P3D Stereo twin rig flown by a kite

[Ralph Johnston/Linda Sherman <copley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Checkout this photo of a twin rig mounted on a kite string:

<http://www.emporia.edu/kite/equip/stereo1.jpg>http://www.emporia.edu/kite/
equip/stereo1.jpg

Stereo KAP Rig

A radio-controlled stereo KAP rig carries two cameras that take simultaneous
photographs of the same ground area. The stereo rig was
built by Brooks Leffler (12/98), based on his earlier experience in building a
rig for John Carlson (Leffler 1998). Previous stereo KAP
results of Carl Bigras (1997) were integrated into this stereo rig.

Two Stylus Epic cameras are mounted on a boom, 93.5 cm (about 37 inches) apart.
The cameras point in the same direction and are
triggered by microservos via radio signal. The camera boom attaches directly to
a large Picavet suspension made of graphite tubing and
ultralight blocks. The camera boom can be attached either parallel or
transverse to the kite line orientation, which allows four pan
positions for the cameras. Cameras can be tilted from vertical to horizontal
position by manual adjustment prior to each flight. Designed
for extreme lightness, this rig weighs only 870 grams (31 oz.), including two
cameras, batteries and film.

                  
                  Closeup view of stereo KAP rig in flight. Note camera boom is
parallel to kite line. This position minimizes wind drag and tilting
                  of the rig. Photo date 12/98, © J.S. Aber.
                  
                  Stereo KAP rig suspended from the line below a large rokkaku
kite. The small dihedral wings help to stabilize the camera boom
                  parallel to the wind. Photo date 12/98, © J.S. Aber.


Stereo photos allow the viewer to "see" the scene in three dimensions, when
photo pairs are viewed through a special device, called a
stereoscope. Stereo photography is the basis for accurate measurements and
mapping based on principles of photogrammetry. Thus
stereo KAP has great potential for scientific surveys and mapping.



*****************************************************************
*   Linda Sherman/Ralph Johnston
*   WEB PAGES http://www.ultranet.com/~copley/
*      1) Photo Historical Society of New England
*      2) Stereo New England
*      3) Auburndale Community Association
*   617-527-7562, 617-969-2760fx
*****************************************************************