This is an instructable for modifying a model rocket with a payload bay to carry a keychain HD video camera horizontally (pointing out) instead of vertically (pointing down). I decided to take on this project after seeing many cool videos of rockets with on-board video cameras, but they tend to face the camera downward. That is a great view but I wanted to see what a video would look like with a camera facing horizontally.
This instructable assumes you know the basics of building and launching model rockets. It is easy to learn and get started. I've skipped the steps of building the rocket as those steps will follow the instructions included with the rocket aside from the rocket parts involved with this instructable.
**Important - Substitutions can be made for the model rocket being used or the keychain camera model, but doing so may alter these steps. If you change anything, be prepared to perform slightly different modifications to get your camera to fit properly. Research never hurts either.**
Items needed:
Model Rocket - For this Instructable I used an Estes Reflector since it has a payload bay. I also did extensive research to make sure the payload bay diameter [1.33 in. (34 mm)] was wide enough to hold the keychain camera [~32 mm wide without case].
Note: I upgraded my parachute to a larger spare 18" chute we had laying around to slow the rocket descent with the camera on board. This increased the time it takes for the rocket to come down and could be problematic in a small launch area if wind is present. The stock parachute should be fine with camera on board.
Keychain Camera - Most keychain cameras will fit as you will have to remove the case. This guy's site has everything you need to know about the various models and is a must read: http://www.chucklohr.com/808/ For my purposes I selected the #11 808 ($30) model since it has true 720p HD video. I purchased it from eBay. Some camera models "claim" to have 720p or better HD video but they actually convert lower quality video up to HD video, so do your research on other models. Also be mindful of the frame rate. The #11 has a 30 fps (frames per second) frame rate which isn't bad for such a small HD camera. Some cameras only do 15 fps which I would find unacceptable for something as fast as a rocket launch. Look for 30 fps or better.
Video Editing Software - There are plenty of free options on the internet. I used Windows Movie Maker.
Memory Card - Micro SD. Class 4 or better to handle the volume of HD video data. I used 4gb capacity. A USB card reader will make your life easier as well.
Foam Ear plugs - A pair or more. These are for securing the camera in the payload bay, not for your ears!
Tools for constructing the rocket (consult your manual for complete list):
-Glue (Elmers or other strong general purpose glue)
-Sandpaper, preferably a sanding block
-Ruler
-Xacto knife
-Spray Paint - however you wish to paint your rocket. I used flat black and metallic gold.
-Masking tape
-Pinstriping tape - optional but makes cleaner, more uniform paint stripes than masking tape.
Tools for modifying the rocket in this instructable:
-A saw. I used a hacksaw
-Glue (Elmers or other strong general purpose glue)
-Sandpaper, preferably a sanding block
-Xacto knife
-Small, sharp kitchen knife
-Dremel - to cut a nice hole for the camera lens. An Xacto knife could probably be used instead if a Dremel is not available.
-Pen or pencil
-Small phillips head screw driver, like the type for eye glasses.
Videos of my launches:
This instructable assumes you know the basics of building and launching model rockets. It is easy to learn and get started. I've skipped the steps of building the rocket as those steps will follow the instructions included with the rocket aside from the rocket parts involved with this instructable.
**Important - Substitutions can be made for the model rocket being used or the keychain camera model, but doing so may alter these steps. If you change anything, be prepared to perform slightly different modifications to get your camera to fit properly. Research never hurts either.**
Items needed:
Model Rocket - For this Instructable I used an Estes Reflector since it has a payload bay. I also did extensive research to make sure the payload bay diameter [1.33 in. (34 mm)] was wide enough to hold the keychain camera [~32 mm wide without case].
Note: I upgraded my parachute to a larger spare 18" chute we had laying around to slow the rocket descent with the camera on board. This increased the time it takes for the rocket to come down and could be problematic in a small launch area if wind is present. The stock parachute should be fine with camera on board.
