It's coming together! This shows a test fit of the video system in BLT-22. Video Wizard Ron AG5RS has completed the dual camera payload with 1.2 GHz video downlink. It looks good, but will it work? Tonight we find out!
Here is a closeup of the 1.2 GHz video transmitter amplifier (1 Watt output) on the left and the controller circuitry on the rige.
This closeup of the ATV payload shows the 1.2 GHz exciter and the control receiver. The system can be commanded from the ground to choose one of two video cameras. One is a normal color camera, while the other operates in the infrared spectrum.
Ron has done a lot of work putting together the video system. He's ready to do some tests and take a break. BUT,... Ron still has some "mods" up his sleeve. Why does he want to gut Andy's old HI-8 camcorder? What agenda does he and Tom K5SAF have in mind for last-minute changes? We will just have to wait...
Video Test Time! Michael W2CVZ sends the 8-digit touch-tone commands to the payload to turn off one camera and turn on the other. Ron watches the TV with the 1.2 GHz FM receiver on the other side of the lab.
Michael and Josh KE5FGC send commands and test the video system. Helium King Charlie observes, but wonders, "Why do we have to have 8-digit commands? Why can't we just use something easy to remember, like 2-digit touch-tone commands? Why not use "73" to turn on, and "88" to turn off?".
Scott WA5LHM came in from Georgetown to make sure we were really working on the project. Scott wonders why we couldn't use 1-digit commands. The probability that we might have a chance to remember the commands would be much higher!
Wow! I'm Famous! I'm on TV!.
Here we go. This is the main GPS system. The system has been checked out. It has a new antenna and a new aluminum-foil box for the Terminal Node Controller. It looks good, but does it work?
The back-up GPS is not quite finished, but it works. It has a new antenna and fresh batteries. Tests have shown that the problems encountered last time were due to failing batteries. It was time to change them out anyway.
Josh demonstrates the use of UIVIEW to Michael. APRS signals from both systems are checked out with local maps. Nice work Josh!
It's a little grainy as photos go, but this is a view of the laptop screen using UIVIEW and one of the APRS signals from BLT-22. We have success. The lakes and canals of Venitian Estates are clear.
FAA Interface Expert Mike WB5QCC showed up late, or did he? It seems that most folks left a bit early. They were worn out! Mike lifts his Ale in a toast to a successful flight for BLT-22. Payload Master Tony N5RPQ agrees!
To The Edge Of Space!
Our Final Completion Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2006, at the Secret BLT Lab (310 Lombardy) in Sugar Land - 8 PM till 10 PM.
Launch is scheduled for 10 AM on September 9, 2006 from the Wharton Regional Airport. Be There!!!