UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS PROGRAM
(UCHAB)
Protocol
Department of Physics & Astronomy
834 Campus Place N.W.
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2N 1N4
Phone: +1 (403) 220-5385
[email protected]
http://phas.ucalgary.ca/
July 24, 2015
Revision: 1.2
Written and Edited by Dr. Laura Mazzino
Revised and approved by Dr. Chris Cully
This document is intended to provide enough practical documentation on weather balloon preparation and launching for the
University of Calgary's High Altitude Balloon Team. This document is complemented by the University of Calgary's High Altitude
Balloon Policy and Safety Code. Permission is granted to use, partially/fully copy, or quote the content of this documentation for
educational purposes or personal use on your weather balloon missions at your own risk. Certain aspects of this documentation
must be adopted for use with your specific region, mission, and/or country.
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS PROGRAM (UCHAB)
PROTOCOL
Revision: 1.1 Last modification: July 22, 2015 Calgary, Alberta - Canada
Table of Contents
1 Preparation Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.1 Preparation Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 Pre-Launch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.1 Pre-Launch Checklist/Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3 Launch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.1 Launch Checklist/Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4 Packing/Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1 Packing equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.2 Start tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5 Recovering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.1 Document Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.2 Recovering Payload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6 Wrap Up the Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6.1 Return Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6.2 Document Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7.1 Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.1.1 Ascent Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.1.2 Counterweight Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2 Inventory Checklists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2.1 Pre-Launch Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2.2 Tracking Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
10
10
11
11
12
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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS PROGRAM (UCHAB)
PROTOCOL
Revision: 1.1 Last modification: July 22, 2015 Calgary, Alberta - Canada
Introduction
During the preparation for the sounding balloon launch, this protocol is the procedure to
ensure the safe and efficient operation of the mission. The following details are designed
to be printed off and checked as the various tasks are completed. All times in this protocol
are relative to launch date/time. The following abbreviations are used next to the tasks, to
indicate who is responsible for each of them: MFD means the Mission Flight Director and
TM means a team member.
1. Preparation Details
1.1. Preparation Checklist
This is the procedure and checklist for the preparation stage of the gondolas, as well as for
the preparation of the materials required for a successful launch.
T = -7 Days
Acquire Data for Predictions (MFD) - To run predictions, you need to
weigh the total payload (Including payload, gondola, parachute, trackers,
etc.), the ascent rate, and the coordinates for the launch site (e.g. Ralph
Klein Park 50°55'32.3"N 114°04'04.3"W or Fish Creek Provincial Park
50°55'32.3"N 114°04'04.3"W) to run the predictions.
Total weight of payload and tracking system assessed
Coordinates for the launch site determined
Ascent rate calculated, via web-app
http://ucalgary.ca/above/balloon-projects/university-calgary-highaltitude-balloons-uchab/uchab-tools or manually following
instructions in Section 7.1.1 on page 10
T = -7 Days
Run First Prediction on Predicted Landing Location (MFD) - Run the
prediction on the prediction webpage: http://habhub.org/predict/
Information (such as the weight of the balloon, the ascent rate of the
balloon, exact time of the launch) will be required. The ascent rate of the
balloon can be calculated via the web-app on:
http://ucalgary.ca/above/balloon-projects/university-calgary-high-altitudeballoons-uchab/uchab-tools or manually in Section 7.1.1 on page 10. See
items 1-3, 8 on UCHAB Mission Flight Director Protocol and items 1 and
3 on UCHAB Policy and Safety Code.
Prediction Ran
Initial decision made regarding location, date and time of launch
as per results of the prediction
T = -7 Days
Obtain NOTAM (MFD) – See UCHAB Mission Flight Director Protocol,
item 4 and UCHAB Policy and Safety Code, items 1 and 5.
T = -7 Days
Issue waivers and volunteer forms (MFD) – See UCHAB Mission Flight
Director Protocol, item 5.
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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS PROGRAM (UCHAB)
PROTOCOL
Revision: 1.1 Last modification: July 22, 2015 Calgary, Alberta - Canada
T = -2 Days
Prepare the Gondolas for payload (MFD or TM) - The payload and tracking
systems must remain secure while riding in the Gondola. Appropriate holes
in the gondola and pieces of Styrofoam must be cut to secure the payload
components and tracking system in place. Care must be taken to ensure that
none of the components of the payload and/or tracking system touch another
and/or are let loose inside the gondola, as that could cause harm on impact.
Measure, cut, and glue Styrofoam used to construct the main
Gondola housing
Measure and cut Styrofoam inserts to be inserted into main Gondola
housing for the placement of the tracker and the payload that you
are launching
Verify that string is not in direct contact with Styrofoam block,
ensure instead that there is a layer of tape around edge, this prevents
the Styrofoam from getting extremely stressed at these contact
points
Prepare and attach a recovery sign, including information such as
project name, phone number if found, etc.
Verify that all seams are taped sufficiently to resist water with the
exception of the top of the box so that the payload may be inserted
T = -2 Days
Verify Payload Operation (MFD or TM) - Verify that the payload operates on
battery power before the expected launch date.
Verify proper operation of payload according to expected payload
operation
T = -2 Days
Acquire Data for Second Prediction (MFD) – Re-assess weight, ascent rate,
and coordinates, if needed.
Total weight of payload re-assessed
Coordinate re-assessed if needed
Ascent
rate
calculated
via
web-app
on
http://ucalgary.ca/above/balloon-projects/university-calgary-highaltitude-balloons-uchab/uchab-tools or manually in Section 7.1.1 on
page 10
T = -2 Days
Run Second Prediction on Predicted Landing Location (MFD) - Run a second
and more accurate prediction on predicted landing location
Second prediction ran
Final decision made regarding location and date of flight as per the
prediction results
T = -2 Days
Prepare Helium (TM) - Acquire and prepare the helium tanks, verify that
they meet the requirements outlined in Section 7.2.1
Acquire helium tanks from the department
Verify that there is the minimum pressure/number as outlined in
Section 7.2.1
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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS PROGRAM (UCHAB)
PROTOCOL
Revision: 1.1 Last modification: July 22, 2015 Calgary, Alberta - Canada
Store the tanks secured with a chain in a location that will be
accessible before the expected launch time
T = -2 Days
Prepare Launch Material/Tools Package (TM) - Purchase and/or verify all
materials on the Preparation & Materials Checklist in Section 7.2 on page
11.
Verify that all batteries are fully charged or have sufficient charge to
last the flight and tracking
Items are purchased and/or verified on the list located in Section 7.2
on page 11, check those boxes as these are completed
Prepare, verify integrity, and package all materials for Pre-Launch
listed in Section 4.2.1 on Page 8 required for launch into a box or
other vessel 3
T = -2 Days
Ensure enough vehicles, qualified drivers and trackers (MFD) – See
UCHAB Mission Flight Director Protocol, items 11-12.
T = -2 Days
Obtain signed waivers and volunteer forms (MFD) – See UCHAB Mission
Flight Director Protocol, item 9.
T = -1 Days
Run 24 hour Prediction on Predicted Landing Location (MFD) - Run the 24hour prediction, as UCHAB Mission Flight Director Protocol, item 13.
24-hour Prediction Ran
Verify decision made regarding location and date of flight as per the
prediction results
T = -1 Day
Prepare Tracking Materials Package (TM) - Verify and prepare all items
required for tracking and post-launch as outlined on page 10 in Section
7.2.2.
Charge the HAM Radio Equipment and laptops
Verify that the correct call signs are inputted into the HAM Radios
Prepare and pack all necessary materials required and listed on page
12 in Section 7.2.2
Prepare the counterweight as listed in Section 7.2.1 on page 11 from
the
web-app
on
http://ucalgary.ca/above/balloonprojects/university-calgary-high-altitude-balloons-uchab/uchabtools or manually in Section 7.1.2 on page 10
T = -1 Day
Prepare Map Tiles (TM) - Based on the most recent prediction data, collect
and cache the appropriate map tiles on the APRSIS32 software.
