Bryanz Scienz

Good Luck to Bryan at The 2011 Science Fair!

2011-03-29T06:43:00.001-10:00

Good Luck to Bryan at the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair today! His project? "A Ground Based apparatus for Predicting Femto Cubesat Magnetorquer Performance."

Research

2010-08-25T10:15:00.002-10:00

I researched more today about CubeSats and posted the links on my website. There were several interesting things I found such as, ion thrusters and a CubeSat that Twitters.

Email

2010-08-24T10:12:00.002-10:00

I got a responce from Dr. Wayne Shiroma and responded to him and we are going to see when we can meet.

Also I'm working on my website that I made for Honors Science Research, and researching whats new in the CubeSat world.

Starting Up Again

2010-08-23T21:20:00.000-10:00

Science Fair is starting up again and this year I'm in a class called Honors Science Research where I will be able to work on my Science Fair Project in class. This way I will have the entire year to polish my project.

Also I sent an email to Dr. Wayne Shiroma to see if we can meet and collaborate ideas for my project this year.

Wrapping Up

2010-01-19T01:49:00.003-10:00

Today I finished all the hardware and got it to cycle according to the letters i type in, but i was not able to get the receiving part of my program to work so for now i am going to have to leave that problem unsolved. Now I'm staying up late working on my board and PowerPoint. Have a long night ahead of me.

Programming

2010-01-18T00:06:00.003-10:00

For the past two days I've been trying to figure out the programming for my transmitting and receiving end off my system. It turns out it's pretty complicated. I have a basic idea for the transmitting half but the receiving side is not as much complete. Also I realized that to transmit video I need to do over 8,000,000 bits per second and my Arduino can't get anywhere that fast. I also picked up a golfball display case that just so happened to be almost the exact same size as my frame and I will be using that for my receiving half.

Relay

2010-01-15T22:26:00.002-10:00

I solved my problem with the 5V working but not the pin. I still don't know why it does this but I've bypassed the problem. Insted of trying to get power strait from the pin I will put a relay in the circuit and operate the relay using the pin. This also means that I am able to test how fast I can cycle the laser. I figured out that I can cycle it on and off once every five one-thousandths of a second.

All Coming Together

2010-01-14T23:10:00.003-10:00

Today I started to work more on the programing. I got the receiving side mostly figured out. I got it so that when I point the laser at the photocell it will turn on an LED. Now all I need to do is replace the LED with a fire wire cable hooked up to a computer or camera. On the transmitting side I'm having some problems. The Arduino has two different types of ports in this instance a pin and a 5 volt port. The pin is hooked up to the program and the 5V pin just sends out power. I tested both with a multi tester and they both seem to have the same volts and amps. My problem is that I can operate my laser off of the 5V port but not the pin, but I can operate an LED off the pin or the 5V. This is a major setback until I figure it out. I also planned out my title and board with my dad.

Making Progress

2010-01-13T22:17:00.003-10:00

With two vices and a lot of elbow grease, I got the laser diodes, drivers, and focus lens, out of their cases. One of them I accidentally broke a solder joint, but that was easily fixed. The only bad part was that I badly scratched the nice original case. I also picked up a bunch of supplies from Radioshack. I got some general-purpose printed circuit boards for my power/Arduino board, some photocells for the receiving half of my system, a switch, and some cable-connector-maker. The cable maker makes everything removable, which I learn last year, is very useful. This way I don't have to desolder every time i need to change something. I also figured out my power system and what voltage battery I need.

Lasers

2010-01-12T23:02:00.001-10:00

The lasers came in today and according to how fast I can push my finger, it seems like they should work. I am trying to get the case apart without damaging the delicate diode or any other part of the laser. I figured out that it is glued in there very tight. I also worked more on my programs today and am getting closer to the final programs. I am programing using the Arduino's default programing, program.

Some Change in Plans

2010-01-11T21:23:00.003-10:00

As I did more research I realized I may not need to use the piezoelectric block idea, because I think I can just pulse the laser on and off fast enough. Expecting the lasers to come in tomorrow. Once I get the lasers I can test them to see if they can turn on and off fast enough or if they need a few seconds to warm up. Also I started on the programing today.

