Issue 131__________Jan-Feb 2007

NEWSLETTER OF THE PITTSBURGH SPACE COMMAND - NAR SECTION #473 - JUDGED #1 BEST SECTION NEWSLETTER
NOTES FROM THE PREZ . . . . . . . . . . 7
MORT’S COLUMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
WRITING FOR ESTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
AN EMAIL FROM DREW GRAY . . . . . .11
FLYING THE ESTES ORACLE . . . . . . . 12
MEMBER PROFILE : JOE PEKLIZC . . . 14
LAUNCH WINDOWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Founded 1986
JAN - FEB 2007
A modern Cineroc - part 1
A
PSC SHOP TALK
SPECIAL
By John Brohm – NAR #78048
As some of you may know, our Newsletter Editor, Art Nestor, is quite an accomplished AstroCam/Cineroc aficionado. Art’s
work with model rocket photography reaches
back a number of years, and some of his AstroCam photographs are clinical examples of
the kind of results that we can all aspire to,
having appeared in several of the older Estes
catalogs. Recently, Art has been experimenting
with Estes’ new solid state video camera, the
Oracle, and his initial results seem to be quite
good (note to Editor: Art owes us an Oracle
review article sometime soon!). Being a bit of a
nostalgic rocketeer, and realizing that I’m not
likely to afford a rare, original, Mint-In-Box
Cineroc on eBay, Art’s experimentation with
the Oracle inspired me to re-finish an Oracle
camera in the livery of the old Cineroc. This
installment of PSC Shop Talk provides the first
of two articles that outline how I went about
achieving this result.
PSC Vice President and master craftsman
John Brohm displays his Oracle to Cineroc
conversion in the two photos above. In his
article, some photos of the camera’s interior have been enlarged to show detail.
Before starting the project, I first
flipped through the older Estes catalogs in
which the Cineroc was offered. I wanted to
select a classic Cineroc finish as my prototype,
and I finally chose the Cineroc version offered
in the 1974 Estes Catalog, as shown in Photo 1.
Article continued on page 3
Warning: front and back cover ink is not water friendly.
TEAM PITTSBURGH
2
editor’s note
TEAM PITTSBURGH
is published bimonthly by the
Pittsburgh Space Command
NAR Section # 473
Uncopyrighted material
appearing in TEAM PITTSBURGH
may be reprinted provided proper
credit is given to the author and to
TEAM PITTSBURGH.
It’s Up To US
The beginning of the year is
traditionally a time to make New
Year’s resolutions. And generally
those resolutions reflect the changes
for improvements we’d like to make
in different aspects of our lives. But
here we’ll reflect only on our hobby
of rocketry.
PSC Yearly dues:
17 & under --- $6.00
18 & over & family - $14.00
(Membership includes
newsletter subscription)
To those of us that greatly
enjoy rocketry it can be sadly disappointing that of 300 million Americans only about 5,000 have chosen to
join our organization. Sure, there are
additional enthusiasts in the Tripoli
Rocketry Association. And many
more both known and unknown independent flyers. But still, we aren’t
a large enough group.
Send PSC dues to:
Mike Hardobey
409 Mallard Drive
Cranberry Twp., Pa 16066
NOTE: Make Checks payable to
Mike Hardobey - NOT PSC
I think any increase in the
ranks of rocketry hobbyists in the
foreseeable future will come about
because of work done on the grassroots level. That’s you and me. And I
think PSC members have been doing
a good job of promoting rocketry in
AD SPACE in TEAM PITTSBURGH
is available free to
members in good standing.
PSC OFFICERS for 2007
President
Steve Foster
Vice President
John Brohm
Treasurer
Mike Hardobey
Section Advisor
John Pace
TP Editor
Art Nestor
Webmaster
Mike Hardobey
Website http://www.psc473.org
Submit articles for publication to:
Art Nestor
230 Arthur Street
Zelienople, Pa 16063
Email: [email protected]
The Pittsburgh Space Command
Is dedicated to the advancement
of safe model rocketry.
NO. 131
ATTENTION NAR SECTIONS:
Please send newsletter exchanges
to:
John Pace
111 Crystal Springs Drive
Cranberry Twp., Pa 16066
Phone: (724) 742-8692
the Pittsburgh area.
Let’s make a New Year’s resolution not necessarily to change anything but to keep up the job we have
been doing.
