The retrieval was a wonderful success. Ground control was able to track the balloon all the way to the landing area. Ironically, after getting as close as possible to the Landing Zone, Francois (ZR6COI) radioed back to Chris that he was unable to see the package from his car. Chris (ZS6COG) instructed him to put in the last co-ordinates into the GARMIN and start walking. According to Francois, it took him directly to where the payload was lying.
During the retrieval, text messages were relayed between Francois and Ground control via the APRS network. What was very nice was that radio communications were accomplished via the Klerksdorp repeater. This was being relayed via Echolink and allowed interested parties to actually listen into what was happening
Again, to some photos and click the image for a larger view.
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Here is the Mielie field where the payload was retrieved from. Top photo on the right, you can see Francois car in the far background. Below photo was a very happy Francois holding the payload. |
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This is when we heard from Francois that he had the package. Some of the celebrations starting. |
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Now it was time to celebrate and a bottle of Champers was in hand to do that. |
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A close up of the payload once back at mission control. Photo on the right is removing the batteries. |
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This is the tracking station that was built for Francois car by himself and Chris (ZS6COG). They had RF APRS, Doppler and internet connection. Francois wife Judy (ZR6POP) was his assistant and performed all the texting and monitoring while on the move. Would you believe it was Judy's birthday on the day and she is out chasing payloads. That is dedication. |
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Just some of the HABEX team. |
All of the pages for the Launch, Retrieval and General can be found here : - |
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