More Inspiration

In an unrelated search today on Arduino boards and GPS units (for another overly-ambitious project), I stumbled upon another California group doing high altitude balloon launches. The California Near Space Project.  They use HAM radios and APRS for tracking with various different setups.  I love how small their payloads are. Compact and efficient!

Their payload from the August 30, 2010 flight (CNSP)

They've already done 4 flights to date from the San Jose area, and actually have one scheduled for this Saturday (Feb 5, 2011)!  Check them out if you're into Ham radio.
[I used to be N3XUP, but that expired 5 years ago.  Somehow I still show up on this directory for Cogan Station, PA.  So does my Dad and a few of my friends.]