We met this morning at 8:00 am CDT to launch 2 balloons, our own tracker using callsign KB9LM for Stewart Spies and the QRP Labs U4B tracker using callsign W9BLN for John Walsh. We haven’t heard from KB9LM but are currently tracking W9BLN at 9000 meters (29,500 feet) altitude at 30 knots speed 17:48 UTC. http://qrp-labs.com/track/20313_W9BLN.html

Both tracker packages came in just over 10 grams, one balloon was filled to 17.4 grams the other at 17.7 grams, almost 7 grams lighter than our previous successful launches. Both trackers used the polycystalline solar panels and 36″ clear Chinese made balloons purchased from the Party World Store at around $2 each.

Michael Seedman AA6DY has spent countless hours designing, building and testing these trackers and solar panels. It’s really a great feeling watching our balloon take flight.

We’re currently tracking W9BLN near Morroco Indiana on the Illinois Indiana border at 29,000 feet.

Assisting in our launch today were Michael Seedman AA6DY and his daughter Danielle Seedman KD9PAP, John Walsh W9BLN and his son Collin, Stewart Spies KB9LM, Jim Janiak KD9UQB and myself, Cary Willis KD9ITO

Wishing everyone a happy Father’s Day I will update this site prior to sundown

73, Cary KD9ITO