I need help getting started.

[DrBoost]

Please forgive the newbie questions. I've been reading for weeks and it seems everything I read is written for those that have experience in the Pi world, so I'm having a hard time understanding what I read.
I'm trying to coach my kids in building a HAB for a science fair project. As far as I understand, we want to:
track location during the flight
retrieve the payload
measure altitude, air pressure (if that's different from altitude), temp, I think that's it.

We need:
the balloon, parachute, payload container, 'chute and rigging (check, I understand this)

Here's where I'm confused and really hope you folks are willing to help us out.
Tracking. I'm in the U.S. I think APRS is our best bet (?), and we'll need the basic HAM license?
Data acquisition. There's the Black Box (http://sentintospace.com/products-page/ ... ad-image-0) but, not only is that kinda pricey (I think), but it also only provides GPS tracking. I'd still have to build a radio tracker. If I build a radio tracker, isn't that done on a Pi? If so, why not keep the $150 and just build my data acquisition into the Pi?

I guess that's really it. I'm looking for someone to, help be build a shopping list. What do I need to buy to get this thing off the ground?
Am I making sense?
Thanks for the help.

[daveake]

To start with, have a read of http://www.daveakerman.com/?p=1732

That is a bit UK-centric, but it does mention APRS.

For the USA APRS is probably the best option, as there's a good existing receiver network. In the UK APRS isn't allowed airborne, so we primarily use our own RTTY system instead.

Also have a look at http://pi-in-the-sky.com/. This is a GPS/RTTY tracker board for the Pi, however there's an add-on board that adds APRS capability. If you use these boards, and set up your own RTTY receiver, you'll have the best of both worlds.

Dave

[DrBoost]

Thanks Dave, for the response. I was going to ask a follow up question, but I'll do some reading first.

[DrBoost]

So, if I have a APRS device, I don't need a tracking station, other than an internet connected computer/device, correct?

[daveake]

You always need your own tracking station, because once the payload lands it's very unlikely that the signal will reach any existing stations.

[DrBoost]

Thanks Dave. I do remember reading that now.