LVL1 - User contributions [en]

Network

2012-02-14T06:23:58Z

Steamfire:

{{Template:Space}}

== HELP NO INTERWEBS!! ==

* If power is tripped to the basement turn that back on.
* The point-to-point wireless link from LVL1's roof transceiver to bluegrass.net's AP may need to be reset. Behind the server rack is a Power over Ethernet device that provides power to the antenna link. Unplug it and plug it back in to power cycle it.
* There's a Cisco switch with VLAN configurations to the upstairs WiFi routers. I guess you could try power cycling that if you want. That's probably not it though.
* You can get to the web management interface of pfsense. Use 'https' not 'http' with the internal LAN interface. Poke around if you must, but I doubt any settings are preventing access unless you changed them. IF YOU CHANGE SOMETHING, LET EVERYONE ELSE KNOW. Seriously, if you don't know what you're doing you should probably not mess with config changes.
* The ethernet uplink to bluegrass.net goes into the switch which is vlanned off to separate raw internet from NATed network. you can restart this also.
* There are two WiFi routers (for lvl1 and lvl1secure) next the printer. You could try power cycling those.

== Misc ==

'''How to Open the Door:''' Lift cover on key lock, press key lock and then turn the handle.

'''Internet Service graciously provided by http://bluegrass.net'''

== Internet IPs==
* 69.64.6.64/29 (LVL1 IPs)
* 69.64.6.65 (bluegrass.net gateway)
* 216.135.64.2 (bluegrass.net DNS 1)
* 216.135.64.3 (bluegrass.net DNS 2)

== Network IPs ==
* 69.64.6.70 (pfSense FW external)
* 10.0.0.1 (pfSense FW internal)
* 10.0.0.100-130 Reserved for LED Signs
* 10.0.0.240 (Belkin)
* 10.0.0.252 [[HP 2600n Color LaserJet]]
* 10.0.0.253 White Star Primary Telemetry Server (Ethernet port)
* 10.0.0.254 File Server

{{Template:Space_Footer}}

Network

2012-02-14T06:22:43Z

Steamfire: /* Network IPs */ added White Star server, File server and LED signs

{{Template:Space}}

== HELP NO INTERWEBS!! ==

* If power is tripped to the basement turn that back on.
* The point-to-point wireless link from LVL1's roof transceiver to bluegrass.net's AP may need to be reset. Behind the server rack is a Power over Ethernet device that provides power to the antenna link. Unplug it and plug it back in to power cycle it.
* There's a Cisco switch with VLAN configurations to the upstairs WiFi routers. I guess you could try power cycling that if you want. That's probably not it though.
* You can get to the web management interface of pfsense. Use 'https' not 'http' with the internal LAN interface. Poke around if you must, but I doubt any settings are preventing access unless you changed them. IF YOU CHANGE SOMETHING, LET EVERYONE ELSE KNOW. Seriously, if you don't know what you're doing you should probably not mess with config changes.
* The ethernet uplink to bluegrass.net goes into the switch which is vlanned off to separate raw internet from NATed network. you can restart this also.
* There are two WiFi routers (for lvl1 and lvl1secure) next the printer. You could try power cycling those.

== Misc ==

'''How to Open the Door:''' Lift cover on key lock, press key lock and then turn the handle.

'''Internet Service graciously provided by http://bluegrass.net'''

== Internet IPs==
* 69.64.6.64/29 (LVL1 IPs)
* 69.64.6.65 (bluegrass.net gateway)
* 216.135.64.2 (bluegrass.net DNS 1)
* 216.135.64.3 (bluegrass.net DNS 2)

== Network IPs ==
* 69.64.6.70 (pfSense FW external)
* 10.0.0.1 (pfSense FW internal)
* 10.0.0.100-130 Reserved for LED Signs
* 10.0.0.240 (Belkin)
* 10.0.0.252 [[HP 2600n Color LaserJet]]
* 10.0.0.253 White Star Primary Telemetry Server
* 10.0.0.254 File Server

{{Template:Space_Footer}}

10/11/11

2011-10-12T00:15:40Z

Steamfire:

STREAMING (maybe):

* Streaming projector screen from meeting: [https://join.me/350-546-837]
* Streaming video/audio of meeting: [http://www.ustream.tv/channel/highball-1]

#Please Sign in on the meeting attendance roster.
#Waivers of Liability - Please sign if you have not already
#n00bs! Check out the LVL1 Quickstart info sheet next to the liability waivers. Feel free to ask questions.
#Old Business
##Equipment Wanted
###Front window for Fume Hood (30" by 48")
#New Business
##Space Upgrades
###Chairs and tabletops donated by landlord (Thanks Zinks!)
###Thermal printer for QR codes (Thanks Jon C.!)
###Bonanza of LED Signs and Equipment (Thanks Jim and Ron/KIPCUG!)
##Kentucky Historical Society: Kentucky Inventions Exhibit
###Planning phase coordinated by Trevor Jones
###Remake modern versions of obsolete machines, workshops, online videos, creative thinking
###Looking for LVL1 involvement, funding possible
#Upcoming Workshops & Events
##KYOSS Meeting (10/12 6:30pm)
##Power Wheels Racing Meeting (10/13)
##C Programming for Beginners Workshop (10/15 1pm)
###http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2299211002
##Becoming a Virtual Worker Workshop (10/16 1pm-3pm)
###Minimum 10 signups
###http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2324492620
###Donation of 6 identical packaged snacks for vending machine
##Sumobot Workshop (10/22-10/23)
###http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2288210098
##Sumobot competition and Halloween party (10/29) Prizes!!
##Freeduino Workshop (11/4)
##SkyDogCon in Nashville (11/4)
###Our booth at DerbyCon was so awesome, they invited us to Nashville!
###Coolest unfinished project gets $1000!
##hackerSPACE in Lexington (11/11-11/12)
###CubeSat class satellites workshop from the inventors of CubeSats
###$150 general / $75 student
###http://www.kentuckyspace.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=330&Itemid=179
##Kinect Workshop (11/12 2pm)
###Windows version for this one, Linux version sometime in Dec. or Jan.
#Project Rollcall

10/11/11

2011-10-12T00:04:53Z

Steamfire:

STREAMING (maybe):

* Streaming projector screen from meeting: [https://join.me/350-546-837]
* Streaming video/audio of meeting: [http://www.ustream.tv/channel/whitestarballoonmeeting]

#Please Sign in on the meeting attendance roster.
#Waivers of Liability - Please sign if you have not already
#n00bs! Check out the LVL1 Quickstart info sheet next to the liability waivers. Feel free to ask questions.
#Old Business
##Equipment Wanted
###Front window for Fume Hood (30" by 48")
#New Business
##Space Upgrades
###Chairs and tabletops donated by landlord (Thanks Zinks!)
###Thermal printer for QR codes (Thanks Jon C.!)
###Bonanza of LED Signs and Equipment (Thanks Jim and Ron/KIPCUG!)
##Kentucky Historical Society: Kentucky Inventions Exhibit
###Planning phase coordinated by Trevor Jones
###Remake modern versions of obsolete machines, workshops, online videos, creative thinking
###Looking for LVL1 involvement, funding possible
#Upcoming Workshops & Events
##KYOSS Meeting (10/12 6:30pm)
##Power Wheels Racing Meeting (10/13)
##C Programming for Beginners Workshop (10/15 1pm)
###http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2299211002
##Becoming a Virtual Worker Workshop (10/16 1pm-3pm)
###Minimum 10 signups
###http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2324492620
###Donation of 6 identical packaged snacks for vending machine
##Sumobot Workshop (10/22-10/23)
###http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2288210098
##Sumobot competition and Halloween party (10/29) Prizes!!
##Freeduino Workshop (11/4)
##SkyDogCon in Nashville (11/4)
###Our booth at DerbyCon was so awesome, they invited us to Nashville!
###Coolest unfinished project gets $1000!
##hackerSPACE in Lexington (11/11-11/12)
###CubeSat class satellites workshop from the inventors of CubeSats
###$150 general / $75 student
###http://www.kentuckyspace.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=330&Itemid=179
##Kinect Workshop (11/12 2pm)
###Windows version for this one, Linux version sometime in Dec. or Jan.
#Project Rollcall

10/11/11

2011-10-11T23:56:29Z

Steamfire:

STREAMING (maybe):

* Streaming projector screen from meeting: [https://join.me/841-455-476]
* Streaming video/audio of meeting: [http://www.ustream.tv/channel/whitestarballoonmeeting]

#Please Sign in on the meeting attendance roster.
#Waivers of Liability - Please sign if you have not already
#n00bs! Check out the LVL1 Quickstart info sheet next to the liability waivers. Feel free to ask questions.
#Old Business
##Equipment Wanted
###Front window for Fume Hood (30" by 48")
#New Business
##Space Upgrades
###Chairs and tabletops donated by landlord (Thanks Zinks!)
###Thermal printer for QR codes (Thanks Jon C.!)
###Bonanza of LED Signs and Equipment (Thanks Jim and Ron/KIPCUG!)
##Kentucky Historical Society: Kentucky Inventions Exhibit
###Planning phase coordinated by Trevor Jones
###Remake modern versions of obsolete machines, workshops, online videos, creative thinking
###Looking for LVL1 involvement, funding possible
#Upcoming Workshops & Events
##KYOSS Meeting (10/12 6:30pm)
##Power Wheels Racing Meeting (10/13)
##C Programming for Beginners Workshop (10/15 1pm)
###http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2299211002
##Becoming a Virtual Worker Workshop (10/16 1pm-3pm)
###Minimum 10 signups
###http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2324492620
###Donation of 6 identical packaged snacks for vending machine
##Sumobot Workshop (10/22-10/23)
###http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2288210098
##Sumobot competition and Halloween party (10/29) Prizes!!
##Freeduino Workshop (11/4)
##SkyDogCon in Nashville (11/4)
###Our booth at DerbyCon was so awesome, they invited us to Nashville!
###Coolest unfinished project gets $1000!
##hackerSPACE in Lexington (11/11-11/12)
###CubeSat class satellites workshop from the inventors of CubeSats
###$150 general / $75 student
###http://www.kentuckyspace.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=330&Itemid=179
##Kinect Workshop (11/12 2pm)
###Windows version for this one, Linux version sometime in Dec. or Jan.
#Project Rollcall

9/20/11

2011-09-20T23:54:22Z

Steamfire: added streams

NEW:

Streaming projector screen from meeting: [https://join.me/841-455-476]

Streaming video/audio of meeting: [http://www.ustream.tv/channel/whitestarballoonmeeting]

#Please Sign in on the meeting attendance
roster.
#Waivers of Liability - Please sign if you have not already
#n00bs! Check out the LVL1 Quickstart info sheet next to the liability waivers. Feel free to ask questions.
#Old Business
##Equipment Wanted
###Front window for Fume Hood (30" by 48")
#New Business
##Space Upgrades
##Space host program - Tim H
###Bilge pump on laser cutter (Thanks Bill S!)
##Vote for Bylaws Modification
###Proposed by Travis Geis to allow Membership suspension / continuation
###Turn in ballot of 'yea' or 'nay' to Tim H.
#Upcoming Workshops & Events
##Timjusttim's 0x3c Party (9/24 7pm) please rsvp via google groups for a decent head count for food.
##Vogt Awards application deadline (9/30)
###Up to $250K investment available to local inventors for commercialization
###http://www.vogtawards.com/Homepage/home.htm
##Derbycon (9/30-10/2) tickets on sale now
###http://www.derbycon.com/
##Louisville Public Library Technology Boot Camp (Sat 10/8)
###http://www.lfpl.org/bootcamp.html
###6 minute talks and/or demonstration tables
###Contact Corissa Phillips techconnects@lfpl.org
##Daycon in Dayton, Oh (10/10-10/12)
##Sumobot competition and Halloween party (10/29) need prizes
##hackerSPACE in Lexington (11/11-11/12)
###CubeSat class satellites workshop from the inventors of CubeSats
###$150 general / $75 student
###http://www.kentuckyspace.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=330&Itemid=179
#Project Rollcall

8/30/11

2011-08-30T18:05:46Z

Steamfire:

Full Spectrum Laser

2011-08-30T16:18:11Z

Steamfire: /* Problem Log */

{{Template:Equipment
|owner=LVL1
|serial=2011052503
|model=Full Spectrum Laser MLE-40
|arrived=July 2011
|doesitwork=Working
|contact=Tyler, Tim M, Chris, Aaron
|where=Main space near the makerbot
}}

== Problem Log ==

August 30, 2011: THE LASER CUTTER HAS A SLIGHT PROBLEM (Found by Dan)

Symptom: Power and focus degrade as the flying head moves toward the lower right corner of the bed. This is clearly noticeable as you move the head manually to the lower right as a marked change in beam appearance and brightness.

Underlying issue: The laser beams (visible and infrared) are not aligned perfectly parallel to the movement of the positioning mechanism. The issue appears to be this: The beam enters the flying head at a slight downward angle. It strikes the head optics in an ok position when near the middle/upper left portion of the bed, but when the head is in the lower right the beam strikes the internal metal below the mirror in the head.

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST THE OPTICS TO CORRECT THIS UNLESS YOU HAVE EXTENSIVELY STUDIED INFORMATION ON HOW TO DO THIS. IT WILL BE VERY EASY TO MAKE THE PROBLEM MUCH WORSE.

== Things you can put in the laser cutter ==

* Paper (cardstock could have additives that should not go in the cutter, test a sample)
* Acrylic and several other plastics
* Wood (careful of fire, treated wood could have additives)
* Cotton
* Many other fabrics (moleskin books can have high chlorine content)
* Cell phones (check for chlorine in the plastic)
* Laptops (check for chlorine in the plastic)
* Leather
* Glass
* Anodized/coated metal
* Chocolate

== Things you should not put in the laser cutter ==

* Anything containing chlorine
* PVC (this includes Moleskine notebooks)
* Lexan
* Vinyl
* Bare metal
* Animals
* People
* Butane lighters
* Gasoline or other liquids
* Any powder (the compressed air will blow it away)

== How to use the freakin' laser ==

1. Turn the power strip under the table. This powers the laser, water pump and air pump.

2. Make sure the water pump is on. (You can feel the 5 gal. bucket vibrate)

3. Verify the water pump is on. The laser tube will crack in 30 seconds if the water pump is not on.

4. If the water pump is off GO BACK TO STEP 2.

5. Make sure the air compressor is on.

6. Reset the emergency stop button.

7. Turn the key to the on position.

8. Rejoice in the light (the florescent light should be on)

9. Read this --> [[File:Laser Presentation.pdf]] (some items don't apply this was written by another hackerspace)

Do
1. Check for water flow on startup
2. Make sure exhaust fan is running
3. Check for fires and put them out ;)

Don't

1. Ever leave the laser unattended (see fires above)
2. Turn off the “Air” button. That needs to be on to protect the lens
3. Laser on Vinyl, PVC, Sintra (will produce corrosive and toxic gases)
4. Cut metals (it won't work)
5. Bump or touch the mirrors or lenses (will put the machine out of alignment or damage optics)

== Docs ==
'''Lasercutter/V4 Full Spectrum Laser 40W|Full Spectrum Laser 4th Generation 40W CO2 Laser Engraver - Deluxe Model'''

* [http://fslaser.com/products/lasers/hobby-lasers/40w-deluxe-hobby-laser Product Site]
* [http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=f2e3b07f01c34bab204bb6ef4cb6f7c3 Forums]
* [http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/lasersetupv2.html V4 Laser Download Page]
* [http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/files/FSL_40w_Hobby_Laser_Manual.pdf Manual]
* Drivers are on the cutter machine. We will figure out another way to get the drivers out to members.

== Safety information and training ==
We should have a bunch of helpful information here on safe operation of the device and who to go to to be trained on its use here.

* Please speak to one of the people who is experienced with this laser cutter before using it so we can show you where everything is, how to setup the software, how to use it without breaking it, basic safety tips, etc.

* Read the instructions first. [http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/files/FSL_40w_Hobby_Laser_Manual.pdf Manual]

* Never turn the current up above 15 milliamps, that will fry the laser tube quickly. Usually just a few milliamps is more than enough power to do what you want. Using too much power on wood or paper will start a fire. Instead of turning up the power, turn down the speed and/or use multiple passes. Always use the minimum power you can do to the job to prevent unsightly burn marks and extend the life of the laser tube.

* Never operate the laser cutter unattended because sometimes things catch fire. A squirt bottle with water is kept next to the laser to put out small fires. A fire extinguisher is in the corner of the room for larger issues.

* If little flames shoot up off of your material, turn down the power. Little flames can start fires and will fog up the lens, which is difficult to clean.

* It is easy to make the laser head bang against the side or top of the unit. This causes an awful noise and must be very bad for the gears. If the laser cutter makes a banging noise, stop it immediately and reposition the laser head before the next cut, or resize the artwork.

* Do not cut plastics which create hazardous fumes when burned. Acrylic is ok. PVC and vinyl releases the very toxic gas phosgene when heated. As a general rule, chemical resistant plastics should not be put in the laser cutter.

* Be very careful with the silver honeycomb, especially when removing it from the machine to clean little bits of debris off of it. It bends very easily and once bent can not be straightened out completely. It is mostly a cosmetic issue, but pressing your thumb in the wrong place will cause permanent marks.

* Do not laser materials that make an excessive amount of smoke. A little smoke is ok, but a large amount can fog up the lens. If it is making a lot of smoke, use more passes at a lower power.

* When cutting paper, turn down the power to a couple milliamps, or it will catch fire.

* Make sure the water pump and air assist are running!

== Software ==

Any program can print to the laser cutter, I had success using Inkscape and Gimp. Gimp is not very good for doing vector cuts, a major limitation. Inkscape is not the easiest software to learn but it is not difficult either.

=== RetinaEngrave (Windows) ===
==== Requirements ====

Windows XP or Windows 7

==== Supported formats/modes ====
==== How to install ====

* Download and install USB drivers
* Download and install RetinaEngrave
* Download and install Direct Print drivers

==== How to use ====

== Rastor ==

* Get an image, any format
* Load the image into The Gimp and make any necessary changes
* Start RetinaEngrave
* Print the image to the Full Spectrum Engineering Driver
* Switch to RetinaEngrave. Set the speed to 75% or less. Press Go.

== Vector ==

* Get an image, any format
* Load the image into The Gimp and make any necessary changes
* Copy the image to the clipboard
* Start Inkscape and create a new A4 Landscape document
* Paste the image into the new document
* Select all. Go to the Path menu and select Trace Bitmap
* Print the image to the Full Spectrum Engineering Driver
* Switch to RetinaEngrave. Select the Vector tab.
* Set the speed on the right hand side. Press Go.

=== Inkscape Notes ===
* You can import a bitmap and trace it (Path->Trace Bitmap)
* Hit F2 to Edit Path by Nodes. Spend some time getting used to using this feature and all the nuances of node editing such as adding and subtracting nodes.
* Use Path -> Break apart to be able to select and remove double lines
* VERY IMPORTANT!!! If you add text to vector cut, be sure to Path->Object to Path on the text or the vector side of Retina Engrave will hang!
* Save often. Inkscape crashes occasionally!
* Use the Bezier Curves and Straight Lines (Pen tool) to draw vectors easily.
* Take advantage of grids and snap
* If you have something that you may want to cut again, you can use Retina Engrave to save your job. It works well and then you do not have to reopen Inkscape.

=== [https://github.com/Metalab/ctrl-cut ctrl-cut] ===
Amir Hassan and Marius Kintel are working on open source laser cutter drivers through the CUPS interface. Primarily they're working on getting it operational with an Epilog cutter, but would like to expand past that soon.

== Quirks ==

* If your PC is connected to the laser cutter with the usb cable, and you have the RetinaEngrave software and drivers installed, and you still can't get the machine to acknowledge you (e.g. you try to press the "jog" buttons and the laser head doesn't move) try these things:
** There is a button between the "jog right" and "jog left" button. It shifts between UNLOCK and LOCK. Toggel it and try again!
** There is a big red emergency stop button on top of the laser cutter. It might be pressed down, which means the machine won't work. Press it again.

* It is easy to make the laser head bang against the side or top of the unit. Don't let it do that.

* If you are doing a raster engrave, you can not set the speed too high. Here is some artwork on paper, raster engrave, 250 dpi 85% speed: [http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/alanrockefeller/IMG_0190.jpg]. Here is the same image at 71% speed: [http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/alanrockefeller/IMG_0192.jpg]
At 500 dpi, 75% speed was too much. 72% was also too fast.
I also saw the problem at 250 dpi 71% and 1000 dpi 65%. Full spectrum engineering said on Feb 25 that this problem is caused by the belt being too tight. [http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=310]

*You don't need to watch the laser every single second, but you should at least stay in the little room while it's on and keep a general eye on it. Why? Because if you're using something burnable, there's a chance it can catch fire. Which is bad.

* Turn off the machine when not in use. The air pump gets hot if left on for long periods. It is not quite hot enough to cause a problem, but it will last longer if it is not always on, and turning it off will keep dust from accumulating inside the laser unnecessarily.

== Tips ==

* Before putting your material into the laser cutter, test your image on paper. If you don't test on paper first you will ruin a lot of the material you are cutting. Once it looks good on paper you can place your material on the paper so you know it is positioned properly, and refocus if the material is thick.

* When engraving raster images, they go much faster if you use a lower DPI. The lowest setting is 250 DPI and that is enough for most things. Use higher DPI only with high resolution images and with materials that show the difference.

== Cutting power / speeds ==

<nowiki>** There is a list floating around laser cutter with setting that have been tested **</nowiki>

The best way to use the laser is with a vector image.
You will have more control over power and speed.

''[http://wiki.nycresistor.com/wiki/Laser_Power NYCR's Laser Power table]''

* Typing paper - 100% speed, 3 milliamps
* 2mm acrylic - 25% speed, 8 milliamps
* 5/8ths inch acrylic - 1% speed, 12 milliamps, 2 passes
* Plastic with metalic coating - 5 - 7 milliamps rastor, 3 ma vector
* Linen - 70% speed, 4 milliamps, 1 pass

== Specifications ==

* Maximum material size: 13" x 16"
* Maximum engravable area: 9.5" x 14.5"
* Maximum material thickness: 2.75"
* CO2 Laser Wavelength: 10.6um
* Maximum Laser Power: 40W

== [[Talk:Laser_Cutter|Discussion]] ==
'''[[Talk:Laser_Cutter|On the Discussion page!]]'''

Laser cutter purchase discussion is here http://wiki.lvl1.org/Laser_Cutter2

Full Spectrum Laser

2011-08-30T16:17:27Z

Steamfire: /* Problem Log */ Removed old problems, added beam alignment issue

{{Template:Equipment
|owner=LVL1
|serial=2011052503
|model=Full Spectrum Laser MLE-40
|arrived=July 2011
|doesitwork=Working
|contact=Tyler, Tim M, Chris, Aaron
|where=Main space near the makerbot
}}

== Problem Log ==

THE LASER CUTTER HAS A SLIGHT PROBLEM

Symptom: Power and focus degrade as the flying head moves toward the lower right corner of the bed. This is clearly noticeable as you move the head manually to the lower right as a marked change in beam appearance and brightness.

Underlying issue: The laser beams (visible and infrared) are not aligned perfectly parallel to the movement of the positioning mechanism. The issue appears to be this: The beam enters the flying head at a slight downward angle. It strikes the head optics in an ok position when near the middle/upper left portion of the bed, but when the head is in the lower right the beam strikes the internal metal below the mirror in the head.

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST THE OPTICS TO CORRECT THIS UNLESS YOU HAVE EXTENSIVELY STUDIED INFORMATION ON HOW TO DO THIS. IT WILL BE VERY EASY TO MAKE THE PROBLEM MUCH WORSE.

== Things you can put in the laser cutter ==

* Paper (cardstock could have additives that should not go in the cutter, test a sample)
* Acrylic and several other plastics
* Wood (careful of fire, treated wood could have additives)
* Cotton
* Many other fabrics (moleskin books can have high chlorine content)
* Cell phones (check for chlorine in the plastic)
* Laptops (check for chlorine in the plastic)
* Leather
* Glass
* Anodized/coated metal
* Chocolate

== Things you should not put in the laser cutter ==

* Anything containing chlorine
* PVC (this includes Moleskine notebooks)
* Lexan
* Vinyl
* Bare metal
* Animals
* People
* Butane lighters
* Gasoline or other liquids
* Any powder (the compressed air will blow it away)

== How to use the freakin' laser ==

1. Turn the power strip under the table. This powers the laser, water pump and air pump.

2. Make sure the water pump is on. (You can feel the 5 gal. bucket vibrate)

3. Verify the water pump is on. The laser tube will crack in 30 seconds if the water pump is not on.

4. If the water pump is off GO BACK TO STEP 2.

5. Make sure the air compressor is on.

6. Reset the emergency stop button.

7. Turn the key to the on position.

8. Rejoice in the light (the florescent light should be on)

9. Read this --> [[File:Laser Presentation.pdf]] (some items don't apply this was written by another hackerspace)

Do
1. Check for water flow on startup
2. Make sure exhaust fan is running
3. Check for fires and put them out ;)

Don't

1. Ever leave the laser unattended (see fires above)
2. Turn off the “Air” button. That needs to be on to protect the lens
3. Laser on Vinyl, PVC, Sintra (will produce corrosive and toxic gases)
4. Cut metals (it won't work)
5. Bump or touch the mirrors or lenses (will put the machine out of alignment or damage optics)

== Docs ==
'''Lasercutter/V4 Full Spectrum Laser 40W|Full Spectrum Laser 4th Generation 40W CO2 Laser Engraver - Deluxe Model'''

* [http://fslaser.com/products/lasers/hobby-lasers/40w-deluxe-hobby-laser Product Site]
* [http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=f2e3b07f01c34bab204bb6ef4cb6f7c3 Forums]
* [http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/lasersetupv2.html V4 Laser Download Page]
* [http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/files/FSL_40w_Hobby_Laser_Manual.pdf Manual]
* Drivers are on the cutter machine. We will figure out another way to get the drivers out to members.

== Safety information and training ==
We should have a bunch of helpful information here on safe operation of the device and who to go to to be trained on its use here.

* Please speak to one of the people who is experienced with this laser cutter before using it so we can show you where everything is, how to setup the software, how to use it without breaking it, basic safety tips, etc.

* Read the instructions first. [http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/files/FSL_40w_Hobby_Laser_Manual.pdf Manual]

* Never turn the current up above 15 milliamps, that will fry the laser tube quickly. Usually just a few milliamps is more than enough power to do what you want. Using too much power on wood or paper will start a fire. Instead of turning up the power, turn down the speed and/or use multiple passes. Always use the minimum power you can do to the job to prevent unsightly burn marks and extend the life of the laser tube.

* Never operate the laser cutter unattended because sometimes things catch fire. A squirt bottle with water is kept next to the laser to put out small fires. A fire extinguisher is in the corner of the room for larger issues.

* If little flames shoot up off of your material, turn down the power. Little flames can start fires and will fog up the lens, which is difficult to clean.

* It is easy to make the laser head bang against the side or top of the unit. This causes an awful noise and must be very bad for the gears. If the laser cutter makes a banging noise, stop it immediately and reposition the laser head before the next cut, or resize the artwork.

* Do not cut plastics which create hazardous fumes when burned. Acrylic is ok. PVC and vinyl releases the very toxic gas phosgene when heated. As a general rule, chemical resistant plastics should not be put in the laser cutter.

* Be very careful with the silver honeycomb, especially when removing it from the machine to clean little bits of debris off of it. It bends very easily and once bent can not be straightened out completely. It is mostly a cosmetic issue, but pressing your thumb in the wrong place will cause permanent marks.

* Do not laser materials that make an excessive amount of smoke. A little smoke is ok, but a large amount can fog up the lens. If it is making a lot of smoke, use more passes at a lower power.

* When cutting paper, turn down the power to a couple milliamps, or it will catch fire.

* Make sure the water pump and air assist are running!

== Software ==

Any program can print to the laser cutter, I had success using Inkscape and Gimp. Gimp is not very good for doing vector cuts, a major limitation. Inkscape is not the easiest software to learn but it is not difficult either.

=== RetinaEngrave (Windows) ===
==== Requirements ====

Windows XP or Windows 7

==== Supported formats/modes ====
==== How to install ====

* Download and install USB drivers
* Download and install RetinaEngrave
* Download and install Direct Print drivers

==== How to use ====

== Rastor ==

* Get an image, any format
* Load the image into The Gimp and make any necessary changes
* Start RetinaEngrave
* Print the image to the Full Spectrum Engineering Driver
* Switch to RetinaEngrave. Set the speed to 75% or less. Press Go.

== Vector ==

* Get an image, any format
* Load the image into The Gimp and make any necessary changes
* Copy the image to the clipboard
* Start Inkscape and create a new A4 Landscape document
* Paste the image into the new document
* Select all. Go to the Path menu and select Trace Bitmap
* Print the image to the Full Spectrum Engineering Driver
* Switch to RetinaEngrave. Select the Vector tab.
* Set the speed on the right hand side. Press Go.

=== Inkscape Notes ===
* You can import a bitmap and trace it (Path->Trace Bitmap)
* Hit F2 to Edit Path by Nodes. Spend some time getting used to using this feature and all the nuances of node editing such as adding and subtracting nodes.
* Use Path -> Break apart to be able to select and remove double lines
* VERY IMPORTANT!!! If you add text to vector cut, be sure to Path->Object to Path on the text or the vector side of Retina Engrave will hang!
* Save often. Inkscape crashes occasionally!
* Use the Bezier Curves and Straight Lines (Pen tool) to draw vectors easily.
* Take advantage of grids and snap
* If you have something that you may want to cut again, you can use Retina Engrave to save your job. It works well and then you do not have to reopen Inkscape.

=== [https://github.com/Metalab/ctrl-cut ctrl-cut] ===
Amir Hassan and Marius Kintel are working on open source laser cutter drivers through the CUPS interface. Primarily they're working on getting it operational with an Epilog cutter, but would like to expand past that soon.

== Quirks ==

* If your PC is connected to the laser cutter with the usb cable, and you have the RetinaEngrave software and drivers installed, and you still can't get the machine to acknowledge you (e.g. you try to press the "jog" buttons and the laser head doesn't move) try these things:
** There is a button between the "jog right" and "jog left" button. It shifts between UNLOCK and LOCK. Toggel it and try again!
** There is a big red emergency stop button on top of the laser cutter. It might be pressed down, which means the machine won't work. Press it again.

* It is easy to make the laser head bang against the side or top of the unit. Don't let it do that.

* If you are doing a raster engrave, you can not set the speed too high. Here is some artwork on paper, raster engrave, 250 dpi 85% speed: [http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/alanrockefeller/IMG_0190.jpg]. Here is the same image at 71% speed: [http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t265/alanrockefeller/IMG_0192.jpg]
At 500 dpi, 75% speed was too much. 72% was also too fast.
I also saw the problem at 250 dpi 71% and 1000 dpi 65%. Full spectrum engineering said on Feb 25 that this problem is caused by the belt being too tight. [http://www.fullspectrumengineering.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=310]

*You don't need to watch the laser every single second, but you should at least stay in the little room while it's on and keep a general eye on it. Why? Because if you're using something burnable, there's a chance it can catch fire. Which is bad.

* Turn off the machine when not in use. The air pump gets hot if left on for long periods. It is not quite hot enough to cause a problem, but it will last longer if it is not always on, and turning it off will keep dust from accumulating inside the laser unnecessarily.

== Tips ==

* Before putting your material into the laser cutter, test your image on paper. If you don't test on paper first you will ruin a lot of the material you are cutting. Once it looks good on paper you can place your material on the paper so you know it is positioned properly, and refocus if the material is thick.

* When engraving raster images, they go much faster if you use a lower DPI. The lowest setting is 250 DPI and that is enough for most things. Use higher DPI only with high resolution images and with materials that show the difference.

== Cutting power / speeds ==

<nowiki>** There is a list floating around laser cutter with setting that have been tested **</nowiki>

The best way to use the laser is with a vector image.
You will have more control over power and speed.

''[http://wiki.nycresistor.com/wiki/Laser_Power NYCR's Laser Power table]''

* Typing paper - 100% speed, 3 milliamps
* 2mm acrylic - 25% speed, 8 milliamps
* 5/8ths inch acrylic - 1% speed, 12 milliamps, 2 passes
* Plastic with metalic coating - 5 - 7 milliamps rastor, 3 ma vector
* Linen - 70% speed, 4 milliamps, 1 pass

== Specifications ==

* Maximum material size: 13" x 16"
* Maximum engravable area: 9.5" x 14.5"
* Maximum material thickness: 2.75"
* CO2 Laser Wavelength: 10.6um
* Maximum Laser Power: 40W

== [[Talk:Laser_Cutter|Discussion]] ==
'''[[Talk:Laser_Cutter|On the Discussion page!]]'''

Laser cutter purchase discussion is here http://wiki.lvl1.org/Laser_Cutter2

8/9/11

2011-08-10T00:25:59Z

Steamfire:

#Please Sign in on the meeting attendance roster.
#Waivers of Liability - Please sign if you have not already
#n00bs! Check out the LVL1 Quickstart info sheet next to the liability waivers. Feel free to ask questions.
#Old Business
##Equipment Wanted
###Wood lathe tools
###220 Mig/Tig Welder
##Open to Volunteers / Projects
###Bernheim CONNECT (Just register your project http://www.bernheim.org/event_im/Connect_particForm11.pdf )
###Chris has an emailable form if you'd prefer. Just contact Chris.
#New Business
##Space Upgrades
###Ctrl+Alt+Del on the space
####All of the things are in the big room
####PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, if this is a stalled project take it home for the time being until it's active.
###RFID door entry installed
###Mac workstation setup
##Pay Jynn for the shirts
###She's carrying a negative balance until everyone is paid up.
##Pivotal Tracker for space bugs, requested features
###https://www.pivotaltracker.com/projects/346747/overview
#Upcoming Workshops & Events
##KYOSS (8/10 6:30pm)
##Balloon Launch Indianapolis (Sat 8/12 11am till 2pm)
##Quantified Self (Wed 8/17 5:30pm) http://www.meetup.com/Louisville-Quantified-Self/events/26450591/
###Flashcube Building, 9300 Shelbyville Road - Suite 600
###Show and tell for people who are tracking data about their body and conducting their own personal investigations and research into their bodies, minds, and selves. Anything is game -- from diet and nutrition, exercise, DIY health tracking gadgets, to personal genetics, to ways to digitize and track information, to how to self-experiment with data and statistics.
##From Tinkering to Commercialization: A 'How-To Guide' (Thurs 8/25 6pm @ GLI Offices)
##Bernheim CONNECT (8/27) http://www.bernheim.org/connect.html
##Derbycon (9/30-10/2) tickets on sale now
##Daycon in Dayton, Oh (10/10-10/12)
##Sumobot competition and Halloween party (10/29) need prizes
##hackerSPACE in Lexington (11/11-11/12)
##East End lunch this Friday for anyone interested. Jumbo Buffet, Friday, 12'sh
#Oculus Week In Review
#Project Rollcall

7/5/11

2011-07-05T23:44:22Z

Steamfire:

#Please Sign in on the meeting attendance roster.
#Waivers of Liability - Please sign if you have not already
#n00bs! Check out the LVL1 Quickstart info sheet next to the liability waivers. Feel free to ask questions.
#Old Business
##Equipment Wanted
###Gas pipe for stealth stove
###Fume hood
###Teddy Ruxpin for Universal Remonster
###Wood lathe tools
##Open to Volunteers / Projects
###Bernheim CONNECT (Just register your project http://www.bernheim.org/event_im/Connect_particForm11.pdf )
###Derbycon Hardware Village / Mini-Hackerspace (Brad)
#New Business
##Space Upgrades
###LVL1 Projects section on website
##LVL1 Anniversary party
###Thank you to everyone who helped get the space together!
##Laser FAP
###We hit about the $2500 mark.
###Requesting additional $750 from LVL1 funds for shipping other hardware.
###Respond on the LVL1 Members list with a +1 to support the laser purchase (need 16 total)
##MakerFaire Demo Tables
###Review handbook
###Submit list of table workers
###Order discount tickets early
###Plan table out
#Upcoming Workshops & Events
##LVL1 Labs (7/12 at 5:30 pm)
##Bloominglabs in Bloomington, IN open house (7/23 10am-4pm) http://www.bloominglabs.org/
###New, dedicated 1000 sqft space for hacking
##Makerfaire Detroit (7/30-7/31)
##Bernheim CONNECT (8/27) http://www.bernheim.org/connect.html
##Derbycon (9/30-10/2) tickets on sale now
##Daycon in Dayton, Oh (10/10-10/12)
##Sumobot competition and Halloween party (10/29) need prizes
#Project Rollcall
##Lightning Oculus Week In Review
#White Star MakerFaire Planning Session
## Break out of normal meeting

Resources

2011-06-02T13:44:02Z

Steamfire: /* Small Hardware Stores */

== Where to find parts, components and supplies ==

=== Hardware ===

==== Local Suppliers ====

===== Small Nearby Hardware Stores =====

[http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=2778788122297690811&q=hardware+store&hl=en&ved=0CGIQ-gswAg&sa=X&ei=wpDnTbDmHJTIygTE_uWBBw&sig2=31md0bRg3T5yE-5Gc9t2Ww Keith's Ace Hardware] 1.3 miles on Bardstown Rd

[http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=3038769954752809049&q=hardware+store&hl=en&ved=0CFkQ-gswAQ&sa=X&ei=wpDnTbDmHJTIygTE_uWBBw&sig2=YBwwiinZkFwuVxOesInYuA Oak St Hardware] 2 miles on Oak St

[http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=10034459703800646873&q=hardware+store&hl=en&ved=0CJABEPoLMAg&sa=X&ei=QpHnTYfjNqSEywS63OU-&sig2=IqEXHhGXYR6TdPlYPuPU_Q Speier Ace Hardware] 1 mile on Barret Ave

[http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=11422832619100662633&q=hardware+store&hl=en&ved=0CGEQ-gswAg&sa=X&ei=QpHnTYfjNqSEywS63OU-&sig2=leNotpFpu3SuHdJb70QR8Q Oscar's Hardware] 1.5 miles on Shelby

[http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=585972631034468290&q=hardware+store&hl=en&ved=0CHgQ-gswBQ&sa=X&ei=QpHnTYfjNqSEywS63OU-&sig2=xrQr6G7UNFWcv4eUZVTWiQ Westenhofer Hardware] 2.7 mi on S Preston St '''Right behind the Eastern Parkway Radio Shack!'''

