Project Overview
The Heimdall team, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor Matthew Nelson, is undertaking a challenging project focused on utilizing a high-altitude balloon to carry a payload to altitudes of 30,000 meters. This payload serves the purpose of collecting atmospheric data and facilitating the recording and streaming of videos in the near-space environment.
The primary hurdle faced by the Heimdall team centers around the reliability of video communication capabilities during the mission. Currently, the video communication relies on a 5.8GHz radio signal, which, due to its dependence on direct line-of-sight, presents obstacles in the proper functioning of recording and livestreaming activities using Raspberry Pi and Pi-cams. This often results in subpar video quality and, in some instances, a complete loss of video feed.
To address this challenge, the team proposes the use of software-defined radios for controlling the phase and frequency modulation of the 900MHz transmitted and received signal. This approach aims to rectify connection issues by allowing real-time signal corrections, ensuring clear visual data in and around the spacecraft.
The project faces design constraints, including the need for the spacecraft to be portable and weigh less than 12 lbs. in adherence to FAA regulations for High-Altitude Balloons (H.A.B.). As such, the device must be compact and lightweight. Additionally, power consumption must be carefully monitored and controlled, either through pre-programmed settings or remote access intervention. The design process must also consider challenges related to noise filtration and signal amplification, as amplifying the signal can introduce noise, potentially impacting the system's overall power consumption.
The technical approaches employed by the team involve a thorough review of documentation provided by the H.A.B.E.T. team and data sheets for the electronics to be integrated into the video communication system. Weekly meetings are scheduled to ensure that project goals align with the team's requirements and external regulations, including those imposed by the FAA and FCC. Notably, HAM radio-certified team members, including the faculty advisor, play a crucial role in addressing any questions or concerns that may arise during the development process. Their expertise ensures a comprehensive understanding of the intricate technical aspects involved in the project, contributing to its successful execution.
Sponsers
Team Members
Brandon Beaver
Project Manager
Brandon Beaver is an Electrical Engineering with a focus on Power Systems, Control Systems (Linear and Non-linear), and Photovoltaic Fabrication. His role as Project Manager involves communicating with and providing information about H.A.B.E.T. for team Heimdall and assisting Heimdall members with their roles.
Alec Sutton
Design and Power
Team Lead
Alec Sutton is an Electrical Engineer with a focus on Power Systems. He leads Heimdall's Design and Power Team. His main focus is analyzing power systems and managing power equipment.
Branden Buhler
Communications and Program Team Lead
Branden Buhler is an Electrical Engineer with a focus on electromagnetics and signal processing. His role as Communications and Program Team Lead involves designing and optimizing physical antennas and designing GNURadio TX and RX flowgraphs.
Cullen White
Power Systems and Logistics Manager
Cullen White is an Electrical Engineer with a focus on power systems and control. Cullen serves as the Power Systems and Logistics Manager for the Heimdall project. In this role, he focuses on designing, implementing, and managing power systems while also coordinating logistical aspects. Cullen ensures the smooth operation and deployment of equipment, leveraging his expertise to optimize efficiency and reliability.
George Cleaver
Communications and Controls Advisor
George Cleaver is an Electrical Engineering that serves as the communications advisor for the Heimdall project group. As the communications advisor, he works toward developing antennas for transmission, and code structure for SDR applications.
Lex Somers
Programing and Software
Advisor
Lex Somers is a computer engineering with an emphasis on software development and testing. His role as Programming and Software Advisor includes installing, configuring, and integrating the software components of the project with the hardware components.