Pico Balloon KD9UQB was launched from Neumayer Station III, Grid IB59UI, Antarctica, on November 24th 2022. After 53 days and 1 hour of flight, Pico Balloon KD9UQB made its 4th Circumnavigation around the world.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB had reached Grid ID65LE at 07:32 UTC flying at an altitude of 10,840 meters, 35,566 feet, completing the 4th Circumnavigation around the world.
With several more hours of sunlight and flying north over warmer temperatures. Pico Balloon KD9UQB has been reaching altitudes of 11,100 meters.
The 84 hour NOAA Hysplit Trajectory model and Ventusky shows Pico Balloon KD9UQB traveling in a faster Jetstream arriving south of New Zealand around January 20th 2023.
NOAA Hysplit Model for 84 hours
“Best Guess” Pico Balloon KD9UQB around January 20th 2023, Grid RC54HJ
Our Locate and Track page has been updated for Pico Balloon KD9UQB showing the 84 hour NOAA Trajectory, Ventusky for windspeed and direction, and APRS for current location on the world map. The WSPR Spot Database updates automatically. We are seeing Radio Station KFS reporting at 09:22 UTC from Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco California, 15,137 Km or 9,406 miles from our balloon.
Also on our Locate and Track page is the Sondehub link showing all Pico Balloons in flight around the world. Below is from Sondehub showing the past 3 day path and forward projected path based on different altitudes.
Sondehub Float showing past 3 day path and forward projection of Pico Balloon KD9UQB
Congratulations to the NIBBB Team, and many thanks to our followers.
How time flies when you’re having fun. Pico Balloon KD9UQB has moved a little north enjoying more scenery. Pico Balloon KD9UQB reported on January 14th, 20:04 UTC at Grid GD08EN, Falkland Islands, South Atlantic archipelago. KD9UQB is now enjoying an altitude of 10,900 meters, 35,752 feet and flight time of 51 days and 13 hours.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB at Grid GD08EN, altitude 35,752 feet
We’re expecting Pico Balloon KD9UQB to circumnavigate the world a 4th time around January 16th 2023, at 15:00 UTC.
The 84 hour NOAA Hysplit model shows Pico Balloon KD9UQB continuing around Antarctica passing Heard Island and McDonald Islands around January 18th 2023 at 06:00 UTC near Grid ND38tt
Best Guess Pico Balloon KD9UQB, January 18th 2023, Grid ND38tt
Our Locate and Track page is updated at least once a day for the 84 hour NOAA Hysplit model showing the projected path at altitude. The Ventusky link shows the wind speed and direction, and APRS for current location on the world map. The Sondehub link shows all Pico Balloons in flight around the world. The WSPR Spot Database updates automatically with every 1st packet received, showing among other data, the reporting station and their distance to our balloon.
The WSPR Spot Database is showing that on January 14th 2023 at 11:52 UTC, Seto, JA5NVN received our signal at a distance of 17,201 Km or 10,688 miles. Thank you Seto for finding our balloon.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB is flying with a low sun-high power solar panel package operating on 20mW, or .02 watts. The actual solar panel and tracker used for this flight is shown on our Locate and Track page in the Pico Balloon KD9UQB section.
It’s been a while since I posted. Pico Balloon KD9UQB is flying south of Australia, altitude 10,360 meters, 33,981 feet, flight time, 45 days and 19 hours. Spending time south of the Day/Night Change Line will allow for more reporting time.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB January 9th 2023, 02:34 UTC at Gid PC80UO, 33,981 feet
The 84 hour NOAA Hysplit model shows Pico Balloon KD9UQB spending another day south over Antarctica then heading back over the Southern Ocean preparing for the 4th Circumnavigation.
“Best Guess” Pico Balloon KD9UQB, January 12th 2023, Grid CB08AA
We use the Northern Tip of Antarctica as a landmark for circumnavigation. Neumayer Station III is located between South America and Africa at Grid IB59ui.
