Design Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ctOz2XCND_wltbMtcbtRKCsQqNd3a6xDMteaFI0ZBQY/edit?usp=sharing 

Original Question: How do we create a weather system that can collect accurate weather indicator data at a mid-range altitude level? 

Requirements: 

1. Low cost 

2. Reliable 

3. Testable 

4. Light Weight 

5. Compact 

Vehicle Options (with pros and cons) 

• Drone 

  • Pros: Light Weight, Low Cost, Compact, Group Members have background in working with Drones

  • Cons: Flimsy and breakable, too small to support the weight of data collection system, might break during testing 

• RC Plane 

  • Pros: Reliable, able to support the weight of data collection system, testable, community contacts with RC Club stationed in Farmington 

  • Cons: potentially higher cost, heavy, large 

Vehicle option decision: RC Plane 

We chose the RC Plane as it would provide the perfect inside carriage that would provide support for the weather reading device, it was more stable and secure- and hence more testable than the drone, and we knew we would have plenty of community contacts seeing as there is a local RC Club. The RC club made us feel better about picking this more daunting vehicle as we knew we'd have experts to contact in case of arising issues and support along the way. Also, we made these final decisions whilst already going over the weather sensor packages, and the dimensions fit logistically better inside of the Plane. 

Choosing our Sensor: