Question
What technology is used for real-time tracking of balloons carrying amateur radio transmitters?
Answer Options
- A) FT8
- B) Bandwidth compressed LORAN
- C) APRS
- D) PACTOR III
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
Amateur radio operators frequently launch high-altitude balloons carrying payloads with amateur radio transmitters for tracking and telemetry. To monitor the balloon’s flight path, altitude, and velocity in real-time, the position data must be encoded and transmitted continuously for easy reception and mapping by ground stations worldwide.
APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is the standard technology used for this purpose. The balloon’s payload typically includes a GPS receiver and an APRS tracker that combines the balloon’s coordinates, altitude, and sometimes telemetry data into an AX.25 packet. This packet is transmitted on a fixed frequency (like 144.390 MHz in the US) and immediately displayed on real-time APRS mapping networks, allowing for easy, continuous tracking.
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