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SPEC has designed and built a Cloud Particle Imager (CPI) that is lighter and protected by a high-density foam case to be attached to a tethered balloon (TB). The TB package consists of an imaging system that is analogous to the original CPI, using two particle detector lasers to trigger a CCD camera to take a picture. Also in the package is a weather package that records temperature, pressure and wind speed. The data from the two systems is recorded to a simplified onboard computer. The computer utilizes a Wi-Fi signal to transfer real-time data back to a ground computer where a technician can check the data for quality assurances and also backup the data if there were to be a catastrophic failure. To produce a constant flow of air through the sample tube, a small fan aspirates the tube on the downwind side. The tether's length is 2 km, though FAA regulations do not permit such deployment except in designated areas. Power for the TB CPI system is supplied via the tether so that long duration (>24 hours) operation is possible. The motorized winch makes deployment and recovery easy enough for two people. In case of tether failure, the balloon contains a radio-triggered emergency deflation system to prevent the loss of the instrument. The TB CPI is ideal for above surface sampling in polar regions, marine stratus clouds and on accessible mountain tops. Recently the Tethered Balloon CPI system was completely redesigned.
The system was successfully deployed at field campaigns at Ny Alesund, Norway and the South Pole in 2008-2009. For more information on the tethered balloon CPI system please read our report. For additional assistance contact us | |
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 Even the animals are interested in our tethered balloon system | |
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SPEC Inc. |