Download APRSIS32 Software:
http://aprsisce.wikidot.com/downloads
Ensure that your computers have the appropriate drivers to
interface with the radios [CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP
Drivers] available here:
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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS PROGRAM (UCHAB)
PROTOCOL
Revision: 1.1 Last modification: July 22, 2015 Calgary, Alberta - Canada
http://www.silabs.com/products/mcu/Pages/USBtoUARTBridgeV
CPDrivers.aspx
Download map tiles surrounding and along predicted path after
disabling the map tile cache purge option
T = -12 Hours Run 12-hour Prediction on Predicted Landing Location (MFD) - Run the 12
hour prediction
12-hour Prediction Ran
Verify decision made regarding location and date of flight as per
the prediction results
T = -12 Hours Organize equipment and payload (MFD and TM) – Get all equipment and
payload ready for the next morning.
Go over the list of equipment
Have case ready for pick up early morning
2 Pre-Launch
This is the procedure and checklist for the pre-launch stage at the launching site.
2.1 Pre-Launch Checklist/Procedure
T = -1.5 Hour Pick up equipment from University (MFD and TMs) - Arrive at the lab and
pick up equipment. Verify that all materials are available. Proceed with
gas transportation as in UCHAB Policy and Safety Code, item 6.
Safety move helium tanks to trunk or care and secure tanks on the
trunk with the chain
Inventory check completed
Load hard case with equipment
Load payload
Drive to launching site
T = -1 Hour
Arrive at Designated Launch Site (MFD and TMs) - Arrive at the site
location that was determined via the most recent prediction data. Re-run
the predictions to ensure highest success rate. Additionally the counter
weight is prepared.
Prediction Ran
Verify decision made regarding location and date of flight as per
the prediction results
Prepare counterweight as per counterweight calculations
T = -1 Hour
Prepare Helium Tanks (TM) - This is where the helium tanks are prepared
for filling the balloon. A diagram is displayed below with boxes indicating
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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS PROGRAM (UCHAB)
PROTOCOL
Revision: 1.1 Last modification: July 22, 2015 Calgary, Alberta - Canada
(from left to right), (1) balloon pressure control valve, (2) pressure
modulation valve, (3) helium tank attachment. If the helium regulator is
damaged in any way, consider aborting the mission or alternating safe
inflation equipment. After this step is completed, the tank will be ready to
be used in filling up the balloon.
Ensure helium tank has its output valve completely closed
Connect the helium regulator via (3) to the helium tank and ensure
tight fit.
Open main helium tank output valve slowly, but completely
Verify that pressures matches 2100 psi as outlined in Section 7.2.1,
by reading dials attached to (2) on the regulator
Adjust valve (2) as desired to reach outlined pressure. Usual values
are around 10 psi. Ensure outlined pressure does not exceed 15 psi.
T = -45 Min
Prepare Launch Site (TM) - This involves preparing the launch site for the
weather balloon. The site must be cleaned before you can lay out the
balloon or other equipment.
Lay out tarp/plastic in an area that contains little/no debris that
provides some (if any) shelter from the wind
T = -30 Min
Final Verification/Preparation of Gondolas (TM) - This stage prepares the
gondola and attached hardware/equipment for flight. All electronics
equipment are additionally prepared.
Verify that the gondolas are secure
Insert the gondola inserts with payloads and power the electronic
equipment as you insert
Make a note of the time that the electronic devices are powered for
tracking purposes
Seal and attach all gondolas in order (Tracker → Payload →
Parachute)
Verify that all components of the gondola and attached are flight
ready
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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS PROGRAM (UCHAB)
PROTOCOL
Revision: 1.1 Last modification: July 22, 2015 Calgary, Alberta - Canada
T = -30 Min
GO/NOGO Decision (MFD) – Make the decision of GO/NOGO for the
mission. Give Flight Information Center a courtesy call to let them go if
the mission is a GO/NOGO. Make sure to do this BEFORE you start the
final balloon-inflation procedures, as UCHAB Mission Flight Director
Protocol, item 14.
