High-altitude ballooning has become an increasingly popular activity among amateur radio operators, combining radio communications, electronics, tracking technology, and atmospheric science into a single exciting project. By launching a weather balloon carrying a lightweight payload, radio amateurs can send a package to altitudes exceeding 100,000 feet, where it can travel hundreds of miles while transmitting its location, altitude, speed, and other telemetry data back to stations on the ground.

A basic balloon launch typically consists of a latex weather balloon filled with helium or hydrogen, a parachute for safe descent, and a payload suspended below. The payload often contains a GPS receiver, radio transmitter, batteries, and a microcontroller or single-board computer to collect and transmit data. Many first-time launches use compact, low-cost equipment weighing only a few ounces, while more advanced payloads may carry cameras, environmental sensors, and experimental communications systems.

Several tracking technologies are commonly used by amateur operators. APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) remains one of the most popular methods, allowing a balloon's position to be displayed in real time on online mapping systems. More recently, LoRa-based systems such as Meshtastic and custom telemetry transmitters have become popular due to their long range and low power consumption. Some groups also employ HF, VHF, UHF, or satellite-based tracking systems to maintain contact with the payload throughout the flight. These technologies allow chase teams and participants to follow the balloon from launch to recovery.

Balloon payloads can range from simple educational experiments to sophisticated scientific platforms. Entry-level payloads often include a GPS tracker and temperature sensor, while advanced projects may incorporate high-definition cameras, atmospheric pressure sensors, radiation detectors, image transmission systems, or amateur television (ATV) equipment. Amateur radio operators frequently use balloon launches as a platform for testing antennas, radios, digital communication modes, and emergency communication technologies in a near-space environment.

One of the most appealing aspects of amateur ballooning is its accessibility. A basic launch can be accomplished with relatively inexpensive equipment and a small team of volunteers. Local radio clubs, schools, and STEM organizations often organize launches as educational events that introduce participants to radio communications, aerospace technology, weather science, and electronics. The anticipation of tracking a payload to the edge of space and successfully recovering it creates an experience that is both educational and memorable.

For many amateur radio operators, high-altitude ballooning represents the perfect blend of experimentation, adventure, and public outreach. Whether launching a simple APRS tracker or a sophisticated scientific payload, balloon projects provide valuable hands-on experience while demonstrating the technical creativity and innovation that have always been at the heart of amateur radio. From planning and launch preparation to flight tracking and payload recovery, every mission offers an opportunity to learn, explore, and push the boundaries of what is possible with amateur radio technology.

The authority in the world of Balloon launching in the Greater Houston area is Walter Holmes, K5WH.  You can catch him in Walter K5WH's Perpetual Zoom Room most of the time.  Good luck and fly high!

Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) has become one of the most popular digital voice modes in amateur radio, providing hams with clear audio quality, expanded networking capabilities, and efficient use of radio spectrum. Originally developed for commercial and public safety communications, DMR has been widely adopted by the amateur radio community, creating a worldwide network of repeaters and users connected through the internet and RF links.

For a new amateur radio operator, DMR offers a modern communication experience that combines traditional radio operation with digital technology. Unlike analog FM, DMR converts your voice into a digital data stream before transmitting it over the air. This results in consistent audio quality throughout most of the coverage area, often eliminating the static and noise commonly heard on weak analog signals. In addition to voice communications, DMR supports text messaging, GPS location reporting, and user identification transmitted automatically with each transmission.

One of DMR's greatest strengths is its interconnected network of repeaters. Using concepts called Talkgroups, operators can communicate with hams across town, across the country, or around the world with the push of a button. A local repeater may provide access to statewide, regional, national, or worldwide talkgroups, allowing operators to join conversations based on their interests. Popular talkgroups exist for general conversation, emergency communications, technical discussions, special interest groups, and local amateur radio clubs.

Getting started with DMR is relatively affordable. Entry-level handheld radios from manufacturers such as AnyTone, TYT, Radioddity, and others provide access to DMR networks at a cost comparable to many analog handheld transceivers. While DMR radios require some initial programming, most local clubs and repeater groups provide codeplugs and setup assistance to help new users get on the air quickly. Once configured, operating a DMR radio is straightforward and opens the door to a vast digital communications community.

DMR also serves as an excellent introduction to modern digital communications concepts used throughout amateur radio. Operators learn about talkgroups, time slots, digital networking, repeater linking, hotspot operation, and Internet-RF integration. Many hams use personal hotspots to access DMR networks from home, allowing worldwide communications even when a local DMR repeater is not nearby.

Whether your goal is local club participation, long-distance conversations, emergency communications, or learning about digital technology, DMR offers a versatile and welcoming path into the digital side of amateur radio. Its combination of clear audio, worldwide connectivity, affordable equipment, and active user community has made DMR one of the fastest-growing and most widely used digital voice modes in the amateur radio hobby today.

For more information click on the Elmers page.

Use of W5NC Repeaters for Nets and Public Service Events

Training drills and emergency communications activities may be conducted on the W5NC repeater system outside of regularly scheduled NARS nets. Refer to the latest NARS Newsletter or the Nets section of this website for current net schedules.

Emergency Communications

Emergency communications always take priority over scheduled nets, as permitted under FCC rules. During severe weather or other emergencies affecting the Houston area:

• Notify Callsign Trustee, Paul Owen, N5NXS, by email as soon as practical.
• The Trustee will inform the NARS Board and serve as the primary point of contact for repeater use and status updates during the event.

Requesting Repeater System Use

Any licensed amateur operator may request use of the W5NC repeater system for a public service event or a recurring net that does not conflict with an existing NARS net schedule.

Requests must:

1. Be submitted to the NARS President at least two weeks before the next Board meeting.
2. Include:
   • Purpose of the net or event
   • Proposed day, start time, and end time
   • Names of participating NARS members for recurring nets (not required for public service events)

Approval Process

• The NARS Board and the Trustee will review the request.
• If approved, the applicant will be notified and authorized to use the repeater for a period determined by the Board.
• Authorization for non-NARS nets may be modified or revoked at any time by the Board.
• The Board may request that the net organizer attend a Board meeting to discuss the net or any proposed revocation of the assigned time slot.