Hacked router aims to help ALP communications

A few days ago we received a router that had been modified to boost the signal strength. This will hopefully allow for a stronger link between the ALP flight and ground computers. A modified antenna booster was also acquired and will fly on the ALP itself. We will test both components to gain a better understanding of characteristics before flight. This will allow us to fine tune the system to our needs. Check back for more updates on ALP progress.

More surprises await...

ALP development is proceeding well and it looks like we will be doing some actual range testing in about a week. On a side note another really cool capability may be added to the ALP architecture. For now we will leave it to your imagination as we have some software hurdles to overcome. When we get a little closer it will be announced.

More research leads to better design for ALP 3

ALP 3 Update:
Today we took some steps in design that will yield up to a 20db gain in communication between ground and flight computers. What this means is better streaming of data from the hazardous avoidance cameras and faster data transmission rates. Since all high resolution imagery is to be captured in Raw format, better data rates are very welcome.

ALP Support Hardware Testing

Today we tested a router to be used to support the upcoming ALP flight. As of now we have communication between the flight computer and the control interface computer. Last week we were able to tweak and polish up the software that allows the flight computer to communicate with the main imaging camera. Sample images were taken through the ALP network. An array of web cams will be added soon to the system allowing for real time monitoring of proximity and hazard avoidance.
Range testing will soon follow as we test an array of antenna configurations.

ALP 3 flight slated for fall of 2011

With this years dry season setting in the water levels in the Topless Dome of Tumbling Rock cave will drop allowing for another flight of the ALP system. This year we are adding much to our flight plans for ALP3. In addition to the lighting package, ALP3 will carry many new systems. This list includes: Imaging cameras, Hi-Def video, navigation cameras, optical image alignment system, parking and stabilization system, ducted fan axial thrusters, advanced SIT illumination system. Also included is a host of wireless gear to run and control it all.
More information will be posted as we progress with development and fabrication.

ALP Development Progress Update

Due to the nature of the ALP project currently under development I thought it might be good to keep a record of progress. Since this is my first post on the ALP let me start with a some background information and a little history that got us to this point.

ALP is an acronym for Aerial Lighting Platform. This is an architecture we have been developing that allows us to loft lights for photography in caves. During our earliest planning stages that took place in 2003, the ALP system was simply a balloon that would loft an electronic strobe. Through much work and refinements the ALP concept evolved and continues to evolve.
The 396' Topless Dome of Tumbling Rock cave in North Alabama has been the subject of investigation by the use of ALP technology. In October of 2010 ALP 2 became the first floating light platform to reach the top of the dome allowing us to light it in its entirety from a different vantage point. This technique of lighting revealed details that until then were unknown in the dome by lighting with conventional methods.
Our lift balloon measured 6 feet in diameter with a total payload capacity of 5 pounds. The balloon was covered with a custom ripstop cover to protect it from abrasions should it impact the wall or ceiling of the dome. During transit the balloon made surface contact twice with no noticeable effects. A small gondola was suspended below the balloon to carry power for the SIT light that was mounted on the top. During this flight we used bottles of water as ballast to keep the lift tension manageable. A total of 3 flights took place that day resulting in some uniquely lit images of the dome.
It was noted during all flights that conditions in the upper dome was very stable and no air currents were detected.
The success of ALP2 has paved the way for the development of ALP3.