Pico Balloon Project
Build, configure, launch, and track a lightweight WSPR pico balloon using the Traquito project as the technical foundation.
About the project
The Pac Beach pico balloon activity will introduce the core pieces of a lightweight amateur-radio balloon system: tracker hardware, solar power, GPS, WSPR telemetry, antenna construction, channel configuration, launch preparation, and online flight tracking.
The goal is to give participants a practical path from a bare tracker board to a flight-ready payload while explaining the design tradeoffs that matter at altitude.
What participants can explore
Payload Assembly
Tracker mounting, lightweight wiring, strain relief, antenna attachment, and overall payload balance.
Power System
Solar-cell arrangement, voltage needs, cold-weather considerations, startup behavior, and power budgeting.
Telemetry
GPS position, altitude, speed, voltage, WSPR reporting, channel selection, and interpreting received spots.
Flight Tracking
Using the Traquito search dashboard to follow position reports, map progress, and review flight history.
Traquito resources
- What is pico ballooning?
- Jetpack WSPR tracker overview
- Jetpack Copilot Control
- Traquito flight-search dashboard
Traquito is an independent community project. Pac Beach 2026 is referencing its public resources for educational and amateur-radio use.
Join the Pac Beach balloon project
Bring your questions, soldering skills, lightweight construction ideas, or simply your curiosity. Build details and the activity schedule will be added as plans are finalized.