===== Large Hardware Stores =====

[http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=3784149090467141588&q=bargain+supply&hl=en&ved=0CBwQ-gswAA&sa=X&ei=a5DnTbyROpyszATlo63zBg&sig2=XvLkMskicMVv79zQCQNLnQ Bargain Supply] 1 mile on E Jefferson St. Huge place like Harbor Freight, tons of cheap tools and stuff.

=== Electronics ===

==== Barter ====

The LVL1 community is a great resource for finding components in a pinch. Members often have libraries of components they frequently use. Post what you're looking for on our Google Group. A LVL1 member may have what you're looking for and you can work out a deal. Bartering is encouraged.

==== Local Suppliers ====

Radioshack - 796 Eastern Parkway
* Eh, Radioshack is not what it used to be of course. There's a small cabinet near the back of the store with a limited stock of passive components, switches, etc. Expect to pay 1500% markup on these though. This store actually still stocks Ferric Chloride for making your own PCBs. There are various prototyping supplies and cleaners. Expect to hear at least 5 cell phone sales pitches while you're in there. -Christopher

Peerless Electronics - 1815 South 7th Street
* This place is more of a business part supplier than a retail outlet. However, they do have a small retail storefront with high-quality Hakko and Weller tools and supplies (soldering irons, tips, etc). There's also an NTE wire kiosk. It's a good place to visit if you want a high-quality soldering iron immediately. -Christopher

Master Distributors - 842 South 7th Street
* Again this is more of a supplier for businesses. They do not have a print or online catalog because their inventory fluctuates quite a bit. But if you're looking for something, just call them up! They have a limited retail section up front. Lots of connectors, switches, tools that have obviously been there for a long time. They have a good colorful selection of NTE wire. -Christopher

==== Aggregators ====

Find Chips - http://www.findchips.com/
* A search engine which crawls, among others, Digikey, Jameco, Mouser, Newark AvNet Express and Arrow. Good place to compare prices and availability for common parts. -Brad

Octopart - http://octopart.com/
* The Google of parts searching. They tend to be more up-to-date, and easier to browse than Find Chips, but they crawl fewer sites. Also, since they're more high-profile, a few like Digikey block their catalog spiders. -Brad

==== Online Suppliers ====

Electronic Goldmine - http://www.goldmine-elec.com/
* The best online source for things you never knew you needed! This is a US surplus electronics online store with a fluid inventory. 'New' surplus inventory and special bargains change monthly. It's not always helpful if you are looking for a very specific component. But cool items like pager motors, super bright LEDs, missile gyros, etc can often be found at bargain prices. -Christopher

All Electronics - http://www.allelectronics.com/
* Another great surplus electronics online store. The inventory is very complete so you can probably find anything you need. -Christopher

Mouser - http://www.mouser.com
* Huge and overwhelming selection of modern components and tools. Their searchable online catalog is great, although there is somewhat of a learning curve to whittle down the selection. You'll definitely need to know <b>exactly</b> what you are looking for. You can save full project BOM to easily order the exact number of parts for a big run of devices. Lots of features. -Christopher

Jameco - http://www.jameco.com
* Another good selection of modern components and tools. The selection isn't as huge as other online sources, which actually helps if you're easily overwhelmed by options. Jameco is the best place to purchase power supplies. -Christopher

Digi-key - http://www.digikey.com/
* Huge selection of high-quality modern components. Best place to find very specific high-quality components that aren't carried anywhere else. -Christopher

Futurlec - http://www.futurlec.com/
* These guys are located in Australia, and have some great prices on some otherwise difficult to find items (Like 68K stuff). They've also got some very interesting microcontroller breakout and experiment boards. Good prices on some "basics," as well. They ship most of their stuff from Austrialia, though, so don't expect it to arrive in a hurry. -Brad

American Science & Surplus - http://www.sciplus.com/
* General oddities. These guys have lots of electrical/electronic parts and devices, optics, Pyrex/glassware, as well as take-outs and assemblies from all sorts of devices, many of which are great for brainstorming projects around or salvaging parts for other projects with. Much of it is quite reasonably priced, while some other stuff has a bit of Harbor Freight cheapiness to it. -Philip

Resources

2011-06-02T13:42:43Z

Steamfire: Hardware stores added

== Where to find parts, components and supplies ==

=== Hardware ===

==== Local Suppliers ====

===== Small Hardware Stores =====

[http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=2778788122297690811&q=hardware+store&hl=en&ved=0CGIQ-gswAg&sa=X&ei=wpDnTbDmHJTIygTE_uWBBw&sig2=31md0bRg3T5yE-5Gc9t2Ww Keith's Ace Hardware] 1.3 miles on Bardstown Rd

[http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=3038769954752809049&q=hardware+store&hl=en&ved=0CFkQ-gswAQ&sa=X&ei=wpDnTbDmHJTIygTE_uWBBw&sig2=YBwwiinZkFwuVxOesInYuA Oak St Hardware] 2 miles on Oak St

[http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=10034459703800646873&q=hardware+store&hl=en&ved=0CJABEPoLMAg&sa=X&ei=QpHnTYfjNqSEywS63OU-&sig2=IqEXHhGXYR6TdPlYPuPU_Q Speier Ace Hardware] 1 mile on Barret Ave

[http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=11422832619100662633&q=hardware+store&hl=en&ved=0CGEQ-gswAg&sa=X&ei=QpHnTYfjNqSEywS63OU-&sig2=leNotpFpu3SuHdJb70QR8Q Oscar's Hardware] 1.5 miles on Shelby

[http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=585972631034468290&q=hardware+store&hl=en&ved=0CHgQ-gswBQ&sa=X&ei=QpHnTYfjNqSEywS63OU-&sig2=xrQr6G7UNFWcv4eUZVTWiQ Westenhofer Hardware] 2.7 mi on S Preston St '''Right behind the Eastern Parkway Radio Shack!'''

===== Large Hardware Stores =====

[http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=3784149090467141588&q=bargain+supply&hl=en&ved=0CBwQ-gswAA&sa=X&ei=a5DnTbyROpyszATlo63zBg&sig2=XvLkMskicMVv79zQCQNLnQ Bargain Supply] 1 mile on E Jefferson St. Huge place like Harbor Freight, tons of cheap tools and stuff.

=== Electronics ===

==== Barter ====

The LVL1 community is a great resource for finding components in a pinch. Members often have libraries of components they frequently use. Post what you're looking for on our Google Group. A LVL1 member may have what you're looking for and you can work out a deal. Bartering is encouraged.

==== Local Suppliers ====

Radioshack - 796 Eastern Parkway
* Eh, Radioshack is not what it used to be of course. There's a small cabinet near the back of the store with a limited stock of passive components, switches, etc. Expect to pay 1500% markup on these though. This store actually still stocks Ferric Chloride for making your own PCBs. There are various prototyping supplies and cleaners. Expect to hear at least 5 cell phone sales pitches while you're in there. -Christopher

Peerless Electronics - 1815 South 7th Street
* This place is more of a business part supplier than a retail outlet. However, they do have a small retail storefront with high-quality Hakko and Weller tools and supplies (soldering irons, tips, etc). There's also an NTE wire kiosk. It's a good place to visit if you want a high-quality soldering iron immediately. -Christopher

Master Distributors - 842 South 7th Street
* Again this is more of a supplier for businesses. They do not have a print or online catalog because their inventory fluctuates quite a bit. But if you're looking for something, just call them up! They have a limited retail section up front. Lots of connectors, switches, tools that have obviously been there for a long time. They have a good colorful selection of NTE wire. -Christopher

==== Aggregators ====

Find Chips - http://www.findchips.com/
* A search engine which crawls, among others, Digikey, Jameco, Mouser, Newark AvNet Express and Arrow. Good place to compare prices and availability for common parts. -Brad

Octopart - http://octopart.com/
* The Google of parts searching. They tend to be more up-to-date, and easier to browse than Find Chips, but they crawl fewer sites. Also, since they're more high-profile, a few like Digikey block their catalog spiders. -Brad

==== Online Suppliers ====

Electronic Goldmine - http://www.goldmine-elec.com/
* The best online source for things you never knew you needed! This is a US surplus electronics online store with a fluid inventory. 'New' surplus inventory and special bargains change monthly. It's not always helpful if you are looking for a very specific component. But cool items like pager motors, super bright LEDs, missile gyros, etc can often be found at bargain prices. -Christopher

All Electronics - http://www.allelectronics.com/
* Another great surplus electronics online store. The inventory is very complete so you can probably find anything you need. -Christopher

Mouser - http://www.mouser.com
* Huge and overwhelming selection of modern components and tools. Their searchable online catalog is great, although there is somewhat of a learning curve to whittle down the selection. You'll definitely need to know <b>exactly</b> what you are looking for. You can save full project BOM to easily order the exact number of parts for a big run of devices. Lots of features. -Christopher

Jameco - http://www.jameco.com
* Another good selection of modern components and tools. The selection isn't as huge as other online sources, which actually helps if you're easily overwhelmed by options. Jameco is the best place to purchase power supplies. -Christopher

Digi-key - http://www.digikey.com/
* Huge selection of high-quality modern components. Best place to find very specific high-quality components that aren't carried anywhere else. -Christopher

Futurlec - http://www.futurlec.com/
* These guys are located in Australia, and have some great prices on some otherwise difficult to find items (Like 68K stuff). They've also got some very interesting microcontroller breakout and experiment boards. Good prices on some "basics," as well. They ship most of their stuff from Austrialia, though, so don't expect it to arrive in a hurry. -Brad

American Science & Surplus - http://www.sciplus.com/
* General oddities. These guys have lots of electrical/electronic parts and devices, optics, Pyrex/glassware, as well as take-outs and assemblies from all sorts of devices, many of which are great for brainstorming projects around or salvaging parts for other projects with. Much of it is quite reasonably priced, while some other stuff has a bit of Harbor Freight cheapiness to it. -Philip

Workshops/TwiddleNScratch

2011-05-21T18:43:51Z

Steamfire: /* Twiddle your knobs, Don't scratch your head! */

= Twiddle your knobs, Don't scratch your head! =
'''Scoping for the curious inventor'''

===Workshop Resources===
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUIgAu3QQWQ&feature=relmfu Tutorial Video Part 2]

[https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AnfcbUEovLhOdENaZEp4cHhtQWNXM0hLd3NuWWR6dnc&output=html LVL1 Scopes Detailed info chart]

[http://www.tek.com/learning/oscilloscope-tutorial/ Tektronics series of oscilloscope tutorials]

[http://www.testmart.com/webdata/appnote/1603.PDF Tektronix XYZs of Oscilloscopes] A PDF detailed intro explanation to scopes

Workshops/TwiddleNScratch

2011-05-21T06:09:41Z

Steamfire: /* Workshop Resources */

= Twiddle your knobs, Don't scratch your head! =
'''Scoping for the curious inventor'''

===Workshop Resources===
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUIgAu3QQWQ&feature=relmfu Tutorial Video Part 2]

[https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AnfcbUEovLhOdENaZEp4cHhtQWNXM0hLd3NuWWR6dnc&output=html LVL1 Scopes Detailed info chart]

[http://www.testmart.com/webdata/appnote/1603.PDF Tektronix XYZs of Oscilloscopes] A more detailed intro explanation to scopes

Workshops/TwiddleNScratch

2011-05-21T06:09:20Z

Steamfire: /* Moving on */

= Twiddle your knobs, Don't scratch your head! =
'''Scoping for the curious inventor'''

===Workshop Resources===
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUIgAu3QQWQ&feature=relmfu Tutorial Video Part 2]

[https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AnfcbUEovLhOdENaZEp4cHhtQWNXM0hLd3NuWWR6dnc&output=html LVL1 Scopes Detailed info chart]

[http://www.testmart.com/webdata/appnote/1603.PDF Tektronix XYZs of Oscilloscopes] A more detailed intro explanation to scopes

Workshops/TwiddleNScratch

2011-05-21T06:03:30Z

Steamfire: /* Moving on */

= Twiddle your knobs, Don't scratch your head! =
'''Scoping for the curious inventor'''

===Workshop Resources===
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUIgAu3QQWQ&feature=relmfu Tutorial Video Part 2]

[https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AnfcbUEovLhOdENaZEp4cHhtQWNXM0hLd3NuWWR6dnc&output=html LVL1 Scopes Detailed info chart]

=== Moving on ===
[http://www.testmart.com/webdata/appnote/1603.PDF Tektronix XYZs of Oscilloscopes] A much more detailed intro explanation to scopes

Workshops/TwiddleNScratch

2011-05-21T06:03:15Z

Steamfire: /* Twiddle your knobs, Don't scratch your head! */

= Twiddle your knobs, Don't scratch your head! =
'''Scoping for the curious inventor'''

===Workshop Resources===
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUIgAu3QQWQ&feature=relmfu Tutorial Video Part 2]

[https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AnfcbUEovLhOdENaZEp4cHhtQWNXM0hLd3NuWWR6dnc&output=html LVL1 Scopes Detailed info chart]

=== Moving on ===
[http://www.testmart.com/webdata/appnote/1603.PDF Tektronix XYZs of Oscilloscopes] A much more detailed intro explanation to scopes]

Workshops/TwiddleNScratch

2011-05-21T05:57:21Z

Steamfire: /* LVL1 Scopes Detailed info */

Workshops/TwiddleNScratch

2011-05-17T23:41:59Z

Steamfire: /* Twiddle your knobs, Don't scratch your head! */

= Twiddle your knobs, Don't scratch your head! =
'''Scoping for the curious inventor'''

===Workshop Resources===
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUIgAu3QQWQ&feature=relmfu Tutorial Video Part 2]

==== LVL1 Scopes Detailed info ====
<html>
<iframe width='500' height='300' frameborder='0' src='https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?hl=en&hl=en&key=0AnfcbUEovLhOdENaZEp4cHhtQWNXM0hLd3NuWWR6dnc&output=html&widget=true'></iframe></html>

Workshops/TwiddleNScratch

2011-05-17T23:40:22Z

Steamfire: Created page with "== Twiddle your knobs, Don't scratch your head! == '''Scoping for the curious inventor''' ===Workshop Resources=== [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUIgAu3QQWQ&feature=relmfu ..."

== Twiddle your knobs, Don't scratch your head! ==
'''Scoping for the curious inventor'''

===Workshop Resources===
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUIgAu3QQWQ&feature=relmfu Tutorial Video Part 2]

==== LVL1 Scopes Detailed info ====
<html>
<iframe width='500' height='300' frameborder='0' src='https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?hl=en&hl=en&key=0AnfcbUEovLhOdENaZEp4cHhtQWNXM0hLd3NuWWR6dnc&output=html&widget=true'></iframe></html>

5/17/11

2011-05-17T21:59:35Z

Steamfire: /* Agenda */ analyzer , scope, makersblock

= Agenda =
#Please Sign in on the meeting attendance roster.
#Waivers of Liability - Please sign if you have not already
#n00bs! Check out the LVL1 Quickstart info sheet next to the liability waivers. Feel free to ask questions.
#Old Business
##Equipment Wanted
###Working Vacuum Pump (see Nick S. for details)
##Open to Volunteers / Projects
###Bernheim CONNECT (Just register your project http://www.bernheim.org/event_im/Connect_particForm11.pdf )
###Maker Faire hackerspace areas & panels (Brian on Bay Area Hackerspace Ed panel)
###Derbycon Hardware Village / Mini-Hackerspace (Brad)
#New Business
##Space Upgrades
###Capacitor-Inductor Analyzer has power leads now
###Redesigned http://www.lvl1.org
##LVL1 Laser Cutter fundraising update
##Bylaw Amendment Proposal available for comment on the Members List
##Makerbot upgrade Budget Vote for next week
##KYOSS recap
##CoreLAB recap
##Ruby on Rails Workshop recap
##Soundbuilders recap
#Upcoming Workshops & Events
##Scoping for the Curious Inventor (5/21)
##Hot & Spicy Fest (5/21)
##DD-WRT Workshop (6/9 8pm)
##MakersBlock Fest (6/3 @7PM, 6/5 @3PM)
##LVL1 Summer Camp (6/4, 6/11, 6/18, and 6/25)
##LVL1 Anniversary (Saturday 7/2)
##Makerfaire Detroit (7/30-7/31)
##Bernheim CONNECT (8/27) http://www.bernheim.org/connect.html
##Derbycon (9/30-10/2) tickets on sale now
##Daycon in Dayton, Oh (10/10-10/12)
#New members
#Project Rollcall

9/28/10

2010-09-28T13:21:34Z

Steamfire: added phone comms stuff

== Agenda ==
#Please Sign in on the meeting attendance roster.
#Waivers of Liability - Please sign if you have not already
#n00bs! Check out the LVL1 Quickstart info sheet next to the liability waivers. Feel free to ask questions.
#Space Upgrades
#SpaceComm
##Phone
###Sip Phone status
###Google Voice for vm/inbound
##Mailbox status
#Upcoming Workshops
##IEEE Student Section Soldering Workshop Oct. 2nd
###IEEE Reserves 15 seats, LVL1 Reserves 5. Cost: $10-15
###Great opportunity to subvert young minds.
##Solar Energy Solutions presentation Oct. 17th.
##Members feel free to organize workshops whenever they feel.
#Software Freedom Day Recap
##Gwoborg Hack-a-thon 10/10/10 at LVL1
##For web developers to create apps for WW application directory. Also prizes!
##http://gwob.org/2010/09/05/101010-gwoborg-hackathon/
# Amateur Radio FCC Callsign for LVL1
## Suggestions: N1LVL, N1MGY, WS4MGY

#Project Rollcall
##If you are working on a team project, please tell us what's going on with it.
##LVL1 White Star Balloon Project

'''General Discussion + Meet and Greet + Open Build'''

9/28/10

2010-09-27T16:38:46Z

Steamfire: Created page with '== Agenda == #Please Sign in on the meeting attendance roster. #Waivers of Liability - Please sign if you have not already #n00bs! Check out the LVL1 Quickstart info sheet next t…'

== Agenda ==
#Please Sign in on the meeting attendance roster.
#Waivers of Liability - Please sign if you have not already
#n00bs! Check out the LVL1 Quickstart info sheet next to the liability waivers. Feel free to ask questions.
#Space Upgrades
#Upcoming Workshops
##IEEE Student Section Soldering Workshop Oct. 2nd
###IEEE Reserves 15 seats, LVL1 Reserves 5. Cost: $10-15
###Great opportunity to subvert young minds.
##Solar Energy Solutions presentation Oct. 17th.
##Members feel free to organize workshops whenever they feel.
#Software Freedom Day Recap
##Gwoborg Hack-a-thon 10/10/10 at LVL1
##For web developers to create apps for WW application directory. Also prizes!
##http://gwob.org/2010/09/05/101010-gwoborg-hackathon/
# Amateur Radio FCC Callsign for LVL1
## Suggestions: N1LVL

#Project Rollcall
##If you are working on a team project, please tell us what's going on with it.
##LVL1 White Star Balloon Project

'''General Discussion + Meet and Greet + Open Build'''

Stuff ID Labels

2010-09-22T00:49:29Z

Steamfire: Created page with 'LVL1 Tools, Parts, Stuff should be labeled when arriving at the space to identify how the thing is intended to be used. A color (and number, for color-blind) code can be used to …'

LVL1 Tools, Parts, Stuff should be labeled when arriving at the space to identify how the thing is intended to be used.
A color (and number, for color-blind) code can be used to indicate the state.

