FUNcube-1 charger developed by Wouter Weggelaar PA3WEG – Image credit Graham Shirville G3VZV

The launch date for the amateur radio FUNcube-1 satellite remains on schedule for November this year. Coming up this week, on August 22 at 14:39 UT, is the next DNEPR launch from Dombarovsky near Yasny so we are looking forward to the successful insertion of its KOMPSAT5 payload into orbit as this will give greater confidence for the actual FUNcube-1 launch date. http://www.kosmotras.ru/en/news/127/

FUNcube-1 flight model – Image credit Wouter Weggelaar PA3WEG

In the meantime every CubeSat needs to be able to have the capability to charge its on board batteries when already in its POD. Of course this means that we need a suitable battery charger and it needs something quite special so as to be certain that there is no risk of overcharging or other disaster.

The pictures show the charger which was specially designed and constructed by Wouter Weggelaar PA3WEG for FUNcube-1. Smartly presented in a blue anodised case, this charger can be set to charge the Li battery to the best voltage for long term storage, approx 7.6 Volts, and can also be used to enable the final pre-launch testing of the spacecraft and its flight software before launch.

FUNcube-1 carries a 435/145 MHz linear transponder for SSB/CW communications and a 145 MHz 1200 bps BPSK telemetry beacon. Further information at https://amsat-uk.org/funcube/funcube-cubesat/

FUNcube-1 battery charger – Image credit Graham Shirville G3VZV