Starting Up Again

2010-01-05T11:20:00.004-10:00

Starting up late this year. This year I'm build two FemptoSats that will transmit between each other via lasers. So far I ordered the lasers and an Arduino, and am working on learning the Arduino programing language. The design I'm working on is, have a laser point into a prism, that will split the beam in two, have one of the beams go off to the side and hit a mirror and have the other beam continue strait. The mirror, that the second beam is hitting, is attached to a piezoelectric block. This can be altered using the Arduino. I will send a message to the Arduino and it will digitize it into ones and zeros which will then alter the piezoelectric block accordingly. The second beam will then reunite with the first beam, and go to the second FemptoSat. The second FemptoSat will receive the laser signal and send it to the Arduino which will translate it back. One hard thing about using lasers is that the satellites will have to be very precise and exact to hit the receiving satellite. The attitude control will be using motors from a mini-helicopter. This will give the FemptoSat full attitude control.

Photos from Cal Poly Cubesat Developers Workshop 2009

2009-04-29T05:32:00.003-10:00

I finally got some pictures up for viewing from our Cal Poly Cubesat Workshop trip! They were hastily gathered but due to our next trip this is it for now.

Click Link:

Photos from Cal Poly Cubesat Developers Workshop 2009

Coming Soon: Bryan's Cal Poly Adventure

2009-04-27T21:40:00.003-10:00

Aloha Friends,

We had an amazing time with Bryan at the Cubesat Developers Conference at Cal Poly last weekend. We're still unpacking and uploading photos and trying to find time to get it all written down here while it is fresh. Don't know how we'll find the time because Bryan is still trying to catch up on missed assignments and tests and has 2 days of SAT testing this week and then we are off to New Mexico for the next adventure (Shhh... sorry, can't talk about that until we get clearance... really!)

As soon as we can get everything organized and loaded up, we'll share about all the tremendous people Bryan met and opportunities he's been offered. I am so proud of Bryan and I have no doubt this last weekend will be an important factor as he considers his future career path!

Aloha For Now,

Bryan's Dad

Bryan's Cubesat Presentation (Revised)

2009-04-18T21:15:00.007-10:00

Bryan re-shot his presentation with better audio now.

Bryan's Cubesat Awards

2009-04-12T21:42:00.005-10:00

We are so proud of Bryan! He did very well at the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair, winning 7 awards! Thanks to all of you who supported him with encouragement, prayers, cash, equipment and advice. You share in his success!

AWARDED:
Air Force Association - 1st place (field of aerospace sciences), $250 + certificate
Armed Forces Communication/Electronics Assoc. Hawaii - 1st place, $200 + certificate
College of Engineering, UH Manoa - Junior Award, $100 + certificate
Emergency Amateur Radio Club - 1st place, $125
Engineers & Architects of Hawaii - 1st place, $75 (bond) + certificate
Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers - 1st place, $100 (+ teacher award $100)
NASA - Certificate of Outstanding Achievement (creative scientific endeavor in aerospace research) - certificate + packet of goodies

Bryan's Cubesat Presentation

2009-04-12T15:07:00.007-10:00

Bryan gives the presentation he gave at the science fair, minus the demo and the Q&A time.

State Science Fair

2009-04-09T21:50:00.003-10:00

On Monday I went to go set up and sign in for the 52nd Hawaii state science fair. I went right after school set up my board and did some paper work.

Then on Tuesday I went for the judging. I had to leave the house at 6:00 am in order to get there on time. My friend from Hanalani had also made it to state. When I got there I saw my friend form 6th grade there. He was three projects down from me. I was judged by eleven judges. Two were with the official science fair judges and the rest were agency and company judges. Hanalani took a field trip to there, but had too leave soon after they arrived because they technically were not supposed to be there during judging. I left at about 2:00 p.m.

On Wednesday was the award ceremony. My grandparents and even Dr. Wayne Shiroma were there. We had to sit a listen to names being called out for four hours. I ended up winning awards from seven different agencies! This made all of the work put into it worth it.

Coming Soon: Great News

2009-04-08T22:07:00.002-10:00

We have great news to share but honestly we are exhausted tonight so it will have to wait. I also want Bryan to write about it from his perspective, so hopefully this weekend we'll have a nice blog report for all of you.

Aloha for now!

Off to go to Science Fair

2009-04-07T07:16:00.003-10:00

Bryan and Emily have left for "Judgement Day" at the Hawaii State Science Fair! He looks sharp and is a little nervous. I know he'll do a great job! He has his Cubesat all charged up as well as all the little bits and gear that travel with it. Goodluck Bryan!