* Personal use of owner or under owner's supervision
* LVL1 full ownership and use by all
* LVL1 full ownership and use by all WHEN TRAINED FOR SAFE USAGE
* Loaned to LVL1, use by all, in space only
* Loaned to LVL1, use by all, in space or borrow out of space

9/21/10

2010-09-21T20:56:45Z

Steamfire: tweaking balloon stuff

== Agenda ==
#Please Sign in on the meeting attendance roster.
#Waivers of Liability - Please sign if you have not already
#n00bs! Check out the LVL1 Quickstart info sheet next to the liability waivers. Feel free to ask questions.
#Space Upgrades
#Keep an eye out for bats!
##Insert bat cave joke *here*.
#Upcoming Workshops
##Contact Mic / Circuitbending workshop Sept. 25th
###Circuit-bending rock band CMKT 4 will be in town to host
###They manufacture contact mics. Kits will be $15 for the first and $10 additional.
##IEEE Student Section Soldering Workshop
###October 2nd!
###IEEE Reserves 15 seats, LVL1 Reserves 5.
###Cost: $10-15
###Great opportunity to subvert young minds.
##Members feel free to organize workshops whenever they feel.
#Software Freedom Day Recap
##Gwoborg Hack-a-thon 10/10/10 at LVL1
##For web developers to create apps for WW application directory. Also prizes!
##http://gwob.org/2010/09/05/101010-gwoborg-hackathon/
#Louisville Soundbuilders Recap
#'makership' fundraising effort
##Need to set up a pledgie account (or similar)
#501c(3) update.
##Possible 501c(3) incubator School Factory
#Budget Allocation Discussion (continued)
##What our existing bylaws describe for the process
#Project Rollcall
##If you are working on a team project, please tell us what's going on with it.
##LVL1 White Star Balloon Project
###New URLs: http://whitestarballoon.com / .org and wiki.whitestarballoon.com / .org
###First Flight: HighBall-1 in 2-3 weeks
####Things Needed:
#####Launch crew members (need to train before launch)
#####Helium transport truck
#####Someone who really knows knots! (or has the Ashley Book of Knots)
###Next Flight: Possibly SpeedBall-1 in late November
###Projects up for grabs- Fun and interesting balloon tools that are ready to do now
#####Cryogenic Test Chamber
#####GPS Simulator
'''General Discussion + Meet and Greet + Open Build'''

9/21/10

2010-09-21T20:31:54Z

Steamfire: Added balloon info

== Agenda ==
#Please Sign in on the meeting attendance roster.
#Waivers of Liability - Please sign if you have not already
#n00bs! Check out the LVL1 Quickstart info sheet next to the liability waivers. Feel free to ask questions.
#Space Upgrades
#Keep an eye out for bats!
##Insert bat cave joke *here*.
#Upcoming Workshops
##Contact Mic / Circuitbending workshop Sept. 25th
###Circuit-bending rock band CMKT 4 will be in town to host
###They manufacture contact mics. Kits will be $15 for the first and $10 additional.
##IEEE Student Section Soldering Workshop
###October 2nd!
###IEEE Reserves 15 seats, LVL1 Reserves 5.
###Cost: $10-15
###Great opportunity to subvert young minds.
##Members feel free to organize workshops whenever they feel.
#Software Freedom Day Recap
##Gwoborg Hack-a-thon 10/10/10 at LVL1
##For web developers to create apps for WW application directory. Also prizes!
##http://gwob.org/2010/09/05/101010-gwoborg-hackathon/
#Louisville Soundbuilders Recap
#'makership' fundraising effort
##Need to set up a pledgie account (or similar)
#501c(3) update.
##Possible 501c(3) incubator School Factory
#Budget Allocation Discussion (continued)
##What our existing bylaws describe for the process
#Project Rollcall
##If you are working on a team project, please tell us what's going on with it.
##White Star Balloon Project
###New URL: WhiteStarBalloon.org
###First Flight: HighBall-1 in 2-3 weeks
####Things Needed:
#####Launch crew members (need to train before launch)
#####Helium transport truck
#####Someone who really knows knots! (or has the Ashley Book of Knots)
###Next Flight: Possibly SpeedBall-1 in late November
###Projects up for grabs- Fun and interesting balloon tools that are ready to do now
#####Cryogenic Test Chamber
#####GPS Simulator
'''General Discussion + Meet and Greet + Open Build'''

Ldb

2010-09-21T13:44:43Z

Steamfire: /* Next Launch */ changed to White Star Balloon wiki link

== LVL1 Long Duration Balloon Project ==

LVL1 is embarking upon a mission to be the first amateurs to release a free-balloon and have it cross the entire Atlantic Ocean. The current plan is to make multiple launches of full-size trans-atlantic capable balloons between Dec 2010 and April 2011.

===Next Launch===
* October 2010
* Simple Latex balloon
* Intended to raise awareness and funds for the program

[http://wiki.whitestarballoon.com Technical Details]

----
Deprecated links, soon to be removed:

[[LDBinfo|Introductory Information]] to this project, and background on amatuer Long Duration Ballooning

[[LDBconstraints|Known Constraints]] for amateur LDBs. Pretty well complete.

[[LDBFocusAreas|Known Issues]] - The problems that are needing solutions. This is not all-inclusive, but a good place to start.

Ldb

2010-09-16T23:25:10Z

Steamfire: Added link to dokuwiki

== LVL1 Long Duration Balloon Project ==

LVL1 is embarking upon a mission to be the first amateurs to release a free-balloon and have it cross the entire Atlantic Ocean. The current plan is to make multiple launches of full-size trans-atlantic capable balloons between Dec 2010 and April 2011.

===Next Launch===
* October 2010
* Simple Latex balloon
* Intended to raise awareness and funds for the program

[http://meatandnetworking.com/lvl1tabwiki/doku.php Technical Details]

----
Deprecated links, soon to be removed:

[[LDBinfo|Introductory Information]] to this project, and background on amatuer Long Duration Ballooning

[[LDBconstraints|Known Constraints]] for amateur LDBs. Pretty well complete.

[[LDBFocusAreas|Known Issues]] - The problems that are needing solutions. This is not all-inclusive, but a good place to start.

Ldb

2010-09-15T18:11:58Z

Steamfire: Added first launch info and deprecated old info

== LVL1 Long Duration Balloon Project ==

LVL1 is embarking upon a mission to be the first amateurs to release a free-balloon and have it cross the entire Atlantic Ocean. The current plan is to make multiple launches of full-size trans-atlantic capable balloons between Dec 2010 and April 2011.

===Next Launch===
* October 2010
* Simple Latex balloon
* Intended to raise awareness and funds for the program

----
Deprecated links, soon to be removed:

[[LDBinfo|Introductory Information]] to this project, and background on amatuer Long Duration Ballooning

[[LDBconstraints|Known Constraints]] for amateur LDBs. Pretty well complete.

[[LDBFocusAreas|Known Issues]] - The problems that are needing solutions. This is not all-inclusive, but a good place to start.

Ldb

2010-08-27T22:08:00Z

Steamfire: Created page with '== LVL1 Long Duration Balloon Project == Initial information pages. (Edit as desired, but I would recommend starting a more organized collection for actual planning) [[LDBinfo…'

== LVL1 Long Duration Balloon Project ==

Initial information pages. (Edit as desired, but I would recommend starting a more organized collection for actual planning)

[[LDBinfo|Introductory Information]] to this project, and background on amatuer Long Duration Ballooning

[[LDBconstraints|Known Constraints]] for amateur LDBs. Pretty well complete.

[[LDBFocusAreas|Known Issues]] - The problems that are needing solutions. This is not all-inclusive, but a good place to start.

LDBinfo

2010-08-26T20:28:18Z

Steamfire: /* Recommended Resources */ added some

== LVL1 Amateur Balloon Distance Record Breaking Proposal ==
By Dan Bowen

The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, and landing on foreign soil, with an amateur small balloon remains to be achieved. A group [http://arhab.org/records/records/ldistance.html came extremely close] 3 years ago, within 300 miles of the coast of Europe, but splashed down in the ocean. They proved that it can be done - and they have posted all their data and knowledge online for others to build on. Are we the ones who will do it?

I was the leader of the most successful amateur balloon series to date - the [http://spiritofknoxville.com Spirit of Knoxville], which was the closest so far to grabbing the flag of landing in Europe. We will be able to save a large amount of time by using the lessons learned from the prior group. It took them 3 years. I think we can do it in 6 months.

There is another team from Toronto trying to do the same this winter - so keep in mind that we'll be in a race. Since we're tech-oriented here, I'll put the background info at the end, and get right to the challenges.

=== The challenges are many ===

* Stopping the climb - A special vented polyethylene plastic balloon design must be used, there's a small company who has the equipment to make them custom for the trans-atlantic crossing. making them is difficult to get right, but not impossible.
* The law - US FAA law requires imposes many limitations, but the most challenging one is this - two 6 lb containers are the maximum weight and distribution you can carry under the balloon.
* Solar heating - The sun turns a balloon into a greenhouse, making it into a partial hot-air balloon. More lift in the daytime, lots less in the night. Not good if you're trying to stay at a certain altitude
* Heaving ballast - much weight must be jettisoned at EVERY sunset to stay at the same altitude. The cold also affects the choice of ballast release mechanism
* Telemetry - 2000 miles from land isn't an easy place to get data from, and even harder to get commands from the ground to the balloon.
* Temperature - it's a cool -40C in the daytime, and a chilly -70C at night. Nothing works like you'd expect it to when that cold. You must cryotest everything before flying
* Power - you've got to carry a lot of battery power with you - and batteries that can operate super cold are few and far between Energizer e2 lithium are likely candidates. The weight of solar panels and aiming mechanics usually outweigh the benefit.
* Software - Software needs to manage ballast, telemetry, and also make decisions based on latitude and longitude boundaries - some countries don't allow certain radio transmissions from balloons.
* Electronics hardware - cheap, lightweight, low power, small size
* GPS - must be verified to work at high altitudes - many gps models have an artificial altitude threshold they will stop working above.
* Cost - typically each flight attempt will cost $400-$500
* Quantity - Many (4 to 8) attempts will have to be made before the weather and our luck coincide, and nearly every flight that fails will never be recovered - don't expect to re-use any hardware.
* Weather - the only way to cross the ocean is to ride the Jet Stream. Special balloon flight forecasting software must be set up to warn us when the Jet Stream is travelling from here to the other side of the pond. This will only happen about 8 times during the whole year.

=== High Altitude Balloons in general ===

High altitude weather balloons are large latex or plastic balloons that carry instruments and experiments into the upper atmosphere. A typical simple balloon will be 4 feet in diameter, white latex, and carry 2lbs of payload. It will climb at 1000 feet per minute, swelling as the air pressure decreases. It will burst when it reaches approximately 10 feet in diameter, usually around 70,000 ft altitude. The tattered remains of the balloon, and the payload, then descend on a parachute to the ground, usually dozens of miles from the point of launch. These are commonly executed and recovered by amateur radio operators and others using simple GPS location transmitters.

=== What is Long Duration Balloon Flight? ===
Balloon flights are considered "long duration" when they do not follow the traditional rise-until-you-pop flight path, but instead they level off, and float at a particular altitude. Large NASA "LDB" flight may float anywhere from 1 week to 90 days at their float altitude. However, those balloons require a special condition found only at the polar regions of the planet to accomplish this ultra-long duration flight - continuous sunlight. NASA balloons that have done this are large- '''extremely''' large - usually the size of an entire football stadium when inflated. Mere amateurs cannot hope to construct balloons of this scale. However, what has been discovered recently by amateurs, is that LDB flight is possible with small zero-pressure balloons. Perhaps even weeks if one could get to the polar region with an amateur balloon, but with significant work and planning, even at our Kentucky latitude, several days flight should be possible.

=== The Jet Stream is the way ===
The Jet Stream is a river of high speed air, that is about 100 miles wide, and about 10,000 ft thick, between 30,000 and 40,000 ft altitude. It travels usually at speeds of 100MPH to 200MPH. If you put a balloon into this raging river, and you hold your altitude, it will move as fast as the stream - up to 200MPH. You could make it from here to Europe in just 24 hours.

=== History of Amateur LDB ===
A handful of attempts have been made, but few successes have been made. Only 6 have ever gone more than 1000 miles.

==== LDB Flights of Note ====
Reference: [http://arhab.org arhab.org]

* 2004 1200mi '''Hi-Ball 2''' Latex balloon by Bill Brown, breaks 1000 mile distance for first time
* 2005 1400mi '''Hi-Ball 6''' Latex balloon by Bill Brown
* 2008 3400mi '''SNOX-IV''' GW ZP ~900 cu ft Spirit of Knoxville 4
* 2009 2000mi '''PBH-9''' Raven ZP Cornell University Class Project

==== UTARC / Spirit of Knoxville flights ====
UTARC/SNOX launched 20 flights over three years specifically for the purpose of testing and developing the ability to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Much knowledge and experimental data was gained, which was made freely available for other citizen scientists to build on, under the CC license.

=== Currently Known Trans-Atlantic Competitors ===
==== Atlantic HALO ====
A collaboration between the UKHAS (United Kingdom High Altitude Society) and a few Canadian individuals in Ontario, Canada. This group appears to be farthest advanced in telemetry systems testing, and are currently testing balloon envelopes, ballast systems, and balloon valves on short flights in Europe. They appear to be most likely to eventually make a good flight, but they are proceeding very slowly.

==== Bill Brown ====
Bill Brown is a highly capable individual developing an extremely versatile, cheap, multi-mode HF telemetry transmitter, frequently flying them on short test flights in Huntsville, Alabama. Bill doesn't have a support team, so his progress is slow. He owns one GW ZP 900 cu ft balloon. He is very good at intuiting what needs to be done to make balloons do his bidding, so his early full size attempts may make formidable progress. He has no formal tracking network though, he is using the UKHAS tracking system currently.

=== Why is amateur LDB unconquered? ===
The reason for the dearth of LDB flight attempts, and the high failure rate of those attempted, is that success requires the simultaneous perfection of many radically different skills and technologies.

=== Cost ===
The Spirit of Knoxville, Bill Brown, and Atlantic HALO groups paid Mark Caviezel about $200 for each trans-atlantic zero pressure balloon. Cornell university paid about $10,000 for a similar balloon from Raven/Aerostar.

For the Spirit of Knoxville flights the home-made electronics came to about $60 including GPS. Helium is about $100 for a single T-Tank. The rest of the materials were probably about $40 of payload box and parts to drop ballast. This brought the SNOX flights to about $400 per flight.

== Recommended Resources ==
* [http://ukhas.org.uk/frontpage:guides UKHAS Balloon Guides and Information Links]
* [http://www.arl.noaa.gov/HYSPLIT.php HYSPLIT] jet stream balloon trajectory predictor
* [http://squall.sfsu.edu/crws/jetstream.html Jet Stream Forecasts]
* [http://www.utarc.org/wiki/index.php/Amateur_Ballooning_Compendium UTARC/SNOX Amateur Ballooning Compendium]
* [http://spiritofknoxville.com Spirit of Knoxville Main Site]
* [http://web.me.com/dbowen1/Spirit_of_Knoxville_Published_Information/SNOX_DOCS_Blog/SNOX_DOCS_Blog.html Spirit of Knoxville Published Data]
* [http://arhab.org ARHAB] Amateur Radio High Altitude Ballooning upcoming flights and past flight records

LDBinfo

2010-08-26T20:25:24Z

Steamfire: added resources

== LVL1 Amateur Balloon Distance Record Breaking Proposal ==
By Dan Bowen

The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, and landing on foreign soil, with an amateur small balloon remains to be achieved. A group [http://arhab.org/records/records/ldistance.html came extremely close] 3 years ago, within 300 miles of the coast of Europe, but splashed down in the ocean. They proved that it can be done - and they have posted all their data and knowledge online for others to build on. Are we the ones who will do it?

I was the leader of the most successful amateur balloon series to date - the [http://spiritofknoxville.com Spirit of Knoxville], which was the closest so far to grabbing the flag of landing in Europe. We will be able to save a large amount of time by using the lessons learned from the prior group. It took them 3 years. I think we can do it in 6 months.

There is another team from Toronto trying to do the same this winter - so keep in mind that we'll be in a race. Since we're tech-oriented here, I'll put the background info at the end, and get right to the challenges.

=== The challenges are many ===

* Stopping the climb - A special vented polyethylene plastic balloon design must be used, there's a small company who has the equipment to make them custom for the trans-atlantic crossing. making them is difficult to get right, but not impossible.
* The law - US FAA law requires imposes many limitations, but the most challenging one is this - two 6 lb containers are the maximum weight and distribution you can carry under the balloon.
* Solar heating - The sun turns a balloon into a greenhouse, making it into a partial hot-air balloon. More lift in the daytime, lots less in the night. Not good if you're trying to stay at a certain altitude
* Heaving ballast - much weight must be jettisoned at EVERY sunset to stay at the same altitude. The cold also affects the choice of ballast release mechanism
* Telemetry - 2000 miles from land isn't an easy place to get data from, and even harder to get commands from the ground to the balloon.
* Temperature - it's a cool -40C in the daytime, and a chilly -70C at night. Nothing works like you'd expect it to when that cold. You must cryotest everything before flying
* Power - you've got to carry a lot of battery power with you - and batteries that can operate super cold are few and far between Energizer e2 lithium are likely candidates. The weight of solar panels and aiming mechanics usually outweigh the benefit.
* Software - Software needs to manage ballast, telemetry, and also make decisions based on latitude and longitude boundaries - some countries don't allow certain radio transmissions from balloons.
* Electronics hardware - cheap, lightweight, low power, small size
* GPS - must be verified to work at high altitudes - many gps models have an artificial altitude threshold they will stop working above.
* Cost - typically each flight attempt will cost $400-$500
* Quantity - Many (4 to 8) attempts will have to be made before the weather and our luck coincide, and nearly every flight that fails will never be recovered - don't expect to re-use any hardware.
* Weather - the only way to cross the ocean is to ride the Jet Stream. Special balloon flight forecasting software must be set up to warn us when the Jet Stream is travelling from here to the other side of the pond. This will only happen about 8 times during the whole year.

=== High Altitude Balloons in general ===

High altitude weather balloons are large latex or plastic balloons that carry instruments and experiments into the upper atmosphere. A typical simple balloon will be 4 feet in diameter, white latex, and carry 2lbs of payload. It will climb at 1000 feet per minute, swelling as the air pressure decreases. It will burst when it reaches approximately 10 feet in diameter, usually around 70,000 ft altitude. The tattered remains of the balloon, and the payload, then descend on a parachute to the ground, usually dozens of miles from the point of launch. These are commonly executed and recovered by amateur radio operators and others using simple GPS location transmitters.

