Is it possible that your radio power level is 1,000 m.w. rather than 1000
m.a.?


It most certainly is 1000 m.A.! I must have been quite exhausted when
I wrote that.


I think this 'antenna' problem can be easily/inexpensively solved. if the
location of the balloon is known.


The location of the balloon is not 'known'. I was hoping that you
would not have to point the antenna in the general direction. Can you
get an omnidirectional antenna?
Thanks,
Brett