a day at the launch pad

[NJRick]

OK...I hope this works...my technical assistant has been helping me...(always wonderful to have ahelpful daughter!!) Beautiful day up in NJ....weather was in the low 50's with little to no wind...so I brought a couple of Dr. Zooch's rockets to the pad: Saturn 1b ASTP, Soyuz, Jupiter C and maiden flight for my Titan 3C...I tried my best to catch them lifting off...but I don't really have an adequate camera...most of my pics were smoke trails. Lets see if this works:

over at Complex 39b: go for liftoff and ignition sequence start and chute deploy:

[NJRick]

over at Launch Complex 40:

[NJRick]

I couldn't get good launch shots of the Soyuz...and the Jupiter C is off the pad the instant the launch button is pressed..but I thought I would post them anyways...

[gdjsky01]

Those are gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing and keep up the photos and launch reports. How'd they fly? Well done!

[JStarStar]

Some sharp looking Zoochrockets!!

I have a couple I am waiting to build, I am thinking of going with gray/light blue paint on the "flame fins" to maybe make them a little more invisible during flight.
I have seen it done both ways so I guess we will see.

When your launch crew is limited to two or three people, sometimes it's hard to get launch photos -- press the button and click the shutter at the same time.

[NJRick]

Those are gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing and keep up the photos and launch reports. How'd they fly? Well done!

thanks GDJSK! all flew perfectly...basically landing within 50 feet of the pad....the Jupiter C did break a fin.....out of 3 flights on that rocket with an Estes A8 engine...2 have had the parachute charge go so forcefully that I thought the rocket exploded....today, it blew the fin off (maybe wrapped a shroud line....) (honest....my eyes aren't what they used to be...) but the charge seemed strong in comparison to the others...no biggie...repaired it at the pad....the Saturn 1b was the first new rocket I had built in 30 years...I didn't really do much in way of sanding or finishing..(I didn't know how!!)....but she flies like a champ!....

I have to say that this site has helped a lot...by watching and reading some build threads on this site....has helped me try some new techniques, ideas and finishing tips.....there are some really good rocket builders on this site!! just makes a world of difference....I feel as if I get better with each build....and I have fun doing it!!

[NJRick]

Some sharp looking Zoochrockets!!

I have a couple I am waiting to build, I am thinking of going with gray/light blue paint on the "flame fins" to maybe make them a little more invisible during flight.
I have seen it done both ways so I guess we will see.

When your launch crew is limited to two or three people, sometimes it's hard to get launch photos -- press the button and click the shutter at the same time.

thanks JStar!....I really don't have the camera for it...that was my daughter's digital...but it is basically a point and shoot...most of my pictures were smoke trails...and the Jupiter C is gone the instant the launch button is pressed! I really don't have the field to do that rocket justice...anymore than an A on my field and its gone. That was the maiden flight for my Titan and I wasn't sure I had done the fins properly....but they stayed in and it flew perfectly. I'll be honest...I read the instrructions, I try to do the best my skills allow...but on the maiden flight...I am never certain the rocket is going to go up.

[luke strawwalker]

Those are some NICE rockets there Rick! Great job! I love the FlameFins on the Titan III... I've been experimenting with the fade paint jobs on them but I don't have it down yet by a longshot...

Nice pics too... here's a trick to help with the liftoff shots. Try pressing the shutter button halfway down and holding it... this should allow the camera to autofocus and then when you press the launch button, at first sign of smoke or first movement press the shutter button down the rest of the way and it should take the pic "instantaneously" with no appreciable shutter lag so frequent with digital cameras...

I have a Fuji Finepix "prosumer" S2000HD that has a 33 frame burst mode in about 1.3 seconds, so it takes some great liftoff shots. The "shutter half depressed" thing works great with it and is a big help for most digital cams...

Good luck and KUTGW!
Later! OL JR

[gdjsky01]

If you ask yer daughter the camera type and model, we could look up the manual and see if it has an scene mode or burst.

