Yesterday I set up one of my Dad's rigs at his qth (vk5pp) on 20m as well, 5 element yagi, currently beaming west, short path. Not sure if long path maybe better ??
Good luck PS-30, hope to decode you soon
PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
Glad to see that PS-30 is still in flight. I have two receivers listening on 20m and 30m on jt9.
Yesterday I set up one of my Dad's rigs at his qth (vk5pp) on 20m as well, 5 element yagi, currently beaming west, short path. Not sure if long path maybe better ??
Good luck PS-30, hope to decode you soon
Yesterday I set up one of my Dad's rigs at his qth (vk5pp) on 20m as well, 5 element yagi, currently beaming west, short path. Not sure if long path maybe better ??
Good luck PS-30, hope to decode you soon
- Attachments
-
- PS-30 over Argentina.jpg (54.12 KiB) Viewed 2418 times
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
You'll have to produce a new 'photoshop' soon Joe 
The balloon is currently off the coast of Namibia/South Africa but 'looping' around in an anti-cyclone weather pattern (it did the same thing a few times in the Pacific).
For those who are interested, here is what can be done with a single block of JT9 telemetry which, if received on it's own, will not update the tracking map. A JT9 #2 telemetry block was received by "the server" from ZS6AF at 19:51 UTC ... ZS6AF | KG54km | 1951 -22 -1.2 1007 @ 230305YV5GW82 No one received the #1 block at 19:50 UTC so the tracking web page map was not updated, but useful information can be derived by breaking up the block into its lat/long/alt/debug components and converting from base-42. We get ...
2303 in base-42 = 153471 ... 180 - 153.471 = 26.529 ... -26.529 lat
05YV in base 42 = 10279 ... 10.279 degrees long
5GW in base-42 = 9524 ... 9524m ASL
The last two characters 82 are displayed in a different manner on the tracking map web page (a conversion from HEX but of interest to Andy VK3YT only)
The tracking web page information for the last full JT9 string (JT9 #1 block plus JT9 #2 block received in consecutive minutes) as received by ZS6DX at 15:30 and 15:31 UTC shows ...
PS-30
Time: 2015-01-11 15:30:00
Position: -26.862,11.11
Altitude: 9814 m Rate: 0.0 m/s
Max. Altitude: 10299 m
Speed: 21.6 km/h
Battery: 4.263 V
Debug: 1000 0001 jt9
Gps Lock: 3
Satellites: 10
Receivers: ZS6DX
The position at that time was -26.862 South latitude and 11.11 East longitude. The new information from the JT9 #2 block from ZS6AF at 19:51 UTC shows the balloon has moved slightly to the north and west. This is in keeping with the current weather pattern ...
... an anticyclone off the coast of Namibia producing a NW air flow in the region of the balloon. (Note this is a simulated surface air pressure map so it may not always replicate the actual air flow at the balloon's 9524m altitude, but it gives an idea of what to expect in lieu of a NOAA trajectory prediction).
73,
The balloon is currently off the coast of Namibia/South Africa but 'looping' around in an anti-cyclone weather pattern (it did the same thing a few times in the Pacific). For those who are interested, here is what can be done with a single block of JT9 telemetry which, if received on it's own, will not update the tracking map. A JT9 #2 telemetry block was received by "the server" from ZS6AF at 19:51 UTC ... ZS6AF | KG54km | 1951 -22 -1.2 1007 @ 230305YV5GW82 No one received the #1 block at 19:50 UTC so the tracking web page map was not updated, but useful information can be derived by breaking up the block into its lat/long/alt/debug components and converting from base-42. We get ...
2303 in base-42 = 153471 ... 180 - 153.471 = 26.529 ... -26.529 lat
05YV in base 42 = 10279 ... 10.279 degrees long
5GW in base-42 = 9524 ... 9524m ASL
The last two characters 82 are displayed in a different manner on the tracking map web page (a conversion from HEX but of interest to Andy VK3YT only)
The tracking web page information for the last full JT9 string (JT9 #1 block plus JT9 #2 block received in consecutive minutes) as received by ZS6DX at 15:30 and 15:31 UTC shows ...
PS-30
Time: 2015-01-11 15:30:00
Position: -26.862,11.11
Altitude: 9814 m Rate: 0.0 m/s
Max. Altitude: 10299 m
Speed: 21.6 km/h
Battery: 4.263 V
Debug: 1000 0001 jt9
Gps Lock: 3
Satellites: 10
Receivers: ZS6DX
The position at that time was -26.862 South latitude and 11.11 East longitude. The new information from the JT9 #2 block from ZS6AF at 19:51 UTC shows the balloon has moved slightly to the north and west. This is in keeping with the current weather pattern ...
... an anticyclone off the coast of Namibia producing a NW air flow in the region of the balloon. (Note this is a simulated surface air pressure map so it may not always replicate the actual air flow at the balloon's 9524m altitude, but it gives an idea of what to expect in lieu of a NOAA trajectory prediction).
