Im planning on sending a camera to near space using a weather balloon. My only question is how can i assure the camera box wont come hurling down towards earth at full speed and break on impact? From other videos i've seen, most people attach a parachute to the camera box. but how would the parachute deploy?
heres the video im talking about
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APg1ELLZK-Q
heres the video im talking about
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APg1ELLZK-Q
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1) Altitude sensor
2) Timer
3) Radio controlled signal
ANY of these is used to ignite a small explosive charge, ejecting the camera "pod" away from the balloon and allow it to free-fall towards earth.
A second Sensor/Timer/ Radio Signal would be used to eject the parachute from the camera pod at a certain time or pre-defined altitude.
Please note that ANYTHING that will travel high than about 5,000 feet requres a license and written permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch.
2) Timer
3) Radio controlled signal
ANY of these is used to ignite a small explosive charge, ejecting the camera "pod" away from the balloon and allow it to free-fall towards earth.
A second Sensor/Timer/ Radio Signal would be used to eject the parachute from the camera pod at a certain time or pre-defined altitude.
Please note that ANYTHING that will travel high than about 5,000 feet requres a license and written permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch.
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Chute is popped by a gauge that is either wired to an altimeter and is fired at a specific altitude, or they do the math on how long the object will be falling, and use a simple timer to pop the chute.