Weather+Prediction+and+Cameras

By Godwin Chan

=Purpose:=

The purpose of this project is to 1) Use our available resources to predict the path of the DREAMS17 Balloon on the day of Launch, and 2) To install and prepare various cameras for use during the DREAMS17 mission.

= Weather Prediction: =

__**Habhub**__
Before Launch Day we will run one final prediction, then place the predicted path on a monitor screen. Then using our GPS trackers on the balloon, we can compare the actual path of the balloon to the predicted path, and calculate distance variations.

Everyday we try to run two weather predictions, because every weather station in the world launches their own weather balloons at precisely 0000 hour and 1200 hour UMT.

=Analysis-=

Near Space Ventures May 24th Morning Prediction Habhub May 24th Morning Prediction

Based on the prediction feedbacks and experience in these missions there are a few things we can do:

1) Using path patterns we can effectively have ground teams chase and locate the balloon landing. 2) Path patterns can help us determine our launch point to optimize the landing area. 3) If we notice that the wind is strong and the distance between launching and landing are too long, we can change it's traveling distance but reducing the weight of the payload, or vice versa.

Why does the balloon path zigzag?
Where the balloon changes direction is when the balloon has reached an altitude higher than wind levels, meaning that it is so far in space wind no longer has any effect on it. The reason why it goes left is because the Earth is rotating towards the right side, and so relative to the ground the balloon is traveling to west, when really the balloon is simply going straight up while the Earth is rotating.

=Results-= After recovery of the balloon I want to study and graph the distance differences between the predicted path and the actual path of the balloon during the mission, so that we can analyze the accuracy and effectiveness of these weather predictions.

= CAMERAS =

=Procedures=

Camera Procedures

Installments:

-For the camera facing down inside the Secondary, not only did we have to cut a hole on the bottom of the box, but we also had to put a wind block on it to prevent air from entering the box. 16GB Card

-For camera facing sideways, a hole in the side of the box was cut out, and an L-bracket is used to hold the camera upright. A foam piece is attached to prevent the camera from pivoting during the flight. 8GB SD Card

-For the SANYO Video Camera a simple bolt is used to attach it, with washers to prevent bolt from loosening. 32GB Card

-The GoPro Hero Camera is attached in a tightly sealed plastic case, two batteries, angle adjustments, 32GB SD Card

=Results-=