Neumayer Station III, Grid IB59ui
Just north of the tip are a set of Islands, and Fun Facts
The Machu Picchu Scientific Base is a Peruvian polar scientific research facility in Antarctica, established to conduct Antarctic research on geology, climatology and biology. Wikipedia
Northern Tip of Antartica
King George Island is the largest of the South Shetland Islands, lying 120 km off the coast of Antarctica in the Southern Ocean. The island was named after King George III. Wikipedia
Elephant Island is an ice-covered, mountainous island off the coast of Antarctica in the outer reaches of the South Shetland Islands, in the Southern Ocean. Wikipedia
Elephant Island, Antarctica, is named after the elephant seals that make their home there (as well as for its elephant-like shape). The island is located 150 miles off the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, in the outer reaches of the South Shetland Islands. Covered in ice and towering above the surrounding Southern Ocean, it’s truly a sight to behold. https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-us/expeditions/stories/elephant-island-facts/
The Flight of Pico Balloon KD9UQB is updated at least daily on our Locate and Track page. Clicking on APRS will show the current location along with the last known locations of Pico Balloons K9YO and AA6DY. Ventusky will show the wind speed and direction, by hovering your computer mouse over the map. The NOAA link shows the projected 84 hour balloon travel in 6 hour increments of time. The WSPR Spot Database updates with every 1st packet report received showing the 4 Grid Maidenhead, location of reporter, distance from the reporter to our Balloon and altitude in dBm and Watts.
Our Technical Page provides additional information on Tracking our Balloons, Calculating Altitude, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR part 101), Finding the Right Balloons and Gas, pictures of our two Solar Panel packages (Horizontal Polyscrystilline on Styrofoam and Low-Sun High Power Cylinder) and our Tracker and Antenna package for Pico Balloon AA6DY getting ready to launch.
We’re still preparing for our next launches of Pico Balloons KD9TVR and KE9LSI our youngest Generals, so stay tuned.
Happy New Year to all and congratulations to the NIBBB Team for another feat, our 3rd Pico Balloon to Cirumnavigate the world at least three times.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB was launched on November 24th 2022, from Neumayer Station III, Antarctica as part of a larger group effort. For this launch we were testing a new tracker that would provide consistent reporting and a new solar panel package that would power up near sunsrise and stay awake at the lower sun’s elevation.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB has made it around the world three times in 39 days on January 2nd 2023.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB, 3rd Circumnavigation at Grid ID88QP, 34,178 feet
Using the 84 hour NOAA Hysplit Trajectory model, we are predicting that Pico Balloon KD9UQB will be near Grid MC50AA around January 6th 2023 at 06:00 UTC
Best Guess for KD9UQB around January 6th 2023 06:00 UTC
Our two solar panel systems we have been using are a mulitple polycrystilline package which is horizontal, fragile, thin and light and the film solar panel which is a vertical cylinder, sturdy and heavier.
We are also testing a pyramid shaped polycystalline solar panel package for a future launch.
The horizontal polycrystilline panel weighs around 4.2 grams, the film cylinder panel weighs about 18 grams.
Gordi Mulley, KD9TVR holding the Polycrystillne Solar Panel 4.2 grams
The Film Solar Panel designed and built by Jim Janiak, KD9UQB for the Antarctica Flight, 18 grams
From our Breakfast meeting December 17th 2022, showing the Fim solar panel package for Gordie KD9TVR and Kelsi KE9LSI launch in early 2023
The Polycrystilline package similar to the one shown by Gordie, KD9TVR was used for Pico Balloon AA6DY reaching an altitude of over 47,000 feet, and circumnavigating three times around the world in 82 days.
The Film Solar Panel was made for the Antarctica flight and testing winter launches for the lower sun’s elevation reaching an altitude of around 34,000 feet.