[Rex R]

they were using:
Filename - IMG_1325b.jpg
Make - Canon
Model - Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS
Orientation - Top left
XResolution - 180
YResolution - 180
ResolutionUnit - Inch
DateTime - 2011:12:30 16:14:08
YCbCrPositioning - Centered
ExifOffset - 196
ExposureTime - 1/200 seconds
FNumber - 10.00
ISOSpeedRatings - 80
ExifVersion - 0220
DateTimeOriginal - 2011:12:30 16:14:08
DateTimeDigitized - 2011:12:30 16:14:08
ComponentsConfiguration - YCbCr
ShutterSpeedValue - 1/202 seconds
ApertureValue - F 10.04
ExposureBiasValue - 0.00
Flash - Flash not fired, auto mode
FocalLength - 9.68 mm
UserComment -
FlashPixVersion - 0100
ColorSpace - sRGB
ExifImageWidth - 789
ExifImageHeight - 452
InteroperabilityOffset - 1860
FocalPlaneXResolution - 9102.22
FocalPlaneYResolution - 9088.76
FocalPlaneResolutionUnit - Inch
FileSource - Other
CustomRendered - Custom process
ExposureMode - Auto
White Balance - Auto
DigitalZoomRatio - 1.00 x
SceneCaptureType - Standard

Maker Note (Vendor): -

Thumbnail: -
Compression - 6 (JPG)
XResolution - 180
YResolution - 180
ResolutionUnit - Inch
JpegIFOffset - 2032
JpegIFByteCount - 3761
based on the image info .
rex

[paul.nortness]

OK....you sold me.

I was on the fence about getting some Zooch rockets. After seeing your pics....totally going to get some now!

[NJRick]

wow..thanks Rex.....I was going to ask her when she got home (which would be tomorrow...she turned 21 on Christmas Day...and her old man will long since be in bed by the time she gets home tonight...) I wonder if this thing has a burst capability...I had no idea that these camera's could even do that

they were using:
Filename - IMG_1325b.jpg
Make - Canon
Model - Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS
Orientation - Top left
XResolution - 180
YResolution - 180
ResolutionUnit - Inch
DateTime - 2011:12:30 16:14:08
YCbCrPositioning - Centered
ExifOffset - 196
ExposureTime - 1/200 seconds
FNumber - 10.00
ISOSpeedRatings - 80
ExifVersion - 0220
DateTimeOriginal - 2011:12:30 16:14:08
DateTimeDigitized - 2011:12:30 16:14:08
ComponentsConfiguration - YCbCr
ShutterSpeedValue - 1/202 seconds
ApertureValue - F 10.04
ExposureBiasValue - 0.00
Flash - Flash not fired, auto mode
FocalLength - 9.68 mm
UserComment -
FlashPixVersion - 0100
ColorSpace - sRGB
ExifImageWidth - 789
ExifImageHeight - 452
InteroperabilityOffset - 1860
FocalPlaneXResolution - 9102.22
FocalPlaneYResolution - 9088.76
FocalPlaneResolutionUnit - Inch
FileSource - Other
CustomRendered - Custom process
ExposureMode - Auto
White Balance - Auto
DigitalZoomRatio - 1.00 x
SceneCaptureType - Standard

Maker Note (Vendor): -

Thumbnail: -
Compression - 6 (JPG)
XResolution - 180
YResolution - 180
ResolutionUnit - Inch
JpegIFOffset - 2032
JpegIFByteCount - 3761
based on the image info .
rex

[NJRick]

thank you GDjsky and Luke....I never knew that the camera even had that capability....I will see what we can find!!

If you ask yer daughter the camera type and model, we could look up the manual and see if it has an scene mode or burst.

[NJRick]

Paul...I really enjoy his kits...if you go to his website it is like being a kid in the candy store....I mean, its tough to pick just one.....he has an awesome selection....
I admit that I am not all that experienced compared to many on this board, but I find them to be challenging and enjoyable to build....and they are great flyers...and they cost less than $25! If you have never read a Zooch instruction manual..you are in for a treat...there are one liners and wise cracks through out....just very funny! He will warn you of the tough steps and call you a squirming hatch blower if you make a mistake..trust me...there are times I flirted on the edge of being a hatch blower on a number of occasions because I didn't read the instructions carefully enough...but those were my mistakes..the instructions were clear..I was just in too much of hurry to get her on the pad!!! Wes always adds a one page illustrated summary of the rocket and its history...these are very well done and interesting. For example, I am wrapping up his Saturn 5 now...in that summary Wes gave the best summary of the Apollo program I have ever read....he stated the rocket was conceived by genius, designed by the brilliant, built by the skilled, operated by the intelligent, flown by the brave, and funded by the short-sighted. I sat back after reading that and thought it was the best one sentence summary of Apollo I had ever read...I went on line and bought his Skylab Saturn 5 that day....I'll start that this weekend....In addition, if you have any questions, just email him...Wes responds and is helpful! Good customer service.

