HABEXpico is a lightweight high altitude balloon payload designed for long duration flights. Using superpressure balloons, HABEXpico can fly to specific altitudes and maintain a stable float. The payload is equipped with a GPS, microcontroller, and radio module for transmitting location and power status. To maximize energy efficiency, an on-board power management circuit charges the payload batteries using solar panels, while the microcontroller balances the use of payload subsystems.
More info to come!
Planned launch date: September 30th, 2017
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Very cool, clean design. Any reason for cutting out the board for the solar cell area? I've used a smaller version of them and I don't remember anything in the documentation about that. I could have missed it though.
I realize you are using some monocrystalline photovoltaic cells (i recognize the IXYS cells) but I don't know if you will get get the power you expect out of them if they are at the incorrect angle. I very much suggest looking into the use of amorphous photovoltaic cells because they aren't designed to work at a particular angle. There is a lower maximum power that you can get but it will be more consistent regardless of their positioning.
What kind of radio module are you using on this?