Our Locate and Track page has been updated for Pico Balloon KD9UQB with the 84 hour NOAA Hysplit model. Ventusky for wind speed and direction, APRS tracking and Sondehub for tracking all Pico Balloons in flight around the world.
Our next test for KD9UQB is how long the Film solar panels last with the UV coating. While this is an ongoing test, we are working on our next launches for January 2023 from Northern Illinois, stay tuned.
Pico Balloon K9YO last reported on December 26th for the 5th cirumnavigation after 77days and 23 hours of flight. We believe that K9YO has traveled north of the Day/Night Change Line and not able to report.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB went to sleep on December 31st at 22:34 UTC at Grid GD98WC, northwest of the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands over the Southern Atlantic Ocean. KD9UQB reported at an altitude of 10,600 meters, 34,768 feet.
KD9UQB at Grid GD98WC, altitude 34,768 feet
We are now predicting that Pico Balloon KD9UQB will make the 3rd circumnavigation around the world on January 2nd 2023. Pico Balloon KD9UQB has been flying for 37 days and 16 hours as of December 31st 2022.
Using the 84 hour NOAA Hysplit Trajectory model, below is our best guess location for Pico Balloon KD9UQB on January 4th 2023 at 06:00 UTC
Best Guess for Pico Balloon KD9UQB, January 4th 2023
Our Locate and Track page has been updated for Pico Balloon KD9UQB with the 84 hour NOAA Hysplit model and Ventusky for wind speed and direction.
The Northern Illinois Bottlecap Balloon Brigade would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and look forward to our new and exciting projects for 2023.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB was first to report on December 26th at 12:42 UTC after last reporting on December 19th. Pictured below at 13:22 UTC Grid CD10BC at 10,480 meters 34,374 feet, and nearing a 3rd circumnavigation around the world on January 1st 2023.
We are predicting Pico Balloon KD9UQB will be near the Falkland Islands around December 30th 2022
Pico Balloon KD9UQB near the Falkland Islands around December 30th 2022
Pico Balloon K9YO was last heard on December 20th over Russia and believed to be heading towards the North Pole. Pico Balloon K9YO was launched on October 10th 2022 from Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, Illinois. Now after 76 days and 23 hours of flight, Pico Balloon K9YO has made the Fifth Cicumnavigation around the world.
Our first report of Pico Balloon K9YO came from our WSPR Spot Database on December 26th at 15:48 UTC at Grid EN78 near Dubreuilville, Ontario Canada. Pico Balloon K9YO is flying at an altitude of 12,180 meters, 39,950 feet.
Best Guess for Pico Balloon K9YO on December 30th 2022, Grid KQ51DH
Best Guess, Pico Balloon K9YO, December 30th 2022, Grid KQ51DH
Our Locate and Track page is now updated for Pico Balloons KD9UQB and K9YO for APRS, Sondehub, 84 hour NOAA Hysplit Model, WSPR Spot Database and Ventusky for tracking wind speed and direction. The WSPR Spot Database provides realtime tracking of all our balloons.
We are waiting to hear from our Pico Balloons K9YO and KD9UQB. K9YO was last heard on December 20th over Russia after missing for 5 days. We believe K9YO had traveled north away from sunlight. We’re looking forward to K9YO coming back into the sun and around for the 5th Circumnavigation.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB which was launched on November 24th from Antarctica has circumnavigated twice and is now believed to be circling the South Pole at 5 miles per hour. It may be another week before KD9UQB finds a faster moving wind and direction east.
The NIBBB met last Saturday for our occassional breakfast meeting. Jim, KD9UQB shared the two solar panel packages he built based on the design for the Antarctica launch. During this show and tell, Jim also shared another solar panel design that looks like a 6 panel pyramid or spaceship that would catch more sunlight for the winter months. Jim KD9UQB and John W9BLN will be testing these panels.
