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Amateur Radio

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    $\begingroup$ You're not inclined to use a dipole with the electronics in the middle? (balloon - dipole leg - arduino - dipole leg) $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 27, 2017 at 5:25
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    $\begingroup$ (Hate to put something vaguely answer-like in a comment but there's no better place) Could you explain what you mean by "weighted at both ends"? My understanding of the dipole configuration would be that the upper end of the wire is bundled with the rope between the payload and balloon and the lower end is dangling free. No weights at either end. $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 27, 2017 at 14:26
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    $\begingroup$ I mean that one end of the dipole is fixed at the parachute assembly, the middle of the dipole holds the transmitter, and the other arm hangs free. Then one arm of the dipole consists of a wire weighted at both ends. $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 27, 2017 at 15:14
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    $\begingroup$ A 5 m long uninsulated wire could do major damage if it came down across power lines. Insulating the wire would help, surely, but your local power company may be strongly against the idea. Various governments might have something to say about your project also. $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 28, 2017 at 2:33
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    $\begingroup$ Good point about power lines. Thanks for bringing it up. Your comment about "various governments" is a little more problematic. Hams have been putting antennas on balloons for a long time. FAA regulations concerning high-altitude balloons, of which there are many, say nothing about it. Any wire antennas I put up will certainly be insulated. I'm glad for the reminder. $\endgroup$ Commented Jul 28, 2017 at 2:44