USA demonstrates ability to shoot down a satellite

2009-04-02T07:25:00.002-10:00

Last night the U.S. shot down a defunct spy satellite with a ship-based missile.

http://www.space.com/news/080221-satshot-transparency.html

Video of that event including the "hit".

http://www.space.com/common/media/video/player.php?videoRef=080221-satellite-kill

One way to avoid the risk of being shotdown is to use many smaller networked sattellites that are cheap and easily made and launched, like Cubesats.

What will we do when space is accessible to all?

2009-03-06T10:17:00.002-10:00

What would we do if owning and operating a satellite was as easy as owning and operating a webpage? What is space was accessible to everyone?

My Experience at the University of Hawaii

2009-02-24T21:43:00.006-10:00

Today I went to the UH School of Engineering. When I got there I met with Dr. Wayne Shiroma and his team. He is the head of the CubeSat program at UH. We were able to get a tour of their lab and be able to see what they were working on and compare it to what I have done.

While I was there I was offered some incredible opportunities. I won't get into details now but I have a chance to get a great head start in this industry. One thing they made very clear is that they want me to come to UH when I graduate high-school and get involved in the CubeSat program there. They made a very convincing case and I am giving it some serious consideration.

With all the things I heard today I am going to have a hard time sleeping.

Our Visit to the UH Hawaii Space Flight Lab

2009-02-24T21:09:00.003-10:00

We arrive at the UH College of Engineering.

Bryan sets up his project in the electronics lab.

Bryan begins his presentation for Dr. Shiroma and his team.

Justin gives Bryan a tour of their clean room and current Cubesats.

David Beers and Dr. Wayne Shiroma have been such an encouragement to Bryan! THANK YOU!

Bryan & Scott at the District Science Fair

2009-02-23T22:29:00.001-10:00

Bryan and his good friend Scott are both advancing to the State
Science Fair in April.

Last push before District Science Fair

2009-02-09T21:26:00.002-10:00

New relays and an ON/OFF switch. Bryan also demonstrates the video is working on the satellite and transmitting a signal to our TV.

Done! (Again)

2009-02-08T23:57:00.004-10:00

Yay the cubesat is fully operational! I ended up having to buy new relays from radio-shack and switch them out with the old ones. The only problem is that my APRS relay is kind of sticky. This means that I have to tell it to turn on, then flick the board repeatedly until the light goes on.

I got the ATV and APRS both working simultaneously. Tomorrow I go to set up my project after school. I am just going to set up the board. Tuesday is the judging. I am going to bring my cubesat, the laptop, and a small, unused TV that we found to demonstrate the at my ATV works to the judges.

Small Changes for Distict

2009-02-07T21:41:00.003-10:00

Today I added a power switch so I can turn on and off the device without having to plug and unplug the power. I am having trouble turning on and off the APRS and ATV using the basic stamp and am hoping to figure that out tomorrow.

APRS Data

2009-01-31T21:49:00.003-10:00

Here is a quick screen shot of how my Cubesat looks on an APRS map. Like the icon?

Cubesat awarded honorable mention!

2009-01-26T22:15:00.003-10:00

Bryan's Cubesat project was awarded an honorable mention at the Hanalani Science Fair. All the first place finishers were recommended for entry to the District Science Fair, but the judges specifically recommended Bryan's project be included as well (the only non-1st place finisher going!).

We are also pleased that the 1st place finisher in Bryan's age group is his good friend Scott. He won 1st place for a behavioral research project about the effects of mobile phone use while driving. Bryan's brother Bradley also submitted a beautiful science fair board this year about rat intelligence (his first science fair ever!)

The District Science Fair begins on February 9th.

Congratulations Bryan!

Mission Complete!

2009-01-22T08:07:00.002-10:00

It is done! It's up to the Hanalani judges now to decide who goes on to the District Science Fair. Bryan says the competition is tough this year. Bryan has learned so much that this project is already a success. Enjoy the photos!

Beginning the display board

2009-01-22T00:30:00.002-10:00

Last Days of Construction

2009-01-22T00:20:00.002-10:00

Done!

2009-01-21T20:45:00.001-10:00

The satellite is now completed! I completed the power board we eventually fit everything in between the relays and got all the pins to stay in place. We would put the power board in, realize something doesn't work, disassemble it all, fix whatever doesn't work, and put everything back into the case. We did this about three times.