I’d like to thank everyone who
contributed to Team Pittsburgh in
2006. I need your contributions to continue in 2007 to make our newsletter as
interesting as possible.
NEW ADDRESS?
NEW PHONE NUMBER?
CONTACT:
Mike Hardobey
409 Mallard Drive
Cranberry Township, Pa 16066
Phone: (724) 772-9678
724-779-2000
1713 Rt. 228 Suite L1, Cranberry Twp., Pa 16066
HOURS: MON THRU FRI 10-9, SAT 10-6, SUN 12-4
NO. 131
TEAM PITTSBURG H
3
Photo 2: The Triangular Socket Head Screws
I found that a 3/32” standard screwdriver could
be jammed into the socket head and, with some careful
effort, could work these peculiar screws out. Any screwdriver larger or smaller than this I couldn’t get to work;
my 3/32” mini-screwdriver was purchased at Sears, as
shown in Photo 3.
Photo 1: 1974 Cineroc (all rights reserved, Estes
Industries)
With the target in mind, I began by disassembling the Oracle camera. I felt disassembly was necessary in order to finish the camera properly: the factory decals and trim paint needed to be removed, and
a number of mold marks and seams needed to be
filled. Then there were the various LEDs, the Start
Button and the Battery Hatch on the rear side of the
camera; the only sure way to finish all of this effectively would be to break the camera down into its
individual shell parts.
Breaking open the Oracle presented the first
problem: Estes uses two proprietary metric screws to
hold the outer shells together. As shown in Photo 2,
these screws are characterized by a triangular socket
head and normally would require a special socket
tool to back them out.
Photo 3: The Socket Screw Extraction Tool
Later, during the final assembly, I replaced these
proprietary screws with #2 socket head servo screws so
that I could use a regular Allen wrench for disassembly.
If you choose to do likewise, just make sure that you drill
out the mounting posts with a pin vise and #50 drill bit so
that the new #2 screws don't overstress the plastic mounting posts. You should be able to get a #50 drill bit from
Hobby Express; have Harry or Gwen order one for you if
necessary.
Estes’ “Digital Video” sticker is factory-installed
over the joint between the two nose cone shell halves;
this sticker must be slit along the joint before the camera
can be opened, as it doesn’t peel off very well at all. With
the screws removed and the sticker slit, it’s time to crack
open the camera, as shown in Photo 4 on the next page:
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TEAM PITTSBURG H
NO. 131
Photo 4: The Surgery Begins
To completely remove the PCBs and other internal components I had to cut the Battery leads from their connection posts, and I also had to cut the leads to the audible Piezo, as the Piezo could not be easily removed (it's held in place
by melted plastic, as is the mirror shroud). The Battery and Piezo leads were the only wires that I had to cut; you will
want to minimize the surgery as much as possible to facilitate re-assembly.
Photo 5: The Disassembly Continues
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TEAM PITTSBURG H
Photo 6: Processor Board Underside, Showing the Camera
Photo 7: Electronics Removed; LCD to be Removed
5
6
TEAM PITTSBURG H
The rest of the disassembly was fairly straightforward; you just have to keep track of the orientation of the
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and especially the LCD display. I used a Sharpie to make alignment marks so that I
could be sure things ended up where they belonged during
re-assembly. When handling the PCBs, try to handle them
by the edges, as they are electrostatically sensitive and you
will want to preclude the disappointment of damaging any
of the components. Use a small container to keep the parts
and tiny PCB mounting screws together; later, you'll be
glad you did! The LCD is held in place by a couple of rubber-like pads – it’s important that these be re-installed the
correct way. I took a lot of digital photos during disassembly because I was sure I was going to forget how to put it
all back together properly, and I was right. The extra photos
made re-assembly no problem.
By now, you should have your Oracle camera completely disassembled. At this point, it would be a good idea
to clean up the nose cone half shells. I had to use Goo
Gone® to fully remove the sticker remnants and the residual
adhesive. If you don’t have this product in your shop then I
highly recommend you get it. Goo Gone® is great at removing most kinds of sticky residue, and is not harmful to plastic or most paint finishes. Goo Gone® (shown in Photo 8)
can be purchased at Home Depot; make sure you don’t confuse this product with some other type that could be harmful to plastic or paint finishes.
NO. 131
With all of the parts removed, and safely stored
and organized, it’s time to move on to finishing the plastic parts. We’ll discuss these activities in Part II.
