HAB Tracker Station

Project HAB Tracker Station
Status	Completed
Contact	User:Costyn_van_Dongen, Maxell, Bertrik_Sikken
Last Update	2013-10-19

Project page for the high altitude balloon tracking/listening station have set up in the space. This information is processed for the spacenear.us map

Done

Hardware

• "ezcap USB 2.0 DVB-T/DAB/FM" dongle (RTL2838U, Fitipower FC0013 tuner)
• VK5QI HABamp
• Antenna: Diamond X-50N Apparently not a Diamond, might be a Comet. "collinear antenna for 70cm"

Software

• Windows XP, hostname "habtracker", IP 10.42.44.94 (MAC 00:21:70:02:62:0f)
  • Start the machine with a magic WoL packet: 'wakeonlan -i 10.42.255.255 00:21:70:02:62:0f; ping habtracker'
  • VNC: geheim ;-)

• Teamviewer ID: 675540724

Todo

Hardware

• See if disconnect PC-ground from the antenna ground inproves noise figure
• Moar ferrite
• Metal box for some shielding (DIY or be lazy and get something like [1] or [2])

Pics

Derping around with hardware

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  One of the first decoding on dedicated machine tests

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  We are not using the Raspberry Pi anymore for rtl-tcp

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  The antenna: 'Diamond X-50N'

Deel 1

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  Coax will leave/enter the building trough the little chimney

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  The ideal antenna mounting spot; the old zonnecollector

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  Enclosure almost ready to rock

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  The magic pipe

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  Almost the same as having the Raspi on the roof

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  Power and network connected

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  Not sure what happened with the other hole there

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  The smell was't that bad

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  It pings!

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  The open pigtail even picks up our payload...

Deel 2

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  We took out the Raspberry Pi. We still use the enclosure for the rtl-sdr dongle and HABamp

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  Coax entering

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  oh hi

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  Look at the beautiful stainless steel bolts!

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  Oooooh!

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  The beauty