Good luck and let us know which one you pick!!!

Rick

OK....you sold me.

I was on the fence about getting some Zooch rockets. After seeing your pics....totally going to get some now!

[gdjsky01]

GDJSKY is Jeff

Okay so I did not think of looking at the EXIF data. Nice work Rex.

So the EXIF data tells us we are using a Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS. Nice.
So the manual is online here

Page 76
Continuous Shooting.
Basically if she bought a good quality memory card she should be able to set continous shooting mode and take pictures as long as the shutter is held down.

1. Set the mode (Page 76 of the manual)
2. Turn the camera sideways
3. Place the rocket at the center of the frame and press the shutter halfway down to set the focus and exposure
4. Now keep the shutter half way down and move rocket to the bottom of the frame
5. When she (or you) sees smoke or hears ZERO press the shutter the rest of the way down and see what you get!

Dont jerk the camera up. Just see if you can catch a shot.

If not, perhaps repeat the process but on step 4 place the rocket just outside of the frame. Maybe at the top of the rod.

[NJRick]

Jeff...thank you so much!! see what I mean about this board??...you guys amaze me!!

[thobin]

HEY! Where did you get green grass like that in December? And where are the launch videos? Looks like fun.

TA

[Daddyisabar]

OK....you sold me.

I was on the fence about getting some Zooch rockets. After seeing your pics....totally going to get some now!

Yep, them Zoocher's are real good for wee BARs. Guaranteed to increase your building skills and appreciation for sport scale rockets.

[gdjsky01]

Jeff...thank you so much!! see what I mean about this board??...you guys amaze me!!

BTW: According to the instructions there is a video mode.

But:



(Stop now if not in a rant mood!)

Virtually ALL rockety launch video is IMO total utter complete "CR$P". You see the rocket on the pad bouncing around, you see nothing but smoke bouncing around, you see the person track well BEHIND the rocket, you see blurry auto focus hunting because the person does not understand manual focus, and you MIGHT see some small dot deploying a tiny chute.... 95% of the rocketry launch video is: Why did you bother to post that? IMO of course and just my

One good liftoff picture is worth several megabytes of small, blurry, poorly tracked, video. So take some good photos!
And remember is just my

[Spacepirate R]

(Stop now if not in a rant mood!)

Virtually ALL rockety launch video is IMO total utter complete "CR$P". You see the rocket on the pad bouncing around, you see nothing but smoke bouncing around, you see the person track well BEHIND the rocket, you see blurry auto focus hunting because the person does not understand manual focus, and you MIGHT see some small dot deploying a tiny chute.... 95% of the rocketry launch video is: Why did you bother to post that? IMO of course and just my

One good liftoff picture is worth several megabytes of small, blurry, poorly tracked, video. So take some good photos!
And remember is just my

(Note: I am currently a film student.)

The biggest problem that I have seen with rocket videos is that the camera is way too close. Get someone else to launch the rocket and stand with the camera a good distance away. Do not zoom in! Let the rocket launch and calmly follow it up. Keep it centered as best as you can and DO NOT ZOOM IN! If you can't see it don't worry, it will come back into view soon enough.

Also, if you get excited and point the camera away from the rocket and at the grass either edit that part out or don't post the video. Watching grass is as exciting as it sounds. If you are filming the rocket, focus and film the rocket!

Oh, and those Zooch rockets look wonderful!

[Dr.Zooch]

TICK-TOCK Everyone- the clock is ticking on the DR. Zooch Saturn V sale! Soon the clock will strike midnight, they'll throw Dick Clark off the building thus ending 2011- and so will end our sale!

SEE THE VENDOR'S AREA for details!

[NJRick]

thank you Luke, Jeff, Rex and Space Pirate...I tried your recommendations and went back to the launch pad....looks like my daughter's camera does not have a fast enough memory card..but we did get some other pics and thought I would put them up...I appreciate your suggestions! I was not able to get a picture of the Mercury Redstone lifting off...but I thought the 23rd flight of my 1b came out pretty neat....and we managed to catch the Soyuz just at ignition....I also thought I would throw in a pic of some of the rockets we brought out. Was a little more wind today so I opted not to try the Titan. thanks again and I hope all of you have a safe and Happy New Year!