****************
Holiday Greetings
From PSC Vice President
John Brohm
Well folks, with the advent of the Holidays
and the New Year, I’d like to take this opportunity to
briefly reflect on what has turned out to be a great
year of rocketry for PSC. Prior President Rod Schafer
and present President Steve Foster had a great NARAM and ended up taking the National Team Championship (congratulations again guys!), and under the
leadership of Editor Art Nestor our Section took the
Best Newsletter award. It’s certain that Art’s work
with (and everyone’s contribution to) the 20th Anniversary edition of Team Pittsburgh played a significant role in the decision of the judges. Add to this our
usual competition events, sport launches, and the annual picnic, and it has been a very fine year indeed.
Having raised the bar in 2006, we can only
look forward to the achievements that can be realized
by Pittsburgh rocketry (of all forms) in 2007. We are
fortunate to have a great rocketry community in the
Pittsburgh area, populated by some of the most creative, supportive and passionate individuals in the hobby. I’m grateful to be a participant and to have the
opportunity to fly with and know so many of you. So
on behalf of my family here in the North Hills I’d like
to wish you and your families the very best of the
Season, and I look forward to flying with you in the
New Year.
Happy Holidays,
John
Photo 8: Goo Gone® Adhesive Remover
NO. 131
TEAM PITTSBURG H
7
from Pittsburgh just a few miles northeast of Kalamazoo,
MI.
The site is the home of the Michigan Farmers
Hall of Fame and the property is set up like a fairgrounds
with numerous small and large buildings on the front half
of the field with most of the rest marked with small ruts
for parking cars and campers. One of the small buildings
is an Ice Cream Shop. One of the rules the local club has
with this site is that they always shut the range down at 3
p.m. for an ice cream break.
2007 Planning
We held our yearly "business" meeting at the
home of John Pace (Thanks again John). We took some
time to look through the items within the Newsletter of
the Year Trophy and came up with a couple items that
will represent PSC very nicely for 2006. We also made
plans to replace the "box" in which the items are kept,
as it has seen better days and it has also pretty much
reached it's content limit. John Pace is on the lookout
for an appropriate replacement.
We also set the launch dates and events for the
2007 flying season. We pretty much keep a similar
schedule and events that we had in 2006. The Frequent
Flyer event will run from April to September. And we
will hold a similar "fun event contest" at the August
picnic. John Brohm is going to be on the lookout for
some worthy prizes for these events along with getting
the club a good deal on the kit to use in the fun event.
In May we ended up adding an extra launch weekend
as we had the need to add an extra NAR contest event
for this spring. As usual we picked events for these
contest that will also be held at NARAM in
July/August, but we also tried to make sure there were
a couple events that any beginner/novice competitors
could enter and compete well in, so check them out.
Just a reminder sport flying is always allowed at all
the times we have contests scheduled.
The field is roughly 200 acres of mowed grass,
but as you may have guessed it is surrounded by farm
land. During the contest in which I flew we had a steady
7-10 mph wind so any flights that stayed in the air for
more than 2 minutes would reach the limits of the mowed
grass. There are almost no trees on the launch site itself
however most of the surrounding farmland is separated
with rows of trees. Also most of the roads in this area
also seem to be lined with trees. Overall it's a decent
launch site for the contest events that were picked for this
year’s Nationals. For sport flights I would keep the limit
to H power, any larger and dual deployment is the way to
go.
2006
I would say we had a pretty good year. A full
calendar of sport flying, newsletter of the year, a championship in the team division, club picnic and hosted another fine SCST regional contest. I would like to thank everyone involved in making each and every one of these
events possible. I very glad to see we are getting more
people to volunteer for range duties. A little help goes a
long way.
See you on the range in 2007.
Keep'em Flying
Another Tale of a Traveling Rocketeer
In the last Team Pittsburgh George Pike gave
us a view of the launches at the Three Oaks, MI launch
site. Well, I also made a road trip to compete in a regional contest at the launch site that will host NARAM49, so for those of you that may attend here is a little
preview. In fact, this location isn't that far from the site
that George wrote about, it's about a 6-1/2 hour drive
Steve
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TEAM PITTSBURG H
NO. 131
It is important to postulate ideas and to experiment. That is how we learn. And, it is OK if the experiment doesn't work. We all still have learned!
