[themodelplumber]

Wow, that's amazing. 22 laps around the world over the course of one year. And HF data rx in Australia from this tiny circuit board attached to a tiny balloon over the mid-atlantic. Worth a read. Also bonus Windows XP points.

Btw how are they flying a circuit board in the raw without damaging environmental effect from water? I'm new to this part of the hobby.

[trophyhead]

At the altitudes these are flying at (10km+), the air is bone dry. Unless moisture is encountered on the ascent, there is no need for conformal coating.

P.S. - I've done a fair number of these flights and can speak in more detail about this hobby on request. Great fun!

[pugworthy]

It amazes me that the balloon can last that long. That it's not losing it's loft over time.

[th0ma5]

Maybe they just put on a thin layer of conformal coating?

[sgt]

What about clear coat paint you would get from a hardware store just before launch?

[0_____0]

fwiw You can get urethane and silicone conformal coating in a spray can and it's not that expensive.

[sgt]

Agreed, and your wife won't be upset when she discovers all the nailpolish is gone :)

[djaque]

I've always used clear nailpolish as a hacky version of conformal coating.