Make GO/NOGO decision
Call Flight Information Center
T = -30 Min
Prepare Balloon (TM) - Get the weather balloon for launch/filling.
Remove balloon from packaging and lay it out onto a plastic
Attach balloon filling tube to helium regulator in preparation for
filling the balloon
Attach the opening of the balloon to the helium tanks filling tube
and secure it using the screwdriver
3 Launch
This is the procedure and checklist for the launch stage.
3.1 Launch Checklist/Procedure
T = -15 Min Verify tracker functionality (TM) - Verify that the trackers are operating
correctly to prevent payload loss.
Verify GPS data using HAM Radios
Verify packet data on APRS via: http://www.aprs.fi/
T = -10 Min Fill Balloon (TM) - This is the most critical stage in the launch. The balloon
must be kept safe from contaminants and prevented from taking off
prematurely.
Ensure that the balloon is securely attached to the filling hose via
the metal clamp
Attach counter weight (Already prepared) to the bottom of the
balloon filling hose
Fill balloon until counterweight balances the lift of the balloon such
that the counterweight appears weightless (Begins to lift off)
Tie the balloon out with the string, using many double knots; fold
the balloon end over itself once, then continue tying knots around
this as well as through the newly created loop from the bent over
end of the balloon end
T = -10 Min Final Payload/Weather Balloon Validation (TM) - This is the final
verification stage of the payload and balloon before it is launched
Attach the payload package (Tracker → Payload → Parachute)
to the bottom of the sounding balloon via the strings that are
attached to close/tie the balloon
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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS PROGRAM (UCHAB)
PROTOCOL
Revision: 1.1 Last modification: July 22, 2015 Calgary, Alberta - Canada
Tug on all connections to verify tough enough knots to withstand
flight
T = 0 Min
Launch (TM) - Balloon is literally launched.
Move to clear area on launch site
Release balloon along sting, hand over hand in order following the
string starting with the balloon. Make sure to take a picture with the
team holding the tracker and balloon system before releasing!!! 
4 Packing/Tracking
This is the procedure and checklist for the tracking stage.
4.1 Packing equipment
T = 5 Min
Packing equipment (MFD and TM) – All equipment is accounted and
equipment is packed.
Pack equipment
Load and chain unused and/or empty helium tanks to the truck of
the car
Check balloon path on computer
Check balloon path on radios
4.2 Start tracking
T = 10 Min
Track balloon (MFD) – Track balloon on computer and radios and
coordinate the tracking teams. Tracking teams as per Mission Flight
Director Protocol, items 11-12, and UCHAB Policy and Safety Code,
items 5, 9-12.
Check balloon path on computer
Check balloon path on radios
Coordinate the tracking teams
If balloon on path predicted, take a coffee break to chat with team
and organize chase; otherwise, do it remotely over the radios
T = 0.1-2 Hrs. Coordinate chase (MFD) – Coordinate chase. Ensure the triangulation to
obtain a visual on the landing of the gondola-tracker-parachute.
5 Recovering
This is the procedure and checklist for the recovery stage.
5.1 Document Landing
T = ~ 2.5 Hrs. Obtain a visual of landing (MFD and TMs) –Ensure the triangulation to
obtain a visual on the landing of the gondola-tracker-parachute.
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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS PROGRAM (UCHAB)
PROTOCOL
Revision: 1.1 Last modification: July 22, 2015 Calgary, Alberta - Canada
T = ~ 2.5 Hrs. Document landing gear (MFD and TMs) – For the team member reaching
the payload first, take pictures of all components prior lifting the gondolatracker-parachute and write down if any damage on the components is
visible, as in UCHAB Policy and Safety Code, item 13. If possible, wait
for other team members to arrive prior removing the system from landing
site.
