An Overview of a Solar Eclipse Video Payload Alex Peters Iowa State University
Solar Eclipse Overview Mission Extended Duration Camera Pointing Live Video Streaming Re-usable after Eclipse
Communications Overview Radio Antenna Payload Ground
Radio Ubiquiti Rocket M5 5.8 GHz 158 grams Configurable Used by Google Loon 8 Watt maximum output
Antenna-Payload Requirements High gain Large beam width Light weight
Antenna-Payload Split Sheath Dipole Circular Polarized 4.5 dBi gain Handmade/tuned Designed by Ethan Harstad
Antenna-Payload Quad Patch 11 dBi Vertically Polarized Pre-built
Antenna-Payload Fat Shark Circular Polarized Pre-built Tested to 40 miles
Antenna-Ground Station L-Com HyperLink 16.5 dBi Beam width 30 deg Vertically polarized Image from L-com.com
Altitude Control Two Types Passive Zero Pressure Super Pressure Active Ballast Vent Density
Altitude Control-Passive Methods Zero Pressure Long Duration No extra control needed Hard to make and obtain
Altitude Control-Passive Methods Super Pressure Long Duration No extra control needed Hard to make and obtain Longest lasting balloon style
Altitude Control-Active Methods Ballast Extra weight dropped from payload during flight Often combined with other control methods
Altitude Control-Active Methods Vent Release helium from the balloon Avoids burst Gives greater control of balloon Can be used on latex balloons
Altitude Control-Active Methods Density Control Pressurize helium or air to control available lift Single system for both “ballast and vent” Allow control until battery dies Used by Google Loon
Video Raspberry Pi Compresses and Streams using Gstreamer Uses Raspberry Pi Cam with CS mount for video capture
Gimbal 3 Brushless motors 360 deg rotation Hollow tube construction Weight saving Allows for cable management Simple Construction
Conclusion It can be done Need more testing on most components especially altitude control