You may think that streaming live video is easy, especially when using a balloon that can reach 100,000 feet above. Using the Raspberry Pi Zero W, the Project Horus team was able to complete the project despite several obstacles that were not expected to occur.
Project Transmitter Horus DVB-S: What is it?
(Photo: YouTube / Ham Radio DX screenshot)
According to AREG.org, Project Horus made this experiment possible through a DVB payload. For the past 12 months, Peter VK5KX and Mark VJ5QI have been collaborating to complete the project.
Using the Raspberry Pi Zero W makes small photos and videos possible. Later the DVB-S broadcast connected to the LimeSDR Mini. From there, an LDMOS-based power amplifier is used to increase the signal to -800mW.
Peter is the one who designed a mechanism for sinking and spreading heat in the payload. He also built LimeSDR (Software Defined Radio) interface boards. Eight energy lithium AA primary cells were used for its power. They were suitable for adaptation to the low temperatures above.
Prior to the experiment, the payload was subjected to adjustment and testing so that the team would know what would happen if it landed in the most extreme areas or reached the highest temperature.
The problem is not limited to the thin atmosphere. It is also connected to the transmitter, which depends on the power source. In addition, the station must also have good signal reception so that video streaming for viewers will be smooth, Hakadai reports.
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DVB-S payload flight tracking and management
(Photo: YouTube / Ham Radio DX screenshot)
According to MEDICOM, telemetry is the term used to describe the transmission and measurement of data performed automatically at a distance using radio or other related instruments. For the experiment, Project Horus is also considering using telemetry, especially primary telemetry.
The reprogrammed RS41 provides basic telemetry. It is designed to transmit “Horus Binary” 4FSK mode on 434.200 MHz. Reception was done through the stations using demodulation software, Horus GUI. During balloon flight, payload tracking can be accessed in the HabHub tracker.
Launch the balloon and payload live
During the close launch, the team gathered at the Auburn Oval to determine all the things for the experiment. After the preparation, the filling of the balloon started. At that time, the live stream began and curious people watched as the balloon and payload flew at that time.
If you think the balloon used in this experiment is just an ordinary balloon, you’re wrong. The special balloon, which was a Totex 1000g, was the subject of the project. In addition to the balloon, the University of Adelaide also gave a 3.5-cubic meter cylinder containing helium. After a few minutes, the balloon was released, along with the payload.
Auto Tracking mode was activated at startup. The ground station system focuses on Yagi antennas designed to track the location of the payload and the balloon. This also ensures that viewers can see the live stream more clearly.
Through YouTube, the bubble began to rise until it reached its peak. When I touched the first cloud layer, the landscape turned gray. This time the pursuit team will start waiting to land at a certain place.
On the other hand, Peter VK5KX, Matt VK5ZM and Grant VK5GR carefully studied the condition of the balloon and how it was seen around the world via the live stream on YouTube.
In the future, the team may conduct another series of experiments, and we never know if they will still use the Raspberry Pi Zero W. This credit card-sized computer makes the most of the hardest work that people can’t easily do on their own.
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Written by Joen Coronel
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