Lutetium-
High-Altitude Ballooning Hack Chat Transcript
02/06/2019 at 21:10 • 0 commentshow doable would it be to balloon a set of mini rockets, then right before balloon pops, ignite the rockets and send small robots to the moon, no?
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I'm still searching for a way to upload csv files via upload form and then displaying them via dygraphs. but uploading files via form of course is not a jekyll/github thing![]()
though tbf, I think it was entirely mysql that shit the bed a couple days ago and is the reason I have to reinstall, and also causing me installation grief again![]()
you would save the fuel/weight needed to get to stratosphere![]()
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockoon
Rockoon - Wikipedia
A rockoon (from and ) is a solid fuel sounding rocket that, rather than being immediately lit while on the ground, is first carried into the upper atmosphere by a gas-filled balloon, then separated from the balloon and ignited.
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that's a good question, wolf, you should ask it on the event page so it gets asked by the moderator![]()
Ok, I know you all get sick of me talking about this but I am subscribed to one of the best Online Security Newsletters in the business called HackerNews and I keep seeing these types of articles on almost a Quarterly basis. Last time Jan 2018 I posted something like this I was challenged and told that WordPress had "Just" upgraded with a new version of their product that just got out of months of testing. I predicted it would be hacked in 3 months and no less than a week later it was hacked. There HAVE been other hacks and issues since and here is the latest! See: https://thehackernews.com/2018/06/wordpress-hacking.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheHackersNews+%28The+Hackers+News+-+Security+Blog%29&_m=3n.009a.1774.ry0ao0750c.130n![]()
lol, Rockoon![]()
ehhh, everything has security flaws that get discovered, wordpress just has a huuuge attack surface and is very high profile![]()
I think is doable, we could send cube sats extremely cheap, and small moon missions carrying small rovers for exploration and research as well![]()
as long as you stay on top of wordpress updates, it's safe![]()
many people don't, though :)![]()
Back to the High Altitude thing... I'm having trouble finding a source for Balloons at a reasonable price. I used to have a source for Military Weather Balloons but that dried up and online pricing sucks on ice..![]()
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have you checked out Aliexpress?![]()
@JImmyMoe what country are you in?![]()
I think I recall some decent ones for $100 or $200 or so![]()
although asking about sources is something good to write on the event page![]()
Ya' Seriously Jarrett, No Lie the last WordPress Site I was asked to work on was 72 updates behind.. For Freaking REAL!![]()
why don't you set it to auto update?![]()
@JImmyMoe - that's a great question for the Hack Chat. Please ask Jeremy and Jason when we start.![]()
Wolf, It wasn't my problem until I was asked to look at it.![]()
anfractuosity, I'm in the State of Wisconsin in the USA.![]()
ah, was gonna mention http://www.randomengineering.co.uk/Random_Aerospace/Balloons.html but that's not gonna help you![]()
Jarrett. Yup, If you have a source for better priced Weather Balloons Let me know. What size where those?![]()
MOrning Star... Just Subscribed to your Tangerine Dream YouTube Thingy..![]()
anfractuosity, I bookmarked it and I'll look at it later. I buy from the UK from time to time.![]()
We can discuss more about the balloon in a few minutes, but I recommend purchasing the balloons from Kaymont. They specialize in HAB balloons. If you buy from a China manufacturer you're more likely to have defects and premature bursts![]()
https://www.kaymont.com/habphotography
KAYMONT CONSOLIDATED | WEATHER BALLOONS | UNITED STATES
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Kaymont | High Altitude Photography Balloons
Kaymont high altitude balloons are consistent, reliable and trusted by professionals worldwide.
Read this on Kaymont Consolidated | Weather Balloons | United States
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I recommend the HAB 1000 - 1500![]()
They cost about $120 and you can purchase directly from them![]()
Hey, should we add questions to the HaD page for this chat, or just ask them here?![]()
What do you recommend in terms of the rope/line to connect the balloon to the parachute and the payload? Is there a minimum strength of nylon that you recommend?![]()
This caught my eye, since there is no line-of-sight for broadcasting into Cuba, they use a tethered balloon to broadcast political propaganda:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tethered_Aerostat_Radar_System
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_y_Televisi%C3%B3n_Mart%C3%AD
Amusing to me.
Up to 4600m tethered and ~98% availability, interesting reading on the system.