73,
Bob, ZL1RS in the Bay of Islands at RF64vs
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
Still flying. Location map plotted from a single block of JT9 telemetry received within the last hour from ZS6KN ...
Contrary to the NOAA trajectory prediction, the balloon is traveling slowly NNW up the African coast.
Contrary to the NOAA trajectory prediction, the balloon is traveling slowly NNW up the African coast.
Bob, ZL1RS in the Bay of Islands at RF64vs
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
PS-30 still progressing well, last decode at 19:10utc by ZS6AF and ZS4TX. The quality of this foil balloon must be very good.
Slow approach to Namibia
Slow approach to Namibia
- Attachments
-
- PS-30 near Namibia.jpg (94.98 KiB) Viewed 2351 times
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
'Photoshops' of Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique required
PS-30 has flown over them all in the past couple of days and is now heading east over the Indian Ocean towards VK6.
"GO BALLOON"
BTW, PS-30 has created quite some interest in ZS ... their forum thread on this flight has attracted over 200 posts and over 2350 views (in 7 days).
PS-30 has flown over them all in the past couple of days and is now heading east over the Indian Ocean towards VK6.
"GO BALLOON" BTW, PS-30 has created quite some interest in ZS ... their forum thread on this flight has attracted over 200 posts and over 2350 views (in 7 days).
Bob, ZL1RS in the Bay of Islands at RF64vs
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
Hi Guys, Been keeping an eye on this Balloon since day one. However can only find real Time Data for WSPR Mode. (WSPRnet).
Anyone know if there is a site that displays the JT9 data received by monitoring stations.
Mark
Anyone know if there is a site that displays the JT9 data received by monitoring stations.
Mark
Last edited by VK3MJ on Thu Jan 15, 2015 11:32 am, edited 2 times in total.
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
Hi Mark,
Alas the balloon WSPR power level is encoded incorrectly into the transmitted data, it is in fact running 25mW (approx, 14dBm) ... the km/W is therefore only 387,520. See if you can dig up the WSPR spots from earlier flights in Sept/Oct/Nov 2014 (one was not using the callsign VK3YT ... refer to other threads in this Satellites and Balloons category). There were some spots from the USA and possibly Europe when HF propagation was better during that season, and those spots were nearly twice the distance.
I understand from Andy that the PS-30 antenna is two 5m lengths of wire with the payload in the middle ... more or less a 20m dipole.
73,
Alas the balloon WSPR power level is encoded incorrectly into the transmitted data, it is in fact running 25mW (approx, 14dBm) ... the km/W is therefore only 387,520. See if you can dig up the WSPR spots from earlier flights in Sept/Oct/Nov 2014 (one was not using the callsign VK3YT ... refer to other threads in this Satellites and Balloons category). There were some spots from the USA and possibly Europe when HF propagation was better during that season, and those spots were nearly twice the distance.
I understand from Andy that the PS-30 antenna is two 5m lengths of wire with the payload in the middle ... more or less a 20m dipole.
73,
Bob, ZL1RS in the Bay of Islands at RF64vs
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
The first decode of JT9 telemetry from PS-20 from a VK as the balloon approaches "home" from the west ...
VK4RV QG62ku 1810 -24 -0.9 982 @ VK3YT16830NQ0
The telemetry string decodes as: 43.2kmph 8, 3, 2.976V 0V (speed, number of GPS satellites, GPS 'lock', loaded battery voltage, solar panel output voltage)
The battery voltage is very low, so likely the balloon transmitter will have shut down after that transmission. It should 'wake up' again a few hours after sun rise at the balloon's position (south of Madagascar). That will be sometime between 04 and 06 UTC. You guys will have a better idea of propagation to the southern African region to know when more decodes are likely in VK.
73,
VK4RV QG62ku 1810 -24 -0.9 982 @ VK3YT16830NQ0
The telemetry string decodes as: 43.2kmph 8, 3, 2.976V 0V (speed, number of GPS satellites, GPS 'lock', loaded battery voltage, solar panel output voltage)
The battery voltage is very low, so likely the balloon transmitter will have shut down after that transmission. It should 'wake up' again a few hours after sun rise at the balloon's position (south of Madagascar). That will be sometime between 04 and 06 UTC. You guys will have a better idea of propagation to the southern African region to know when more decodes are likely in VK.
73,
Bob, ZL1RS in the Bay of Islands at RF64vs
-
VK4KL
- Forum Diehard
- Posts: 219
- Joined: Wed Mar 27, 2013 7:50 pm
- Location: Yarraman the Queensland one
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
Don't know how I will go with my OCFD but I will try to decode the balloon tx today
Adrian
Adrian
Adrian
VK4KL
QG53xd
VK4KL
QG53xd
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
ZS boys doing ok decoding PS-30. 
