Mission 38 was a success!

Thank you to all that participated in Mission 38.  After being grounded for 3 hours, due to fog, we were finally able to completed a successful jump.  I actually had enough time to make a sunset jump as well.  It was nice to get in at least one mission in after being grounded for most of the year.  A Special thanks goes out to Michael W, K6MFW, who handle most of the tactical and video ops.  A big thanks to Beau A, K6EAU, as well.  Beau simply came by to make a QSO, but we put him to work.

Here is edited video of the first jump: https://youtu.be/UrTBPmhGehg

Parachute Mobile will be back next Spring.  In the mean time we’ll be working on upgrades and improvements to some of our gear.  We’ll also come up with our 2021 schedule, which we’ll be sure to post here.  In the meantime, if your club would like to learn more about Parachute Mobile, email me at KC6TYD@gmail.com.  I have a PowerPoint presentation that I’m sure would be very informative.

73,

-Rob, KC6TYD

Parachute Mobile

Team Coordinator

Mission 38 time log

1000: Myself, Rob, KC6TYD and Micheal, K6MFW, are at the DZ and have been setting up all the gear. So far our APRS and air-to-ground video have passed their initial tests. Unfortunately, the air-to-ground video will not be live today. When I arrived the DZ at 0700 hrs the sun was coming up, but 30 minutes later the fog rolled in. So at the moment nothing is be happening until the fog burns off. That’s OK, we still have more to do. I’ll post again when we have a better ETJ…Estimated Time of Jump.

1219: 1205: Well, sorry folks. We are still on weather hold due to fog. I’m manifested for the first load. When the fog burns of we’ll typically get a 15 or 20 minute load time. When that happens we’ll be sure to post that. Michael, who is filling all the Ground Crew duties today, has successfully completed a parachute gear, radio, video, and APRS safety check. If you go to APRS.fi you will see me at the DZ since we have been making some test. Look for KC6TYD-8. Since we have some time we’ll conducted a Live update on Facebook in about 10 to 15 minutes. We’ll show you the setup at the DZ as well as the radio vest set up.

1311: We have been given a load time that is now 17 minutes!

1512: Well that was a long morning. Thank you to all those that participated. Remember to send an Email to skydivinghams@gmail.com if you made a contact and state the time. We are going to repack and see if we can get another jump in. We’ll be back with an update soon.

1548: Looks like I can get in one more jump. I’m manifested for load 6, which is showing a load time of 1620 (4:20). I suspect it will be later then that, but I hope not too late. Wheels have to be up before sunset.

Mission 38 Update!

Mission 38 update: We are a GO!
With a high of 58 f and winds at 6 mph, it’s looking like a great day.

To recap some of the specifics.
QSO frequency: 146.430 simplex
QSTs: W6CX, Mount Diablo, 147.060+100. I’ll also try my best to update the website and Facebook.
APRS: Look for me at KC6TYD-8 above Byron Municipal Airport.
First jump time: I estimate around 11:00 A.M.

Unfortunately there will be no live streaming video. We will post the videos at a later time. If you make a QSO please send me an email to skydivinghams@gmail.com and state the time you made your contact. We want to make sure you get your QSL card.

Hope to work you from the air,
-Rob

Mission 38 is a go……again!

Hello everyone.  Sorry it’s been so quiet around here. Not for long.  I’m going to see if there is still a change to get at least one mission in for the year.  Mission 38 is set for December 19!  This mission will be very simple. At this point only 2 meter QSO’s. APRS is fire and forget, so that’s easy enough.  Live streaming video may be a challenge.  I’ll update you later if we can get that up and running.  Sorry, no HF, EchoLink, or Allstar.  I only plan to make 2 jumps, maybe 3, we’ll see. Not sure if we’ll have Parachute Control up and running, so I’ll be making periodic updates on the W6CX repeater at 147.060 + 100.  I’ll also make updates here and on Facebook.

QSO frequency: 146.430 MHz simplex
APRS: KC6TYD. 

I’d expect the first jump to be around 11:00 a.m. or so. It’s cold 2 miles up in the sky. I’ll let it warm up some.

More latter,
-Rob, KC6TYD