Getting things started for payload integration - Howard AC5VF, Dave WD8RZA, Wild Bill KD5IIU.
First on the list of tasks is to install the glider cut-down system and the antenna for the 1255 MHz FM ATV transmitter.
Wild Bill KD5IIU brought an array of FM ATV receive gear and recording equipment.
George W5GFP shows off the two-pound glider to be cut loose at a few thousand feet.
Mike WA5TWT got his system set up and running for some really nice map displays marking the location of the package per the GPS data sent.
That's Tony N5RPQ in the background carefully cutting holes in the foam box with help from Pete KD5ELH. Mike WB5QCC and John WA5WOD check out the radiation experiment and eat chips.
The top payload in the stack is the radiation detector system built by Howard AC5VF. Here it is ready for final launch prep. Data output is via an interupted carrier on 28.322 MHz. The system interupts the carrier once a second with a "health beep". All other interuptions are data. Count the interuptions in 60 seconds, subtract 60, and multiply the result by 8. This is the number of gamma events detected by the system.
Mike WA5TWT and Tony N5RPQ make some last-minute wiring changes to the main power buss after the first "full-up" test shows a wiring problem.
The final-final Integration meeting will be held on Friday, August 24, 2001, at the Old Secret BLT lab in Sugar Land - 8 PM till 10 PM.
Launch is scheduled for 10 AM on August 25, 2001 from the Wharton Regional Airport. Be There!!!