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DP0GVN still spotting WB6RER Pico Balloon 01-06-2025

Discussion in 'Amateur Radio News' started by K7CNT, Jan 6, 2025.

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  1. K7CNT

    K7CNT XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    01-06-2025
    WB6RER Pico Balloon (a 10 meter WSPR transmitter) current position over Antarctica this morning and still at 44,300ft. Looks like it will fly right over or very close to the Neumayer Station III DP0GVN within the next day or two. The Neumayer Station is apparently the only 10 meter WSPR spotting station in Antarctica as we have only seen spots from there station. We very much appreciate there help keeping track of this world traveling balloon. It flew north of the Arctic Circle during its early orbits so it has flown over almost every part of our world.

    Distance Traveled Mi: 143,083 +
    Spots: 888
    Flight duration: 597 days, 22 hours, 40 mins

    upload_2025-1-6_7-57-43.png
    A Hualapai Amateur Radio Club project
     
    MI0GTA, KF7TKK, NY4Q and 14 others like this.
  2. N4DBY

    N4DBY XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    That is so interesting! Love the updates!
     
    K7CNT likes this.
  3. W0PV

    W0PV Ham Member QRZ Page

    The DPØGVN crew is doing a great job!

    Very active OTA last night too, seen on 12m FT8 briefly, a little later about 0145Z made a QSO with them on 15m FT8 . Already in the log on 17m previously in 2022.

    73, John, WØPV

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 7, 2025
    N1GKE, KE0N, K2CMC and 4 others like this.
  4. KI5UXW

    KI5UXW Ham Member QRZ Page

    Are there any resources you recommend to repeat such an amazing project?
     
    N1GKE and K7CNT like this.
  5. DL3PB

    DL3PB Ham Member QRZ Page

    I guess, it's 20m band?! At least wspr.org suggests that.
    73
    Peter/DL3PB
     
    K7CNT likes this.
  6. WR2E

    WR2E XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    upload_2025-1-7_13-46-48.png

    Screen shot also says 20M.
     
    K7CNT likes this.
  7. KQ4HFT

    KQ4HFT XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    I saw them on FT8 10m last week. I'd love to get a contact. Better yet, get my General and have more options...
     
    N1GKE, KI5UXW, K7CNT and 1 other person like this.
  8. W8YA

    W8YA XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Currently the balloon is in position to observe the alien base and the hole to enter into the hollow earth. HI HI 73 and very very cool project. Please don't abduct me.
     
    WA5VHU, K6MCS, KI5UXW and 2 others like this.
  9. K7CNT

    K7CNT XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Yes it is running a 20 meter 12 MW transmitter.
     
    KI5UXW likes this.
  10. K7CNT

    K7CNT XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Not really it is almost all luck. Out of about 20 balloons this is the only balloon that has lasted this long. We just had K7CNT balloon make a gentle splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean a few days ago during its 4 orbit. It picked up some moisture from a very high thunder storm (44,500') over Costa Rica and could not shake of the extra weight.
    Rick 73
     
    WP4KTF and KI5UXW like this.
  11. N3HFS

    N3HFS Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    :eek::eek::eek:

    ...powered by a 140 foot flea!
     
    G8KNC, K7CNT, W1QZ and 2 others like this.
  12. KJ7LVZ

    KJ7LVZ Ham Member QRZ Page

    [​IMG]

    It looks like DP0POL is now picking it up... Research Vessel "Polarstern".
     
    K7CNT and KI5UXW like this.
  13. KL7KN

    KL7KN Ham Member QRZ Page

    Thanks for the update - a 'lucky' balloon indeed.
     
    KI5UXW and K8PG like this.
  14. K7CNT

    K7CNT XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Wow, I believe that's a first. Thanks for pointing that out !
     
  15. K7CNT

    K7CNT XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Here is a modified search for the balloon using the Traquito tracking website. The start date has been changed to show more recent mapping and data. When there are times that there are no spots for a period of time the mapping lines get messed up, so if there are no spots for weeks the lines on the map are not accurate because the balloon is traveling great distances while not being spotted. It has been taking 1 to 2 weeks for it to complete a orbit without any spots until it gets back to where DP0GVN can hear it. So again that messes up the mapping.

    https://traquito.github.io/search/s...l=147&callsign=WB6RER&dtGte=2024-12-01&dtLte=

    Rick K7CNT
     

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