Rocket Aerial Photos

Rocket Aerial Photos http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html This page is still under construction -- more pics and info will be added later. It shows how I built some of my camera payloads which employ a mechanical timer. Later versions use an electronic timer wired directly into the camera. You can find more information about building and flying camera payload rockets in my booklet, “A Guide to Camera Payloads”, published by Rocketeer Media. Updated March 9, 2008. Return to Ray’s Rocketry Page These payload capsules represent the standard construction technique I use to fit cameras to rockets smaller than 2.6” diameter. (I typically use 1.8” diamenter airframes for my smaller rockets.)  The one on the left contains a Super 8 Movie camera. The capsule on the right contains an Olympus Stylus Epic 35mm sequence camera. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#0 db08f201-c241-44b8-99c6-bcc814875093 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/CamPods11Feb01/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/CamPods11Feb01/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">These payload capsules represent the standard construction technique I use to fit cameras to rockets smaller than 2.6” diameter. (I typically use 1.8” diamenter airframes for my smaller rockets.) <br/>The one on the left contains a Super 8 Movie camera. The capsule on the right contains an Olympus Stylus Epic 35mm sequence camera.</span></p></div></div> The basic shape of the capsule is a box made of foam core art board. Strips of 1/4” square wood are set into the front edges at top and bottom. These provide a solid material for attaching the mirror shroud. The outside of the capsule is laminated with thin poster board or hot-press illustration board. You could also use 1/64” aircraft plywood, or fiberglass. However these are a bit heavier and not as resilient to dents and dings. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#1 23c82c7d-c2d6-4139-832a-750091e933e2 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/OSECapsuleFoam1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/OSECapsuleFoam1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">The basic shape of the capsule is a box made of foam core art board. Strips of 1/4” square wood are set into the front edges at top and bottom. These provide a solid material for attaching the mirror shroud. The outside of the capsule is laminated with thin poster board or hot-press illustration board. You could also use 1/64” aircraft plywood, or fiberglass. However these are a bit heavier and not as resilient to dents and dings.</span></p></div></div> Here’s the assembled capsule prior to painting. The curved top is made by cutting a short section of 3” diameter airframe tubing in half lengthwise. Underneath it is a block of 1/2” wide balsa wood. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#2 e56c784e-68ba-431e-857b-490d5bb4175c http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/OSECapsuleUP1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/OSECapsuleUP1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">Here’s the assembled capsule prior to painting. The curved top is made by cutting a short section of 3” diameter airframe tubing in half lengthwise. Underneath it is a block of 1/2” wide balsa wood.</span></p></div></div> This capsule uses a mechanical timer made from a modified model aircraft servo. Each revolution of the servo pulls down a brass lever, which depresses the camera’s shutter button. The servo is powered by a pair of AAA batteries. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#3 25a53616-d1c3-435c-8ba8-d38fb0fb6130 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/ServoCamPod1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/ServoCamPod1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">This capsule uses a mechanical timer made from a modified model aircraft servo. Each revolution of the servo pulls down a brass lever, which depresses the camera’s shutter button. The servo is powered by a pair of AAA batteries.</span></p></div></div> The servo is modified to rotate continuously when powered. The electronics are cut out, the pot switch removed, and small stops cut off the nylon gears. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#4 d60bd3f7-812d-4683-a4d1-43decdf1db3b http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/ServoOpen1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/ServoOpen1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">The servo is modified to rotate continuously when powered. The electronics are cut out, the pot switch removed, and small stops cut off the nylon gears.</span></p></div></div> Here’s the servo after the leads have been soldered onto the motor. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#5 9ef83775-3da7-4b4b-8998-104434eb1f17 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/ServoWiring1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/ServoWiring1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">Here’s the servo after the leads have been soldered onto the motor.</span></p></div></div> A closeup showing the linkage between the servo and the brass lever. The long flat link was cut from a thin piece of fiberglass. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#6 5c3c17c2-8d98-4e17-9b41-8d47c2df1031 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/ServoCamLever1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/ServoCamLever1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">A closeup showing the linkage between the servo and the brass lever. The long flat link was cut from a thin piece of fiberglass.</span></p></div></div> Another view, with the camera installed. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#7 1e37eacf-e739-4577-9ffe-425be9d9ff94 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/PodInteriorCam1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/PodInteriorCam1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">Another view, with the camera installed.</span></p></div></div> This simple diagram shows how the lever pivots at one end, and is positioned to press against the shutter button. A short piece of square brass tube is slipped over the round tube, and glued in place at the point where it lines up with the shutter button. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#8 31fa0712-29ae-47ff-9516-d2b93faab5d8 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/LeverDiagram1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/LeverDiagram1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">This simple diagram shows how the lever pivots at one end, and is positioned to press against the shutter button. A short piece of square brass tube is slipped over the round tube, and glued in place at the point where it lines up with the shutter button.