I purchased a LightAPRS-W tracker from QRP Labs for my first ever balloon project.? I'm trying to maximize my learning and enjoyment for the $115 investment.? These are my planned tests before flight.
Solar panels will be tested for voltage and current output, frozen possibly as low as -55F, and checked again. Not planning to test them while at -55, just expose them to weed out poor performing parts.
Energy storage capacitors will also be frozen and checked like the solar cells.
The board itself will also get a freeze, and I hope to operate it at cold temp on the ground with dry ice.? A friend suggested mounting it to a kite for a recoverable test.? If I can do this with some dry ice to keep everything cold I will, but likely it will be ambient.
Anything else?
With a little luck I should have a launch before year 2030. :)
--
73 de AE8AT