Launch site
This weekend we went out to Doonside to have a look at the site and help out with a bit of mowing to clear a new area for the launch pads. The new area is needed because huge piles of dirt have been pushed up against the permanent pads. Despite there being virtually no rain all week, the road was still impassible as the ground is still saturated with standing water especially near the entrance.
The aeroclub that used to fly on the other side of Doonside has been relocated to our area as well due to the construction, so some co-ordination will be needed but there is plenty of room for everyone so that shouldn't be a problem. Currently the next launch opportunity is July 4th so we are hoping to fly on the day.
High speed video
After seeing the great high speed videos of water rockets made by Dr. Pitan Singhasaneh using a Casio Exilim EX-F1 camera (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/water-rockets/message/9248) We decided to get a high speed camera as well. Unfortunately the F1 is still too expensive here in Australia and so we decided to get it's baby brother the 9MP Casio Exilim FC-100. Overall it's a nice camera with some really cool features. I was really surprised at how small the whole thing is. Other than the 30 fps 1 second burst it can do - which will be great for launches, it can shoot HD video at 30fps, but also high speed video at 210, 420 and 1000 fps. The trade-off is the frame size decreases as fps goes up. The 1000fps is pretty useless due to the tiny frame size but for very specific tasks it may work. For the high speed shots lots of light is necessary otherwise the video is grainy. Both the 210 and 420 fps frame sizes are usable.
I've posted a video of some of the first tests here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gIo6iQcRRs
We want to bring the camera with us for launching the big rocket. We have to decide though whether we want to film the launch in HD or high speed. The high speed is likely to be more interesting though.
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7 comments:
Hi George,
I put new things on my web site, like a building section,I got that spend a lot of hours working on it. You can see it here http://usuarios.lycos.es/cohetesdeagua
The test that you make with your high speed camera are amazing!!
Good work.
Daniel
Hi Daniel,
Nice work on the website. :) Looks like you have been putting quite a bit of work into it. It's always interesting to see what materials people use for their rockets and launchers. What rockets are you going to be flying next?
cheers
- George
My water rocket Alpha is almost ready to be launched. I must install the parachute, and perhaps I launch it this Sunday if the weather is well.
Then I will build a rocket of 7.5l and then I will star with water rocket with boosters.
But sure that I will launch a rocket the 20th of this month because is the 40 aniversary of the firs human landing on the Moon.
Good luck with your work on the launch pad site.
Hi George,
I am finishing the Alpha rocket and I got that ask you someting. I must find the gravity center with the water inside the rocket or without it?
Thanks for your help.
Daniel
Hi Daniel, without water
Hi Daniel,
Just as Anonymous said. You want to find your CG without the water. Most of the flight of a water rocket is without water. If you have a large nozzle, the water exits within the first half a second. With restricted nozzles and foam, the weight of the water does start becoming an issue, but in general you don't need to worry too much.
Good luck with your flights this Sunday. I hope you have nice weather.
- George
Hi George,
Today I can launch the rocket because it is raining. :(
Next days is the weather is good I will launch it.
The good news are that the rocket is ready to be launched, and the parachute ejection system work well.
Good luck with your rockets.
Daniel
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