August1994 37 Aerial photography sailpianes Sure Sailpianes can easily lift cameras payload compared engine-powered RC model airplanes sailpianes have advantages no motor vibration spoil photo sharpness no burned-fuel residue foul camera lens Sailpianes can fly slowly smoothly contributing camera steadiness needed produce detailed aerial photographs During three flying seasons Ive taken dozens photos two sailplane camera platforms Ive learned bit along way article designed share experience help RC sailplane pilots want take own aerial photos first aerial-photo model trusty Airtronics Olympic II 100-inch wingspan polyhedral floater stable flier easily capable handling extra weight camera its shutter-release servo camera mounted under wing outside fuselage pointing straight down materials used simple camera installation positioning rails glued outside fuselage rubber bands holding camera against fuselage wire link running servo mounted inside fuselage cameras shutter-release button its quick install reliable operate installation presented two disadvantages First camera exposed landing damage ground moisture second external mount camera created noticeable aerodynamic drag overcome drawbacks soon moved model carried camera entirely within fuselage protect camera second model damage built enlarged guppyshaped fuselage 120-inch span Pierce Aero Paragon camera carried open bay under wing minimize balance changes camera out sailplane Inside fuselage camera protected damage presents no aerodynamic change flight characteristics Its weight acts ballast makes sailplane fly bit faster smoother special fuselage must built contain camera prefer side-looking camera point view easily obtained internal camera position Camera Recommendations essential characteristic airborne camera automated film advance Autofocus needed aerial use camera focused infinity Autoexposure isnt needed because during flying days lighting fairly exposure can set accurately before launching aircraft Compact size light weight advantages camera should fit inside sailplane possible meet requirements used Olympus Trip MD $60 fixed-focus autoexposure automatic-film-advance 35mm camera Its quite compact especially considering pair AA batteries included power film-advance motor camera has worked well three years first thought cable-release socket needed Trip MD has After experimentation however found easier release shutter servo using carefully placed stick Taking Photos use ISO 200 film sunny partly cloudy conditions keep shutter speed 1/250 second faster Shoot either slide negative film color black white according preferences Test camera function part final radio check before launchyou dont want fly thinking youre taking photos find out later shutter release mechanism jammed foam padding Shadows produced ground objects couple hours before after solar noon help give contrast scene define landscape features film Take photos sailplane flying straight level photos tilted horizons look weird choose side-looking camera viewpoint can use wing help aim camera Take photos bound get some pleasing images highly unusual viewpoint odel Aviation Paula son Louis wave Olympic Il takes photo Rubber bands secure camera Olympic II balsa rails position slope lift over Cape Cod Massachusetts Servos move rudder elevator spoilers shutter release Placing Trip MD bay under Paragons wing minimizes balance change camera removed model Royal Mini Titan servo operates shutter release mechanism Paragon Screw provides adjustment release
Edition: Model Aviation - 1994/08
Page Numbers: 37, 38
August1994 37 Aerial photography sailpianes Sure Sailpianes can easily lift cameras payload compared engine-powered RC model airplanes sailpianes have advantages no motor vibration spoil photo sharpness no burned-fuel residue foul camera lens Sailpianes can fly slowly smoothly contributing camera steadiness needed produce detailed aerial photographs During three flying seasons Ive taken dozens photos two sailplane camera platforms Ive learned bit along way article designed share experience help RC sailplane pilots want take own aerial photos first aerial-photo model trusty Airtronics Olympic II 100-inch wingspan polyhedral floater stable flier easily capable handling extra weight camera its shutter-release servo camera mounted under wing outside fuselage pointing straight down materials used simple camera installation positioning rails glued outside fuselage rubber bands holding camera against fuselage wire link running servo mounted inside fuselage cameras shutter-release button its quick install reliable operate installation presented two disadvantages First camera exposed landing damage ground moisture second external mount camera created noticeable aerodynamic drag overcome drawbacks soon moved model carried camera entirely within fuselage protect camera second model damage built enlarged guppyshaped fuselage 120-inch span Pierce Aero Paragon camera carried open bay under wing minimize balance changes camera out sailplane Inside fuselage camera protected damage presents no aerodynamic change flight characteristics Its weight acts ballast makes sailplane fly bit faster smoother special fuselage must built contain camera prefer side-looking camera point view easily obtained internal camera position Camera Recommendations essential characteristic airborne camera automated film advance Autofocus needed aerial use camera focused infinity Autoexposure isnt needed because during flying days lighting fairly exposure can set accurately before launching aircraft Compact size light weight advantages camera should fit inside sailplane possible meet requirements used Olympus Trip MD $60 fixed-focus autoexposure automatic-film-advance 35mm camera Its quite compact especially considering pair AA batteries included power film-advance motor camera has worked well three years first thought cable-release socket needed Trip MD has After experimentation however found easier release shutter servo using carefully placed stick Taking Photos use ISO 200 film sunny partly cloudy conditions keep shutter speed 1/250 second faster Shoot either slide negative film color black white according preferences Test camera function part final radio check before launchyou dont want fly thinking youre taking photos find out later shutter release mechanism jammed foam padding Shadows produced ground objects couple hours before after solar noon help give contrast scene define landscape features film Take photos sailplane flying straight level photos tilted horizons look weird choose side-looking camera viewpoint can use wing help aim camera Take photos bound get some pleasing images highly unusual viewpoint odel Aviation Paula son Louis wave Olympic Il takes photo Rubber bands secure camera Olympic II balsa rails position slope lift over Cape Cod Massachusetts Servos move rudder elevator spoilers shutter release Placing Trip MD bay under Paragons wing minimizes balance change camera removed model Royal Mini Titan servo operates shutter release mechanism Paragon Screw provides adjustment release