Welcome to PE1RAH
Balloon transponder test.
At 5 juli 2003 the
prototype version of the P3e MODE-UV transponder has been tested on a weather
balloon, launched in Meiningen (Germany) loc: JO50EN, and going up to a 30km altitude.
Below some pictures of the
balloon event and the MODE-UV transponder:
The MODE-UV transponder packet into thermal foam
(yellow box), with the dual-band GP antenna just before launch.
Beacon and GPS unit to track to balloon during its
flight.
The balloon itself, during filling with hydrogen…
Radar reflector…
Connect the battery, just before launch…
Message on the transponder-box for people who find the
box…
The transponder flying in the air…
Pictures of the
transponder:
Transponder in thermal protection foam (yellow box)
with homebrew dual-band 2m/70cm GP antenna…
Side view, the white thermal protection foam is
visible…
Transponder visible within the thermal foam…
Transponder itself with the thermal protection foam
apart…
Front view: Box below is the MODE-UV transponder,
(little) top box is 100mW PA with 2m/70cm duplexer.
Small box: Left side is 100mW PA from junk components,
right side is duplexer from junk components…
(Fast made for “one flight” only hehe)
Left side (PCB): Transponder UHF RX
Top right: Crystal bandpass filter
Bottom left (3 shielded boxes): 70cm RX filter
Left side (PCB): Transponder VHF TX (10mW)
Right bottom: Crystal bandpass filter
Top right (3 shielded boxes): 70cm RX filter
Transponder PCB’s smaller than a music cassette box…
Enjoy HAM radio,
73 de PE1RAH (William Leijenaar).