Its a really tight fit. Everything has to be squeezed in. After I put them in I have to use needle-nosed pliers to squeeze between the boards and plug in the leads.

I need to build the board and construct the full program even though I will never be technically able to run it with this microprocessor. The best I can do is to tell the emulator on the PC that I have the needed memory then test it to see if it would have run.

1st photos after construction.

2009-01-21T01:43:00.001-10:00

1:30 A.M.

2009-01-21T01:31:00.003-10:00

Its 1:30 am. I just finished making the actual satellite. The programing still needs some work. Tomorrow I have to start and finish my board. More details to follow.

Forward Progress in Pictures

2009-01-16T22:53:00.002-10:00

Programming

2009-01-16T22:30:00.003-10:00

Today I wrote the PBASIC program to remotely operate my satellite. It was my first coding project from scratch. It took me about a hour to get the basic shell running. Then later on we polished and commented the code. We ran into a problem. The code is too big because our stamp's memory is only two kilobytes. We got rid some of the unnecessary parts and shoehorned it into the EEPROM.

Four Day Weekend

2009-01-15T22:19:00.003-10:00

Today I replaced the diode that my dad burned out. It was pretty easy all I had to do was desolder the old one, find a new one from my parts drawer and put it in with the right polarity.

We also got a relay circuit to work. We powered the APRS on and off using a simple relay circuit.

The combined voltage of all the solar panels if 3 were facing the sun was 1.5 volts, but 4 amps. The battery needs 12 volts to charge. If I used a transformer I can basically convert those amps into volts. We used a formula to calculate how many wind on each side of the transformer we need. It turns out I need 12 winds on one side and one on the other. If I do this it will charge completely but will take about 12 hours to charge.

Because of hurricane like conditions tomorrow and a holiday on Monday I have a four-day weekend to work on the project. Tomorrow I am going to be working on the program to turn all the systems on and off by command.

Ooops...

2009-01-13T22:14:00.004-10:00

We had a little scare tonight. Bryan was busy all night memorizing the Gettysburgh Address for a history test tomorrow, so I was fiddling with the power bus board trying to get it in my head how the STAMP microcontroller was going to control relays to power the different components.

Well, in the process of prototyping the connection, I got two wires crossed and when I powered up the APRS board, instead of activity lights I got tiny "Psspt" and an ever so faint wisp if smoke! That's not good. As my engineer friend always says about electronics, "The trick is always keeping the magic smoke inside!"

I de-powered immediately and saw my mistake. After correcting it, I checked the operation of the APRS board and it failed. It would no longer power up. Uh oh.

I went and fessed up to Bryan and wrote the owner of Byonics for advice. Fortunately I got an encouraging response:

"There is a small glass diode mounted near the tab where the RF metal can sits. Just use a pair of nippers and cut it off. This is the reverse polarity protection diode. "

Basically the circuit has a small diode to protect the more expensive parts in the event of a backwards connection. It dutifully sacrificed itself to save our board! We will replace that diode before applying power again, and it will give Bryan and I a chance to discuss how the protection circuit worked.

Whew, that was close. I think everything gets a diode now!

Latest BrySAT Project Photos

2009-01-12T21:46:00.002-10:00

APRS Board

2009-01-12T21:08:00.003-10:00

Today I finally managed to unsolder the antenna connector on the APRS board and turn it then re-solder it. Now the board fits in the frame and the antenna conveniently fits through a small hole in the top of the frame.

I also sawed off two of the tabs on the cover for the frame. Now the cover fits onto the rest of the frame. I am probably going to add hinges on one of the sides to I can open and close it and be able to display it.

Tomorrow I am going to try and work on the program for the basic stamp. Now I completely understand how they work and am also going to put together the relay circuit to turn on and off the different parts.

Not Much Progress

2009-01-11T22:03:00.003-10:00

Today I did not do much. I did try to de-solder the antenna connection for the APRS. It is challenging because there are five pins that somehow need to be simultaneously de-soldered and then I can remove the part. I managed to get all of the visible solder off but the part still seems to be connected. My dad and I are going to try tomorrow. Without doing this procedure the chip will not fit into the frame. I am assuming all I need is an extra pair of hands to get it out.

It's Starting to Look Like A Satellite!