=== What is Long Duration Balloon Flight? ===
Balloon flights are considered "long duration" when they do not follow the traditional rise-until-you-pop flight path, but instead they level off, and float at a particular altitude. Large NASA "LDB" flight may float anywhere from 1 week to 90 days at their float altitude. However, those balloons require a special condition found only at the polar regions of the planet to accomplish this ultra-long duration flight - continuous sunlight. NASA balloons that have done this are large- '''extremely''' large - usually the size of an entire football stadium when inflated. Mere amateurs cannot hope to construct balloons of this scale. However, what has been discovered recently by amateurs, is that LDB flight is possible with small zero-pressure balloons. Perhaps even weeks if one could get to the polar region with an amateur balloon, but with significant work and planning, even at our Kentucky latitude, several days flight should be possible.

=== The Jet Stream is the way ===
The Jet Stream is a river of high speed air, that is about 100 miles wide, and about 10,000 ft thick, between 30,000 and 40,000 ft altitude. It travels usually at speeds of 100MPH to 200MPH. If you put a balloon into this raging river, and you hold your altitude, it will move as fast as the stream - up to 200MPH. You could make it from here to Europe in just 24 hours.

=== History of Amateur LDB ===
A handful of attempts have been made, but few successes have been made. Only 6 have ever gone more than 1000 miles.

==== LDB Flights of Note ====
Reference: [http://arhab.org arhab.org]

* 2004 1200mi '''Hi-Ball 2''' Latex balloon by Bill Brown, breaks 1000 mile distance for first time
* 2005 1400mi '''Hi-Ball 6''' Latex balloon by Bill Brown
* 2008 3400mi '''SNOX-IV''' GW ZP ~900 cu ft Spirit of Knoxville 4
* 2009 2000mi '''PBH-9''' Raven ZP Cornell University Class Project

==== UTARC / Spirit of Knoxville flights ====
UTARC/SNOX launched 20 flights over three years specifically for the purpose of testing and developing the ability to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Much knowledge and experimental data was gained, which was made freely available for other citizen scientists to build on, under the CC license.

=== Currently Known Trans-Atlantic Competitors ===
==== Atlantic HALO ====
A collaboration between the UKHAS (United Kingdom High Altitude Society) and a few Canadian individuals in Ontario, Canada. This group appears to be farthest advanced in telemetry systems testing, and are currently testing balloon envelopes, ballast systems, and balloon valves on short flights in Europe. They appear to be most likely to eventually make a good flight, but they are proceeding very slowly.

==== Bill Brown ====
Bill Brown is a highly capable individual developing an extremely versatile, cheap, multi-mode HF telemetry transmitter, frequently flying them on short test flights in Huntsville, Alabama. Bill doesn't have a support team, so his progress is slow. He owns one GW ZP 900 cu ft balloon. He is very good at intuiting what needs to be done to make balloons do his bidding, so his early full size attempts may make formidable progress. He has no formal tracking network though, he is using the UKHAS tracking system currently.

=== Why is amateur LDB unconquered? ===
The reason for the dearth of LDB flight attempts, and the high failure rate of those attempted, is that success requires the simultaneous perfection of many radically different skills and technologies.

=== Cost ===
The Spirit of Knoxville, Bill Brown, and Atlantic HALO groups paid Mark Caviezel about $200 for each trans-atlantic zero pressure balloon. Cornell university paid about $10,000 for a similar balloon from Raven/Aerostar.

For the Spirit of Knoxville flights the home-made electronics came to about $60 including GPS. Helium is about $100 for a single T-Tank. The rest of the materials were probably about $40 of payload box and parts to drop ballast. This brought the SNOX flights to about $400 per flight.

== Recommended Resources ==
* [http://ukhas.org.uk/frontpage:guides UKHAS Balloon Guides and Information Links]
* [http://www.utarc.org/wiki/index.php/Amateur_Ballooning_Compendium UTARC/SNOX Amateur Ballooning Compendium]
* [http://spiritofknoxville.com Spirit of Knoxville Main Site]
* [http://web.me.com/dbowen1/Spirit_of_Knoxville_Published_Information/SNOX_DOCS_Blog/SNOX_DOCS_Blog.html Spirit of Knoxville Published Data]
* [http://arhab.org ARHAB] Amateur Radio High Altitude Ballooning upcoming flights and past flight records

LDBFocusAreas

2010-08-26T20:22:02Z

Steamfire: /* LDB Solution Focus Areas */

= LDB Solution Focus Areas =

These are tasks, or issues that have not been satisfactorily solved by others. It also includes standard to-do for any balloon effort. and would result in progress toward successful LDB flight. All solutions must take standard factors and optimization into account - weight, power, and the law. This list is not inclusive, it is meant merely to start people thinking about the most relevant problems.

*shedding excess batteries and no-longer needed equipment as last resort ballast
*little temperature data exists to quantify the internal balloon solar heating effect, and thus it cannot be predicted well, resulting in a large unknown in the ballast calculations for sunset drop. This [http://ams.confex.com/ams/pdfpapers/94102.pdf paper] may provide clues.
*lightweight rapid-attachment of the payloads to the load line - this is a serious problem that results in far more duct tape and knotted nets of rope than should be. every ounce of weight counts! This also caused significant launch delays for SNOX flights.
*A GPS simulator is needed, outputting NMEA or appropriate binary format data, that has a good UI to pre-program in entire world-wide flight paths of lat/lon/alt, with time acceleration. This must be able to connect to hardware GPS port on flight computer
*a cryogenic dry ice test chamber must be built to maintain -60C for up to 72 hours, and possibly be able to be programmed with a temperature profile simulating day/night cycling. must be big enough to hold both payload containers simultaneously
*telemetry system must be evaluated and selected
*self balloon manufacturing feasibility should be investigated
*Balloons should be ground-tested, fully inflated, for 72 hours permeability - no data exists on this
*new ZP balloon vent design must be made to replace floppy hose
*lift gas h2 should be evaluated to determine what procedures are needed to operate safely
*payload and ballast containers need to be designed and built, with aim of shedding weight during the mission, without adding much weight.
*lightweight insulation needs to be found
*software for flight computer will need to be written
*algorithms for ballast control will need to be researched, compared, and improved

LDBFocusAreas

2010-08-26T19:55:18Z

Steamfire: Created page with '= LDB Solution Focus Areas = These are tasks, or issues that have not been satisfactorily solved by others. It also includes standard to-do for any balloon effort. and would …'

= LDB Solution Focus Areas =

These are tasks, or issues that have not been satisfactorily solved by others. It also includes standard to-do for any balloon effort. and would result in progress toward successful LDB flight. All solutions must take standard factors and optimization into account - weight, power, and the law. This list is not inclusive, it is meant merely to start people thinking about the most relevant problems.

*shedding excess batteries and no-longer needed equipment as last resort ballast
*no temperature data exists to quantify the internal balloon solar heating effect, and thus it cannot be predicted properly, resulting in a large unknown in the ballast calculations for sunset drop.
*lightweight rapid-attachment of the payloads to the load line - this is a serious problem that results in far more duct tape and knotted nets of rope than should be. every ounce of weight counts! This also caused significant launch delays for SNOX flights.
*A GPS simulator is needed, outputting NMEA or appropriate binary format data, that has a good UI to pre-program in entire world-wide flight paths of lat/lon/alt, with time acceleration. This must be able to connect to hardware GPS port on flight computer
*a cryogenic dry ice test chamber must be built to maintain -60C for up to 72 hours, and possibly be able to be programmed with a temperature profile simulating day/night cycling. must be big enough to hold both payload containers simultaneously
*telemetry system must be evaluated and selected
*self balloon manufacturing feasibility should be investigated
*Balloons should be ground-tested, fully inflated, for 72 hours permeability - no data exists on this
*new ZP balloon vent design must be made to replace floppy hose
*lift gas h2 should be evaluated to determine what procedures are needed to operate safely
*payload and ballast containers need to be designed and built, with aim of shedding weight during the mission, without adding much weight.
*lightweight insulation needs to be found
*software for flight computer will need to be written
*algorithms for ballast control will need to be researched, compared, and improved

LDBconstraints

2010-08-26T19:31:57Z

Steamfire: /* Balloon/Lift Gas */

= Long Duration Balloon Project Known Constraints =
These are major factors which must be considered when designing/selecting the mission hardware/software or making logistical choices.

== Weight ==
This is the ultimate constraint. Weight must be considered in every decision when designing/constructing a payload and balloon. Everything on the balloon and payload should weigh as little a possible, with the exception of '''ballast'''. Weight must be removed from the payload as lift force decreases, to maintain altitude. When lift = weight the balloon will float without climbing or descending. As lift decreases through the mission, the balloon will remain in the air only as long as it can shed weight to maintain the lift = weight ratio equilibrium. Once lift is less than weight, the balloon sinks, until reaching a new equilibrium in lower, denser air, or impacts the ground.

There are 12lbs available for payload (see law section), which must be split into two separate containers. The goal is to have as much of the total weight be removable, to be dropped as ballast when lift is lost. This can include designated ballast material, as well as unneeded equipment, insulation, batteries, and structure if possible.

== Balloon/Lift Gas ==
*lift gas will permeate through plastic/latex membranes over 72 hours enough to lose significant lift
*Permeation rate is not currently known
*ZP balloons have to have a vent at the bottom to prevent overpressurization. This can also cause slow mixing of outside air with the helium if traditional floppy hose designs are used.
*lift gas in a balloon does not separate from air like oil and water, it will become a relatively homogenous mixture in balloons this size due to turbulence.
*ZP Balloons must be designed custom to the float altitude, lift gas volume, and weight desired.
*Balloon design knowledge is very hard to come by, almost entirely protected by private companies.
*balloon and lift gas form a greenhouse in the sunlight, increasing the gas temperature by as much as 200F above ambient air, depending on balloon color
*it is very hard to measure how much helium that gets put into a balloon by other than net lift force produced.
*in anything other than '''complete calm''' wind will severely degrade the accuracy of vertical lift force measurement

== GPS ==
GPS model selected (not the actual unit) must be previously flight proven - some GPS models stop functioning at high altitudes to prevent use as missile guidance.

== Temperature ==
*Night time ambient air temperatures will usually be around -50C
*Good lightweight insulation is required for the batteries to maintain voltage output
*All electronics should be tested to -60C to avoid having to insulate them (that's more weight)
*May want to create crystal ovens for oscillators
*Wire heaters (a few high watt resistors) into battery packs, determine temperature threshold by cryotesting batteries
*Temperature sensors are recommended for outside air, electronics, and battery pack.

== Telemetry ==
*Flightpath will likely end more than 4000 miles from launch site
*Flightpath will get up to 1500 miles out to sea from major landmasses
*UHF/VHF line-of-sight radio horizon at 35,000ft is 265 miles.
*Satellite coverage of GlobalStar SPOT tracker is not worldwide, but DOES cover the northern Atlantic Ocean, from about the equator up to Iceland.
*HF telemetry is long range (worldwide from balloon), but unpredictable in distance and direction.
*HF telemetry is low bandwidth, low data rates (45 baud to 1200 baud), and longer transmit times than VHF/UHF or Satellite.
*HF transmitters are extremely cheap <$25
*HF digital telemetry may not be able to be used over the USA by law, necessitating an alternate transmitter.
*Telemetry content transmitted is usually: Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, GPS signal quality, multiple temperature values, climb rates, ballast information, and other debugging or health information.
*HF Telemetry reception '''requires''' a widely distributed array of listeners to get sufficient data back from the flight. SNOX used 250 listeners all through the continents bordering the Atlantic Ocean, and still had multi-hour signal loss periods.
*UKHAS [http://ukhas.org.uk/communication:protocol distributed telemetry network protocol] is extensible, and has an open source client [http://ukhas.org.uk/projects:dl-fldigi dl-fldigi] that will auto-decode it using any platform computer sound input.

== Power ==
Available power is constrained by weight. The power should be budgeted, and frequently negotiated as electronic components are reviewed. Power system other than optimal batteries must outperform the equivalent weight of optimal batteries over 72 hours of predicted actual flight conditions.
=== Batteries ===
*Battery choice should be made based on three factors, high capacity, low weight, and low temperature operation. This pretty much leaves Energizer e2 lithium batteries.
{|border="1"
!size
!weight in gram
!capacity mAh
!mAh per gram
!volt
!max current
!temp range
!price each USD
!name
|-
|AA
|14.5
|3000
|206.8965517
|1.5
|2A
|"-40C/+60C"
|1.5
|Energizer Ultimate L91BP-4
|}
*Likely about 2-3lbs of the electronics box will be available for battery weight. Minimizing the weight of the insulated payload container will increase this.
*Some battery power MUST be reserved for emergency heating of the battery stack.
=== Solar ===
Northern hemisphere winter will be the flight conditions
*low sun angle in winter
*flight to high latitudes up to 60 degrees is possible
*good for longer flights

== Flight Path ==
*Jet stream must be targeted, float between roughly 30,000 ft and 40,000 ft
*Ballast should be dropped to maintain altitude within the jet stream
*Plan consumables for for 72 hour flight

== Safety ==
*File NOTAMs 24 hours in advance with 1-800-WXBRIEF
*Notify local ATC (SDF and Indianapolis Center) 1 week in advance, several hours in advance, and at moment of launch
*Do not transport helium tanks in passenger vehicle compartments. If it must occur, open all windows.
*Ensure all flights have high descent drag to slow impact speed (parachute or large plastic balloon envelope)

== Legal ==
=== Payload ===
Detailed rules explained at [http://eoss.org/pubs/far_annotated.htm Edge of Space Society] Important constraints:
*12lbs total maximum weight
*No individual payload container may weigh more than 6lbs
*No Ham shortwave HF telemetry over USA (FCC regulation, not FAA)

== Launch ==
=== Time ===
*Optimal launch time: Just after sunset. This optimizes for maximum flight time. The idea is to launch as far before sunrise as possible. Reaching float altitude in the dark allows the helium to be densest when it overflows out the vent. Then at dawn, the sun heats the helium and it expands, with some flowing out of the vent, maintaining altitude.
*Try to select a launch time that that does not let the flight path cross major metropolitan cities, such as Washington, D.C. or New York City.

=== Site Conditions ===
*Clear of obstructions taller than 50 feet and powerlines for at least 100 yards downwind
*Clear of obstructions taller than 10 feet at least 50 yards downwind
*Some paved surface is recommended for ease of setting out tarps and tools and rolling heavy tanks around.
*absolutely no sharp objects or corners in/on the ground for 100 feet from anywhere the balloon will be while laying on the ground, or while tethered to a ground handler.
*Site should be available for 3 hours before and 3 hours after planned launch time. (most launches do not happen on time, and involve a bit of DIY fixing that delays things)
*Accessible closely by pickup truck - helium T cylinders are over 100lbs

=== Site Location ===
*Recommend that site should not be within controlled airspace classes B, C or D.
*Recommend that site should not allow common flight paths to pass into controlled airspace classes B, C or D. These airspaces extend up to 10,000ft MSL.
*Recommend to inquire with local ATC for where approach/departure paths for high traffic runways are, and avoid flight through these corridors as well.

=== Site Weather ===
*Low wind required at time of launch - safe maximum 5MPH, technical maximum 10MPH. Higher than this are likely to damage balloon or injure people holding balloon.
*Clear sky - for airplane safety, balloon should not enter clouds
*Temperature - Any is acceptable, however ensure that the balloon envelope is inflated and remains at outside air temperature if any lift force measurement is to be performed. (do not inflate in a heated hangar, and check lift force in there) When the Jet Stream is ready for balloon insertion, it will be one of the coldest nights of the year.
*Barometric pressure - Any.

LDBconstraints

2010-08-26T19:31:13Z

Steamfire: Balloon/lift gas

= Long Duration Balloon Project Known Constraints =
These are major factors which must be considered when designing/selecting the mission hardware/software or making logistical choices.

== Weight ==
This is the ultimate constraint. Weight must be considered in every decision when designing/constructing a payload and balloon. Everything on the balloon and payload should weigh as little a possible, with the exception of '''ballast'''. Weight must be removed from the payload as lift force decreases, to maintain altitude. When lift = weight the balloon will float without climbing or descending. As lift decreases through the mission, the balloon will remain in the air only as long as it can shed weight to maintain the lift = weight ratio equilibrium. Once lift is less than weight, the balloon sinks, until reaching a new equilibrium in lower, denser air, or impacts the ground.

There are 12lbs available for payload (see law section), which must be split into two separate containers. The goal is to have as much of the total weight be removable, to be dropped as ballast when lift is lost. This can include designated ballast material, as well as unneeded equipment, insulation, batteries, and structure if possible.

== Balloon/Lift Gas ==
*lift gas will permeate through any membrane over 72 hours enough to lose lift
*Permeation rate is not currently known
*ZP balloons have to have a vent at the bottom to prevent overpressurization. This can also cause slow mixing of outside air with the helium if traditional floppy hose designs are used.
*lift gas in a balloon does not separate from air like oil and water, it will become a relatively homogenous mixture in balloons this size due to turbulence.
*ZP Balloons must be designed custom to the float altitude, lift gas volume, and weight desired.
*Balloon design knowledge is very hard to come by, almost entirely protected by private companies.
*balloon and lift gas form a greenhouse in the sunlight, increasing the gas temperature by as much as 200F above ambient air, depending on balloon color
*it is very hard to measure how much helium that gets put into a balloon by other than net lift force produced.
*in anything other than '''complete calm''' wind will severely degrade the accuracy of vertical lift force measurement

== GPS ==
GPS model selected (not the actual unit) must be previously flight proven - some GPS models stop functioning at high altitudes to prevent use as missile guidance.

== Temperature ==
*Night time ambient air temperatures will usually be around -50C
*Good lightweight insulation is required for the batteries to maintain voltage output
*All electronics should be tested to -60C to avoid having to insulate them (that's more weight)
*May want to create crystal ovens for oscillators
*Wire heaters (a few high watt resistors) into battery packs, determine temperature threshold by cryotesting batteries
*Temperature sensors are recommended for outside air, electronics, and battery pack.

== Telemetry ==
*Flightpath will likely end more than 4000 miles from launch site
*Flightpath will get up to 1500 miles out to sea from major landmasses
*UHF/VHF line-of-sight radio horizon at 35,000ft is 265 miles.
*Satellite coverage of GlobalStar SPOT tracker is not worldwide, but DOES cover the northern Atlantic Ocean, from about the equator up to Iceland.
*HF telemetry is long range (worldwide from balloon), but unpredictable in distance and direction.
*HF telemetry is low bandwidth, low data rates (45 baud to 1200 baud), and longer transmit times than VHF/UHF or Satellite.
*HF transmitters are extremely cheap <$25
*HF digital telemetry may not be able to be used over the USA by law, necessitating an alternate transmitter.
*Telemetry content transmitted is usually: Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, GPS signal quality, multiple temperature values, climb rates, ballast information, and other debugging or health information.
*HF Telemetry reception '''requires''' a widely distributed array of listeners to get sufficient data back from the flight. SNOX used 250 listeners all through the continents bordering the Atlantic Ocean, and still had multi-hour signal loss periods.
*UKHAS [http://ukhas.org.uk/communication:protocol distributed telemetry network protocol] is extensible, and has an open source client [http://ukhas.org.uk/projects:dl-fldigi dl-fldigi] that will auto-decode it using any platform computer sound input.

