SB SPCL @ ARL $ARLX005 ARLX005 Balloon launch slated ZCZC AX74 QST de W1AW Special Bulletin 5 ARLX005 >From ARRL Headquarters Newington CT January 23, 1995 To all radio amateurs SB SPCL ARL ARLX005 ARLX005 Balloon launch slated On February 4, 1995, the North Texas Balloon Project, sponsored by the Lockheed Radio Club in Fort Worth, will launch its sixth high altitude balloon experiment carrying Amateur Radio. The payload includes a variety of radios and instruments that can easily be used by any amateur with a Technician or higher class license: A crossband FM repeater will operate 147.580 receive and 445.850 MHz transmit; flight data, including GPS position, will be transmitted by 1200 baud AFSK (packet) on 144.290 MHz; and a live, elevation-controlled, color video camera will be used with a 10-watt ATV transmitter, on 439.250 MHz. According to Doug Howard, KG5OA, the ATV frequency is cable television channel 60, and an outdoor antenna, along with a television tuned to cable channel 60, should provide acceptable pictures. The balloon is expected to reach 100,000 ft about two hours after launch, giving it a radio horizon of about 400 mi. The launch is scheduled for 1400 UTC; if it is delayed, the launch will be rescheduled for February 5 or the following weekends. NNNN /EX