i prolly would if this really went down.
Oh it's going to happen Trav!
So I've been looking into the process of actually inflating and letting the balloon go and it's pretty straightforward. Heck there are multiple Jr High students and high school students that have done this, why couldn't be able to figure it out?
Here is a simple video explaining the prepping of the ballon for filling.
And here is the launching parts explained in a simple how to video.
Only thing left to figure out is where can we get a helium tank to rent or borrow? Anyone have any idea of cost to fill up the ballon?
Looking at prices. Ballon is between $50-$100 depending on how high we want it go go. Nice medium sized ballon that goes about 100k feet is $80. - One time use.
5ft quality parachute $50- Reusable (sellable if wanted afterwards)
Radar Reflector $40- Reusable (sellable if wanted)
Small Styrofoam box with pvc pipe mounted on bottom and hand warmers inside -$10
This website sells most of everything needed at the best prices. Cameras and GPS tracker we could gather among ourselves.
http://www.sky-probe.com
Total cost thus far W/O helium and W/O fitting adapter and with using our own GPS and cameras (I got one Contour Roam helmet cam plus a digital cam that can be used inside the box with a cut out hole for the lens) = $180
Experience and great day of riding, bbq'ing with friends and tracking down package = priceless
So any one have any more exact recommendation on location? Preferably with about 40-60 miles of accessible land in every direction (no military bases or restricted areas and no Water bodies unless we add flotations which we could do)