== Power ==
Available power is constrained by weight. The power should be budgeted, and frequently negotiated as electronic components are reviewed. Power system other than optimal batteries must outperform the equivalent weight of optimal batteries over 72 hours of predicted actual flight conditions.
=== Batteries ===
*Battery choice should be made based on three factors, high capacity, low weight, and low temperature operation. This pretty much leaves Energizer e2 lithium batteries.
{|border="1"
!size
!weight in gram
!capacity mAh
!mAh per gram
!volt
!max current
!temp range
!price each USD
!name
|-
|AA
|14.5
|3000
|206.8965517
|1.5
|2A
|"-40C/+60C"
|1.5
|Energizer Ultimate L91BP-4
|}
*Likely about 2-3lbs of the electronics box will be available for battery weight. Minimizing the weight of the insulated payload container will increase this.
*Some battery power MUST be reserved for emergency heating of the battery stack.
=== Solar ===
Northern hemisphere winter will be the flight conditions
*low sun angle in winter
*flight to high latitudes up to 60 degrees is possible
*good for longer flights

== Flight Path ==
*Jet stream must be targeted, float between roughly 30,000 ft and 40,000 ft
*Ballast should be dropped to maintain altitude within the jet stream
*Plan consumables for for 72 hour flight

== Safety ==
*File NOTAMs 24 hours in advance with 1-800-WXBRIEF
*Notify local ATC (SDF and Indianapolis Center) 1 week in advance, several hours in advance, and at moment of launch
*Do not transport helium tanks in passenger vehicle compartments. If it must occur, open all windows.
*Ensure all flights have high descent drag to slow impact speed (parachute or large plastic balloon envelope)

== Legal ==
=== Payload ===
Detailed rules explained at [http://eoss.org/pubs/far_annotated.htm Edge of Space Society] Important constraints:
*12lbs total maximum weight
*No individual payload container may weigh more than 6lbs
*No Ham shortwave HF telemetry over USA (FCC regulation, not FAA)

== Launch ==
=== Time ===
*Optimal launch time: Just after sunset. This optimizes for maximum flight time. The idea is to launch as far before sunrise as possible. Reaching float altitude in the dark allows the helium to be densest when it overflows out the vent. Then at dawn, the sun heats the helium and it expands, with some flowing out of the vent, maintaining altitude.
*Try to select a launch time that that does not let the flight path cross major metropolitan cities, such as Washington, D.C. or New York City.

=== Site Conditions ===
*Clear of obstructions taller than 50 feet and powerlines for at least 100 yards downwind
*Clear of obstructions taller than 10 feet at least 50 yards downwind
*Some paved surface is recommended for ease of setting out tarps and tools and rolling heavy tanks around.
*absolutely no sharp objects or corners in/on the ground for 100 feet from anywhere the balloon will be while laying on the ground, or while tethered to a ground handler.
*Site should be available for 3 hours before and 3 hours after planned launch time. (most launches do not happen on time, and involve a bit of DIY fixing that delays things)
*Accessible closely by pickup truck - helium T cylinders are over 100lbs

=== Site Location ===
*Recommend that site should not be within controlled airspace classes B, C or D.
*Recommend that site should not allow common flight paths to pass into controlled airspace classes B, C or D. These airspaces extend up to 10,000ft MSL.
*Recommend to inquire with local ATC for where approach/departure paths for high traffic runways are, and avoid flight through these corridors as well.

=== Site Weather ===
*Low wind required at time of launch - safe maximum 5MPH, technical maximum 10MPH. Higher than this are likely to damage balloon or injure people holding balloon.
*Clear sky - for airplane safety, balloon should not enter clouds
*Temperature - Any is acceptable, however ensure that the balloon envelope is inflated and remains at outside air temperature if any lift force measurement is to be performed. (do not inflate in a heated hangar, and check lift force in there) When the Jet Stream is ready for balloon insertion, it will be one of the coldest nights of the year.
*Barometric pressure - Any.

LDBconstraints

2010-08-26T19:00:13Z

Steamfire: /* Long Duration Balloon Project Known Constraints */ added weight

== Long Duration Balloon Project Known Constraints ==
These are major factors which must be considered when designing/selecting the mission hardware/software or making logistical choices.

=== Weight ===
This is the ultimate constraint. Weight must be considered in every decision when designing/constructing a payload and balloon. Everything on the balloon and payload should weigh as little a possible, with the exception of '''ballast'''. Weight must be removed from the payload as lift force decreases, to maintain altitude. When lift = weight the balloon will float without climbing or descending. As lift decreases through the mission, the balloon will remain in the air only as long as it can shed weight to maintain the lift = weight ratio equilibrium. Once lift is less than weight, the balloon sinks, until reaching a new equilibrium in lower, denser air, or impacts the ground.

There are 12lbs available for payload (see law section), which must be split into two separate containers. The goal is to have as much of the total weight be removable, to be dropped as ballast when lift is lost. This can include designated ballast material, as well as unneeded equipment, insulation, batteries, and structure if possible.

== GPS ==
GPS model selected (not the actual unit) must be previously flight proven - some GPS models stop functioning at high altitudes to prevent use as missile guidance.

== Temperature ==
*Night time ambient air temperatures will usually be around -50C
*Good lightweight insulation is required for the batteries to maintain voltage output
*All electronics should be tested to -60C to avoid having to insulate them (that's more weight)
*May want to create crystal ovens for oscillators
*Wire heaters (a few high watt resistors) into battery packs, determine temperature threshold by cryotesting batteries
*Temperature sensors are recommended for outside air, electronics, and battery pack.

== Telemetry ==
*Flightpath will likely end more than 4000 miles from launch site
*Flightpath will get up to 1500 miles out to sea from major landmasses
*UHF/VHF line-of-sight radio horizon at 35,000ft is 265 miles.
*Satellite coverage of GlobalStar SPOT tracker is not worldwide, but DOES cover the northern Atlantic Ocean, from about the equator up to Iceland.
*HF telemetry is long range (worldwide from balloon), but unpredictable in distance and direction.
*HF telemetry is low bandwidth, low data rates (45 baud to 1200 baud), and longer transmit times than VHF/UHF or Satellite.
*HF transmitters are extremely cheap <$25
*HF digital telemetry may not be able to be used over the USA by law, necessitating an alternate transmitter.
*Telemetry content transmitted is usually: Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, GPS signal quality, multiple temperature values, climb rates, ballast information, and other debugging or health information.
*HF Telemetry reception '''requires''' a widely distributed array of listeners to get sufficient data back from the flight. SNOX used 250 listeners all through the continents bordering the Atlantic Ocean, and still had multi-hour signal loss periods.
*UKHAS [http://ukhas.org.uk/communication:protocol distributed telemetry network protocol] is extensible, and has an open source client [http://ukhas.org.uk/projects:dl-fldigi dl-fldigi] that will auto-decode it using any platform computer sound input.

== Power ==
Available power is constrained by weight. The power should be budgeted, and frequently negotiated as electronic components are reviewed. Power system other than optimal batteries must outperform the equivalent weight of optimal batteries over 72 hours of predicted actual flight conditions.
=== Batteries ===
*Battery choice should be made based on three factors, high capacity, low weight, and low temperature operation. This pretty much leaves Energizer e2 lithium batteries.
{|border="1"
!size
!weight in gram
!capacity mAh
!mAh per gram
!volt
!max current
!temp range
!price each USD
!name
|-
|AA
|14.5
|3000
|206.8965517
|1.5
|2A
|"-40C/+60C"
|1.5
|Energizer Ultimate L91BP-4
|}
*Likely about 2-3lbs of the electronics box will be available for battery weight. Minimizing the weight of the insulated payload container will increase this.
*Some battery power MUST be reserved for emergency heating of the battery stack.
=== Solar ===
Northern hemisphere winter will be the flight conditions
*low sun angle in winter
*flight to high latitudes up to 60 degrees is possible
*good for longer flights

== Flight Path ==
*Jet stream must be targeted, float between roughly 30,000 ft and 40,000 ft
*Ballast should be dropped to maintain altitude within the jet stream
*Plan consumables for for 72 hour flight

== Safety ==
*File NOTAMs 24 hours in advance with 1-800-WXBRIEF
*Notify local ATC (SDF and Indianapolis Center) 1 week in advance, several hours in advance, and at moment of launch
*Do not transport helium tanks in passenger vehicle compartments. If it must occur, open all windows.
*Ensure all flights have high descent drag to slow impact speed (parachute or large plastic balloon envelope)

== Legal ==
=== Payload ===
Detailed rules explained at [http://eoss.org/pubs/far_annotated.htm Edge of Space Society] Important constraints:
*12lbs total maximum weight
*No individual payload container may weigh more than 6lbs
*No Ham shortwave HF telemetry over USA (FCC regulation, not FAA)

== Launch ==
=== Time ===
*Optimal launch time: Just after sunset. This optimizes for maximum flight time. The idea is to launch as far before sunrise as possible. Reaching float altitude in the dark allows the helium to be densest when it overflows out the vent. Then at dawn, the sun heats the helium and it expands, with some flowing out of the vent, maintaining altitude.
*Try to select a launch time that that does not let the flight path cross major metropolitan cities, such as Washington, D.C. or New York City.

=== Site Conditions ===
*Clear of obstructions taller than 50 feet and powerlines for at least 100 yards downwind
*Clear of obstructions taller than 10 feet at least 50 yards downwind
*Some paved surface is recommended for ease of setting out tarps and tools and rolling heavy tanks around.
*absolutely no sharp objects or corners in/on the ground for 100 feet from anywhere the balloon will be while laying on the ground, or while tethered to a ground handler.
*Site should be available for 3 hours before and 3 hours after planned launch time. (most launches do not happen on time, and involve a bit of DIY fixing that delays things)
*Accessible closely by pickup truck - helium T cylinders are over 100lbs

=== Site Location ===
*Recommend that site should not be within controlled airspace classes B, C or D.
*Recommend that site should not allow common flight paths to pass into controlled airspace classes B, C or D. These airspaces extend up to 10,000ft MSL.
*Recommend to inquire with local ATC for where approach/departure paths for high traffic runways are, and avoid flight through these corridors as well.

=== Site Weather ===
*Low wind required at time of launch - safe maximum 5MPH, technical maximum 10MPH. Higher than this are likely to damage balloon or injure people holding balloon.
*Clear sky - for airplane safety, balloon should not enter clouds
*Temperature - Any is acceptable, however ensure that the balloon envelope is inflated and remains at outside air temperature if any lift force measurement is to be performed. (do not inflate in a heated hangar, and check lift force in there) When the Jet Stream is ready for balloon insertion, it will be one of the coldest nights of the year.
*Barometric pressure - Any.

LDBconstraints

2010-08-26T18:46:13Z

Steamfire: /* Telemetry */ added UKHAS and some hf telemetry stuff

== Long Duration Balloon Project Known Constraints ==
These are major factors which must be considered when designing/selecting the mission hardware/software or making logistical choices.

== GPS ==
GPS model selected (not the actual unit) must be previously flight proven - some GPS models stop functioning at high altitudes to prevent use as missile guidance.

== Temperature ==
*Night time ambient air temperatures will usually be around -50C
*Good lightweight insulation is required for the batteries to maintain voltage output
*All electronics should be tested to -60C to avoid having to insulate them (that's more weight)
*May want to create crystal ovens for oscillators
*Wire heaters (a few high watt resistors) into battery packs, determine temperature threshold by cryotesting batteries
*Temperature sensors are recommended for outside air, electronics, and battery pack.

== Telemetry ==
*Flightpath will likely end more than 4000 miles from launch site
*Flightpath will get up to 1500 miles out to sea from major landmasses
*UHF/VHF line-of-sight radio horizon at 35,000ft is 265 miles.
*Satellite coverage of GlobalStar SPOT tracker is not worldwide, but DOES cover the northern Atlantic Ocean, from about the equator up to Iceland.
*HF telemetry is long range (worldwide from balloon), but unpredictable in distance and direction.
*HF telemetry is low bandwidth, low data rates (45 baud to 1200 baud), and longer transmit times than VHF/UHF or Satellite.
*HF transmitters are extremely cheap <$25
*HF digital telemetry may not be able to be used over the USA by law, necessitating an alternate transmitter.
*Telemetry content transmitted is usually: Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, GPS signal quality, multiple temperature values, climb rates, ballast information, and other debugging or health information.
*HF Telemetry reception '''requires''' a widely distributed array of listeners to get sufficient data back from the flight. SNOX used 250 listeners all through the continents bordering the Atlantic Ocean, and still had multi-hour signal loss periods.
*UKHAS [http://ukhas.org.uk/communication:protocol distributed telemetry network protocol] is extensible, and has an open source client [http://ukhas.org.uk/projects:dl-fldigi dl-fldigi] that will auto-decode it using any platform computer sound input.

== Power ==
Available power is constrained by weight. The power should be budgeted, and frequently negotiated as electronic components are reviewed. Power system other than optimal batteries must outperform the equivalent weight of optimal batteries over 72 hours of predicted actual flight conditions.
=== Batteries ===
*Battery choice should be made based on three factors, high capacity, low weight, and low temperature operation. This pretty much leaves Energizer e2 lithium batteries.
{|border="1"
!size
!weight in gram
!capacity mAh
!mAh per gram
!volt
!max current
!temp range
!price each USD
!name
|-
|AA
|14.5
|3000
|206.8965517
|1.5
|2A
|"-40C/+60C"
|1.5
|Energizer Ultimate L91BP-4
|}
*Likely about 2-3lbs of the electronics box will be available for battery weight. Minimizing the weight of the insulated payload container will increase this.
*Some battery power MUST be reserved for emergency heating of the battery stack.
=== Solar ===
Northern hemisphere winter will be the flight conditions
*low sun angle in winter
*flight to high latitudes up to 60 degrees is possible
*good for longer flights

== Flight Path ==
*Jet stream must be targeted, float between roughly 30,000 ft and 40,000 ft
*Ballast should be dropped to maintain altitude within the jet stream
*Plan consumables for for 72 hour flight

== Safety ==
*File NOTAMs 24 hours in advance with 1-800-WXBRIEF
*Notify local ATC (SDF and Indianapolis Center) 1 week in advance, several hours in advance, and at moment of launch
*Do not transport helium tanks in passenger vehicle compartments. If it must occur, open all windows.
*Ensure all flights have high descent drag to slow impact speed (parachute or large plastic balloon envelope)

== Legal ==
=== Payload ===
Detailed rules explained at [http://eoss.org/pubs/far_annotated.htm Edge of Space Society] Important constraints:
*12lbs total maximum weight
*No individual payload container may weigh more than 6lbs
*No Ham shortwave HF telemetry over USA (FCC regulation, not FAA)

== Launch ==
=== Time ===
*Optimal launch time: Just after sunset. This optimizes for maximum flight time. The idea is to launch as far before sunrise as possible. Reaching float altitude in the dark allows the helium to be densest when it overflows out the vent. Then at dawn, the sun heats the helium and it expands, with some flowing out of the vent, maintaining altitude.
*Try to select a launch time that that does not let the flight path cross major metropolitan cities, such as Washington, D.C. or New York City.

=== Site Conditions ===
*Clear of obstructions taller than 50 feet and powerlines for at least 100 yards downwind
*Clear of obstructions taller than 10 feet at least 50 yards downwind
*Some paved surface is recommended for ease of setting out tarps and tools and rolling heavy tanks around.
*absolutely no sharp objects or corners in/on the ground for 100 feet from anywhere the balloon will be while laying on the ground, or while tethered to a ground handler.
*Site should be available for 3 hours before and 3 hours after planned launch time. (most launches do not happen on time, and involve a bit of DIY fixing that delays things)
*Accessible closely by pickup truck - helium T cylinders are over 100lbs

=== Site Location ===
*Recommend that site should not be within controlled airspace classes B, C or D.
*Recommend that site should not allow common flight paths to pass into controlled airspace classes B, C or D. These airspaces extend up to 10,000ft MSL.
*Recommend to inquire with local ATC for where approach/departure paths for high traffic runways are, and avoid flight through these corridors as well.

=== Site Weather ===
*Low wind required at time of launch - safe maximum 5MPH, technical maximum 10MPH. Higher than this are likely to damage balloon or injure people holding balloon.
*Clear sky - for airplane safety, balloon should not enter clouds
*Temperature - Any is acceptable, however ensure that the balloon envelope is inflated and remains at outside air temperature if any lift force measurement is to be performed. (do not inflate in a heated hangar, and check lift force in there) When the Jet Stream is ready for balloon insertion, it will be one of the coldest nights of the year.
*Barometric pressure - Any.

LDBconstraints

2010-08-26T18:35:02Z

Steamfire: Added Telemetry

== Long Duration Balloon Project Known Constraints ==
These are major factors which must be considered when designing/selecting the mission hardware/software or making logistical choices.

== GPS ==
GPS model selected (not the actual unit) must be previously flight proven - some GPS models stop functioning at high altitudes to prevent use as missile guidance.

== Temperature ==
*Night time ambient air temperatures will usually be around -50C
*Good lightweight insulation is required for the batteries to maintain voltage output
*All electronics should be tested to -60C to avoid having to insulate them (that's more weight)
*May want to create crystal ovens for oscillators
*Wire heaters (a few high watt resistors) into battery packs, determine temperature threshold by cryotesting batteries
*Temperature sensors are recommended for outside air, electronics, and battery pack.

== Telemetry ==
*Flightpath will likely end more than 4000 miles from launch site
*Flightpath will get up to 1500 miles out to sea from major landmasses
*UHF/VHF line-of-sight radio horizon at 35,000ft is 265 miles.
*Satellite coverage of GlobalStar SPOT tracker is not worldwide, but DOES cover the northern Atlantic Ocean, from about the equator up to Iceland.
*HF telemetry is long range (worldwide from balloon), but unpredictable in distance and direction.
*HF telemetry is low bandwidth, low data rates (45 baud to 1200 baud), and longer transmit times than VHF/UHF or Satellite.
*HF transmitters are extremely cheap <$25
*HF digital telemetry may not be able to be used over the USA by law, necessitating an alternate transmitter.
*Telemetry content transmitted is usually: Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, GPS signal quality, multiple temperature values, climb rates, ballast information, and other debugging or health information.

== Power ==
Available power is constrained by weight. The power should be budgeted, and frequently negotiated as electronic components are reviewed. Power system other than optimal batteries must outperform the equivalent weight of optimal batteries over 72 hours of predicted actual flight conditions.
=== Batteries ===
*Battery choice should be made based on three factors, high capacity, low weight, and low temperature operation. This pretty much leaves Energizer e2 lithium batteries.
{|border="1"
!size
!weight in gram
!capacity mAh
!mAh per gram
!volt
!max current
!temp range
!price each USD
!name
|-
|AA
|14.5
|3000
|206.8965517
|1.5
|2A
|"-40C/+60C"
|1.5
|Energizer Ultimate L91BP-4
|}
*Likely about 2-3lbs of the electronics box will be available for battery weight. Minimizing the weight of the insulated payload container will increase this.
*Some battery power MUST be reserved for emergency heating of the battery stack.
=== Solar ===
Northern hemisphere winter will be the flight conditions
*low sun angle in winter
*flight to high latitudes up to 60 degrees is possible
*good for longer flights

== Flight Path ==
*Jet stream must be targeted, float between roughly 30,000 ft and 40,000 ft
*Ballast should be dropped to maintain altitude within the jet stream
*Plan consumables for for 72 hour flight

== Safety ==
*File NOTAMs 24 hours in advance with 1-800-WXBRIEF
*Notify local ATC (SDF and Indianapolis Center) 1 week in advance, several hours in advance, and at moment of launch
*Do not transport helium tanks in passenger vehicle compartments. If it must occur, open all windows.
*Ensure all flights have high descent drag to slow impact speed (parachute or large plastic balloon envelope)

== Legal ==
=== Payload ===
Detailed rules explained at [http://eoss.org/pubs/far_annotated.htm Edge of Space Society] Important constraints:
*12lbs total maximum weight
*No individual payload container may weigh more than 6lbs
*No Ham shortwave HF telemetry over USA (FCC regulation, not FAA)

== Launch ==
=== Time ===
*Optimal launch time: Just after sunset. This optimizes for maximum flight time. The idea is to launch as far before sunrise as possible. Reaching float altitude in the dark allows the helium to be densest when it overflows out the vent. Then at dawn, the sun heats the helium and it expands, with some flowing out of the vent, maintaining altitude.
*Try to select a launch time that that does not let the flight path cross major metropolitan cities, such as Washington, D.C. or New York City.