I vicariously enjoyed George's travels to Michigan. Thanks guys, keep sending your articles to feed the
hungry TP dragon. Besides feeding the hungry dragon,
the articles make for a most interesting and award winning newsletter.
by Mort Binstock
Welcome to 2007, a
great new year to fly. I am
writing this column in advance at the end of 2006. Today is a cold windy day, a day
to stay indoors and write and
definitely not a day to fly.
Pi tt sbur gh Space
Command (PSC) did great this
year. I am proud of us, one
and all! PSC had great flying,
great R&R picnic, interesting
newsletter article contributions, plus won NAR's prestigious newsletter of the year and national championship
awards. Couldn't be better! Great going gang! Also congratulations to Frequent Flyer contest winners, Spencer
Koehring, Ethan Brown, and George Pike.
GORILLA GLUE - REVISITED
My last column covered my experiments using a
new type of glue, Gorilla Glue. I sent a bottle to Joseph
Peklicz to try. I won't quote directly from Joseph's review
but rather summarize my impressions from Joseph's letter
(Joseph, I hope I am summarizing your thoughts correctly
- if not my humble apologies).
Joseph compared this glue to his gold standard,
Aleenes. Aleenes easily came out on top. I'm not surprised.
Aleenes’ advantages from Joseph's experienced
perspective include a much lower cost plus it is easy to
sand and work with. Aleenes looks like a thick white
glue. It is very strong, has no noxious fumes, gives a little
to resist cracking, and is foam safe.
Aleenes is available from craft stores such as
Michael's for about $1 a bottle compared to Gorilla
Glue's almost $5 a bottle.
I agree with Joseph's conclusions.
Let’s keep up this positive momentum in 2007.
Also, be sure to send your 2007 dues in.
Joseph also does not recommend using this on
the outside of a rocket, where the seam will be seen. Any
of the glue that expands while drying and leaks out of the
joint is unsightly and difficult to sand.
KUDOS
Joseph is a good reviewer and writer. He took the
time to clearly summarize his findings writing, "MY
opinion: I'm sure 'Gorilla Glue' has its' uses for many
types of materials. I wouldn't recommend it for rockets
due to the necessity to first wetting with water the parts to
be joined, clamping the parts, & long cure time. The glue
expansion makes for an unsightly model outside. It would
be OK to use inside the rocket as Mort stated"
Kudos, the nice part of this column for me. The
last issue of newsletter Team Pittsburgh (TP) had many
interesting articles, thanks to its contributors. Most interesting was Professor Francis Graham's, "Rockets Beyond Strange" part VII and George Pike's, "Tales of a
Traveling Rocketeer".
I enjoyed Francis' saga of electric rocket research. It is also reaffirms that we have a small world. I
know Francis whose Mother was married to one of the
electric rocket proponents. Francis' article demonstrates
an important concept.
Thank you Joseph for your review and time. I
agree with your conclusions.
I decided to continue to experiment with this glue and to
see if I could learn to use it. What I do like about Gorilla
glue is that it is very strong.
TEAM PITTSBURG H
NO. 131
Here is what I learned. I used Gorilla glue to
repair a cracked fin. I held the fin in place with masking tape. The masking tape held the fin in place while
the glue dried and prevented the expanding glue from
oozing out & spoiling the finish. The repaired crack is
almost not visible and is very strong. A success!
I have also learned to monitor the drying pro-
cess and to, before the glue has hardened, wipe away
any glue that has expanded & oozed out. I can also
"sand" this expanded glue after it has hardened using a
Dremel cutoff wheel. This removal however must be
done carefully.
I am intrigued by this glue's strength. I think I
have mastered its use to some degree. I will probably
continue to use the cheaper and easier to use Aleenes
and use Gorilla glue when I need its strength or its ability to expand to strongly secure a not visible motor
mount or eye hook in a balsa nose cone.
SAFETY - FLAMEPROOF STORAGE
A recent ad on page 23 of the March/April
2006 issue of Sport Rocketry advertised a steel box to
safely store rocket motors. The advertised storage boxes are designed to meet recent ATF requirements.
9
munition boxes. These boxes are made of heavy steel and
have snap lock lids. Army surplus ammunition boxes can
be purchased, depending on their size, starting at about $6.
A good local source is Ralph's Army Navy Surplus on
route 22 in Monroeville.
The reason I am suggesting these boxes only for
small model rocket motors is that I have no idea if these
ammunition boxes would meet ATF requirements for high
powered motors.
