Monthly Archives: August 2016

PS-68 APRS/Olivia PICO balloon

PS-68 is planned for release at 7am Sat 27 Aug 2016 AEST.

Solar powered party balloon, 10mW TX.
APRS on 145.175Mhz
Olivia 8/250 with RSID on 434.649Mhz USB (Dial frequency)

Tracking as
PS-68 on SNUS
VK3YT-11 on APRS.FI

Prediction

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Update #1 5pm 28 Aug 2016 AEST

PS-68 had a 24H run along the East coast, and took off to the east towards New Zealand near Brisbane this morning.

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The expected time of arrive in New Zealand is around mid night local time tonight, 28 Aug 2016 (1200 UTC)

Update #2 10pm 29 Aug 2016 AEST

PS-68 was in range of ZL1RS at 20:36 AEST last night, at the same time arriving at a weather front. The weather caused the balloon to descend and change direction, and stayed out of LOS range of ZL stations until 7:21am this morning (AEST), when it started its tour of New Zealand.

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After arriving at the East coast side, and just before it was time to leave , the balloon descended again, changing direction towards land.

Update #3 9pm 30 Aug 2016 AEST

PS-68 spent another day over North Island before heading into the Pacific at 15:34pm AEST today.

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