Geiger Counter with Coincidence Counter
TVNSP uses a Aware Electronics RM-60 Geiger counter. This Geiger counter is
designed for use with a PC or laptop. The RM-60 outputs a 5 volt pulse for each
detection of a radiation event. The BS-2IC in the CC/PS counts the number of
pulses coming from the RM-60. The RM-60 needs three connections, Power (+5V),
Ground, and Signal. A second RM-60 can be interfaced to the first with a
coincidence counter. Various shielding materials can also be placed over the
RM-60s.
35mm Camera on a Single Axis Scan Platform
TVNSP cameras are modified to operate by computer control. When the control line
is set high, the camera takes a photograph. Photographs can be taken based on
events like mission elapse time or altitude. A servo is used to position the
camera anywhere within a 180 degree vertical arc.
35mm Camera for IR
Where a "point and shoot" camera is incapable of focusing IR properly
onto film, an SLR is. This SLR is also modified to operate under computer
control. The SLR can use either black and white IR or false color IR film.
Environmental Sounding Unit
The sounder is designed to take measurements of pressure, temperature, and
relative humidity of the atmosphere.
Servo Operated Dropper
The dropper is designed to release objects like gliders. Objects can be released
based on events like mission elapse time or altitude.
Slow Scan Imager
A Kenwood Video Communicator (VC-H1) is used to send SSTV images. The camera
head is separated from the control unit and mounted to a servo operated single
axis scan platform.
Robotic Arm with ATV Camera
A robotic arm with three degrees of freedom. At the end is a small color CCD
video camera. The rest of the unit consists of a one watt ATV transmitter and a
mini-wheel antenna.
Four Temperature Probes
A power supply for four LM335 temperature controlled zeners. The LM335s are
mounted at the ends of twelve inch long cables. Outputs from the LM335's are
digitized by the ADC in the CC/PS
Insect Habitat
Two 20 ounce plastic water bottles are connected to pressure and temperature
sensors. Insects are sealed inside the bottles while the air pressure and
temperature inside the bottles are monitored.
Photometer
The photometer consists of a digital light to frequency converter. Colored
filters can be placed over the sensor to make a wide band spectrophotometer. Or
half a ping pong ball can be placed over the sensor to make a photometer that is
relatively immune to pointing errors.
Camcorder Cradle
The cradle allows a compact VHS camcorder to be carried into near space. At this
time the only aiming direction for the camcorder is horizontally.
Sample Holder
Samples inside of small bottles or test tubes can be mounted to wire tie-downs
or Velcro patches for exposure to the near space environment.
Petri Dish Sampler
The petri dish sampler is servo controlled. The CC/PS can be programmed to open
and close the petri dish during a flight. Openings and closings are based on
events like mission elapse time or altitude.
Six Volt PV Array
A six by twelve inch photovoltaic array that produces six volts at 360 mA.
Simplex Repeater
The simplex repeater uses a Radio Shack digital voice recorder and a Alinco
DJ-S41, 440 HT. The HT is capable of 340 mW output.
Digital Camera On Scan Platform
An HP C200 megapixel digital camera on a single axis scan platform. The camera
is capable of being swung within a 180 degree arc and commanded under CC/PS
control to record images.
One Wire (TM) Environmental Sounder
A new environmental sounder is being prepared that uses the Dallas Instruments
standard for one wire networks. The sounder will require an upgrade to the
BS-2ICp for the CC/PS.
Thermochron
iButton (TM) temperature recorders designed by Dallas Instruments. The tiny
iButtons will allow many temperature measurements to be taken during a mission.
PSU
Pyro-Separation Unit for terminating flights that use latex weather balloons.
The command receiver for the PSU is a pager with very simple modification.
Sun Sensor
A simple 360 degree light sensor and comparator. The sun sensor will determine
which quadrant of the nearcraft the sun is currently positioned. This enables
the CC/PS to determine if sun position will interfere with good photographs.
Nephrometer
A pair of light to frequency converters associated with a laser pointed. The
nephrometer compares the amount of obscuring matter in the atmosphere as a
function of altitude.
Limb Sounder
A linear CCD array and cylindrical lens. The limb sounder compares the
brightness of the earth and sky several degrees above and below the horizon. The
measurements are compared to those taken at other altitudes.
LED Spectrophotometer
A set of differently colored LEDs whose current's are monitored. As the light
intensity of the color of each LED changes, so does it's output current.
Near Space Launch Pad
A nearcraft designed to safely launch small model rockets in near space. Several
issues need to be resolved before its use.