Party Balloon Circles the Northern Hemisphere

[VK2JDH]

A simple party-style balloon carrying a 434 MHz solar-powered Amateur Radio transmitter is nearing the end of its trip around the Northern Hemisphere. Launched on July 12 from the UK by Leo Bodnar, M0XER, the so-called B-64 balloon is expected to complete its final transatlantic crossing over Cornwall in the UK on July 31 or August 1. It then is expected to continue east into Europe. So far the balloon has traveled some 15,500 miles and traveled over 17 countries

http://www.arrl.org/news/party-balloon- ... hemisphere

http://spacenear.us/tracker/?filter=B-64

[VK2FAK]

Hi all...

Yeah I had seen posting about it.....at least there balloon gets to travel over land....Andy's balloons have to travel most of the way over water and nobody to receive the signal till it finds land somewhere...those guys in the Northern Hemisphere always get it easier......and Andy's balloon ( the Sun tanned one from Brazil ) had traveled at that point 16277km ( no miles to Km conv. needed )and it was still flying high and fast...so Moxer still has a way to go, to beat Andy..

John

[VK2GOM]

I didn't know Leo was licensed. I know him through other engineering circles. Interesting

73 - Rob VK2GOM / GW0MOH

[VK3YT]

That was an amazing trip, i think not many people realized that was possible until Leo did it.

I think there will be a world-wide shortage of balloons as everyone else is trying to do the same

We did manage to be on top of the list in the distance and duration records on ARHAB for a few days, until Leo puts in his entries!

http://arhab.org, select Records then Distance/Longest and Duration.

Andy

[VK5ZD]

Andy's balloon ( the Sun tanned one from Brazil ) had traveled at that point 16277km ( no miles to Km conv. needed )and it was still flying high and fast...so Moxer still has a way to go, to beat Andy.

Huh? 15,500m = 24,800km

[VK2GOM]

...plus another 145km!

1 mile = 1.609344km

73 - Rob VK2GOM / GW0MOH

[VK2FAK]

Hi all....

Yes I take your point....but last time it was heard from, it was still going strong...so who knows where it is...

John