Design & build of Pencam-class photo platform - Page 3

larryw · Jul 02, 2003, 10:47 PM

That is a really nice looking design, please post more picts as you complete it. I have 4 2 meter sailplane wings from the 1970's Id like to build a fuse for and yours looks like a winner.

I was going to switch my camera the same as you did, I even bought the micro switches, then decided that I didnt want to put batteries in the camera for power, but looking at yours I gather you tapped the servo voltage to power the camera, thus no batteries and you didnt have to wreck a perfictly good servo for a switch. I didnt think of that. Nice job.

Karl B² · Jul 02, 2003, 11:53 PM

Larry,

I am tapping power from the BEC, much the same as the electronic switches do. When I bought the micro switches, I bought a AAA battery holder as well, thinking to shift the battery weight to a remote location, then had a DUH! moment, and wired to the USB pins instead.

This would work well with a 2 meter wing, though the tail area would need to be enlarged a bit. (Not hard to do with TurboCad.

) I've done so many mods and designing as I build that my original CAD has fallen well behind the real version. Once I flight test, I'll update it and can make it available.

eBird, I know alt keys for degrees, 1/2, 1/4, and several other figures I use regularly, but that trick just dudn't work with my laptop. If I'm too lazy to plug in my USB remote numeric pad, I'm too lazy to start Character Map. (But never too lazy to raise my antenna

)

Karl

larryw · Jul 03, 2003, 03:03 AM

Karl:
Thank you.
I have one wing from a Gentle lady 10.2oz about 5'10" with a nice dihedral, that's the best one. I never did learn to fly in the 70's and gave up after I crashed 2 balsa gliders with a highstart. One from an electrosoar, a 80's electric. Its 16.2oz. but a full 6ft. The other 2 are foam one taped one not covered. 5-1/2 ft.

Sparky Paul · Jul 03, 2003, 02:07 PM

Or, you could use tape....

See the inflight image in the ZAGI™ thread in Open...

TStokes · Jul 11, 2003, 01:48 PM

Kinnic,

How's it going with your plane???

I saw this one at NESail - and it reminds me of your design. I was thinking of getting it to see if it was a good AP design. I have an EZ400 that I like for AP.

Searches for this model come up with nothing. Anybody know anything about it???

http://www.nesail.com/cadetacro.htm

Tom

Karl B² · Jul 11, 2003, 02:27 PM

Tom, the Cadet Acro looks interesting. Link was bent: text was right but the link was just "http:///".

http://www.nesail.com/cadetacro.htm

It's about the same size, a bit smaller span & area. Hope my weight is similar, though the camera and larger battery are a big component. I like the large ailerons, which could double as big flaps, though a larger fin/rudder might be needed for STOL operations.

I haven't worked much on the project due to the holiday and recovery period afterwards. Thinking more and more about ailerons, though I would need to resurrect my 6 channel radio with a new battery, reverse the RX shift, and get a new crystal. The Airtronics 6 ch. Vanguard has 2- and 3-position auxilliary channels which would work for shutter and either flaps or camera oblique angle

Karl

Sparky Paul · Jul 11, 2003, 03:36 PM

all the photo planes I draw up tend to evolve to this shape...
camera(s) in front, pusher motor. hand-launch.
any old wing... 2M, 100"...

Karl B² · Jul 11, 2003, 04:59 PM

I wish I had a 2m wing I could use with this. As it is, I'll probably end up rigging the Slowstick wing in place for early test flights.

I improved my servo operated shutter switch a bit by replacing the Radio Shack "micro" switch with a small button switch out of an old electronic stopwatch. They're also available in just about any computer mouse, as well as joysticks.

Karl B² · Jul 11, 2003, 05:03 PM

Camera servo as mounted on the Slowstick. The plane is upside down in this shot, and the servo is retained with foam mounting tape and two small wire ties just in front of the flight servos. I didn't bother wiring a second switch for the mode button, as I never used it during the several flights it was active.

