Catamount 7, originally projected to land within the central area state of North Carolina, has come to rest just northeast of Quinby Inlet, VA – in the Atlantic Ocean. The US Coast Guard has been alerted to the payload and is aware of it’s position, and we hope that one of their vessels (or perhaps another HAM or Good Samaritan) will be able to recover and facilitate return of the payload. If recovered, please send email to email at WCURadio.com or call us at 828.515.1426. The APRS Beacon continued to function for hours after landing, however it is believed that the batteries inside the payload are now likely depleted. Any further information pertaining to the Cat 7 or it’s recovery status will be amended to this post.
UPDATE: 2.8.14 11:28AM – Payload Discovered on Nags Head Beach, Nags Head Police are in the process of recovering the payload at this time, Much thanks to Penny H, and Doreen D, of Poquoson VA for finding and reporting the Balloon. We Expect to have it back sometime soon with the help of these two great locals!
UPDATE: 2.13.14 2:03PM – Payload Housing found for Radio Tracking Payload. The gear from this box appears to have floated (or sank) away, and the elements installed on the box were not enough to hold the remaining electronic inside. This box was found by Hugh R, of Southern Shores NC.
Catamount 7, Scientific Payload Discovered this morning around 11:30AM by Penny H, and Doreen D. Photo Credits to Them as well, Shared with permission.
Here is Penny at the Nags Head Police Dept. With the Catamount 7 Scientific Payload, What an awesome sight!
Doreen With Catamount 7
Radio Tracking Payload Housing, Photo Courtesy of Hugh R, Southern Shores NC
Radio Tracking Payload Housing, Photo Courtesy of Hugh R, Southern Shores NC
