Well, I got the sound working, but unfortunately my wireless data link was too weak and I did not get a decent video feed. It had been a while since I used this setup, and I forgot to use fresh batteries. I also forget to use the high-res MPEG2 encoder, so this is just a frame grab from MPEG4 (video camera near nose cone is facing straight down the orange rocket tube).

Given the requests for video on the prior photo, you can see a low-res video here from an overpowered Oracle rocket launch. No microphone to capture the sound there.

For anyone interested in doing this at home, Estes sells a beginner video rocket kit (the Oracle). It is pre-assembled to take a D size engine. I discovered that the body tube is the exact same size as the Estes Blue Ninja. So I build the Blue Ninja, sliding back the motor retainer so it can take E size engines (2x the power of a D). From there, you can double the power again by using an Aerotech composite F21 that fits into the space of an Estes E engine, or you can use a D12-0 booster stage from an Estes CC Express to ignite the E9-8 in the Blue Ninja.

8 responses to “Blastoff”

  1. Oh, how exciting!

    The video gives me the impression of blasting into space in a soon exploding shuttle! A bit ennerving…but fun!

    Now, two small lessons learned for all. Do not gorget the fresh batteries and do not forget the high-res MPEG2 encoder. Next time….

    Ce sera pour la prochaine fois…

    Thanks for the flash experience.

  2. Wow! makes me dizzy!!

  3. Isn’t it easier to capture the video on board than using wireless video telemetry?

  4. whoah, that is so inexpensive… I am getting one 🙂

  5. cool… we can add it to the next drag race…

    Video-Rocket Drag Race

    fotofrog: yeah… I think so… One advantage of wireless: you get the feed even if you never see the rocket again (I recently lost an Oracle to the Pacific ocean and really wish I could have saved the video)

  6. Good video anyway… BTW, on a side note… I got my first paypal payment from Revver last week for my videos there. I bet you have had a lot more response from yours, though. Is it working out for you as a sideline income? 😉

  7. Drag race!!!!

    I’ll see you in my rear-view mirror… I mean… Rocket-Cam!

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