You Decide

In this project, one goal is to take pictures at low altitude with a camera. How big are the cameras and how are they controlled? Although some specialized cameras exist, most people just use standard cameras. These cameras are fitted with special mechanisms for taking photos. You can use any of these mechanisms - just be sure you understand how they work and leave adequate room for them on your kite or its bridle. You will need to estimate the weight of the camera and associated rig, so you can include this weight in your testing and/or flight of your kite.

At right, a picture of the Brownie Box rig described at the NASA link below (#5).

The following are web sites to explore to better understand what a rig and camera will look like and where to put it on your kite or its bridle. When you click on these sites, you may be exiting the NASA web site. These sites are not under NASA control, and NASA is not responsible for the information or links you may find there. NASA is providing these links only as a convenience. The presence of these links on any NASA web site is not intended to imply NASA endorsement of that site, but to provide a convenient link to relevant sites which are managed by other organizations, companies, or individuals.

1. Charles Benton has a very complete site containing information on photography, rigs, and cameras: http://www.arch.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/equip/equip.html
   
   He also has links to some of his friends' sites including:
   
   Bill Nelson: http://www.arch.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/equip/ice.html
   Aaron Fulton: http://www.fulton.btinternet.co.uk/kap.htm
   Simon Harboard: http://www.arch.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/others/shrig.html
   Bob Pebly: http://www.arch.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/others/pebly.html
   Jan van der Elsen: http://www.arch.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/others/vdelsen1.html
   Wolfgang Bieck: http://www.arch.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/others/wolfgang.html



2. Another kite and camera setup with a photo of both in flight: http://www.geospectra.net/kite/equip/kap-rig.htm



3. A link about the use of a disposable camera with timers/radio control: http://www.rcarchive.com/kite/



4. Detail on the Picavet Suspension Cradle: http://www.faxmentis.nsw.edu.au/picavet2.html



5. NASA resource and details on building a Brownie Box for a disposable camera: http://wwwedu.ssc.nasa.gov/kap/kap.htm