Re: Newbie with questions

[P3D Paul Albers <PAlbers@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

P3D David C. Glick' wrote:'
> Or launch two identical rockets with identical timers at the same time, and
> release a single  parachute/timed camera from each, as John Roberts
> describes.

In practice this would very rarely work. You could probably get them to take
the picture at the same time, but how far apart the cameras would be, and
how much one is rotated relative to the other would be out of my control.

  Or, if not much is moving in the subject area, and simultaneous
> launches are a problem, launch one soon after the other.

Same problems.

> There would be a lot fewer variables in aiming the camera if we were talking
> about model airplanes, flying along a straight, horizontal path, rather than
> parachutes.  Are there model rockets that could release a glider containing
> a camera with a timer (or radio-triggered camera)?  

Yes, and the camera could be timed to take a picture ever x seconds, but
would it have to fly in a straight line?  A non RC glider flying in
a straight line at 1000ft up will go a long long way in a straight line
and may never be seen again.  Gliders are generaly made to circle after
they are released.

> In any case, all of these options using 2-D cameras would allow for
> relatively light, inexpensive plastic bodied cameras.
> 
> However, I do see a possible advantage for a 3-D camera (again pointing down
> from a parachute).  If you've got various earlier rocket stages descending
> by parachute below the camera, a 3-D camera (or 2 2-Ds side by side) might
> give enough separation to see those parachutes in stereo relative to the ground.

I can go for that.  What do the rest of you think?

One other option:  I can go for a 4 foot separation and keep the altitude to
100-120 feet.  This will let me keep it all in one rocket.  Two questions
though:  

1.  Would it be possible to build a decent beam splitter for this so I
    can keep it to one camera.

2.  Is 100 feet up high enough to get anything interesting in the picture?

Paul
-------------------------------------------------------------
Real Life: Paul Albers          SHL VISION* Solutions
Internet:  pa@xxxxxxxxxxx       Suite 501, 50 O'Connor Street
VOICE:     613-236-1428 x 5271  Ottawa, Ontario
FAX:       613-567-5433         K1P 6L2
                The world belongs to people with VISION*. 
-------------------------------------------------------------


------------------------------