Movie Camera for low power rockets

[sj_h1]

I seem to remember some vendor selling a very light movie camera for low-power rockets that was downloadable via usb. Anybody know where I could get one? Got several payload models and would like to put a camera in one.

 

[El Cheapo]

Some people on here have used the Aiptek https://www.aiptek.com/ Mini Pen camera for alot of different types of airframes. I've even seen a video of one fastened in the nose of a foam glider like the one Fliskits offers for the Decaffeinator. Look in the clearance section of the website for refurbished units for $10.00

 

[sj_h1]

I was thinking of one already set up for rocket flight! I though Estes use to have.

 

[n5wd]

I was thinking of one already set up for rocket flight! I though Estes use to have.

Estes have two - the Oracle and the Astrovision, both are still available in the hobby shops. The Oracle (under $100 ready to fly) is video only and can hold about 30 seconds worth of video,, IIRC the Astrovision is video or still and holds a bit less video.

 

[sj_h1]

Thanks I couldn't remember the names. Unfortunately, Estes no longer does mail order . The local hobby shops don't carry it.

 

[Indiana]

Do you have a Hobby Lobby? I've seen them in there. A 40% coupon would go a long way on that one. Lot's of good online shops should have them too.

 

[sj_h1]

Yes, but they don't carry it and wouldn't order it. I have found only one online store and they want $125 for it. Even at that I don't think I trust them. I never heard of them.

 

[Zeus-cat]

I saw some samples of the video had posted online and I wasn't impressed. They had one at my local Hobby Lobby and even with the 40% coupon I passed on it. I wasn't expecting high definition video by any means, but it just wasn't good enough for me.

 

[jackman]

I saw some samples of the video had posted online and I wasn't impressed. They had one at my local Hobby Lobby and even with the 40% coupon I passed on it. I wasn't expecting high definition video by any means, but it just wasn't good enough for me.

I agree. I have an Astrovision. You can see a video from mine here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAUfJDyNKsE

Furthermore, it has no sound.

You can also check out another thread on the Astrovision here:
https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?t=1197

 

[bguffer]

Estes is the only vendor for model rockets and usb downloadable video i can think of.
I don't believe the Estes video camera rockets record at 30 frames per second (standard frame rate). Probably less than 15 frames per second. Jerky results.

I've heard of Aiptek pen cameras being put up by model rockets as well. The frames per second was in the 15-25 range, for those pen cameras.

If you can find an CVS single use camera, apply a hack, and dissamble the camera (removing unneccessary weight), it can be launched by a model rocket.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eipGaYRvRA
I've used one myself twice, boosted by a mid power rocket:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwY2UZz_BhE&feature=channel_page
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYIkldHQkiA&feature=channel_page
I have two of these cameras which i'm willing to sell incidentally...

Boostervision offers a transmitting video camera that works well with model rockets, but you do need to have some method of capturing the video feed (ie: vcr or camcorder with video inputs).
https://www.boostervision.com/boostervision/default.asp
A few examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iC80sX6cRo&feature=channel_page
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixfHtSQKs9A&feature=channel_page
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhVIf4fJnbI&feature=channel_page
The boostervision cameras can take some abuse as well. I've lawn darted two rockets carrying a boostervision camera, and both times the boostervision camera had no damage.

 

[Delta-IV]

I just purchased a Mustek camera (~$40). It is a lightweight ~4.5 oz as is, I will remove built-in strap to save some more weight. So perhaps a top end LPR or MPR rocket can loft this one.

I have'nt yet used it but it states 30 frames per second at 640X480 or 352X240 AVI files. It has a built in USB port and works with Vista as well.

https://hhgregg.com/ProductDetail.asp?SID=n&ProductID=21639&BrandStore=All#page

 

[Zeus-cat]

I found the specs on the Estes cameras.

Estes Astrovsion
The videos are at 320x240 @ 5 frames/sec.

Estes Oracle
The videos are at 320x240 @ 9 frames/sec.

And has already been stated - no sound.

 

[Micromeister]

Yes, but they don't carry it and wouldn't order it. I have found only one online store and they want $125 for it. Even at that I don't think I trust them. I never heard of them.

Good Grief: Your Local hobby shop Won't make a pre-paid special order in this ecomony???
There are tons of on-line outlets for Estes models and motors. I'd suggest Belleville wholesale hobbies as one where i'm sure you'll be able to find either the oricale or Astrovision for a decent price. I seem to recall getting my astrovision for under 40 bucks. It's a vary nice little setup once you get used to the timing delays

 

[luke strawwalker]

Good Grief: Your Local hobby shop Won't make a pre-paid special order in this ecomony???
There are tons of on-line outlets for Estes models and motors. I'd suggest Belleville wholesale hobbies as one where i'm sure you'll be able to find either the oricale or Astrovision for a decent price. I seem to recall getting my astrovision for under 40 bucks. It's a vary nice little setup once you get used to the timing delays

Yeah what you said Micro... and the LHS's wonder why they're going broke and disappearing... LOL OL JR

 

[shreadvector]

https://www.hobbylinc.com/cgi-bin/s7.cgi?cat_s=T&str=oracle

In stock and discounted.

 

[AKPilot]

You know Heavenly Hobbies has a great setup for this. Granted it's MPR but the design is incredible!

 

[DaveHein]

I've flown the Astrovision a few times, and I'm not very impressed by the quality. The colors are faded and the video is not very sharp. The launch has to be timed just right to capture the entire flight. Otherwise, most of the video will be of the launch pad or looking up at the sky.

I have flown a FlyCamOne2 camera a few times, and the video quality is fairly good for a camera of this size. It records 640x480 resolution at 25 frames per second. It also records sound.

Up to now I've only flown the FlyCamOne2 strapped onto the outside of mid-power rockets. However, I hope to install it inside of a BT-60 LPR rocket in the future.

Dave