We tried a new style balloon – a 32′ spherical balloon composed of two plastics. Robert K6RGG and I attempted to launch, but the prepared balloon got away. I had a micro-swivel between the balloon and the upper dipole. The top of the string came back with a knot so the cheap Chinese swivel must have failed in the strong pre launch wind. I ran back to get a non-pre stretched replacement with a lowered fill and lowered expectations. Despite strong gusts, we got it into the air and it started transmitting 20 m WSPR. Its last report put the altitude at 38,845′. It stopped transmitting and it probably popped.
SF-HAB 