DREMEL'S NEW EZ LOCK
CUTTING DISK SYSTEM
As you must know by now I am a Dremel fan. I
have a small crowded workshop. This small versatile tool
replaces many space consuming tools performing multiple
functions including sanding, drilling, cutting, routing, etc.
One of my often used accessory is a cut off wheel.
A cut off wheel is a paper thin stone cutting wheel. The cut
off wheel appears to cut anything. It is so powerful I have
used it on my automobiles to cut off rusted bolts and mufflers.
On rockets I have used it to cut out the thick plastic canopy while building my Estes "Sweet Vee". I have
used cut off wheels to also NEATLY cut hard wood parts,
including plywood, dowel rods, and popsicle sticks. The
cutoff wheel can also be used to cut steel piano wire to
make engine holding clips.
The original cutoff wheels are made from a brittle
stone like material. They work well, but break easily.
These cutoff wheels are still available, are thinnest, and so
I still use them when I need a thin cutting wheel.
Lately I have been using a longer lasting fiberglass
backed cutoff wheel. Both of these types of cutoff wheels
are secured to a mandrel with a small screw.
The innovative people at Dremel have improved
their fiberglass backed cutoff wheel to incorporate an easy
lock snap on mandrel fitting. This makes the cutoff wheels
easy to change. Dremel has also come out with two types
of wheels, one for metal, one for plastic. This addition of a
wheel for plastics should be useful as more rocket parts are
being made from plastic.
Safety box advertised in Sport Rocketry.
A low cost way to safely store small model
rocket motors safely is to purchase army surplus am-
The Dremel EZ Lock cutting disk system can be
purchased from your local hobby shop, Lowes, or Home
Depot.
10
TEAM PITTSBURG H
NO. 131
ham, cone stabilization. Stabilization is obtained by the
"Birdie's" cone shape.
"Birdies" also do not require a recovery device.
The "S" motor ejects, the birdie gently descends slowed
& stabilized by its cone shape. Birdies are easy &
cheap to make. See my photograph for details.
Dremel’s new EZ Lock cutting disk system is a really
nice solution to an old problem. Inset shows how the
mandrel locks the disk in place.
ROCKETS IN ANTIQUITY
Many years ago Estes made an "S" motor powered rocket named the "Birdie". It was a simple rocket
made from a Badminton Birdie. Estes simply glued a
centering ring containing a motor tube to the inside, a
launch lug to the outside.
I am suggesting that you make one and that we
schedule a "Birdie" mass launch date. Perhaps even a
contest for the quickest boost. Winner gets one year's
bragging rights.
The "Birdie" does not have any fins, nor are fins
required. Stabilization is obtained using a concept first
demonstrated by PSC member Professor Francis Gra-
(Editor: While some of us do have a supply of the long
discontinued “S” type motors, new birdies will have to
be adapted to normal modern “T” motors.)
I look forward
to flying with you in
2007.
Mort Binstock
NAR# 27182
NO. 131
TEAM PITTSBURGH
Writing for
Model Rocket News
By John Brohm, NAR# 78048
One of my recent projects has been the refinishing of an Estes Oracle video camera to look like a
1974 Cineroc. I had the opportunity to show the finished result to Team Pittsburgh Editor Art Nestor, and
he suggested I should write a short article about the
project for Estes’ Model Rocket News.
For those of you that may not be aware, Estes
has revived Model Rocket News, and it’s now an online publication that is e-mailed to subscribers. The
subscriber sign up page can be found at
http://estes.aptinet.com/cgi-bin/newsarchive.cgi
I prepared a short article and photograph about
my Oracle/Cineroc project, and e-mailed the file to the
MRN Editor, Ann Grimm. To my surprise, Estes chose
to use my article and it appeared in MRN Vol. 38/No.
96. Even more surprising was the discovery that Estes
rewards published MRN contributors with a choice of 4
possible “Thank You” packages. A couple of weeks
after my article was published, Estes sent me a “MRN
Thank You Package” selection sheet that outlined the
contents of the 4 gift packages that I could select from.
Three of the 4 “Thank You” packages consisted of a different selection of Estes rocket kits. The 4th
package was an accessory package that included a complete launch pad set and AltiTrak. I chose Package # 2,
a rocket kit selection that included old favorites like the
Bull Pup 12D, the Big Bertha, the Alpha, the Patriot,
and 4 other kits – a total of 8 kits altogether. As an added bonus, Estes also included an 8.5” x 11” frame-able
certificate acknowledging my contribution to MRN.