Rick

[NJRick]

TA....the green grass comes from 31.94 inches of rainfall since August 2011...and that does not include December...(sorry Luke...if I could send some your way I would!!)

HEY! Where did you get green grass like that in December? And where are the launch videos? Looks like fun.

TA

[NJRick]

thanks Daddy....I admit I am a wee BAR...but I am having fun none the less!! trust me, I have a real appreciation for the skill sets some people have on this site...just amazing what some people can do with peices of cardboard, balsa and a little patience....

I read the build threads and book mark the ones on rockets I would like to try....I read them and say man..I didn't even think to try that....some really good builders on this site.

Yep, them Zoocher's are real good for wee BARs. Guaranteed to increase your building skills and appreciation for sport scale rockets.

[gdjsky01]

Well now those are getting there!!!

Hmmm... even with a slow card it should be able to buffer up 4 or 5 pictures. Maybe lower the size of the pictures to 5mp (page 68 of the manual).

Also you could try the Kids and Pets Scene mode (page 73 and 74). This should cause the camera to favor or prefer a faster shutter speed help 'stop the action'.

Well done!!

Those are great looking models!!

[RocketManDan]

Great looking rockets Rick. The pictures are great too! Thanks for sharing!

[NJRick]

Jeff....Ok..thank you for the tip....I'll give it a try!

Well now those are getting there!!!

Hmmm... even with a slow card it should be able to buffer up 4 or 5 pictures. Maybe lower the size of the pictures to 5mp (page 68 of the manual).

Also you could try the Kids and Pets Scene mode (page 73 and 74). This should cause the camera to favor or prefer a faster shutter speed help 'stop the action'.

Well done!!

Those are great looking models!!

[NJRick]

thanks Rocket Man!

Great looking rockets Rick. The pictures are great too! Thanks for sharing!

[ani_chd]

Jeff....Ok..thank you for the tip....I'll give it a try!

Thats right it should get 4-5 pictures with slow card ,must try that.

[luke strawwalker]

thank you Luke, Jeff, Rex and Space Pirate...I tried your recommendations and went back to the launch pad....looks like my daughter's camera does not have a fast enough memory card..but we did get some other pics and thought I would put them up...I appreciate your suggestions! I was not able to get a picture of the Mercury Redstone lifting off...but I thought the 23rd flight of my 1b came out pretty neat....and we managed to catch the Soyuz just at ignition....I also thought I would throw in a pic of some of the rockets we brought out. Was a little more wind today so I opted not to try the Titan. thanks again and I hope all of you have a safe and Happy New Year!

Rick

That's a great shot of the IB... too bad the shutter speed was a little slow (lotta motion blur). Does the camera have a "sports mode"? That should bump up the shutter speed to help freeze fast motion.

The "depress the shutter button halfway" SHOULD work on just about every "modern" digital camera... it basically has the camera all set and ready to take the pic... whereas just waiting til you want to take the picture to depress the button at all gets you that horrible and dreaded "shutter lag" where you count "3, 2, 1, LAUNCH!- Pfftt... WHOOSH *press the shutter button* and about the time the rocket is 50 feet off the ground you here the camera go "click"... Depressing the button halfway should get you "3, 2, 1, LAUNCH!- Pfttt...WHOOSH *press the shutter button the rest of the way down* "CLICK", hopefully while the rocket is just clearing the rod...

Thanks for the thoughts about the rain, I appreciate it! We actually got 2.5 inches of rain in the past 2 weeks we've been gone to Indiana... with the couple inches the week or two before we left, that brings us up to about 12 inches for the year, or thereabouts... about 1/4 normal... I have to say, I'm not so surprised you guys still have green grass-- this was the WARMEST Indiana Christmas I've ever seen (and they've ALL been Indiana Christmases in the last 5-7 years since my wife started teaching again). Heck, it was as warm up there most of the time as it was back in TEXAS when we left! Only got ONE overnight snow of about 3 inches or so overnight after Christmas-- Keira loved playing in it, and it was pretty decent outside because it was right around freezing-- not ten degrees or ten below like it usually is...

Hasn't been much of a winter up there so far...

Later! OL JR