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@anfractuosity - You can ask them here or put them in the event page and I'll relay them. We'll get "officially" started in just a few minutes, but feel free to just chat away!![]()
cool cheers!![]()
I've always been intrigued by tethered balloons- but have to get creative to prevent them from moving too far![]()
For a rope/line any Kite Line should be fine. The FAA has a regulation that states your line needs to break under 200lbs (I need to double check this number)![]()
This is the line that we use... https://www.amazon.com/EMMAKITES-Braided-WhiteRed-Contrasting-Activities/dp/B01BDLFFXQ?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00![]()
Thank you Jason Got it bookmarked!![]()
Very reliable, doesn't fray, and gives you strong knots![]()
Hey, I'm curious how you choose what size balloon to use, based on the payload size etc., and if you want it to 'float' etc.?![]()
OK, looks like we have a good crowd, so let's get started. I'm really excited about this Hack Chat, and I want to thank @Jeremy and @Jason Cope for stopping by today to talk about High-Altitude Ballooning. J&J, take it away! Maybe tell us a little about how you got into HAB?![]()
Anyone know where to purchase helium? Or hydrogen preferred? We used helium in our first and only launch about 2 years ago, but now it is difficult to find.![]()
Hey guys, really excited to talk with you guys about High Altitude Balloons!![]()
Picking a balloon size is really personal preference to how high you want to get. Our first launch we started with a HAB 1000.... fyi the number also indicates the weight of the balloon![]()
@Jason Cope Thanks! How long is the train on your HAB? Would one of those spools be sufficient?![]()
Our goal was to break 100,000 ft and we were able to accomplish that with a HAB 1000 balloon![]()
thanks a lot! didn't realise it was balloon weight![]()
One of those spools will last you mannnny launches![]()
Hey, if someone can get back to me on how your doing Push Notifications on this Hack Chat. Love the Technology.![]()
From the balloon to the payload it's about 40 ft in total length![]()
We first got introduced with the Global Space Balloon Challenge, an amateur competition- and used that as motivation reach as high as we could.![]()
Has anyone done 100,000 ft.![]()
For the helium... I recommend searching for Welding supply companies. They are scattered everywhere and you should be able to find a shop within a 30 minute drive![]()
I also recommend getting around 200 cubic ft of helium. That will be enough for your launch with a little left over![]()
(Paul with NCnearspace.org here -- Veteran of over 70 HAB flights. I’m around if you get stumped on anything… )![]()
The entire process is a adventure to say the least- from the planning that goes into setting up the launch to the tracking and retrieving the payload- there is a lot involved and a little for every one![]()
Thank you for joining the chat Paul! We appreciate any expert input on this topic![]()
Hey @Paul - 70 flights, that's impressive!![]()
Protip - buy your own cylinder. It's pricey up front, but it's cheaper than leasing in the long run. And they usually do the first fill for free ;-)![]()
I am new to this, and I apologize for my ignorance, but is there no audio in this "Hack Chat"? Is it just typed messages?![]()
@Bryan Bennett - that's right, we just do text.![]()
Imagine the anarchy otherwise, lol!![]()
Great point Dan!!![]()
If anyone wants some tips on tying knots I usually use the Buntline Hitch knot followed by a backup knot![]()
https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/backup-knot
Backup Knot - How to tie a Backup Knot
How to tie a Backup Knot illustrated and animated.
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https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/backup-knot
Backup Knot - How to tie a Backup Knot
How to tie a Backup Knot illustrated and animated.
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This site is essential if when you are planning out where to launch your balloon http://predict.habhub.org![]()
https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/buntline-hitch
Buntline Hitch - How to tie a Buntline Hitch
How to tie a buntline hitch with illustrated and animated examples
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I tried the Welding shops, but due to a current reduction in the availability of helium, they will only sell helium to existing customers with an account.![]()
So what do you guys think the minimum kit is to get a simple payload up and recover it? Payload would be like a GoPro to take some pics and whatever is needed to track/recover.![]()
During our last launch I ran into the same problem as Bryan. I kept calling around and the second or third phone call I found someone that had supply to sell![]()
We are here on the east coast, and if we don't plan accordingly most of our flights would go out to sea. We've flown out west once and drove another time, its all about selecting a launch location as well.![]()
GoPro is great- I search eBay for used ones![]()
Jason, I haven't bought Helium lately how big a container is that?![]()
We also include hand warmers in our payload to make sure the electronics don't freeze mid flights![]()
I never fly without both a spot unit and a low power (10 mwatt) beacon.![]()
It's about 8 inches in diameter in 5' tall... I was able to fit it in my Toyota Camry![]()
For tracking I found the easiest solution is the MicoTrak 1000 by a company called Byonics.![]()
MicroTrak 1000![]()
http://www.byonics.com/mt-1000
Byonics - MicroTrak
The MicroTrak tracker line combines the TinyTrak controller with a GPS and built in transmitter. They are available in portable, car, and high altitude balloon versions, and are available pre-configured with your amateur radio callsign.
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For the structure of the HAB... a supply list would include: Balloon, Parachute, Radar Reflector, Rope/Kite Line, Orange Duct Tape![]()
For the payload... a supply list would include: Payload box (styrofoam), Camera, GoPro, Backup Batteries, Tracker, Backup Tracker, Any sensors (temp, pressure, humidity)![]()
I take it the radar reflector is required by the FAA?![]()
The MicroTrak requires you to get your HAM license, but there are plenty of lessons online and should be available tests in your community.![]()
Anyone thought about lofting a drone configured to come home with your data? ;-)![]()
@Jeremy - that was my next question: what band does that transmit on?![]()
someone dropped a glider recently I seem to recall![]()
Yea rada reflector is required- but they are very simply to make yourself.![]()
That glider was me. Uncontrolled![]()
@Morning.Star - I did a story on HaD once about a balloon that lofted a glider that flew back to a target autonomously.![]()
do you track the balloon altitude and position (GPS) using a laptop and some software? or raw data on some lcd display?![]()
https://hackaday.com/2018/05/30/autonomous-spaceplane-travels-to-10-km-lands-safely-200-km-away/
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High Altitude Ballooning Hack Chat
To the edge of space and beyond, on the cheap.
