BYU-Idaho RISE

[CarsonFenimore]

I realize the blog is practically dead. This is because we are all busy working on (alas) finals, or things nearunto them.

We in the ATV group just received our final shipment of gears and a crystal today. This means we are about one week out on finishing construction. We now have four people dedicated to this task. Wew!

Everything looks good in the computer group. Jacob successfully enabled interrupts and tested a tracking / picture taking code version. What remains, honestly, is only to do data logging (if we want it) and input command processing.

Kelly, Subra, and I will work on constructing antennas, as well as building the power supply for the redundant tracking unit. Kelly needs only purchase RG-58, and all other parts are available.

Items remaining to be started:
- Construction of Yagi
- Construction of Yaw mechanism
- Input command code
- Data logging code
- Power supplies for all units.
- ThorTrak Command Center module
- Attach temp sensors to Flight computer
- All encasings and interconnections purchased.
- Parachute attached to payload chain.
- Attach Jacob's talking picture frame to relay.

I expect to work most of Thursday on finishing the design of the ATV, and finalizing whatever is posible on that unit.

Testing will beging after all units are assembled. I will not announce a launch go until we have a good week to let the dust settle. In order to do this, we must have a stopping point. The stopping point is when the items in the TODO list are done. No new additions to this list will be made after this week, and i recommend (unless I have ommited an essential detail) that the list be frozen IMMEDIATELY.

Therefore, if you are asking: will the balloon launch this semester, the answer is yes, but only if items from the TODO list are finished before APRIL 8. This will allow sufficient testing, as well as a one week sliding launch window.

[David]

Since the lab is closed on thursday, i will open it. However, i must get my grading done before i finish anything. My main goal is to finish the outer casing for the camera. I will purchase all the screws necessary sometime tommorrow.

PS i plan on opening it at 10am.