Checking weather forecast there is a cyclone - TC Bansi not too far away
Checking weather forecast there is a cyclone - TC Bansi not too far away
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
Reports indicate PS-30 started losing altitude at 1550utc and maybe down now near Madagascar 
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
Indeed, the last 'full pair' of JT9 telemetry decodes that updated the tracking page show the balloon has landed ...
... however, since then there have been several JT9 #2 telemetry blocks decoded (and some WSPR decodes), so PS-30 has not drowned.
Decyphering the JT9 #2 telemetry blocks (they contain lat/long/altitude information) indicates that PS-30 has gained a little altitude (60m) and has traveled 30km since "landing". This balloon is not sitting on the sea surface!! The tracking web site does not show this movement because it will not update unless it receives both a #1 and #2 JT9 telemetry blocks in consecutive minutes.
The last telemetry block and WSPR decodes were at 18:51/52 UTC. This is some 3 hours after sun set at the PS-30 location so the battery will now have gone below the 'sleep' threshold and the transmitter will have shut down for the night. If it is still aloft, the expected 'wake up' (after the solar cell recharges the battery) will be about 05 UTC.
Until then ...
73,
... however, since then there have been several JT9 #2 telemetry blocks decoded (and some WSPR decodes), so PS-30 has not drowned.
Decyphering the JT9 #2 telemetry blocks (they contain lat/long/altitude information) indicates that PS-30 has gained a little altitude (60m) and has traveled 30km since "landing". This balloon is not sitting on the sea surface!! The tracking web site does not show this movement because it will not update unless it receives both a #1 and #2 JT9 telemetry blocks in consecutive minutes.
The last telemetry block and WSPR decodes were at 18:51/52 UTC. This is some 3 hours after sun set at the PS-30 location so the battery will now have gone below the 'sleep' threshold and the transmitter will have shut down for the night. If it is still aloft, the expected 'wake up' (after the solar cell recharges the battery) will be about 05 UTC.
Until then ...
73,
Bob, ZL1RS in the Bay of Islands at RF64vs
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
Bad weather in the area ...
Predicted current location of PS-30.
Best case - the balloon is up but heavy cloud cover is preventing the solar cell from charging the battery enough to 'wake up'.
Realistic case - the balloon has been driven back into the sea by heavy rain fall.
Unless we get another surprise during the next 48 hours, Andy VK3YT will make a 'final call' on Sunday.
Predicted current location of PS-30.
Best case - the balloon is up but heavy cloud cover is preventing the solar cell from charging the battery enough to 'wake up'.
Realistic case - the balloon has been driven back into the sea by heavy rain fall.
Unless we get another surprise during the next 48 hours, Andy VK3YT will make a 'final call' on Sunday.
Bob, ZL1RS in the Bay of Islands at RF64vs
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
Hi all,
PS-30 went down near Madagascar at 5:51am 16/1/2015 AEST, 25H short of 3 weeks in the air.
There was some bad weather in the region, but speculations also include the possibility it was brought down by the naughty Penguins on the Island.
A big thank you to everyone that have assisted with the trip in many ways, from tracking, to sending feedback, words of encouragement, and getting help when needed. The level of interest from all around the world has been amazing. The trip would not have been so successful without the collective effort of the like-minded community built-up along the way.
Thanks again, and see you at the next trip!
Andy
PS-30 went down near Madagascar at 5:51am 16/1/2015 AEST, 25H short of 3 weeks in the air.
There was some bad weather in the region, but speculations also include the possibility it was brought down by the naughty Penguins on the Island.
A big thank you to everyone that have assisted with the trip in many ways, from tracking, to sending feedback, words of encouragement, and getting help when needed. The level of interest from all around the world has been amazing. The trip would not have been so successful without the collective effort of the like-minded community built-up along the way.
Thanks again, and see you at the next trip!
Andy
-
VK4KL
- Forum Diehard
- Posts: 219
- Joined: Wed Mar 27, 2013 7:50 pm
- Location: Yarraman the Queensland one
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
Was starting to get excited about "The Return" hoping to hear it this time. Havent had any luck so far but will try again next time.
Think I need a better antenna
Adrian
Think I need a better antenna
Adrian
Adrian
VK4KL
QG53xd
VK4KL
QG53xd
-
VK2FAK
Re: PS-30 PICO balloon HF payload
Hi All....
Did the Balloon PS-30 have a chance if it got past Madagascar, none at all it would seem.....
A Foreign News Story I saw on TV last night......
Madagascar hit by Tropical Storm
46 people Killed
1000's now homeless...
John
Did the Balloon PS-30 have a chance if it got past Madagascar, none at all it would seem.....
A Foreign News Story I saw on TV last night......
Madagascar hit by Tropical Storm
46 people Killed
1000's now homeless...
John