Keychain Camera - Most keychain cameras will fit as you will have to remove the case. This guy's site has everything you need to know about the various models and is a must read: http://www.chucklohr.com/808/ For my purposes I selected the #11 808 ($30) model since it has true 720p HD video. I purchased it from eBay. Some camera models "claim" to have 720p or better HD video but they actually convert lower quality video up to HD video, so do your research on other models. Also be mindful of the frame rate. The #11 has a 30 fps (frames per second) frame rate which isn't bad for such a small HD camera. Some cameras only do 15 fps which I would find unacceptable for something as fast as a rocket launch. Look for 30 fps or better.
Video Editing Software - There are plenty of free options on the internet. I used Windows Movie Maker.
Memory Card - Micro SD. Class 4 or better to handle the volume of HD video data. I used 4gb capacity. A USB card reader will make your life easier as well.
Foam Ear plugs - A pair or more. These are for securing the camera in the payload bay, not for your ears!
Tools for constructing the rocket (consult your manual for complete list):
-Glue (Elmers or other strong general purpose glue)
-Sandpaper, preferably a sanding block
-Ruler
-Xacto knife
-Spray Paint - however you wish to paint your rocket. I used flat black and metallic gold.
-Masking tape
-Pinstriping tape - optional but makes cleaner, more uniform paint stripes than masking tape.
Tools for modifying the rocket in this instructable:
-A saw. I used a hacksaw
-Glue (Elmers or other strong general purpose glue)
-Sandpaper, preferably a sanding block
-Xacto knife
-Small, sharp kitchen knife
-Dremel - to cut a nice hole for the camera lens. An Xacto knife could probably be used instead if a Dremel is not available.
-Pen or pencil
-Small phillips head screw driver, like the type for eye glasses.
Videos of my launches:
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Signing UpStep 1: Notes on rocket selection
The rocket I used is the Estes Reflector. I selected this rocket for several reasons:
1. It has a payload bay for carrying objects. This is perfect for putting a keychain camera inside and carrying it safely. You cannot put a camera inside the body of a rocket, as this space is needed for the parachute and recovery wadding to protect the parachute. The engine's discharge to deploy the parachute travels through the body, so it needs to remain clear and unobstructed. The camera would get fried from the discharge.
2. The payload bay on the Reflector has a diameter capable of carrying the keychain camera. This is important because we shouldn't have parts of the camera (other than the lens) protruding outside the rocket. Several other model rockets with payload bays have a smaller diameter which would not fit the camera.
3. The Reflector's parts are made of wood and cardboard which makes them very easy to modify.
Other model rockets with payload bays may yield different results. Do research if you decide to use something other than the Estes Reflector. Other model rockets may use plastic parts or require different measurements and modifications for the camera to fit.
1. It has a payload bay for carrying objects. This is perfect for putting a keychain camera inside and carrying it safely. You cannot put a camera inside the body of a rocket, as this space is needed for the parachute and recovery wadding to protect the parachute. The engine's discharge to deploy the parachute travels through the body, so it needs to remain clear and unobstructed. The camera would get fried from the discharge.
2. The payload bay on the Reflector has a diameter capable of carrying the keychain camera. This is important because we shouldn't have parts of the camera (other than the lens) protruding outside the rocket. Several other model rockets with payload bays have a smaller diameter which would not fit the camera.
3. The Reflector's parts are made of wood and cardboard which makes them very easy to modify.
Other model rockets with payload bays may yield different results. Do research if you decide to use something other than the Estes Reflector. Other model rockets may use plastic parts or require different measurements and modifications for the camera to fit.
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I may look into engineering this and post instructions later. One possibility I'm imagining is to set up the mirror such that it allows the camera to view downwards for launch, and after parachute deployment (when the camera & mirror would hang upside down and film the sky) the mirror moves out of the way to allow a horizontal view towards the horizon during descent. The mirror would be mounted to use gravity and launch forces hold it in place, and inverting it would move the mirror out of the way. The mirror just needs to be movable yet attached to the rocket.
Still, I like how you mounted it inside the body of the rocket. If I had a little more time, I'd have attempted something similar.
My main goal was to just capture a different angle of a rocket flight on video that I didn't see much of online.
http://www.cn-optics.com/products/Prisms_Right_Angle.asp
I'm actually working on something similar right now! (think: scratchbuilt + three E size motors + completely internally-housed gopro)