2009-01-10T21:48:00.005-10:00

Bryan did a lot of work today on the physical structure of the Cubesat. He mounted the camera, battery, power-bus board, card mounts and 4 card modules. He also mounted the solar panels to the outside. We had to drill a few holes in our precious frame but all went well. We also had to make a trip to City Mill and Radioshack for some parts and mounting hardware. We are over budget and are not allowed to spend anymore of the project this week.

It is exciting to see an actual device sitting on the table, instead just a collection of parts.

Next we have to modify the APRS board's antenna connection so that it will fit and also modify the STAMP micro-controller board so it will fit as well. The ATV payload also needs new connectors for video and we need to figure out its antenna placement.

Looking ahead, we still have a lot of connections to make in the Cubesat, especially in regards to power. Also the programming side of the micro-controller needs more attention. We have lots of parts, but need to bring it all together in a unified whole program. This is tough stuff!

Deadline Extension!

2009-01-09T21:05:00.000-10:00

Proof that prayer works! The deadline for the Science Fair has been pushed back 1 week! One additional week to work on the project. Hurray! They said it was due to a scheduling conflict, but I know why it really changed! Now time to give thanks.

Cubesat Building Chaos

2009-01-08T23:30:00.004-10:00

Bryan's Cubesat workbench.

Making Progress

2009-01-08T21:47:00.002-10:00

Today I started to visualize how everything is going to go together in the frame. My dad, on his way home from work, picked up some relays that i can use to switch on and off the ATV and APRS. I will use my basic stamp and a very simple program to control the relays.

Tomorrow I will start connecting the parts to power and my basics stamp, and will be putting it all in the frame.

I've Been Framed!

2009-01-07T20:22:00.009-10:00

Today my Dad and I went to the Rapid Technology company to get my Cubesat frame. They take digital CAD models and use 3D printing to make actual physical models. They even reinforced my model Cubesat frame with epoxy and cyanoacrylate, something similar to super glue, to give it strength. They were so very helpful and showed us tons of examples of what this technology can do. I learned a lot!

Now that I have the frame, I can start putting all of the electronics into it. I have most of the parts. It will just be a matter of connecting them all and making them work together. It is going to be a tight fit, but I have confidence that it will all fit.

Ahhh The Sweet Smell of Science Fair

2008-09-15T19:51:00.003-10:00

Well its that time of year again and this year I am going to make a cubesat. A cubesat is a 10x10 cube-shaped satellite. I am going to attempt to figure out how to make a fully functional version of one. The only downside is that I will not be able to actually launch it into orbit because I do not have the funds for it.

Bryan Displays his project at EARC

2008-05-06T09:06:00.005-10:00

Bryan attended the last Emergency Amateur Radio Club meeting and brought his board to share with the club. He received many encouraging comments and even renewed his membership with the EARC.

Bryan Recognized at Science Fair

2008-04-12T14:32:00.001-10:00

Bryan did very well at the Hawaii State Science Fair. He was
recognized by 5 agencies, each with a certificate and cash award. He
did very well! We are so proud of him and hope this experience
encourages him as he pursues education and opportunities in the
future. Way to go Bry!

Honored at Hanalani

2008-02-19T21:24:00.002-10:00

We found the following text posted on the Hanalani.org website front page!

====================================

First Place Junior Research: Bryan Fewell

Posted 2/19/2008 12:15:26 PM
Hanalani student Bryan Fewell has been awarded 1st Place in the Junior Research division at the HAIS Science Fair. Bryan’s award is a first for Hanalani Schools. The HAIS Science Fair is a competition among independent, private schools in Hawaii. Winners proceed on to the Hawaii State Science Fair. Aaron Lam also received Best in Category for his Microbiology project. Four of the eight projects entered from Hanalani students will be proceeding onto the State Fair on March 31. If you didn’t get a chance to see this year’s Hanalani Science Fair winners, drop by our Winners 2008 page. Congratulations to Bryan, Aaron, and all of the students who are moving on to the state level!

Bryan awarded 1st place at District!

2008-02-15T07:16:00.002-10:00

After coming in third at Hanalani, Bryan was honored to set up his science fair project at the district science fair on Monday. Tuesday he went to answer judges questions and he said it was packed! Wednesday Grandma and Auntie went to see his project and discovered he had placed FIRST in the junior research division! When Em got the call, she thought they were saying FOURTH, and she was happy about that! When they finally made it clear he received FIRST how much more exciting it was!

