The basic requirement is to send data and images to our server from the airplane. We would like to send at least 10K jpegs every 5-15 minutes. This group deals with the development of hardware and software to do this.
The design of the payload system is in progress. Listed here are current estimates.
Kodak DC-20 for now.
Advantages: Very small, light weight system stores 8 images of 490x320 pixels. Powered by its own lithium battery for many hours. Can be remotely triggered through software. $300.
Disadvantages: Proprietary internal compression format? Rather large frontal area. Turns power off every 90 seconds unless triggered that often. Substantial software effort to download, create jpegs?
We might consider theRicoh camera as well. It has a better footprint, provides up to 30 frames/sec, can be triggered remotely, but costs $1000.
It would be nice if our still camera delivered video too, but if not we may need to include a separate system. This would not only be interesting, but may be necessary for safe take-off.
Trimble has provided a satellite communications system that will work.
Weight: 10.0 lbs.
Peak power: 100 watts
Dimensions: 9"x10"x3" plus antenna.
Mike has been looking at using a 486-based system for the payload management.
More detail here soon.
See also links to other groups: