Main Payload  (the one that didn't fly)

Above:

On the very left is the GPS board and antenna. Above that is the radio beacon and AA size lithium cells, in the middle is the auto advance 35mm camera. On the right top is the *gasp* veroboard with picaxe and lithium cells. Bottom right is the UHF radio, and at the very end sticking out is the tuned UHF antenna. Thanks to Bryan A. for that one.

This payload is a little different to the last. Rather than using mobile phone technology, this one incorporates a UHF radio transmitting at 1.5W. The same DTMF encoder circuit is used with a Picaxe controlling it as per balloon launch 1. A lighter servo is actuating the camera mechanism this time. Its a picoservo and is definitely the smallest servo I have ever seen. That's a 10cent piece, not a 20. Weight is about 5 grams.

The battery power is substantially altered compared to the last launch. I am using  one 9V lithium cell to power the GPS, and two rechargeable lithiums to power the UHF radio, Picaxe, Camera, and servo.

There is also a separate tracking system which is a foxhunting transmitter with its own power supply (two AA size lithiums).

Also, the gas chosen this time is Hydrogen, as it has a higher level of lift and is cheaper than helium. Special precautions will be in place to keep things safe.

A radio beacon finding (fox hunting) group will join me with this launch.

I have had some problems with CASA (see updates) so the next launch has been delayed two weeks till Saturday the 28th May. Hope all goes well this time.