We're getting down to the WIRE... Here's Payload Master Charles W5BAA and Helium King Charlie K5ENG comparing notes on UIVIEW software functions.
Charles W5BAA brought the slightly rebuilt BLT-21 glider. We had a "hard" landing during a test at the Houston Hawks glider field in Crosby, Texas, but Charles put it all back together, in even better form. There are some curiosities in the 23-cm, color-camera glider ATV system that need some attention. They will get it tonight thanks to Randy KA5IIA.
George W5GFP has been working on a housing for the Sony video camcorder. The basic housing is a typical, George-built masterpiece.
Here's an "end-on" view of the Sony Video camcorder, as mounted in the preliminary foam housing. We will postition this sub-package above the main payload to avoid physical interference with the glider.
George consults with Randy KA5IIA and Payload Master Tony N5RPQ concerning the Sony video camcorder system.
Payload Master Pete KD5ELH, Tom K5SAF and Ron AG5RS get down to some basics with the main payload video system. Up to three cameras will be remotely accessed during the flight for the main 1.2 GHz ATV downlink.
Here is a closeup of the 1.2 GHz ATV transmit antenna, two cameras, and in the background, the video controller from Bronwyn.
Ron AG5RS works with the connections to the main payload ATV controller and transmitter. The exciter is on the right, with the 1-Watt amplifier to the immediate left.
The BLT purchased a transmitter, but Andy W5ACM picked up this matching 1.2 GHz ATV receiver just because it looked like a cool toy. It gets a bit warm, but it works very well. We intend to run it with a preamp and M-Squared multi-element Yagi during the flight.
"The codeword is DOG, I say DOG!!" Charlie K5ENG has armed the Gadget, and has achieved detonation!
No Helium needed here!! This is a close-up of the test ignition of the back-up, cut-down system for the RC glider. We hope that it will not be necessary, but we ALWAYS test the components of this unit before flight. Charlie wouldn't have it any other way...
Uh Oh!! It looks like we still have some SERIOUS wiring to do before flight!! Things are looking GREAT, but there's more work to do!!!!
Our Payload Celebration Party will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2005, at the Secret BLT Lab (310 Lombardy) in Sugar Land - 8 PM till 10 PM. This is REALLY IT! YIKES!! TIME HAS RUN OUT!! I guess the Celebration Party will turn into a REAL WORK ENDEAVOR!!
Launch is scheduled for 10 AM on August 20, 2005 from the Wharton Regional Airport. Be There!!!