DIY Stratosphere Spacecraft- High Altitude Balloon Project

thingiverse

The aim of this project is to build and launch a high-altitude balloon, reaching near-space/stratosphere at approximately 100,000 feet. The balloon will carry cameras, experiments, and data logging equipment powered by a helium-filled latex weather balloon. Tutorials, source files, and Arduino code for the build process will be shared as it progresses. A Solidoodle 2 3D printer will be used to create all 3D printed parts, which should be easily replicable by others. The goal is to complete the High Altitude Balloon (HAB) prior to April 18th, 2014, coinciding with Stanford University's Global Space Balloon Challenge and optimal recovery conditions in the area. The basic components of the balloon will include a weather balloon, HAB payload enclosure, two GPS trackers for recovery (an Android phone and a Spot Trace unit), HD video recording (if suitable), a Cannon Camera with CHDK for still images, Arduino, barometric pressure logging, temperature logging inside and outside the payload, a recovery parachute, and a heating system. Additional sensors and electronics may also be integrated. Those interested in contributing to the project are encouraged to reach out. Build updates, launch information, and tracking can be found at www.mkme.org. Videos detailing the build process are available on YouTube (links provided). Instructions for the build will be delivered via videos and respective source files. Multiple 3D printed parts will be required for electronics cases, camera brackets, etc. The Arduino code includes Real-Time Clock (RTC) support connected to VCC and Ground with I2C connections to pins Analog 4 and Analog 5. The RTC module is set using a serial window after powering on. An Adafruit 992 - MPL115A2 Baro/Temp Sensor has been added, connected to pins Analog 4 and Analog 5 via I2C. Battery voltage monitoring has also been integrated by using a voltage divider with two 10K ohm resistors on the 7.4V supply from the battery. Testing of the build showed no issues after running for 15 hours and recording 47000 lines, resulting in a filesize of 2.1MB. In version V4, altitude in meters was added as an output (thanks to Jon). A static value of 15 was used for temperature as using actual temperature caused unreliable indoor values.