Karl B² · Jul 29, 2003, 12:28 AM

Been away from this project for awhile, busy with other pursuits. No new pictures ATM.

Tail Control
The pull-pull system worked wonderfully with the kevlar threads running in a direct line. Once they were threaded through the labyrinth nylon guide tubes in the stabilizer pylon however, the tension became too great for smooth action.

I next tried .040 CF rods running through several short nylon tube guides within the boom tube. The bends required to meet the servos and exit the tail also caused binding, so add two carbon fiber rods to the roll of kevlar thread in my "Now What?" pile.

Sullivan micro cables to the rescue! I glued two ½" lengths of standard size inner nyrod together side by side, and threaded the cable sleeves through them. I pressed the nyrod guide assembly into the tube, almost to the tail, and extracted the ends of the sleeves. Another glued pair of short nyrod pieces guide the sleeves at the forward end. I tinned 1" of each cable end, bent a 90° angle at the tail, and used EZ connectors & micro snap links to attach.

Fuselage
The CF spiral wound arrowshaft engages tightly in two main crossmembers right below the battery platform, and passes through a built-up block of ply with a nylon strap. Tightening the strap screws secures the boom, and allows removal for maintenance.

After sandwiching the motor mount between the gearbox and motor and adjusting the mesh, the ESC fit adjacent to the motor. Two balsa crosspieces with 1/32" ply skins carry the rudder, elevator, and shutter servos just aft of the motor/esc. All servos are inverted, and easily accessible through the bottom hatch. The rx is temporarily installed on the battery platform, and will eventually be mounted to the bottom hatch, just below the servos. A Dean's whip antenna attaches to the inner fuse side with velcro just forward of the wing and exits the top at a rearward angle.

Wing
I still haven't started the wing. Since my Slowstick is devoid of equipment at this point, I cut the aluminum SS fuse just forward of the LE bracket and aft of the TE bracket. I screwed two ply crosspieces to the SS servo brackets to bear the SS wing mount assembly on the new plane. Rubber bands hold the contraption to the wing saddle. Because the saddle is only 9" and the SS wing chord is nearly 12", the CG will be slightly forward even with the battery all the way back on the platform.

Next Steps
The SS hybrid (mongrel is more like it) is essentially ready to fly. I still have yet to cover the fuselage, but that's less of an imperative than it would be with a glow engine buzzing away. Check that thought - just had to chase one of the cats away, and found she put a few "speed holes" in one prop tip.

I'll grab some pics in the next day or so.

Karl

Extremeone · Jul 29, 2003, 08:36 AM

Here is a dual micro-switch that I rigged up 3 years ago when I wanted to run two video cameras in the same aircraft. A few of the electronics guys were working on video switches to do basically the same thing. I used the same transmitter, wired two cameras to it in parallel and used this device to switch the +5 volt supply between cameras. I just moved the two position tx switch (could have been any control) and the Servo-switch rotates full throw and locks one switch out while turning on the other, then does the opposite going the other way. I didn't have to worry about both getting turned on accidently. It works really well as a dual switch if you have any use for it.

Regards, John

Extremeone · Jul 29, 2003, 08:37 AM

Pic 2

Extremeone · Jul 29, 2003, 08:37 AM

Pic 3

propfan · Jul 29, 2003, 12:22 PM

Very clever! Now I have to think up something I could use that for

Extremeone · Jul 29, 2003, 04:07 PM

I'm going to use it for the purpose it was designed, to switch between two video cameras in my sailplane. One looking fore, the other aft. All while taking still photos out the side. I will probably also, on occasion, use the aft mounted one boresighted with the still camera to aim more accurately.
John

Jul 02, 2003, 11:53 PM	#32
Karl B² half fast Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Western Wisconsin, USA Posts: 4,256	Larry, I am tapping power from the BEC, much the same as the electronic switches do. When I bought the micro switches, I bought a AAA battery holder as well, thinking to shift the battery weight to a remote location, then had a DUH! moment, and wired to the USB pins instead. This would work well with a 2 meter wing, though the tail area would need to be enlarged a bit. (Not hard to do with TurboCad. ) I've done so many mods and designing as I build that my original CAD has fallen well behind the real version. Once I flight test, I'll update it and can make it available. eBird, I know alt keys for degrees, 1/2, 1/4, and several other figures I use regularly, but that trick just dudn't work with my laptop. If I'm too lazy to plug in my USB remote numeric pad, I'm too lazy to start Character Map. (But never too lazy to raise my antenna ) Karl Last edited by Kinnic²; Jul 02, 2003 at 11:57 PM.