5.2 Recovering of payload
T = ~ 2.5 Hrs. Recovering of payload (MFD and TMs) – Wait for other team members to
arrive prior removing the system from landing site. Turn off electronics;
be careful on any possible discharge (e.g. Geiger tubes). Take payload to
car.
T = ~ 3 Hrs.
Drive back (MFD and TMs) – Drive back to UofC.
6 Wrap Up the Mission
This is the procedure and checklist to wrap up the mission.
6.1 Return Equipment
T = ~ 4 Hrs.
Return equipment (TMs) – Return all equipment to storage place and
document if anything have been lost, damage or is missing.
6.2 Document Mission
T = ~ 4 Hrs.
Return equipment (TMs) – Document if equipment component has been
lost, damage or is missing.
T = ~ 5 Hrs.
Document mission (MFD) – Fill in the MFD Log, as in UCHAB Policy and
Safety Code, item 13, and as UCHAB Mission Flight Director Protocol,
item 16.
7 Appendix
7.1 Calculations
7.1.1 Ascent Calculations
The balloons ascent rate is calculated using the weight of the payload mass (This is
including the payload gondola, the tracker + gondola, parachute), and the weight of
the helium tank filling nozzle. The calculations are provided most accurately on:
http://ucalgary.ca/above/balloon-projects/university-calgary-high-altitude-
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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS PROGRAM (UCHAB)
PROTOCOL
Revision: 1.1 Last modification: July 22, 2015 Calgary, Alberta - Canada
balloons-uchab/uchab-tools. If a computer is not available, the following
computation can be used:
Ascent Rate [m/s] =
52.9306√𝑝𝑝
�𝑏𝑏+1501.35𝑝𝑝
3
(1)
Where p is the payload weight in kg including the gondola, the parachute, and
tracker, b is the latex balloon's weight in grams.
7.1.2 Counterweight Calculations
The counterweight is usually a jug of water that is filled such that its weight will
perfectly balance the balloon when it is able to provide the correct lift to correspond
with the desired landing zone as per the predictions that are numerously ran. The
calculations are provided most accurately on:
http://ucalgary.ca/above/balloon-projects/university-calgary-high-altitudeballoons-uchab/uchab-tools. If a computer is not available, the following
computation can be used:
Weight of Counterweight [kg] =
𝑝𝑝 × 1.5 − 𝑛𝑛
(2)
Where p is the payload weight in kg including the gondola, the parachute, and
tracker and n is the weight of the helium nozzle that is attached to the balloon during
the calculation.
7.2 Inventory Checklists
7.2.1 Pre-Launch Equipment
Preparation Equipment Checklist
Yes
No
Balloon(s) MIN X1
Gondola(s) MIN X1
Tape (Masking/Scotch/Packing)
Rope/String
Trackers 2X
GPS Module
Electronic controller
Antenna
Battery pack
4 AA Lithium batteries
Helium Regulator
Regulator
Air hose
Balloon nozzle
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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS PROGRAM (UCHAB)
PROTOCOL
Revision: 1.1 Last modification: July 22, 2015 Calgary, Alberta - Canada
Helium Tanks 2X - These tanks each have 2100psi of pressure
Chains - For Helium Tanks
Latex Gloves
Counterweight - Usually 2L of water
Small weight scale
Parachute
Scissors
Paper and Marker - For recovery note
Plastic Sheet – Blue Tarp MIN X1
Flathead Screwdriver
Crescent wrench
Bug Spray
Outdoor footwear
7.2.2 Tracking Equipment
Tracking Equipment Checklist
Yes No
HAM Radio Equipment MIN 3X
HAM Radio
Car battery charger
Wall battery charger
HAM car extender antenna (mounting antenna)
Laptop's MIN 1X
Vehicles MIN 3X
Car laptop power adapters
Camera(s)
Axe - Optional
Scuba Gear - Optional
Ladder - Optional
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