I felt that this reward scheme was quite elaborate for a short article consisting of only a couple of
paragraphs and a photo, and certainly provides an incentive to try and be a repeat contributor for MRN. I
would encourage you all to consider writing an article
for MRN, not only for the recognition, but also for the
really great thank you packages that Estes offers. It’s a
great deal! And don’t forget Team Pittsburgh – I know
that Art is always looking for input.
****************
11
An Email From Drew Gray
Dated November 11, 2006
Hi Art,
It’s confirmed, I’m officially the world’s worst
message returner. Nonetheless, it’s great to hear from
you. I saw the picture of the trophy when I was in PA
earlier this year; congratulations!
Your daughters must be graduated from college
by now. Seems like forever ago, but it’s only been maybe 10 years or so. I’m currently in Virginia, I work at a
company called “Finetre”. We were recently bought out
by a bigger company called “Ebix”. We provide online
processing for annuities and life insurance
(ASP/Software as a service). I’m a Sr. Software Engineer here and have been since fall of 2000.
At some point I’m going to be moving to a better place with an extra bedroom and a garage where I
can actually do something rocketry related. I’ve got the
itch to get involved again and even some time and money but not space. I’m not that far from Culpepper and of
course NOVAR is around here somewhere though I
haven’t been to any launches since I was in Florida.
So, how’s the club? How are you and Peg?
Mort, Rod, Mike Hardobey, the rest of the gang? I saw
a couple of weeks ago they were litigating the restrictions on motor repellant …. What’s the story there?
Are they just trying to get the 2 ounce. limitation removed or is it a graver situation than that?
Well, anyway …. sorry for the long delay in
responding. I hope my email finds you and yours well
and I look forward to your reply.
Drew
Editor: Drew Gray was a very early member of PSC
from Brookville, Pa. Drew’s family for numerous years
hosted The Brookville Bash, an annual combined picnic
and launch with all the corn on the cob you eat. These
picnics and Drew’s family provided PSC with some of
our best earliest times.
Happy New Year !
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TEAM PITTSBURGH
NO. 131
By Art Nestor
I think aerial photography is
one of the most rewarding aspects of
model rocketry. When someone asks
what you can do in model rocketry,
the aerial photographer can pull out
some dramatic photos or video to
literally open their eyes. And it is
incredible fun.
My advice in this article is
for flying the Estes Oracle digital
video aerial rocket camera and is not
necessarily the same advice I'd give for flying Estes' other cameras; the Camroc, Cineroc or Astrocam. Each of
these cameras require slightly different flight patterns to
yield their best photographic results. In giving this advise, I am taking for granted that you have correctly assembled the booster, read the directions and chosen a
calm sunny day to fly with a fresh battery in the camera.
These last two items are the most critical factors
in getting any video at all. The following information
was gained from actually flying the Oracle and will save
you time when getting started. There are still methods of
flying I've yet to try. So there is more yet to add to this
report.
My experience in aerial photography has been
limited to the four rocket cameras Estes Industries has
produced over the past four decades. The true PSC experimenter in aerial photography has been Mort Binstock. If this subject is something that truly interests
you then you must talk to Mort. The reason I stayed
with Estes' cameras was because they were readily obtainable, easy to fly and I wanted Estes to use my photos for promotional use in exchange for gift certificates
and the notoriety. But don’t get me wrong, I love aerial
photography.
The Oracle is understandably compared to the
Cineroc. While the Oracle has features that could only
have been dreamt about in the 1970's such as ease of
viewing the recorded images, those same recorded Oracle images are of a lower quality than those produced by
the Cineroc. The Oracle records at 9 frames per second
while the Cineroc filmed at 30 frames per second. Yes,
that is a noticeable difference.
An additional drawback to the Oracle is the
need to download the recorded images after each flight
before you can make another video. There is no extra
storage capacity on the camera. A notebook computer at
the launch site for downloading purposes would allow
you to make an unlimited number of videos that day.
Otherwise, the number of videos you can make will be
limited to the number of Oracles you bring to the launch
(or the number of trips you wish to make home!).
Software
The Oracle package comes with a CD of special
software you will need to load onto your computer. My
computer runs on Windows 98 and I needed special instructions from Estes to make it work. But it does work
with Windows 98 and if you use a newer operating system you won’t have any problems at all.
