a.m. at the Flying J Truck Stop (I70 and Airport Road).
 
Event Date: 
Saturday, September 9, 2023 - 00:00 to 23:45
Tactical Calls: 
TacticalCall SignNameNotes