Bryan will now be part of the group representing the district at the State Science Fair, March 31st. He may receive awards at this level and of course, if he does very well, a possible trip to the mainland would be in store. That would be pretty amazing, because there are some incredible projects at the state level, so we'll just take this one step at a time, completely enjoying each step.

Congratulations Bryan!

Science Fair Display Upgrade

2008-02-12T21:56:00.001-10:00

We upgraded Bry's science fair project with tracker like "chase
lights" on a map. He soldered the circuit together himself. It
really made the board stand out! He did well at the judging at the
District level. We'll find out tomorrow if he is going to the State
Science Fair.

Third place at Hanalani

2008-01-30T21:07:00.001-10:00

He qualified to go to district! If he does well at district, then it
is on to the State science fair.

Bryan has completed his project!

2008-01-21T21:49:00.001-10:00

Another great track.

2008-01-14T22:03:00.000-10:00

This is the Google Earth version of my track home tonight.

A great track!

2008-01-14T09:24:00.001-10:00

Completing The Transmitter

2008-01-10T22:22:00.001-10:00

Attaching The Switch

Adding the 9 pin Comm port

Installing Software

Adding Labels

Establishing Communication

Programming the Tracker

Testing outside

It Works!

How to view the tracker position

2008-01-05T21:43:00.000-10:00

Click on this link to see the tracker reports for the last 24 hours.

Where is Bryan (KH6BRY)?

YAY!!!

2008-01-05T16:43:00.000-10:00

A lot stuff done today. To make a long story short i got the tracker up and running and i tested it partially. My dad took it in his truck and drove off and I tracked him and it worked!!! My amplifier is being worked on but is not complete yet.

Done with Soldering

2007-12-08T12:43:00.000-10:00

Bryan finished the majority of the soldering this weekend. Now we are working on the power supply and how the 2 components are going to work together.

Finally building!

2007-12-04T13:12:00.001-10:00

Bryan has already completed his RF amp and he has already begun to build the tracker!

Busy Busy Busy

2007-11-27T11:21:00.000-10:00

I havent been working on the project latley. For the past couple of days i have been sick and I am very busy with all the other project that are due sooner. I want to build it soon.

Bryan's Workbench is ready

2007-11-24T21:01:00.000-10:00

Today I cleaned and prepared Bryan's workbench for his upcoming project. It is as good an electronics bench as we could make and is a great place to launch into the hobby of electronics.

Manuals reviewed

2007-11-18T17:38:00.000-10:00

I just reviewed the manuals with Bryan. We looked at the Micro-Trak manual, the Tiny-Trak Manual (for the software parts) and the amplifier manual. His next step is to clear a work area and gather his tools. Be sure he has a good light, power for his soldering iron and a firm understanding of the instructions.

Bryan gets his tracker!

2007-11-17T21:38:00.001-10:00

Now I can share the photos of Bryan getting his Byonics Micro-Trak
kits for his birthday! He will be building them himself! He'll get
started this week I'm sure!

Byonics, by the way, is an awesome company and we are so appreciative
to them for their assistance acquiring this equipment! Mahalo!

Finally done with the literature review

2007-11-02T20:41:00.000-10:00

Last night I was up to about 2:00 in the morning and i woke up at about 5:00 in the morning(not on purpose). My literature review had a lot of pictures but I didn't want to upload every single picture in the post below. I'm glad to finally get that part of the project out of the way.

Literature Review

2007-11-02T06:58:00.000-10:00

This project is about building a APRS tracking device. APRS stands for automatic packet reporting system. APRS is commonly mistaken as automatic position reporting system, but its not. The APRS System was developed to provide immediate local digital and graphical information. This includes not only tracking and monitoring position information, but also status, messaging, and bulletins. APRS is not only available in America but around the world. Anybody can use APRS as long as they have an amateur radio license.

In 1984 Bob Bruninga invented APRS. APRS was not officially released to the public until 1991 though. He created APRS on an Apple II computer. Now APRS consists of a very large land based wireless network with almost 30,000 users around the world.

