1/ Parachutes
Having done some testing I just wasn’t happy with the slack parachute load bearing through the centre option, I just couldn’t get it to work for me with tangles and the complexity. Instead I decided to go with the parachute as a load bearing option so I duly ordered some nice pink 36″ chutes from Sphereachutes in the US. I forgot to tick the balloon attachment option which is a “DOH!” moment but I’ll go see a local clothing alterations person and see if they can assist. JGC did a great diagram here :
2/Cameras
After some through putting the small video camera on a boom was probably not a wise move, at least for the first flight. Having reviewed other peoples launch videos it can get quite violent up there. I just don’t think the payload capsule is strong enough to withstand something out on a boom if the going gets rough. So I have therefore brought the video camera inside the payload capsule. After some hacking away its now point outwards from the relative safety of inside the payload.
3/ Antennae
Again after reviewing others launches the antenna can get knocked about a bit and it was going to get bent dangling down like that, so I’ve pulled it up closer to the payload. Now the N-Type connector is embedded in the actual payload container. and I’ll tape the radials to the bottom of the payload at launch time. Additionally the main element will have a bit of pink gaffer on the end of it so anyone watching it come down doesn’t get it in their eye. Again for Ava 2 going to take the suggestion of a member of the local HAM club and use copper tape on the bottom of the payload as radials and something more deformable as the main element. Oh finally Nigeys tested the antenna design and it came back with an SWR of 1:1.5.
4/ GPS Antenna
Finally, I noticed the GPS lost its signal again to fix it I had to wiggle the antenna, this isn’t really desirable but I don’t have any choice at the moment. Ava2 will be fixed in place in a chassis with a fly lead to an external SMA connector. Fingers cross it holds up at launch time :/
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