New Camera Payloads Book!

"A Guide To Camera Payloads," by Ray Dunakin.

This 40-page booklet is a detailed guide to designing and building all types of photographic payloads, including 35mm sequence cameras, Super 8 movie cameras, video and digital cameras. The author, whose aerial photos and articles have graced the pages of Extreme Rocketry and High Power Rocketry magazines, has well over 20 years experience in rocket aerial photography. The booklet features 55 photos and 17 drawings to guide the reader through the process of choosing a camera, modifying it for flight, and constructing a payload using a variety of techniques. Also detailed are both mechanical and electronic timing devices to activate the camera, as well as ways to fit a camera into a tight space. Dimensions of specific payloads are included for those who don't wish to design from scratch. The pros and cons of each method and payload type are discussed, to aid in determining which approach best suits the reader's needs. The text explains not only "how to do it" but also why. In addition, there are helpful tips distilled from the knowledge gained in making hundreds of camera payload flights.

40 pages, 55 photos, 17 drawings

$15

New Trajectory Controls Book!

"Vertical Trajectory Systems" by Steve Ainsworth

Terrific book on active trajectory systems developed for hobby rocketry by Steve Ainsworth. Steve is a Civil Engineer with a Masters Degree in Physics from UNLV. This book details his experimentation with and implementation of gimbaled rocket motors, active fin guidance, and hot and cold gas thrusters. Electronic control systems such as rate gyroscopes, advanced rate gyroscopes, directional compasses, horizon sensors, and sun trackers are covered. Also covered is the physics of moment of inertia for various rocket components, center of gravity computations, thruster design, nozzle design, dynamic and static stability, center of pressure, and gravity turning. Steve describes his implementation of readily available hobby components such as CO2 pressurant tanks, R/C servos, gyros, valves, and battery power supplies into a complete flying system using computer control.

39 Pages, 19 B+W photos, 4 appendices

$15

Staging High Power Rockets

A how to guide for staging rockets

Ray Dunakin provides information on various methods of staging high power rockets including in-line staging, parallel staging and parasite staging.

20 pages

20 photographs

$15