HAB Tracker Station

Project HAB Tracker Station
Status	In progress
Contact	User:Costyn_van_Dongen, Maxell, Bertrik_Sikken
Last Update	2013-03-15

Project page for the high altitude balloon tracking/listening station have set up in the space.

Done

Hardware

• "ezcap USB 2.0 DVB-T/DAB/FM" dongle (RTL2838U, Fitipower FC0013 tuner)
• VK5QI HABamp
• Raspberry Pi (+ power supply)
• Antenna: Diamond X-50N

Software

• Raspbian: revspace/geheim
  • IP: 10.42.43.20
  • SSH: revspace/geheim
• running rtl_tcp on port 1234 (default)
  • Make sure you are on a wired connection, or else latency will ruin everything

Todo

Hardware

• Earth the antenna, to prevent static buildup
• Moar ferrite
• Metal box for some shielding (DIY or be lazy and get something like [1] or [2])

Software

• Setting up a (virtual?) machine with gqrx and dl-fldigi.
  • Blokje told us we could use his machine for permanent setup
    • This requires us to move the SpaceSoundSystem towards something like a Cubieboard
      • Preferred to setup a complete NAS at the same time, this idea has been floating around for a while too

Pics

Derping around with hardware

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  One of the first payload tests

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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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  Without the HABamp the USB cable is a bit short

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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