APRS usually works with a GPS, which gets data from at least four different satellites orbiting earth. Then through the protocol made by the National Marine Electronics Association or NMEA for short it goes to a terminal node controller or TNC for short. After the information goes into the TNC, audio comes out in the form of packet APRS. The packet radio is in the form of little bursts of tone, which to us sounds like static. These packet bursts corresponds to ones and zeros. Next it goes into a two-meter radio, which transmits it on a certain frequency. This frequency is 144.39 megahertz. The transmission will go to another two-meter radio somewhere else. Then that radio sends the packet bursts to another TNC. Then the TNC is connected to a computer. The data goes into the computer and it sends it into the Internet. The TNC could also be connected to weather station gear. If it is, then it will send the weather information along with all of the other information. If it is not connected to the Internet it will re-transmit the data until it gets to a computer that is connected to the Internet. From there we access it from our home computer that will display the position on a map.

A global positioning system or, more commonly known as, a GPS works by using satellites. There are twenty-four GPS satellites orbiting earth at an altitude of about one thousand, one hundred miles in the air. There are always six or seven satellites overhead at all times. For a GPS to work it needs to be in line of sight with at least 3 of the satellites. The GPS system actually does some trigonometry.

Basically how it works is that if you intersect two spheres you get a circle.

If you intersect three spheres you get two points.

The earth acts as a fourth sphere, which pinpoints your location.

The APRS signal can travel by many different ways. One example is direct relays. Direct relays are basically from a house to a house or from a house to a car.

(For the next bunch of diagrams we are the blue van, the green star is a digipeater, and the diamond with the “G” in it represents the Internet Gateway.)

Then there are also relays and digipeaters. A digipeater is like a big antenna that transmits the signal much more powerfully. Digipeaters are usually located high up on the mountains. So a relay and the digipeater is if you cannot reach the digipeater so you go through a different house or car first and they automatically transmit it to the digipeater. The digipeaters then broadcast the signal everywhere until it finds a house connected to the Internet.

If you can reach the digipeater you can go directly to it. This is going strait though the digipeaters.

Sometimes you will have to do multiple hops where it goes to a digipeater then gets re-transmitted to a house then another and another until one of them is finally connected to the Internet.

Sometimes if your lucky, the digipeater will be connected to the Internet and all you have to do is get it to the digipeater and it does not need to re-transmit it to a place with Internet.

APRS has many different uses and applications. For example if the tracking device is small enough it can be placed on a rescue dog’s collar and when the dog goes out after an avalanche, or another major catastrophe like an earthquake, you can see where the dog or dogs are at all times. This way after the dog goes out and you still cannot find the people that are in danger, you can see where you have been and where you have not. This way you can go to the places where you have not been and save the person or people that need help. Another use for an APRS tracker is you can put it in a model rocket. This is useful because if the tracking device it connected to a GPS you can also measure altitude.

It would also be good in a model rocket because if the model rocket goes off course you can track it and figure out where it landed. Usually the rocket would just be lost forever but with the tracker inside it you can retrieve it instead of just losing it. It can also be used in an emergency. You can put a tracker on all of the emergency vehicles and see where they are. Another very useful use for an APRS tracker is that police can tag a run away vehicle. Instead of having a high-speed chase that can cause accidents, the police can put a tracker on the car and just find the criminal later. This is a more efficient way because this way no one else gets harmed in an accident because of a chase. Also it can be used at a school. They can put a tracking device on the school bus so they can see where the bus or busses are at all times so they know if is late or stuck in traffic. If it is late or stuck in traffic they can even so how far away it is. Say a little toddler keeps escaping from the house and goes somewhere else all the time you can just slip a tracking device in his pocket and whenever he runs away you can just track him. This is much more efficient because instead of wasting time searching for hours looking for him you can just look it up and find out exactly where he or she is. Another use for an APRS tracking device is to put it on a satellite. This way you can see where in the orbit the satellite is. You would also be able to see how what altitude the satellite is at. Another very common use for APRS is actually not for tracking but for weather purposes. Instead of having position information be displayed it can have weather information be displayed. All someone needs to do is instead of having a GPS connected you have some simple weather supplies such as a thermometer, a rain gauge, and a wind gauge connected to the TNC. This way it will display all of the weather information instead of the position.

In summary, APRS was invented by Bob Bruninga in 1984. APRS works by using a TNC and a computer and usually a GPS. APRS is very useful in so many different ways.

Work Cited Page
http://www.golborne.com/ham/aprs.ppt
http://wetnet.net/~we7u/GETTING_STARTED_WITH_APRS_07041.pdf

Bob Bruninga, 1999. 2 Nov. 2007 <http://web.usna.navy.mil/~bruninga/APRS-docs/ARTICLES.TXT>.

