As of 2:45 pm the balloon is cruising along at 50 mph. Telemetry reports sets the altitude at 41,686 ft. approaching Lovelock Nevada.
Lat-40 06.66″ N Long- 118 46.82″ W course is 56 deg NE
The transmitter runs on solar power during darkness no reports are received
Congratulations to David and Skip on a successful balloon launch WB6TOU-11 is aloft and can be viewed on aprs.fi. As of 10:30 am the balloon is traveling in a northerly direction toward Sacramento.
We also have to report the launch of w6mmr-11 from the East Bay group there balloon is aloft and can be tracked on aprs.fi currently traveling in a northerly direction near Antioch, Ca.
Due to changing wind and weather conditions forecasted for Saturday the balloon launch has been moved to Sunday March 8th at 9:30 am
On Saturday, March 7th Skip Chraft and I (David Voit) will be sending up a small balloon carrying a solar powered APRS transmitter. If all goes well, the balloon will ascend to about 40,000 feet and stay at that level. With luck it will circle the earth more than once. The small transmitter will operate during the day sending out gps reports to the APRS system. The balloon is not recoverable and we are using known equipment as our first launch should not be experimental. We want the experience of launching without too many unknowns. If all goes well, future launches will be customized and even more fun.
A link to the same balloon being lauched and with a different transmitter is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8XgT2lk1U4
The launch will be at Craig Thompsons ranch. The field a bit south of the field day location is our choice. We will be shooting for 8:15 to 8:30 A.M. If the day is windy, we will try the next Saturday but the weather forecast so far looks great. To get to the launch site, go on Davis road to just a bit south of 20695 Davis. Before you get there and beside a house with a number I did not find is a road headed east. On a telephone pole is an old disc blade rusting away saying “keep out”. This is Craigs and it is ok. Go .3 miles down this path to the open field. Navigate to 38.170979, -121.328954 (just paste into Google address line and hit enter). Notice the entrance is exactly 1/4 mile South of entrance to Craig’s farmhouse make sure you get to this road as the map might send you into the ranch and tell you to walk South.
This will be the 5th annual installment of this popular cycling event at Hogan Reservoir in the Valley Springs Area and will take on place March 22, 2020 This Fundraiser supports the Arts Education in our Calaveras schools. A 25 mile-45 mile and new 75-mile bicycle route are offered. Not a cycling enthusiast no problem a 4 mile walk along Hogan is also offered.
Radio coverage is needed along the routes and check points. WB6ASU has offered the use of the Bear Mountain repeater site to aide in our coverage areas. Volunteers are needed and please bring you HT and extra battery. Always dress for weather conditions and bring fluids. Radio Amateurs will be reporting on bike riders passing check points, and calling for assistance when needed for the Riders.
Volunteers please contact Ken Sanders email; ae6la@aol.com
Circle that date March 22 ,2020 for this popular cycling event held in Valley Springs Hogan Reservoir, radio coverage needed along the cycling event. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
A Must Do Event
I have been proud to serve as your Public Information Office (PIO) during my 2017-2019 term. It is time to turn over the reins to a younger more energetic sole, Mike, KB6USJ, who will inform you, entertain you, and keep you on your toes. Wishing all the CARS members a safe and happy Xmas season. May the New Year bring us better band conditions, more dx, more local QSOs, and happiness for all, (oh yes, add world peace). 73 for now and see you at the next Club Meeting, January 9th . MARK , N6IV