Optimum Motors
In flying the Oracle you need to realize that ac-
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TEAM PITTSBURG H
celeration is both your friend and your enemy. And to
produce the best digital video depends on your control
of that acceleration. Motor selection is important. The
best video will be obtained as the camera accelerates
away from the ground under a long slow boost. It will
only account for about 1/3 of the video time but will be
the most dramatic. Video obtained after ejection will be
taken as the camera dangles from a parachute and is usually spinning to some degree (much faster than the spin
under boost).
So what motor will give you the best bang
(video) for your buck? It might not be what you'd think.
On first impulse you may believe that a long delay time
or a composite motor is the way to go. From my experience a D12-7 did not yield a longer upward boost/coast
time (the optimal part of the flight to record video) than
a D12-5. Or an E9-8 than an E9-6. For composite motors, I like a slower thrust not exceeding 21 newton/seconds average thrust. An E30 accelerates too fast.
The digital images did not tear with an E30 boost but did
seem to result in lower quality images with possible
slight blurring and darker video.
A scratch built booster made to accommodate
other motor sizes or for staging or simply for a backup is
a must.
My motor recommendations:
Stock booster
D12-5
E9-6
Scratch built booster
F21-6
D12-0/E9-8 (2 stage - highest altitude I obtained so far)
The Launch Site
Careful selection of a launch site can make your
Oracle videos much more interesting. Remember, the
camera records video looking down at the ground as the
rocket flies upward into the sky. So an ideal launch site
would be next to a house or other large structure in a
large open area. A parking lot full of cars would also
work very well. Then you will have easily recognizable
objects dramatically dwindling away in size as the camera departs skyward. This is also the launch site recommendation for flying the Astrocam using the “Lookdown
Configuration”.
How Long Will the Battery Last?
This is a question I had right from the beginning.
The camera’s memory will hold the video until it is
13
switched off or loses power. If you have risked totally
losing or destroying an $80 camera and booster in flight
then you certainly don’t want to lose the video just because it couldn’t be downloaded in time. So just how
long would a battery keep the camera active before it is
completely drained?
I decided to run a test of my own to find out. I
conducted one test to get a ballpark idea. Using a brand
new Duracell AAA battery, I filmed an indoor video and
set the camera aside. The temperature ranged between
65-68 degrees. Warmer summer day temperatures might
prolong the battery’s life while colder days would most
certainly shorten it. The battery lasted longer than I expected and I did not see the exact moment the camera
shut off but the time was between 13 and 15 hours. Sorry
it isn’t a little more accurate.
Use this as a reference for battery life and you
should get 2 to 3 flights per new battery (factoring in the
time until you reach your computer). Don’t forget to
keep track of camera “on” time. Duracell also makes an
improved lithium battery for digital cameras and may
provide longer life in the Oracle but they cost more.
What Next For Me?
Except for a couple more experiments, I am
done flying the Oracle at the Camp Lutherlyn launch
site. I need to move to new locations. The good aerial
photographer is a lonely flyer. He needs to make as
many flights as possible taking advantage of changing
weather conditions and moving as quickly as possible
from launch site to launch site.
At Lutherlyn, I want to recover the Oracle using
the “sling” method for possible horizon video and also
recover with the Oracle and booster on separate ‘chutes.
I have resisted flying at some launches because of wind,
temperature and “cornboy”.
Conclusions
It is unfortunate that Estes did not take the Oracle a step or two further to begin with such as giving it a
port for a memory stick or compact flash card. Or making it capable of more than 9 frames per second. I would
gladly have paid more for the improvements.
That all said, I’m having a great time with the
Oracle. It’s attractive, easy to use, works well and fun. I
think everyone should have one especially younger flyers. I’m not sorry I bought one and I don’t think you will
be either. Buy it.
****************
14
TEAM PITTSBURG H
MEMBER PROFILE:
JOSEPH PEKLICZ
by Mort Binstock
Joseph Peklicz is a Pittsburgh Space Command
member. I suspect that most PSC members have heard
and read of Joseph, plus seen his plans published in both
Team Pittsburgh and in Sport Rocketry. I also suspect
that a few PSC members have purchased some of Joseph's superbly kited flying saucer and monocopter kits.
Even fewer members, I suspect, have actually met Joseph.
No, Joseph is not a recluse. He lives in Martin’s
Ferry, Ohio and to my knowledge does not drive. He
does attend, often accompanied by Professor Francis Graham, Tripoli launches.
