Changes

The payload was tied to the bottom of a laser cut acrylic parachute release mechanism, which was then clamped around the parachute and tied to the balloon. It was a scissor-like construction designed to release both parachute and balloon when the balloon popped and the lack of tension allowed the assembly to open. The payload also included customary sensors, avionics, and communications.[[File:ParachuteRelease.jpeg|200px|thumb|right|Parachute Release Mechanism]]

The payload was tied to the bottom of a laser cut acrylic parachute release mechanism, which was then clamped around the parachute and tied to the balloon. It was a scissor-like construction designed to release both parachute and balloon when the balloon popped and the lack of tension allowed the assembly to open. The payload also included customary sensors, avionics, and communications.[[File:ParachuteRelease.jpeg|200px|thumb|right|Parachute Release Mechanism]]

==Prep and difficulties==

==Preperation and difficulties==

*SPOT wouldn't connect, couldn't find satellites

Although team Zeus endeavored valiently the previous night to get everything working so the payload would be ready to launch upon arrival, some innevitable difficulties arose. First, the SPOT wouldn't connect to the satellites. Once that was resolved, the GPS connected to the Ardunio wouldn't connect. It's signal was most likely blocked by the metal ring of the gimbal. The connection issue was resolved by removing the gimbal, allowing the GPS to get a lock, then replacing it.

*Then GPS wouldn't connect (blocked by gimbal)

During initial testing, the Nichrome wire accidentally turned on, severing the string holding the plastic box on the bottom in place, releasing the papers with Kirill's contact information. The error in the code was resolved and the wire was reset.

*Nichrome wire accidently turned on during testing, cutting the string

During the sealing of the payload, the thermocouple was inadvertently encased in duct tape, producing anomalous external temperature data. Additionally, the GoPro was set to picture mode, so it took one picture every second instead of recording video :/

*Thermocouple apparently under duct tape :(

At first it seemed that the loop on top of parachute was too big, as it got caught on the release mechanism. This was fixed with a zip-tie very rapidly before launch. The balloon was relased at around noon after securing the payload to the balloon with a very extensive, very sketch knot. All knots were duct taped over many times.

*GoPro set to picture mode, took one picture every second instead of video :/

*Loop on top of parachute too big, got caught on the release mechanism (fixed with a ziptie)

*Launched at around noon after securing to the balloon with a very extensive sketch knot (duct taped many times over)

==Flight==

==Flight==