We also discussed whether we needed to seal the balloon valve with glue. All the balloons we use have an internal valve that closes once the balloon is at full volume. Full volume occurs when we pre-stretch the balloon or when it reaches its steady high altitude. We have also experienced a loss of Hydrogen from the time the balloon is filled and sealed till it’s launched, usually the next morning. The delay in launching was needed to allow for the glue to dry.
Michael Seedman, AA6DY and Stewart Spies, KB9LM, earlier tested the effectiveness of all glues, and different tapes at -67 degrees Fahrenheit using a Laboratory Oven at MHub in Chicago.
At our meeting, we went on to discuss if a condiment such as mayonnaise or mustard would be as effective as glue.
Listening intently on the science of sealing and the discussion were the Mulley Family, Doug, KD9TPM, Kelsi, KE9LSI, Gordie, KD9TVR, and Kyli. John Walsh, W9BLN, Jim Janiak, KD9UQB, Michael Seedman, AA6DY, Stewart Spies KB9LM, and Cary Willis, KD9ITO.
A future experiment we may be testing through actual flights, and answering the question, Which is better? glue, no glue, mustard/mayonnainse with and without Kapton tape and/or heat sealed.
As we work through these various questions, and test our new trackers we are getting ready to launch our next Pico Balloons early in the new year.
Below are pictured with their Dad Doug Mulley KD9TPM, two of our younger members, Gordie KD9TVR and Kelsi KE9LSI, brother and sister who received their General license together last summer in preparation for this upcoming launch.
Kelsi Mulley KE9LSI, Doug Mulley KD9TPM and Gordie Mulley KD9TVR testing the voltage of our new solar panel package
Kelsi Mulley KE9LSI and her brother Gordie Mulley KD9TVR with their new General license
We mentioned that one of our followers, Hisami 7L4IOU had wrote an article for CQ Magazine Japan that was published in the November 2022 issue. I asked some friends of mine, Mina and Kyogi Nakano to translate this article.
Below, from Hisami, 7L4IOU
On 9/3, high altitude balloon AA6DY was released in Illinois. By 9/14, it reached Japan and by 10/4 it has circled around Japan for the second time. This Balloon is managed by the group called “Northern Illinois Bottlecap Balloon Brigade” and this was their 24th launch to date.
The balloon is powered by a tiny and ultra light solar panels, GPS, One Chip Microcomputer Si5351A Clock Oscillation IC.
14.0956 MHz WSPR transmitter is attached to a party balloon and it continues to fly while the transmitter is exposed to the sunlight.
Since it is a good “On The Job” skill training for electronic circuit, programming, gas and pressure management, radiowave propagation and upper air charts
the group has gained wide popularity especially among young people.
By the way, the group blog and email conversations often mention the phrase “Yokohama Balloon.”
We were curious so when we asked, the group replied by saying the balloons manufactured by Yokohama Balloon Co. are highly regarded by the balloon enthusiasts.
We are very honored to learn about the Japanese toy makers’ meticulous effort being recognized. At the same time, we are also frustrated and very envious of the American balloon enthusiasts because in order for Japanese people to launch such a project, we must acquire licensing and legal system clearance! Sigh!
We wish to thank Hisami and all our followers of the NIBBB.
We have since lost Pico Balloon AA6DY, last heard on November 24th 2022, after circling the world three times. Pico Balloon AA6DY had traveled for 82 days, spending most of the flight time around the Pacific Ocean. Reminiscing back in time, below is from our Blog dated October 3rd 2022.
It’s Deja Vu all over again. AA6DY woke at 22:32 UTC, 5:32 pm CDT at Grid QM14MJ just east of Yokohama, Japan over the North Pacific Ocean. Our altitude is 14,420 meters, 47,298 feet.
QM14MJ, east of Yokohama Japan
The Northern Illinois Bottlecap Balloon Brigade would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made all this possible. Wishing you and your families, Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year.
We will continue to update our Locate and Track page throughout our flights.
