RocketHunter
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- Joined
- Jun 15, 2013
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This is one thing I am hoping that comes out of this discussion, some guidelines on where to place a camera. From the threads I have read the decision is pretty much based on what video perspective you want to capture and any thought about the effects on the flight are guesswork if at all. Like we have to CP and CG calibers which the hobby seems to have a good grasp even taking into consideration extreme mach flights, it would be nice to develop a basic rule/guidelines/best practices.
Such as where to place the camera, possible in relation to CP, CG or a combination of the two, like a formula. Other concerns I have had is, like CP/CG at different velocities, will the formula hold up and what adjustments should be made, if any, from one end of the recommendation to the other. At what velocity does having a camera mounted externally a bad idea as I am sure at some point this will come up. What size rocket, tube diameter is the effect if any null.
I am not discounting a basic CP/CG issue, it is still on the table, however regardless of the point of the thread I would like to better understand the whole external camera topic in better detail.
I would say that the best spot for the shroud would be at the rockets C.G. By placing it there, any asymmetric drag forces produced will impart little to no rotational torque that could angle the rocket and begin the coning oscillations.
Also, in regards to your flight, don't forget that the upper level winds that weekend were very, very strong despite low winds on the ground. To me, the rocket suddenly experiencing a strong wind gust could be plenty to angle the rocket mid-flight, which on such a long skinny rocket will momentarily dramatically lower the stability, and lead to the back and forth wiggling for the rest of the flight.