</span></p></div></div> The transition on the bottom of the capsule is made by gluing a short piece of airframe tube to the capsule body. Then bits of rigid urethane foam are glued around it, sanded to shape, and covered with a very thin layer of fine fiberglass. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#9 62479649-117c-400f-b5a8-607281a7d522 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/OSEtransition1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/OSEtransition1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">The transition on the bottom of the capsule is made by gluing a short piece of airframe tube to the capsule body. Then bits of rigid urethane foam are glued around it, sanded to shape, and covered with a very thin layer of fine fiberglass.</span></p></div></div> The payload coupler is reinforced inside with five pieces of 1/4” square stripwood. Four of these provide a secure anchor for the screws which will be used to hold the coupler in place. the fifth acts as a backing which permits a groove to be cut into the lower half of the coupler. When the rocket is prepped, the capsule’s kevlar shock cord fits into this groove, to pass into the rocket airframe. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#10 a070be6b-b9dd-4d55-8e02-60689dee90df http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/COUPLER1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/COUPLER1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">The payload coupler is reinforced inside with five pieces of 1/4” square stripwood. Four of these provide a secure anchor for the screws which will be used to hold the coupler in place. the fifth acts as a backing which permits a groove to be cut into the lower half of the coupler. When the rocket is prepped, the capsule’s kevlar shock cord fits into this groove, to pass into the rocket airframe.</span></p></div></div> An exploded view of the mirror shroud assembly, which also serves as removable panel for access to the camera compartment. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#11 6f37aef8-70a1-4b3e-b703-0735c6884512 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/35SHROUDEXPL/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/35SHROUDEXPL/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">An exploded view of the mirror shroud assembly, which also serves as removable panel for access to the camera compartment.</span></p></div></div> The sides of the mirror support. These are made from hot press illustration board. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#12 903c37e8-a565-462f-9424-6dee2fbf4d10 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/SHROUDSIDES1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/SHROUDSIDES1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">The sides of the mirror support. These are made from hot press illustration board.</span></p></div></div> The assembled mirror support prior to mounting on the mirror shroud panel. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#13 bec27c14-48a3-4c4a-960b-f50e561bdf54 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/SHROUDANGLE1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/SHROUDANGLE1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">The assembled mirror support prior to mounting on the mirror shroud panel.</span></p></div></div> 3D model of a typical capsule, with the mirror shroud removed. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#14 a3e44279-80fa-4945-80b6-7609777f8e20 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/35PODOPEN1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/35PODOPEN1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">3D model of a typical capsule, with the mirror shroud removed.</span></p></div></div> A small piece of black vinyl electrical tape must be placed over the autofocus sensors on the camera. This forces the camera to focus on the ground rather than on the tail of the rocket. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#15 11788ddd-1d6f-4f9c-8e76-2a93ea3159ad http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/AUTOFOCUSDIAGRAM2/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/AUTOFOCUSDIAGRAM2/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_135_70"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">A small piece of black vinyl electrical tape must be placed over the autofocus sensors on the camera. This forces the camera to focus on the ground rather than on the tail of the rocket.</span></p></div></div> The DX coding on a 35mm film cartridge tells the camera what speed film you are using. For sharper images, you can use ASA 100 film and “push” it to 400 ASA. This will force the camera to use the fastest possible shutter speed, while giving you the benefit of the 100’s fine grain. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#16 a4276063-dbcc-4861-b627-190eb149dcb4 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/FilmDX/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/FilmDX/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">The DX coding on a 35mm film cartridge tells the camera what speed film you are using. For sharper images, you can use ASA 100 film and “push” it to 400 ASA. This will force the camera to use the fastest possible shutter speed, while giving you the benefit of the 100’s fine grain.</span></p></div></div> Vinyl electrical tape is used to prevent movement of the lens cover during flight. This is important because the lens cover doubles as the camera’s power switch. Thus, any movement would shut down the camera. Tape also seals the film compartment in the event of a crash. Avoid cheap tape, which will leave sticky gunk on the camera surface. http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads.html#17 7067066f-5e97-4a06-8520-605ee1717446 http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/CameraTape1/thumb.jpg http://www.raydunakin.com/Site/Camera_Payloads_files/Media/CameraTape1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span class="style_4">Vinyl electrical tape is used to prevent movement of the lens cover during flight. This is important because the lens cover doubles as the camera’s power switch. Thus, any movement would shut down the camera. Tape also seals the film compartment in the event of a crash. Avoid cheap tape, which will leave sticky gunk on the camera surface.</span></p></div></div>