Joseph is a very prolific and creative designer
and builder. Joseph also designs and makes the special
tools and fixtures needed to fabricate professional quality
kits as well as finished models. His models are beautifully finished and detailed. The various flying saucers and
monocopters I have flown are built from Joseph Peklicz
kits.
NO. 131
Joseph often utilizes no or low cost recycled
items to make his rockets. These items include used paper tubes from gift wrap etc, thin "U" shaped wire for
launch lugs, plastic Easter egg nose cones, plastic decorations, and etc.
Joseph also collaborates with PSC member Professor Francis Graham to design, build, test, and refine
new design concepts including the monocopter and its
variants, a rotating lift rocket, etc.
Most of my interactions with Joseph occur by
mail. He critiques my column and often supplies clever
tips. I am sure you have seen him referenced often in my
column.
A recent tip received shows to add interesting
pictures to a model, "An easy way to do decals is to cut
out ads (pictures) in a catalog and apply the pictures to
the rocket using a glue stick. The thinner the catalog paper, the better. Newspaper works good also! A neat way
to dress up a rocket if you have no decals."
It is dangerous to write about another as it is easy
to offend by make a statement not entirely true. Joseph,
these are my recollections, please accept them. Also,
thanks for all the feed back, plans and tips. These enrich
me, the newsletter, and PSC members. Joseph, thank
you!
Joseph Peklicz displays some of his creations at home (2005) and on
the launch field. Both photos by Joseph Peklicz with some help from
Francis Graham.
****************
TEAM PITTSBURGH
NO. 131
15
PSC 2007 launch windows - event calendar
Please consult our website at www.PSC473.org for directions to local PSC launches. You may
also contact a PSC club officer through the website or obtain a club flyer (with map) at Hobby Express
in Cranberry Township or J & C Hobbies in Penn Hills.
Month
Day
Time
Event
Where ?
January
21
12-5
Sport Launch
Camp Lutherlyn
February
18
12-5
Sport Launch
Camp Lutherlyn
March
18
12-5
Sport Launch
Camp Lutherlyn
March
31
8-5
01
9-3
Carnegie
Science Center
PSC Display Booth
April
Astronomy
Weekend
April
15
12-5
Sport Launch
Camp Lutherlyn
Star of Frequent Flyer Event
April
21-22
ECRM-34
Mt Airy, MD
RDD, 1/4 PD (MR), A HD, B SD, C SCA
May
5-6
Rocket Into
Spring XIII
Camp Lutherlyn
OSL, A BG, A HD, B SD, B SRD, C ELD
10-5
AND SPORT LAUNCH !!!
May
19
12-5
TARC Finals
The Plains,
Virginia
May
20
12-5
Sport Launch
Camp Lutherlyn
June
1-3
National
Sport Launch
Muncie,
Indiana
June
16-17
Reach for the Sky
19
Camp Lutherlyn
Sport Launch
Camp Lutherlyn
NARAM-49
Delton, Michigan
10-5
12-5
Comments
A BG, A HD, B SD, B SRD (MR), C ELD
AND SPORT LAUNCH
July
15
July August
28
August
19
10-5
R&R Picnic
Camp Lutherlyn
Sport Launch/Fun Event Contest
September
09
12-5
Sport Launch
Camp Lutherlyn
End of Frequent Flyer Event
October
Sky Festival
Coalwood,
West Virginia
SCST-7
Camp Lutherlyn
03
OSL, A BG, A HD, B SD, B ELA, C RG, C SCA,
E-G SRA, R&D
October
October
13-14
November
11
12-5
Sport Launch
Camp Lutherlyn
December
09
12-5
Sport Launch
Camp Lutherlyn
1/8A HD, 1/4A PD, 1/4A FW, 1/4A RG, 1/2A SRA
16
TEAM PITTSBURG H
NO. 131
NOVEMBER 12, 2006 LAUNCH
Left: Liftoff of Jerry Kraus’ Estes Tomcat.
Above: The Krimer family attends their first PSC launch. Behind
the table: Liora, Yuval and Leonid. Boy with binoculars is Yosef, a
friend of Shmuely Krimer in blue coat ).
TEAM PITTSBURGH 01/02/07-42
Pittsburgh Space Command
Send returns to:
Mike Hardobey
409 Mallard Drive
Cranberry Township, Pa 16066