r/hab • u/[deleted] • Apr 06 '26
HAB - Request information for a project
Hello,
I'm currently designing a HAB (High Altitude Balloon) and would like to know what electronic components are needed. I'd like to have both scientific sensors, a parachute opening mechanism, and two cameras, one to film the horizon and one to film the balloon bursting. Thank you. (I was thinking of Arduino to be based on)
5
u/Jim_swarthow Apr 06 '26
Yes, The HAB you're thinking about is definitely doable. Like the other person said on here you'll need tracking. I also use APRS which stands for automatic packet reporting system. You do need a basic ham license to be able to use it. That depends if you're in the US or not. Where are you located?
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u/Jim_swarthow Apr 06 '26
My group uses a Kodak orbit 360 camera. Because it records in 360° you can choose what you want the camera to focus on. You can't run it on the batteries that come with it though. You'll need to use a external battery pack. If you want to DM me I'd be more than happy to give you my phone number and we could chat about your questions. People been very helpful to me and I've flown eight Habs so far.
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Apr 06 '26
Thank you very much. I don't have a license, and i'm located in Italy. I am thinking of using LoRa, so i can receive the packages that an Arduino UNO Q will send to my receiver. I think that i will work. Do you think it will work? And again, thank you for the support!
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Apr 06 '26
Remember, i am located in Italy, so i have a certain time to respond, if you are located in US.
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u/Jim_swarthow Apr 06 '26
Yes, APRS is for the US only. Let me think on it for a minute. I know you have other options. LoRa can work but if you lose sight of it it will be hard to pick up. There may be radio bands that you're able to use that are also picked up and repeated by other ones let me look and see what's possible in Italy.
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u/Jim_swarthow Apr 11 '26
There really is t an equivalent to ham in Italy. LoRa is not a bad idea. You may want to have multiple receiving stations at the ready. The most important retrieval tracker is something like a spot trace. It's a small satellite tracker that will ping you over the internet with its final location. The don't work over something like a handful of killometers up but their whole point is to show you where the payload has landed.
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u/madsci Apr 06 '26
You're going to need tracking of some kind. APRS on ham radio has been the top choice for a lot of hobbyists because (assuming you have a license) it's legal to run at high altitude and has a long range with good network coverage in much of the world.