I launch weather balloons as a hobby, and I have been looking to upgrade the onboard electronics. I have never owned a Pi before but they seem really fun and intuitive.
I would like to have the Zero record video and altitude, logging the data onto the micro SD card. From what I understand, in addition to the Zero, I will need the camera module as well as the adapter to fit in the Zero's camera port. I am a little confused as to what barometer I should get, this one is cheaper but I am not sure if it will work with the Zero, while this one seems a little overkill but is clearly made for the Zero. As far as a power supply goes, would a mobile cell phone charger be enough to power the Zero for a few hours?
One last thing, should I be concerned about the temperature getting too cold for the Zero to function? I know that the computer will produce some heat during its runtime, but I am not sure if this is enough.
-
FishInferno
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2017 3:38 pm
Re: Pi Zero in a weather balloon
In the UK, High Altitude Ballooning with a Pi is almost as common as er... A bear going into space (they always use teddy bears)
You can even buy an off the shelf setup, just add Helium.
So yes absolutely possible.
You can even buy an off the shelf setup, just add Helium.
So yes absolutely possible.
-
DougieLawson
- Posts: 38883
- Joined: Sun Jun 16, 2013 11:19 pm
- Location: A small cave in deepest darkest Basingstoke, UK
- Contact: Website Twitter
Re: Pi Zero in a weather balloon
Except when they used a Steak Pie (with a Raspberry Pi controller).bensimmo wrote:A bear going into space (they always use teddy bears)
This thread belongs in viewforum.php?f=111 so I've reported it to a mod to get it moved.
Note: Any requirement to use a crystal ball or mind reading will result in me ignoring your question.
Criticising any questions is banned on this forum.
Any DMs sent on Twitter will be answered next month.
All non-medical doctors are on my foes list.
Criticising any questions is banned on this forum.
Any DMs sent on Twitter will be answered next month.
All non-medical doctors are on my foes list.
Re: Pi Zero in a weather balloon
The BME280 is nice - SPI and I2C, and does temperature and humidity as well as pressure.
However, at high altitudes the air pressure is very, very low (approx 1% of ground air pressure when at 30km, and approx 0.3% at 40km), and few sensors will read accurately at those pressures. Plus the relationship between pressure and altitude varies with atmospheric conditions (yes, even at 40km). So if you want an accurate altitude then you should use GPS instead.
For power you should be using Energizer Ultimate Lithium cells. The Zero will run for a few hours directly from 3 such cells (AAA size) in series, however if you're using a camera then you should sort out a proper supply - 4 AAs into a switching supply providing 5V for the Pi.
The Pi Zero is happy at HAB temperatures, as is the camera. The Energizers are specced for -40C so even a modest amount of thermal insulation will keep those running.
Dave
However, at high altitudes the air pressure is very, very low (approx 1% of ground air pressure when at 30km, and approx 0.3% at 40km), and few sensors will read accurately at those pressures. Plus the relationship between pressure and altitude varies with atmospheric conditions (yes, even at 40km). So if you want an accurate altitude then you should use GPS instead.
For power you should be using Energizer Ultimate Lithium cells. The Zero will run for a few hours directly from 3 such cells (AAA size) in series, however if you're using a camera then you should sort out a proper supply - 4 AAs into a switching supply providing 5V for the Pi.
The Pi Zero is happy at HAB temperatures, as is the camera. The Energizers are specced for -40C so even a modest amount of thermal insulation will keep those running.
Dave