Flight

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There was something about seeing the balloons rise up that made me giddy. While I knew that the whole endeavour was perfectly logical, watching the balloons pull my camera up into the sky, I couldn't help but feel the whole situation was surreal.

 

I've been interested in amateur aerial photography for quite some time. From taking pictures out of a commercial jetliner to dreaming up helicopters to launch cameras into the blue, I was fascinated with aerial photography. My interest was re-ignited when I came across several websites showing kites used to lift cameras into the sky.

I immediately set out to launch a camera. I researched kite sizes and triggering mechanisms and kept my eye out for good deals.

As time went on I decided I really wanted to be able to take pictures of events for ValpoLife.com. Kites really aren't ideal for this since you're really at the wind's mercy, both to get the kite up, and when it unexpectedly comes down. I really didn't want my camera rig coming down on some one's head.

 

That's when it occurred to me that helium filled balloons would be a great alternative to kites. I began adapting my designs for a balloon. I also found that others have done this before me and with that additional information I was ready to go.

My first flight was using a 3.2 digital camera I received from a friend. I removed it's internal parts, made some room, and installed a device that would automatically make the camera take a picture every 6 seconds. My initial rig was nothing more than 25 helium filled part balloons attached to the camera's strap. After my first flight was successful, I sent up a newer camera with a rig that maid it point straight down.

As I get the details hammered out, I'll post schematics and particulars, but as always feel free to e-mail me at kyle@valpolife.com with any questions or to request resources.

My future plans include renting a helium tank, ordering some larger balloons, and possibly sending a small wireless video camera up. Make sure to keep your eyes open when I can finally bring my rig out to an event that ValpoLife.com is covering!