BalloonSat Photometer

The BalloonSat Photometer is a near space datalogger designed to collect photometer data in eight different spectral bands and operate two cameras. Its programmability permits near space explorers to vary the data collect rate and even perform some basic data processing during flight. The BalloonSat Photometer collects spectral data in the following wavelenghts.

Note that collecting data at 940 nm and 890 nm allows the BalloonSat Photometer to detect water vapor. 940 nm infrared is absorbed by water vapor whereas 980 nm infrared is not. Therefore, comparing the ratio between these two values allows the BalloonSat Photometer to detect water vapor between it and the sun.

Features of the BalloonSat Photometer

  1. Small, only 96 grams and it measures 1.4 inches by 2.5 inches
  2. Operates from 4 "AAA" cells (lithium batteries recommended because of the cold)
  3. Collects LED photometer intensities at either 8-bit or 10-bit resolution
  4. Operates up to two cameras
  5. Optional use Commit Pin prevents the flight computer from collecting data until Commit Pin is pulled
  6. Easy to program in BASIC

The price for the BalloonSat Photometer (BPhoto) is $85.00 plus $4.00 S&H. As with other solder kits, use a fine tip, low power soldering iron to assemble this kit. An assembled and tested BalloonSat Mini is $95.00 plus $4.00 S&H.

Instructions for BalloonSat Photometer
Example Excel to Analyze BalloonSat Photometer Data
Example Program to operate the BalloonSat Photometer
Sample Program to Erase BalloonSat Photometer Memory

To program the BalloonSat Mini Servo's PICAXE-20M2, you'll need to download the PICAXE Programmer. It's free at this link