Speaker

March 25, 2025: Brian Basura N6CVO: Pico ballooning and ham radio

Our Bulletin editor, John AC6VV, writes:
I discovered Brian Basura, N6CVO, in a YouTube video a few years ago. Having done some pretty basic APRS tracking myself, I was intrigued at a much different sort of GPS tracking, called Pico Ballooning. Imagine releasing a tracker attached to a balloon that rises up among the high altitude winds that flow about the earth. As you watch the track, it continues relatively slowly all the way around the world, many times, for weeks.
Brian agreed to come to our in-person meeting (March 2025) to share this very different kind of ham radio. There will be some show and tell. I asked him to give us a teaser and short bio, which follows.
- John, AC6VV

I will be discussing what Pico-Ballooning is and how it differs from other types of High-Altitude Balloons (HAB's). I will also go over the basics of a complete pico-balloon system as launched as well as a number of common options. I will then talk about Ham Radio and the key role it plays in this hobby. Finally, I'll finish up discussing some launches from the last year. If it works out, maybe I could do it in person and bring some items to look at and discuss. As for me. I am a pico-balloon enthusiast willing to share my successes and failures but don't claim to be an expert.
I'm an Extra Class operator, Assistant DEC for ARES High Desert (LAX Section), Treasurer of the Acton Agua-Dulce ARC, and Board Member of the Antelope Valley ARC. I also host a Winlink GateWay and help manage a second one as well as being the trustee for two local repeaters and a clubs call sign. I have a background in IT and Aerospace consulting and have recently retired as a Hydroelectric Powerplant Technician.
- Brian, N6CVO