I'm planning a high-altitude weather balloon project (to around 100000 feet) some time down the line to take video and pictures of near space altitudes and I have some questions I need to ask before doing so.
I've decided to go with a Raspberry Pi B+ with a Raspberry Pi camera module to record 720p/1080p of footage from the edge of space. However, I'm not sure what to use for powering it. I'm thinking of using this 10400 mAH / 2.1A
Xiaomi Power Bank to power the electronics including an Arduino, GPS transceiver and various other sensors. Will this be a safe bet to work at the edge of space? What alternative power supply options are available for this application?
Best Answer
I'd be very concerned about any circuit that uses electrolytic capacitors. A lot of them will vent their electrolyte under low pressure working. This concern includes power supply and pi.
The Illinois capacitor company state: -
In fact it seems all the regular manufacturers warn against the electrolyte leaching out at high altitudes.