The ARRL Extra Class License Manual. Newington, CT: ARRL, 2002.

Bryan's working hard

2007-11-01T20:45:00.000-10:00

Bryan is working hard on his literature review tonight. He has a lot of work left to do and it is getting late. He has to have it ready to turn in tomorrow, then he'll have about one month to work on his project. Press on Bryan and work hard! It'll be worth it!

Falling Behind

2007-10-30T20:57:00.000-10:00

I didn't get much done lately I have a lot of other projects I'm working on. I'm planning on finishing it on Thursday.

Science Fair Tips

2007-10-29T06:47:00.000-10:00

Doing Your Own Thing?
For when you create your own original science fair project.

·Look at the ebook. It will take you through all the steps of doing your science fair project with an easy guide.

· What are the 1st steps you must take to do successful science projects.

· A smart detective follows a very organized procedure? Here is a unique timeline to keep you on track so you completed it on time without feeling stressed.

· How to come up with ideas, first by choosing a category and then a topic.

· Follow the 6-steps of the scientific method for kids with details of each step in sequential order.

· See what specific information must be included in your written report? What are abstracts and how do you write one?

· Did you know that your display board is the first impression the judges have of all your efforts? Here are the details of what makes an outstanding display board. Learn how to make a display board.

· Find out Detective ThinkMore's secrets on how to do an oral presentation .

· Get the inside scoop on how science fair judges think. It's powerful to know what to expect from the judges.

· Well, it is the Big Day... the day of the your School's Fair. Last minute tips on how to dress, what to bring and what to do.

· Get ideas, topic, projects and more by joining our Free Science Fair Enthusiasts Newsletter today!

. Why not enter our free contest and win a prize?

Progress So Far

2007-10-28T17:59:00.000-10:00

Right now I am working on my literature review which is basically an essay. It has to be 3 pages long. In it I will have to explain the background information, how it works, and different uses. At the moment I have 1 page done.

It's that time of year again

2007-10-21T19:54:00.002-10:00

The science fair is starting up again. This year I am going to make an APRS tracking device. I am going to try make it so that the position will show up on a map. Today my dad helped me make a blogger account and start up this blog.

Ill keep you updated,

Bryan

Bryanz Scienz

Good Luck to Bryan at The 2011 Science Fair!

Research

Email

Starting Up Again

Wrapping Up

Programming

Relay

All Coming Together

Making Progress

Lasers

Some Change in Plans

Starting Up Again

Photos from Cal Poly Cubesat Developers Workshop 2009

Coming Soon: Bryan's Cal Poly Adventure

Bryan's Cubesat Presentation (Revised)

Bryan's Cubesat Awards

Bryan's Cubesat Presentation

State Science Fair

Coming Soon: Great News

Off to go to Science Fair

USA demonstrates ability to shoot down a satellite

What will we do when space is accessible to all?

My Experience at the University of Hawaii

Our Visit to the UH Hawaii Space Flight Lab

Bryan & Scott at the District Science Fair

Last push before District Science Fair

Done! (Again)

Small Changes for Distict

APRS Data

Cubesat awarded honorable mention!

Mission Complete!

Beginning the display board

Last Days of Construction

Done!

1st photos after construction.

1:30 A.M.

Forward Progress in Pictures

Programming

Four Day Weekend

Ooops...

Latest BrySAT Project Photos

APRS Board

Not Much Progress

It's Starting to Look Like A Satellite!

Deadline Extension!

Cubesat Building Chaos

Making Progress

I've Been Framed!

Ahhh The Sweet Smell of Science Fair

Bryan Displays his project at EARC

Bryan Recognized at Science Fair

Honored at Hanalani

We found the following text posted on the Hanalani.org website front page!

First Place Junior Research: Bryan Fewell

Bryan awarded 1st place at District!

Science Fair Display Upgrade

Third place at Hanalani

Bryan has completed his project!

Another great track.

A great track!

Completing The Transmitter

How to view the tracker position

YAY!!!

Done with Soldering

Finally building!

Busy Busy Busy

Bryan's Workbench is ready

Manuals reviewed

Bryan gets his tracker!

Finally done with the literature review

Literature Review

Bryan's working hard

Falling Behind

Science Fair Tips

Doing Your Own Thing?For when you create your own original science fair project.

Progress So Far

It's that time of year again

Doing Your Own Thing?
For when you create your own original science fair project.