=== Site Conditions ===
*Clear of obstructions taller than 50 feet and powerlines for at least 100 yards downwind
*Clear of obstructions taller than 10 feet at least 50 yards downwind
*Some paved surface is recommended for ease of setting out tarps and tools and rolling heavy tanks around.
*absolutely no sharp objects or corners in/on the ground for 100 feet from anywhere the balloon will be while laying on the ground, or while tethered to a ground handler.
*Site should be available for 3 hours before and 3 hours after planned launch time. (most launches do not happen on time, and involve a bit of DIY fixing that delays things)
*Accessible closely by pickup truck - helium T cylinders are over 100lbs

=== Site Location ===
*Recommend that site should not be within controlled airspace classes B, C or D.
*Recommend that site should not allow common flight paths to pass into controlled airspace classes B, C or D. These airspaces extend up to 10,000ft MSL.
*Recommend to inquire with local ATC for where approach/departure paths for high traffic runways are, and avoid flight through these corridors as well.

=== Site Weather ===
*Low wind required at time of launch - safe maximum 5MPH, technical maximum 10MPH. Higher than this are likely to damage balloon or injure people holding balloon.
*Clear sky - for airplane safety, balloon should not enter clouds
*Temperature - Any is acceptable, however ensure that the balloon envelope is inflated and remains at outside air temperature if any lift force measurement is to be performed. (do not inflate in a heated hangar, and check lift force in there) When the Jet Stream is ready for balloon insertion, it will be one of the coldest nights of the year.
*Barometric pressure - Any.

LDBinfo

2010-08-26T18:16:29Z

Steamfire: /* History of Amateur LDB */ added SNOX data

LDBinfo

2010-08-26T18:11:16Z

Steamfire: /* History of Amateur LDB */

== LVL1 Amateur Balloon Distance Record Breaking Proposal ==
By Dan Bowen

The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, and landing on foreign soil, with an amateur small balloon remains to be achieved. A group [http://arhab.org/records/records/ldistance.html came extremely close] 3 years ago, within 300 miles of the coast of Europe, but splashed down in the ocean. They proved that it can be done - and they have posted all their data and knowledge online for others to build on. Are we the ones who will do it?

I was the leader of the most successful amateur balloon series to date - the [http://spiritofknoxville.com Spirit of Knoxville], which was the closest so far to grabbing the flag of landing in Europe. We will be able to save a large amount of time by using the lessons learned from the prior group. It took them 3 years. I think we can do it in 6 months.

There is another team from Toronto trying to do the same this winter - so keep in mind that we'll be in a race. Since we're tech-oriented here, I'll put the background info at the end, and get right to the challenges.

=== The challenges are many ===

* Stopping the climb - A special vented polyethylene plastic balloon design must be used, there's a small company who has the equipment to make them custom for the trans-atlantic crossing. making them is difficult to get right, but not impossible.
* The law - US FAA law requires imposes many limitations, but the most challenging one is this - two 6 lb containers are the maximum weight and distribution you can carry under the balloon.
* Solar heating - The sun turns a balloon into a greenhouse, making it into a partial hot-air balloon. More lift in the daytime, lots less in the night. Not good if you're trying to stay at a certain altitude
* Heaving ballast - much weight must be jettisoned at EVERY sunset to stay at the same altitude. The cold also affects the choice of ballast release mechanism
* Telemetry - 2000 miles from land isn't an easy place to get data from, and even harder to get commands from the ground to the balloon.
* Temperature - it's a cool -40C in the daytime, and a chilly -70C at night. Nothing works like you'd expect it to when that cold. You must cryotest everything before flying
* Power - you've got to carry a lot of battery power with you - and batteries that can operate super cold are few and far between Energizer e2 lithium are likely candidates. The weight of solar panels and aiming mechanics usually outweigh the benefit.
* Software - Software needs to manage ballast, telemetry, and also make decisions based on latitude and longitude boundaries - some countries don't allow certain radio transmissions from balloons.
* Electronics hardware - cheap, lightweight, low power, small size
* GPS - must be verified to work at high altitudes - many gps models have an artificial altitude threshold they will stop working above.
* Cost - typically each flight attempt will cost $400-$500
* Quantity - Many (4 to 8) attempts will have to be made before the weather and our luck coincide, and nearly every flight that fails will never be recovered - don't expect to re-use any hardware.
* Weather - the only way to cross the ocean is to ride the Jet Stream. Special balloon flight forecasting software must be set up to warn us when the Jet Stream is travelling from here to the other side of the pond. This will only happen about 8 times during the whole year.

=== High Altitude Balloons in general ===

High altitude weather balloons are large latex or plastic balloons that carry instruments and experiments into the upper atmosphere. A typical simple balloon will be 4 feet in diameter, white latex, and carry 2lbs of payload. It will climb at 1000 feet per minute, swelling as the air pressure decreases. It will burst when it reaches approximately 10 feet in diameter, usually around 70,000 ft altitude. The tattered remains of the balloon, and the payload, then descend on a parachute to the ground, usually dozens of miles from the point of launch. These are commonly executed and recovered by amateur radio operators and others using simple GPS location transmitters.

=== What is Long Duration Balloon Flight? ===
Balloon flights are considered "long duration" when they do not follow the traditional rise-until-you-pop flight path, but instead they level off, and float at a particular altitude. Large NASA "LDB" flight may float anywhere from 1 week to 90 days at their float altitude. However, those balloons require a special condition found only at the polar regions of the planet to accomplish this ultra-long duration flight - continuous sunlight. NASA balloons that have done this are large- '''extremely''' large - usually the size of an entire football stadium when inflated. Mere amateurs cannot hope to construct balloons of this scale. However, what has been discovered recently by amateurs, is that LDB flight is possible with small zero-pressure balloons. Perhaps even weeks if one could get to the polar region with an amateur balloon, but with significant work and planning, even at our Kentucky latitude, several days flight should be possible.

=== The Jet Stream is the way ===
The Jet Stream is a river of high speed air, that is about 100 miles wide, and about 10,000 ft thick, between 30,000 and 40,000 ft altitude. It travels usually at speeds of 100MPH to 200MPH. If you put a balloon into this raging river, and you hold your altitude, it will move as fast as the stream - up to 200MPH. You could make it from here to Europe in just 24 hours.

=== History of Amateur LDB ===
A handful of attempts have been made, but few successes have been made. Only 6 have ever gone more than 1000 miles. Reference: [http://arhab.org arhab.org]

* 2004 1200mi '''Hi-Ball 2''' Latex balloon by Bill Brown, breaks 1000 mile distance for first time
* 2005 1400mi '''Hi-Ball 6''' Latex balloon by Bill Brown
* 2008 3400mi '''SNOX-IV''' GW ZP ~900 cu ft Spirit of Knoxville 4
* 2009 2000mi '''PBH-9''' Raven ZP Cornell University Class Project

=== Currently Known Trans-Atlantic Competitors ===
==== Atlantic HALO ====
A collaboration between the UKHAS (United Kingdom High Altitude Society) and a few Canadian individuals in Ontario, Canada. This group appears to be farthest advanced in telemetry systems testing, and are currently testing balloon envelopes, ballast systems, and balloon valves on short flights in Europe. They appear to be most likely to eventually make a good flight, but they are proceeding very slowly.

==== Bill Brown ====
Bill Brown is a highly capable individual developing an extremely versatile, cheap, multi-mode HF telemetry transmitter, frequently flying them on short test flights in Huntsville, Alabama. Bill doesn't have a support team, so his progress is slow. He owns one GW ZP 900 cu ft balloon. He is very good at intuiting what needs to be done to make balloons do his bidding, so his early full size attempts may make formidable progress. He has no formal tracking network though, he is using the UKHAS tracking system currently.

=== Why is amateur LDB unconquered? ===
The reason for the dearth of LDB flight attempts, and the high failure rate of those attempted, is that success requires the simultaneous perfection of many radically different skills and technologies.

=== Cost ===
The Spirit of Knoxville, Bill Brown, and Atlantic HALO groups paid Mark Caviezel about $200 for each trans-atlantic zero pressure balloon. Cornell university paid about $10,000 for a similar balloon from Raven/Aerostar.

For the Spirit of Knoxville flights the home-made electronics came to about $60 including GPS. Helium is about $100 for a single T-Tank. The rest of the materials were probably about $40 of payload box and parts to drop ballast. This brought the SNOX flights to about $400 per flight.

LDBinfo

2010-08-26T18:10:53Z

Steamfire: /* History of Amateur LDB */

== LVL1 Amateur Balloon Distance Record Breaking Proposal ==
By Dan Bowen

The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, and landing on foreign soil, with an amateur small balloon remains to be achieved. A group [http://arhab.org/records/records/ldistance.html came extremely close] 3 years ago, within 300 miles of the coast of Europe, but splashed down in the ocean. They proved that it can be done - and they have posted all their data and knowledge online for others to build on. Are we the ones who will do it?

I was the leader of the most successful amateur balloon series to date - the [http://spiritofknoxville.com Spirit of Knoxville], which was the closest so far to grabbing the flag of landing in Europe. We will be able to save a large amount of time by using the lessons learned from the prior group. It took them 3 years. I think we can do it in 6 months.

There is another team from Toronto trying to do the same this winter - so keep in mind that we'll be in a race. Since we're tech-oriented here, I'll put the background info at the end, and get right to the challenges.

=== The challenges are many ===

* Stopping the climb - A special vented polyethylene plastic balloon design must be used, there's a small company who has the equipment to make them custom for the trans-atlantic crossing. making them is difficult to get right, but not impossible.
* The law - US FAA law requires imposes many limitations, but the most challenging one is this - two 6 lb containers are the maximum weight and distribution you can carry under the balloon.
* Solar heating - The sun turns a balloon into a greenhouse, making it into a partial hot-air balloon. More lift in the daytime, lots less in the night. Not good if you're trying to stay at a certain altitude
* Heaving ballast - much weight must be jettisoned at EVERY sunset to stay at the same altitude. The cold also affects the choice of ballast release mechanism
* Telemetry - 2000 miles from land isn't an easy place to get data from, and even harder to get commands from the ground to the balloon.
* Temperature - it's a cool -40C in the daytime, and a chilly -70C at night. Nothing works like you'd expect it to when that cold. You must cryotest everything before flying
* Power - you've got to carry a lot of battery power with you - and batteries that can operate super cold are few and far between Energizer e2 lithium are likely candidates. The weight of solar panels and aiming mechanics usually outweigh the benefit.
* Software - Software needs to manage ballast, telemetry, and also make decisions based on latitude and longitude boundaries - some countries don't allow certain radio transmissions from balloons.
* Electronics hardware - cheap, lightweight, low power, small size
* GPS - must be verified to work at high altitudes - many gps models have an artificial altitude threshold they will stop working above.
* Cost - typically each flight attempt will cost $400-$500
* Quantity - Many (4 to 8) attempts will have to be made before the weather and our luck coincide, and nearly every flight that fails will never be recovered - don't expect to re-use any hardware.
* Weather - the only way to cross the ocean is to ride the Jet Stream. Special balloon flight forecasting software must be set up to warn us when the Jet Stream is travelling from here to the other side of the pond. This will only happen about 8 times during the whole year.

=== High Altitude Balloons in general ===

High altitude weather balloons are large latex or plastic balloons that carry instruments and experiments into the upper atmosphere. A typical simple balloon will be 4 feet in diameter, white latex, and carry 2lbs of payload. It will climb at 1000 feet per minute, swelling as the air pressure decreases. It will burst when it reaches approximately 10 feet in diameter, usually around 70,000 ft altitude. The tattered remains of the balloon, and the payload, then descend on a parachute to the ground, usually dozens of miles from the point of launch. These are commonly executed and recovered by amateur radio operators and others using simple GPS location transmitters.

=== What is Long Duration Balloon Flight? ===
Balloon flights are considered "long duration" when they do not follow the traditional rise-until-you-pop flight path, but instead they level off, and float at a particular altitude. Large NASA "LDB" flight may float anywhere from 1 week to 90 days at their float altitude. However, those balloons require a special condition found only at the polar regions of the planet to accomplish this ultra-long duration flight - continuous sunlight. NASA balloons that have done this are large- '''extremely''' large - usually the size of an entire football stadium when inflated. Mere amateurs cannot hope to construct balloons of this scale. However, what has been discovered recently by amateurs, is that LDB flight is possible with small zero-pressure balloons. Perhaps even weeks if one could get to the polar region with an amateur balloon, but with significant work and planning, even at our Kentucky latitude, several days flight should be possible.

=== The Jet Stream is the way ===
The Jet Stream is a river of high speed air, that is about 100 miles wide, and about 10,000 ft thick, between 30,000 and 40,000 ft altitude. It travels usually at speeds of 100MPH to 200MPH. If you put a balloon into this raging river, and you hold your altitude, it will move as fast as the stream - up to 200MPH. You could make it from here to Europe in just 24 hours.

=== History of Amateur LDB ===
A handful of attempts have been made, but few successes have been made. Only 6 have ever gone more than 1000 miles. Reference: [http://arhab.org arhab.org]

* 2004 1200mi '''Hi-Ball''' 2 Latex balloon by Bill Brown, breaks 1000 mile distance for first time
* 2005 1400mi '''Hi-Ball 6''' Latex balloon by Bill Brown
* 2008 3400mi '''SNOX-IV''' GW ZP ~900 cu ft Spirit of Knoxville 4
* 2009 2000mi '''PBH-9''' Raven ZP Cornell University Class Project

=== Currently Known Trans-Atlantic Competitors ===
==== Atlantic HALO ====
A collaboration between the UKHAS (United Kingdom High Altitude Society) and a few Canadian individuals in Ontario, Canada. This group appears to be farthest advanced in telemetry systems testing, and are currently testing balloon envelopes, ballast systems, and balloon valves on short flights in Europe. They appear to be most likely to eventually make a good flight, but they are proceeding very slowly.

==== Bill Brown ====
Bill Brown is a highly capable individual developing an extremely versatile, cheap, multi-mode HF telemetry transmitter, frequently flying them on short test flights in Huntsville, Alabama. Bill doesn't have a support team, so his progress is slow. He owns one GW ZP 900 cu ft balloon. He is very good at intuiting what needs to be done to make balloons do his bidding, so his early full size attempts may make formidable progress. He has no formal tracking network though, he is using the UKHAS tracking system currently.

=== Why is amateur LDB unconquered? ===
The reason for the dearth of LDB flight attempts, and the high failure rate of those attempted, is that success requires the simultaneous perfection of many radically different skills and technologies.

=== Cost ===
The Spirit of Knoxville, Bill Brown, and Atlantic HALO groups paid Mark Caviezel about $200 for each trans-atlantic zero pressure balloon. Cornell university paid about $10,000 for a similar balloon from Raven/Aerostar.

For the Spirit of Knoxville flights the home-made electronics came to about $60 including GPS. Helium is about $100 for a single T-Tank. The rest of the materials were probably about $40 of payload box and parts to drop ballast. This brought the SNOX flights to about $400 per flight.

LDBinfo

2010-08-26T18:09:48Z

Steamfire: Added history and competitors

== LVL1 Amateur Balloon Distance Record Breaking Proposal ==
By Dan Bowen

The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, and landing on foreign soil, with an amateur small balloon remains to be achieved. A group [http://arhab.org/records/records/ldistance.html came extremely close] 3 years ago, within 300 miles of the coast of Europe, but splashed down in the ocean. They proved that it can be done - and they have posted all their data and knowledge online for others to build on. Are we the ones who will do it?

I was the leader of the most successful amateur balloon series to date - the [http://spiritofknoxville.com Spirit of Knoxville], which was the closest so far to grabbing the flag of landing in Europe. We will be able to save a large amount of time by using the lessons learned from the prior group. It took them 3 years. I think we can do it in 6 months.

There is another team from Toronto trying to do the same this winter - so keep in mind that we'll be in a race. Since we're tech-oriented here, I'll put the background info at the end, and get right to the challenges.

=== The challenges are many ===

* Stopping the climb - A special vented polyethylene plastic balloon design must be used, there's a small company who has the equipment to make them custom for the trans-atlantic crossing. making them is difficult to get right, but not impossible.
* The law - US FAA law requires imposes many limitations, but the most challenging one is this - two 6 lb containers are the maximum weight and distribution you can carry under the balloon.
* Solar heating - The sun turns a balloon into a greenhouse, making it into a partial hot-air balloon. More lift in the daytime, lots less in the night. Not good if you're trying to stay at a certain altitude
* Heaving ballast - much weight must be jettisoned at EVERY sunset to stay at the same altitude. The cold also affects the choice of ballast release mechanism
* Telemetry - 2000 miles from land isn't an easy place to get data from, and even harder to get commands from the ground to the balloon.
* Temperature - it's a cool -40C in the daytime, and a chilly -70C at night. Nothing works like you'd expect it to when that cold. You must cryotest everything before flying
* Power - you've got to carry a lot of battery power with you - and batteries that can operate super cold are few and far between Energizer e2 lithium are likely candidates. The weight of solar panels and aiming mechanics usually outweigh the benefit.
* Software - Software needs to manage ballast, telemetry, and also make decisions based on latitude and longitude boundaries - some countries don't allow certain radio transmissions from balloons.
* Electronics hardware - cheap, lightweight, low power, small size
* GPS - must be verified to work at high altitudes - many gps models have an artificial altitude threshold they will stop working above.
* Cost - typically each flight attempt will cost $400-$500
* Quantity - Many (4 to 8) attempts will have to be made before the weather and our luck coincide, and nearly every flight that fails will never be recovered - don't expect to re-use any hardware.
* Weather - the only way to cross the ocean is to ride the Jet Stream. Special balloon flight forecasting software must be set up to warn us when the Jet Stream is travelling from here to the other side of the pond. This will only happen about 8 times during the whole year.

=== High Altitude Balloons in general ===

High altitude weather balloons are large latex or plastic balloons that carry instruments and experiments into the upper atmosphere. A typical simple balloon will be 4 feet in diameter, white latex, and carry 2lbs of payload. It will climb at 1000 feet per minute, swelling as the air pressure decreases. It will burst when it reaches approximately 10 feet in diameter, usually around 70,000 ft altitude. The tattered remains of the balloon, and the payload, then descend on a parachute to the ground, usually dozens of miles from the point of launch. These are commonly executed and recovered by amateur radio operators and others using simple GPS location transmitters.

