DeVry University Westminster Senior Project (2012-2013)

Tyler Weaver, Kory Hill, Mike Sheets, Andre Pasechnyk

Project Background

Students at DeVry University in the Computer Engineering Technologies (CET) and Electrical Engineering Technologies (EET) bachelor degree programs are required to complete a team project to complete their degree. We chose to build a parachute based recovery vehicle for high altitude balloons.

Timeline

• Project Start: Jul 9, 2012
• Prototype 1 complete: Sep 15, 2012
• Prototype 2 complete: Dec 23, 2012
• Project End: Mar 3, 2013

Major Objectives

• Construct flyable parachute
• Autonomous guidance of parachute
• Insulate electronics for high altitudes
• Log data from flights on SD card
• Launch payload with high altitude balloon
• Recover photographs and video from near space

Prototype 1 – RC payload

• Payload
• Parachute
• Parachute control and balloon release
• Remote control

Tethered balloon with remote release used for testing.

Prototype 2 – Autonomous Flight

• GPS tracking and logging
• Altitude, heading, and temperature logging
• Autonomous flight under parachute
• Time lapse photograph system
• Video cameras mounted to payload

Tethered balloon will continue to be used for test flights.

Final Project

• Payload insulated for high altitudes
• Battery system for high altitudes
• High altitude balloon