After a few days of silence, K9YO reported on December 19th at 01:30 UTC at Grid PN64HA near Vladivostok, Russia, at an altitude of 11,900 meters, 39,032 feet. K9YO is now at 69 days and 11 hours of flight time. The NOAA Hysplit model shows K9YO heading east then northwest over 84 hours. The Sondehub Float shows K9YO heading east. We should see another reading tomorrow and will update our Locate and Track page
K9YO at Grid PN64HA altitdue 39,032 feet
Pico Balloon KD9UQB has been close to the Day/Night Change Line with longer wake times. Reporting below at Grid NC21LV at 14:14 UTC December 19th 2022. Pico Balloon KD9UQB is flying at an altitude of 10,600 meters, 34,768 feet, for 25 days and 8 hours of total flight time.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB Best Guess location on December 23rd, 00:00 UTC Grid OC88aa
KD9UQB Best Guess December 23rd Grid OC88aa
Tracking our balloons on one page using APRS for December 19th
K9YO near Sea of Japan, KD9UQB Antarctica, (AA6DY missing since November 24th)
Our Locate and Track page has been updated for Pico Balloons K9YO and KD9UQB for APRS, Ventusky for wind speed and direction, 84 hour NOAA Hysplit model, Sondehub for tracking Float direction and other Pico Balloons around the world.
It may be a few days between posts, the Locate and Track page will be updated as new information is received. We encourage you to check this page and the links available for tracking all our balloons.
Pico Balloon K9YO woke on December 14th over Russia and then went north into darkness and silent.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB launched from Neumayer Station III, Antarctica is reporting on December 17th at Grid LC99EH over the Southern Ocean at 01:32 UTC with plenty of sunlight ahead. KD9UQB was within the Day/Night Change Line and getting some sleep.
The 84 hour NOAA Hysplit model shows the general direction will be east and then south for longer reporting times. The Sondehub Float below shows a continued direction east.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB is flying at an altitude of 10,540 meters 34,571 feet
KD9UQB at Grid LC99EH altitude 34,571 feet
Our Best Guess for KD9UQB on December 20th 2022 based on the 84 hour NOAA Hysplit Model
Best Guess December 20th Grid NB08MA 12:00 UTC
The Sondehub link from our Locate and Track page under Pico Balloon KD9UQB, the Float track longer than 84 hours.
At the top of our Locate and Track page, the Sondehub link is currently showing 41 Pico Balloons in flight around the world.
Our Locate and Track page has been updated for Pico Balloon KD9UQB. Information of this flight has been moved to the top of the Locate and Track page including a picture of the solar panel package Jim, KD9UQB built for this launch.
The Ventusky link shows KD9UQB in a slow moving system for the next few days. The WSPR Spot Database updates automatically showing the reporting station and their distance to the balloon.
Station VE6JY from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada was received at 01:32 UTC, 19,112 Km, 11,876 miles away.
Please bookmark our Locate and Track page for continued updates between posts.
Pico Balloon KD9UQB, launched on November 24th 2022 from Neumayer Station III, Antarctica, completed the 2nd Circumnavigation on December 14th after 20 days and 4 hours of flight. KD9UQB is flying at an altitude of 10,720 meters, 35,162 feet.
KD9UQB 2nd Circumnavigation December 14th 2022
Best Guess, KD9UQB December 17th 2022
Best Guess KD9UQB December 17th 2022
Pico Balloon K9YO last reported on December 6th, making a 4th circumnavigation over Quebec Canada. We believed that K9YO stayed north of the Day/Night Change Line, traveling around the North Pole, we were waiting for K9YO to travel south. K9YO reported on December 14th at 02:10 UTC at Grid PN78XK near Khabarovsk, Russia at an altitude of 11,720 meters, 38,422 feet.
We believe K9YO will travel northwest on December 17th 2022
Best Guess KD9UQB December 17th 2022
Our Locate and Track page has been updated for KD9UQB for 84 hour NOAA Hysplit, Ventusky for wind speed and direction, APRS and Sondehub.