=== What is Long Duration Balloon Flight? ===
Balloon flights are considered "long duration" when they do not follow the traditional rise-until-you-pop flight path, but instead they level off, and float at a particular altitude. Large NASA "LDB" flight may float anywhere from 1 week to 90 days at their float altitude. However, those balloons require a special condition found only at the polar regions of the planet to accomplish this ultra-long duration flight - continuous sunlight. NASA balloons that have done this are large- '''extremely''' large - usually the size of an entire football stadium when inflated. Mere amateurs cannot hope to construct balloons of this scale. However, what has been discovered recently by amateurs, is that LDB flight is possible with small zero-pressure balloons. Perhaps even weeks if one could get to the polar region with an amateur balloon, but with significant work and planning, even at our Kentucky latitude, several days flight should be possible.

=== The Jet Stream is the way ===
The Jet Stream is a river of high speed air, that is about 100 miles wide, and about 10,000 ft thick, between 30,000 and 40,000 ft altitude. It travels usually at speeds of 100MPH to 200MPH. If you put a balloon into this raging river, and you hold your altitude, it will move as fast as the stream - up to 200MPH. You could make it from here to Europe in just 24 hours.

=== History of Amateur LDB ===
A handful of attempts have been made, but few successes have been made. Only 6 have ever gone more than 1000 miles. Reference: [http://arhab.org arhab.org]

* 2004 1200mi **Hi-Ball 2** Latex balloon by Bill Brown, breaks 1000 mile distance for first time
* 2005 1400mi **Hi-Ball 6** Latex balloon by Bill Brown
* 2008 3400mi **SNOX-IV** GW ZP ~900 cu ft Spirit of Knoxville 4
* 2009 2000mi **PBH-9** Raven ZP Cornell University Class Project

=== Currently Known Trans-Atlantic Competitors ===
==== Atlantic HALO ====
A collaboration between the UKHAS (United Kingdom High Altitude Society) and a few Canadian individuals in Ontario, Canada. This group appears to be farthest advanced in telemetry systems testing, and are currently testing balloon envelopes, ballast systems, and balloon valves on short flights in Europe. They appear to be most likely to eventually make a good flight, but they are proceeding very slowly.

==== Bill Brown ====
Bill Brown is a highly capable individual developing an extremely versatile, cheap, multi-mode HF telemetry transmitter, frequently flying them on short test flights in Huntsville, Alabama. Bill doesn't have a support team, so his progress is slow. He owns one GW ZP 900 cu ft balloon. He is very good at intuiting what needs to be done to make balloons do his bidding, so his early full size attempts may make formidable progress. He has no formal tracking network though, he is using the UKHAS tracking system currently.

=== Why is amateur LDB unconquered? ===
The reason for the dearth of LDB flight attempts, and the high failure rate of those attempted, is that success requires the simultaneous perfection of many radically different skills and technologies.

=== Cost ===
The Spirit of Knoxville, Bill Brown, and Atlantic HALO groups paid Mark Caviezel about $200 for each trans-atlantic zero pressure balloon. Cornell university paid about $10,000 for a similar balloon from Raven/Aerostar.

For the Spirit of Knoxville flights the home-made electronics came to about $60 including GPS. Helium is about $100 for a single T-Tank. The rest of the materials were probably about $40 of payload box and parts to drop ballast. This brought the SNOX flights to about $400 per flight.

LDBinfo

2010-08-26T17:06:36Z

Steamfire: /* Cost */ added other groups' costs

LDBconstraints

2010-08-24T18:15:35Z

Steamfire:

== Long Duration Balloon Project Known Constraints ==
These are major factors which must be considered when designing/selecting the mission hardware/software or making logistical choices.

== GPS ==
GPS model selected (not the actual unit) must be previously flight proven - some GPS models stop functioning at high altitudes to prevent use as missile guidance.

== Temperature ==
*Night time ambient air temperatures will usually be around -50C
*Good lightweight insulation is required for the batteries to maintain voltage output
*All electronics should be tested to -60C to avoid having to insulate them (that's more weight)
*May want to create crystal ovens for oscillators
*Wire heaters (a few high watt resistors) into battery packs, determine temperature threshold by cryotesting batteries
*Temperature sensors are recommended for outside air, electronics, and battery pack.

== Power ==
Available power is constrained by weight. The power should be budgeted, and frequently negotiated as electronic components are reviewed. Power system other than optimal batteries must outperform the equivalent weight of optimal batteries over 72 hours of predicted actual flight conditions.
=== Batteries ===
*Battery choice should be made based on three factors, high capacity, low weight, and low temperature operation. This pretty much leaves Energizer e2 lithium batteries.
*Likely about 2-3lbs of the electronics box will be available for battery weight. Minimizing the weight of the insulated payload container will increase this.
*Some battery power MUST be reserved for emergency heating of the battery stack.
=== Solar ===
Northern hemisphere winter will be the flight conditions
*low sun angle in winter
*flight to high latitudes up to 60 degrees is possible
*good for longer flights

== Flight Path ==
*Jet stream must be targeted, float between roughly 30,000 ft and 40,000 ft
*Ballast should be dropped to maintain altitude within the jet stream
*Plan consumables for for 72 hour flight

== Safety ==
*File NOTAMs 24 hours in advance with 1-800-WXBRIEF
*Notify local ATC (SDF and Indianapolis Center) 1 week in advance, several hours in advance, and at moment of launch
*Do not transport helium tanks in passenger vehicle compartments. If it must occur, open all windows.
*Ensure all flights have high descent drag to slow impact speed (parachute or large plastic balloon envelope)

== Legal ==
=== Payload ===
Detailed rules explained at [http://eoss.org/pubs/far_annotated.htm Edge of Space Society] Important constraints:
*12lbs total maximum weight
*No individual payload container may weigh more than 6lbs
*No Ham shortwave HF telemetry over USA (FCC regulation, not FAA)

== Launch ==
=== Time ===
*Optimal launch time: Just after sunset. This optimizes for maximum flight time. The idea is to launch as far before sunrise as possible. Reaching float altitude in the dark allows the helium to be densest when it overflows out the vent. Then at dawn, the sun heats the helium and it expands, with some flowing out of the vent, maintaining altitude.
*Try to select a launch time that that does not let the flight path cross major metropolitan cities, such as Washington, D.C. or New York City.

=== Site Conditions ===
*Clear of obstructions taller than 50 feet and powerlines for at least 100 yards downwind
*Clear of obstructions taller than 10 feet at least 50 yards downwind
*Some paved surface is recommended for ease of setting out tarps and tools and rolling heavy tanks around.
*absolutely no sharp objects or corners in/on the ground for 100 feet from anywhere the balloon will be while laying on the ground, or while tethered to a ground handler.
*Site should be available for 3 hours before and 3 hours after planned launch time. (most launches do not happen on time, and involve a bit of DIY fixing that delays things)
*Accessible closely by pickup truck - helium T cylinders are over 100lbs

=== Site Location ===
*Recommend that site should not be within controlled airspace classes B, C or D.
*Recommend that site should not allow common flight paths to pass into controlled airspace classes B, C or D. These airspaces extend up to 10,000ft MSL.
*Recommend to inquire with local ATC for where approach/departure paths for high traffic runways are, and avoid flight through these corridors as well.

=== Site Weather ===
*Low wind required at time of launch - safe maximum 5MPH, technical maximum 10MPH. Higher than this are likely to damage balloon or injure people holding balloon.
*Clear sky - for airplane safety, balloon should not enter clouds
*Temperature - Any is acceptable, however ensure that the balloon envelope is inflated and remains at outside air temperature if any lift force measurement is to be performed. (do not inflate in a heated hangar, and check lift force in there) When the Jet Stream is ready for balloon insertion, it will be one of the coldest nights of the year.
*Barometric pressure - Any.

LDBconstraints

2010-08-24T16:30:15Z

Steamfire: Added GPS, Temp, Power, Flight Path, Safety, Legal

== Long Duration Balloon Project Known Constraints ==

== GPS ==
GPS model selected (not the actual unit) must be previously flight proven - some GPS models stop functioning at high altitudes to prevent use as missile guidance.

== Temperature ==
*Night time ambient air temperatures will usually be around -50C
*Good lightweight insulation is required for the batteries to maintain voltage output
*All electronics should be tested to -60C to avoid having to insulate them (that's more weight)
*May want to create crystal ovens for oscillators
*Wire heaters (a few high watt resistors) into battery packs, determine temperature threshold by cryotesting batteries
*Temperature sensors are recommended for outside air, electronics, and battery pack.

== Power ==
Available power is constrained by weight. The power should be budgeted, and frequently negotiated as electronic components are reviewed. Power system other than optimal batteries must outperform the equivalent weight of optimal batteries over 72 hours of predicted actual flight conditions.
=== Batteries ===
*Battery choice should be made based on three factors, high capacity, low weight, and low temperature operation. This pretty much leaves Energizer e2 lithium batteries.
*Likely about 2-3lbs of the electronics box will be available for battery weight. Minimizing the weight of the insulated payload container will increase this.
*Some battery power MUST be reserved for emergency heating of the battery stack.
=== Solar ===
Northern hemisphere winter will be the flight conditions
*low sun angle in winter
*flight to high latitudes up to 60 degrees is possible
*good for longer flights

== Flight Path ==
*Jet stream must be targeted, float between roughly 30,000 ft and 40,000 ft
*Ballast should be dropped to maintain altitude within the jet stream
*Plan consumables for for 72 hour flight

== Safety ==
*File NOTAMs 24 hours in advance with 1-800-WXBRIEF
*Notify local ATC (SDF and Indianapolis Center) 1 week in advance, several hours in advance, and at moment of launch
*Do not transport helium tanks in passenger vehicle compartments. If it must occur, open all windows.
*Ensure all flights have high descent drag to slow impact speed (parachute or large plastic balloon envelope)

== Legal ==
=== Payload ===
Detailed rules explained at [http://eoss.org/pubs/far_annotated.htm Edge of Space Society] Important constraints:
*12lbs total maximum weight
*No individual payload container may weigh more than 6lbs
*No Ham shortwave HF telemetry over USA (FCC regulation, not FAA)

== Launch ==
=== Time ===
*Optimal launch time: Just after sunset. This optimizes for maximum flight time. The idea is to launch as far before sunrise as possible. Reaching float altitude in the dark allows the helium to be densest when it overflows out the vent. Then at dawn, the sun heats the helium and it expands, with some flowing out of the vent, maintaining altitude.
*Try to select a launch time that that does not let the flight path cross major metropolitan cities, such as Washington, D.C. or New York City.

=== Site Conditions ===
*Clear of obstructions taller than 50 feet and powerlines for at least 100 yards downwind
*Clear of obstructions taller than 10 feet at least 50 yards downwind
*Some paved surface is recommended for ease of setting out tarps and tools and rolling heavy tanks around.
*absolutely no sharp objects or corners in/on the ground for 100 feet from anywhere the balloon will be while laying on the ground, or while tethered to a ground handler.
*Site should be available for 3 hours before and 3 hours after planned launch time. (most launches do not happen on time, and involve a bit of DIY fixing that delays things)
*Accessible closely by pickup truck - helium T cylinders are over 100lbs

=== Site Location ===
*Recommend that site should not be within controlled airspace classes B, C or D.
*Recommend that site should not allow common flight paths to pass into controlled airspace classes B, C or D. These airspaces extend up to 10,000ft MSL.
*Recommend to inquire with local ATC for where approach/departure paths for high traffic runways are, and avoid flight through these corridors as well.

=== Site Weather ===
*Low wind required at time of launch - safe maximum 5MPH, technical maximum 10MPH. Higher than this are likely to damage balloon or injure people holding balloon.
*Clear sky - for airplane safety, balloon should not enter clouds
*Temperature - Any is acceptable, however ensure that the balloon envelope is inflated and remains at outside air temperature if any lift force measurement is to be performed. (do not inflate in a heated hangar, and check lift force in there) When the Jet Stream is ready for balloon insertion, it will be one of the coldest nights of the year.
*Barometric pressure - Any.

LDBconstraints

2010-08-23T23:34:25Z

Steamfire: Created page with '== Long Duration Balloon Project Known Constraints == == Launch == === Time === Optimal launch time: Just after sunset. This optimizes for maximum flight time. The idea is to…'

== Long Duration Balloon Project Known Constraints ==

== Launch ==
=== Time ===
Optimal launch time: Just after sunset.
This optimizes for maximum flight time. The idea is to launch as far before sunrise as possible. Reaching float altitude in the dark allows the helium to be densest when it overflows out the vent. Then at dawn, the sun heats the helium and it expands, with some flowing out of the vent, maintaining altitude.

=== Site Conditions ===
*Clear of obstructions taller than 50 feet and powerlines for at least 100 yards downwind
*Clear of obstructions taller than 10 feet at least 50 yards downwind
*Some paved surface is recommended for ease of setting out tarps and tools and rolling heavy tanks around.
*absolutely no sharp objects or corners in/on the ground for 100 feet from anywhere the balloon will be while laying on the ground, or while tethered to a ground handler.
*Site should be available for 3 hours before and 3 hours after planned launch time. (most launches do not happen on time, and involve a bit of DIY fixing that delays things)
*Accessible closely by pickup truck - helium T cylinders are over 100lbs

=== Site Location ===
*Recommend that site should not be within controlled airspace classes B, C or D.
*Recommend that site should not allow common flight paths to pass into controlled airspace classes B, C or D. These airspaces extend up to 10,000ft MSL.
*Recommend to inquire with local ATC for where approach/departure paths for high traffic runways are, and avoid flight through these corridors as well.

=== Site Weather ===
*Low wind required at time of launch - safe maximum 5MPH, technical maximum 10MPH. Higher than this are likely to damage balloon or injure people holding balloon.
*Clear sky - for airplane safety, balloon should not enter clouds
*Temperature - Any is acceptable, however ensure that the balloon envelope is inflated and remains at outside air temperature if any lift force measurement is to be performed. (do not inflate in a heated hangar, and check lift force in there) When the Jet Stream is ready for balloon insertion, it will be one of the coldest nights of the year.
*Barometric pressure - Any.

LDBinfo

2010-08-23T15:24:29Z

Steamfire:

LDBinfo

2010-08-23T15:19:10Z

Steamfire: Created page with '== LVL1 Amateur Balloon Distance Record Breaking Proposal == By Dan Bowen The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, and landing on foreign soil, with an amateur small balloon remains …'

== LVL1 Amateur Balloon Distance Record Breaking Proposal ==
By Dan Bowen

The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, and landing on foreign soil, with an amateur small balloon remains to be achieved. A group came extremely close 3 years ago, within 300 miles of the coast of Europe, but splashed down in the ocean. They proved that it can be done - and they have posted all their data and knowledge online for others to build on. Are we the ones who will do it?

I was the leader of the most successful amateur balloon series to date - the [Spirit of Knoxville], which was the closest so far to grabbing the flag of landing in Europe. We will be able to save a large amount of time by using the lessons learned from the prior group. It took them 3 years. I think we can do it in 6 months.

There is another team from Toronto trying to do the same this winter - so keep in mind that we'll be in a race. Since we're tech-oriented here, I'll put the background info at the end, and get right to the challenges.

=== The challenges are many ===

* Stopping the climb - A special vented polyethylene plastic balloon design must be used, there's a small company who has the equipment to make them custom for the trans-atlantic crossing. making them is difficult to get right, but not impossible.
* The law - US FAA law requires imposes many limitations, but the most challenging one is this - two 6 lb containers are the maximum weight and distribution you can carry under the balloon.
* Solar heating - The sun turns a balloon into a greenhouse, making it into a partial hot-air balloon. More lift in the daytime, lots less in the night. Not good if you're trying to stay at a certain altitude
* Heaving ballast - much weight must be jettisoned at EVERY sunset to stay at the same altitude. The cold also affects the choice of ballast release mechanism
* Telemetry - 2000 miles from land isn't an easy place to get data from, and even harder to get commands from the ground to the balloon.
* Temperature - it's a cool -40C in the daytime, and a chilly -70C at night. Nothing works like you'd expect it to when that cold. You must cryotest everything before flying
* Power - you've got to carry a lot of battery power with you - and batteries that can operate super cold are few and far between Energizer e2 lithium are likely candidates. The weight of solar panels and aiming mechanics usually outweigh the benefit.
* Software - Software needs to manage ballast, telemetry, and also make decisions based on latitude and longitude boundaries - some countries don't allow certain radio transmissions from balloons.
* Electronics hardware - cheap, lightweight, low power, small size
* GPS - must be verified to work at high altitudes - many gps models have an artificial altitude threshold they will stop working above.
* Cost - typically each flight attempt will cost $400-$500
* Quantity - Many (4 to 8) attempts will have to be made before the weather and our luck coincide, and nearly every flight that fails will never be recovered - don't expect to re-use any hardware.
* Weather - the only way to cross the ocean is to ride the Jet Stream. Special balloon flight forecasting software must be set up to warn us when the Jet Stream is travelling from here to the other side of the pond. This will only happen about 8 times during the whole year.

=== High Altitude Balloons in general ===

High altitude weather balloons are large latex or plastic balloons that carry instruments and experiments into the upper atmosphere. A typical simple balloon will be 4 feet in diameter, white latex, and carry 2lbs of payload. It will climb at 1000 feet per minute, swelling as the air pressure decreases. It will burst when it reaches approximately 10 feet in diameter, usually around 70,000 ft altitude. The tattered remains of the balloon, and the payload, then descend on a parachute to the ground, usually dozens of miles from the point of launch. These are commonly executed and recovered by amateur radio operators and others using simple GPS location transmitters.

=== What is Long Duration Balloon Flight? ===
Balloon flights are considered "long duration" when they do not follow the traditional rise-until-you-pop flight path, but instead they level off, and float at a particular altitude. Large NASA "LDB" flight may float anywhere from 1 week to 90 days at their float altitude. However, those balloons require a special condition found only at the polar regions of the planet to accomplish this ultra-long duration flight - continuous sunlight. NASA balloons that have done this are large- '''extremely''' large - usually the size of an entire football stadium when inflated. Mere amateurs cannot hope to construct balloons of this scale. However, what has been discovered recently by amateurs, is that LDB flight is possible with small zero-pressure balloons. Perhaps even weeks if one could get to the polar region with an amateur balloon, but with significant work and planning, even at our Kentucky latitude, several days flight should be possible.

=== The Jet Stream is the way ===
The Jet Stream is a river of high speed air, that is about 100 miles wide, and about 10,000 ft thick, between 30,000 and 40,000 ft altitude. It travels usually at speeds of 100MPH to 200MPH. If you put a balloon into this raging river, and you hold your altitude, it will move as fast as the stream - up to 200MPH. You could make it from here to Europe in just 24 hours.

=== Cost ===
In the prior Spirit of Knoxville group, we paid about $200 for each trans-atlantic zero pressure balloon. The home-made electronics came to about $60 including GPS. Helium is about $100. The rest of the materials were trivial, probably $40 of payload box and parts to drop ballast. So the SNOX flights cost about $400 per flight. There were 5 full SNOX flights, the fourth is the one that made it across most of the way. Three of the five suffered significant failures: two of the balloon envelope, and one of the electronics.