P3D Re: Floating 3D Revised

[roberts@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (John W Roberts)]

>Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 12:19:16 -0700
>From: Sam Smith <3dhacker@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: P3D Floating 3D Revised

>I should have been more specific as to what I'm trying to do. I want to
>build an ultra light stereo hyper camera, say 150 grams, to be floated at a
>distance of between 20-30 meters ( 60-100 feet). We're talking a couple of
>chocolate bars weight here, so hopefully they could be lifted without a
>major investment in balloon power. 

>kites are out due to the inherent problems with wind and stability. Hot air
>is feasable although extremely limited. I'm just trying to get over the
>trees for some new perspectives in scenic photography, as Alberta has some
>spectacular scenery, but I can never get the height I want!

I think you could get the lift you need for under US$50. Many companies on
the Web advertise weather balloons - some don't quote the price, but at least
one quoted around the size you need in the range of $7-13. One party
supply place lists local availability of helium (including 3-day rental
of the cylinder) at $20 for 22 ft^3, $25 for 41 ft^3, $65 for $291 ft^3.

I don't know what your local prices would be, but that sounds a lot more
economical than buying a batch of party balloons at the grocery store.

John R


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