Launching weather balloons, Tyee Middle School, with guidance from Boeing, T-Mobile, and Microsoft engineers. I participated for three years as a participant, and one year as a high-school volunteer.
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Programming in BASIC (PICAXE), C++ (Arduino), and Python (Raspberry Pi).
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CAD design with AutoDesk Inventor.
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Basic construction and electronics assembly.
Arduino, temperature, humidity, accelerometer, and gyroscope sensors. Also, a GoPro taking timed photos and a GPS receiver to record position.
The box and inside frame is designed in AutoDesk Inventor and built with foam walls and lots of glue and tape. The frame is 3D printed and went through many iterations. The entire structure is tested to ensure everything stays intact throughout all stages of the mission, including touchdown.
At launch, the box is stuffed with foam and hand warmers to keep the computer above operating temperature.
Each balloon has a computer with GPS, tracked in-flight using APRS.
