Project Loon - no really

[4wd]

Sounds like science fiction but the first balloon(s) have been launched in NZ today.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcw6j-QWGMo

 

[Jax]

I did see something about this too earlier, the idea is sound, the control and implementation may be trickier.

 

Did remind me of an attempt me and a mate did in the 80's to send data via CB radio, locally OK but the limitations of distance and ground noise along with the fact it was one way (no way to confirm it arrived OK only with a checksum and even then, no way unless you used specific times to transmit to confirm it anyway), we then did note that delivery was *better* on cloudy days as we could bounce the RF off low cloud, so it was better but only very short distance, on a clear day the signal *could* go a bit further (it was only 4 watts max) but the quality was poorer.

 

Then I discovered ( was young then ) that using a newly aquired Amiga 500 with a stereo sound sampler, I could "clean and amp" the audio so it got further and clearer, even with very low energy.

[nitro_deluxe]

Best close the curtains and find the tin hat...again!

Shan't be too long before everyone's bowel movements could well be tracked from several thousand feet above sea level...give or take

The odd bowel movement..or feet.