Since April, I have been working with Sam Flynn to make this balloon payload, UpLink. We did a similar launch last year with Hack Club but this was our first independent launch.

UpLink was a 491 gram payload testing the insulation properties of 3D printing filaments, while also transmitting 320x240 images over a radio link -- up from the 18x10 images last year!

This is a writeup on our engineering process, mistakes made, and learning experiences. It covers: Custom electronics designed in KiCad, Firmware design, Results from the data we received on the ground, Image transmission, Launch day logistics, and where things went wrong.

All hardware, software, firmware, and CAD is available on GitHub, licensed + certified as open source hardware. If you just want to see the images received, there's a gallery available online.