Jul 03, 2003, 02:07 PM	#34
Sparky Paul Ascended Master Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Palmdale, CA Posts: 10,520	Or, you could use tape.... See the inflight image in the ZAGI™ thread in Open... Attached Thumbnails 77.6 KB · Views: 409

Jul 11, 2003, 01:48 PM	#35
TStokes Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Phoenix Posts: 824	Cadet?? Kinnic, How's it going with your plane??? I saw this one at NESail - and it reminds me of your design. I was thinking of getting it to see if it was a good AP design. I have an EZ400 that I like for AP. Searches for this model come up with nothing. Anybody know anything about it??? http://www.nesail.com/cadetacro.htm Tom Attached Thumbnails 21.6 KB · Views: 363

Jul 11, 2003, 03:36 PM	#37
Sparky Paul Ascended Master Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Palmdale, CA Posts: 10,520	all the photo planes I draw up tend to evolve to this shape... camera(s) in front, pusher motor. hand-launch. any old wing... 2M, 100"... Attached Thumbnails 15.0 KB · Views: 355

Jul 11, 2003, 04:59 PM	#38
Karl B² half fast Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Western Wisconsin, USA Posts: 4,256	I wish I had a 2m wing I could use with this. As it is, I'll probably end up rigging the Slowstick wing in place for early test flights. I improved my servo operated shutter switch a bit by replacing the Radio Shack "micro" switch with a small button switch out of an old electronic stopwatch. They're also available in just about any computer mouse, as well as joysticks. Attached Thumbnails 26.6 KB · Views: 336

Jul 02, 2003, 10:47 PM	#31
larryw Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Brantley, Al about 65 miles due south of Montgomery Posts: 143	That is a really nice looking design, please post more picts as you complete it. I have 4 2 meter sailplane wings from the 1970's Id like to build a fuse for and yours looks like a winner. I was going to switch my camera the same as you did, I even bought the micro switches, then decided that I didnt want to put batteries in the camera for power, but looking at yours I gather you tapped the servo voltage to power the camera, thus no batteries and you didnt have to wreck a perfictly good servo for a switch. I didnt think of that. Nice job.

Jul 03, 2003, 03:03 AM	#33
larryw Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Brantley, Al about 65 miles due south of Montgomery Posts: 143	Karl: Thank you. I have one wing from a Gentle lady 10.2oz about 5'10" with a nice dihedral, that's the best one. I never did learn to fly in the 70's and gave up after I crashed 2 balsa gliders with a highstart. One from an electrosoar, a 80's electric. Its 16.2oz. but a full 6ft. The other 2 are foam one taped one not covered. 5-1/2 ft.

Jul 11, 2003, 02:27 PM	#36
Karl B² half fast Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Western Wisconsin, USA Posts: 4,256	Tom, the Cadet Acro looks interesting. Link was bent: text was right but the link was just "http:///". http://www.nesail.com/cadetacro.htm It's about the same size, a bit smaller span & area. Hope my weight is similar, though the camera and larger battery are a big component. I like the large ailerons, which could double as big flaps, though a larger fin/rudder might be needed for STOL operations. I haven't worked much on the project due to the holiday and recovery period afterwards. Thinking more and more about ailerons, though I would need to resurrect my 6 channel radio with a new battery, reverse the RX shift, and get a new crystal. The Airtronics 6 ch. Vanguard has 2- and 3-position auxilliary channels which would work for shutter and either flaps or camera oblique angle Karl

Jul 11, 2003, 05:03 PM	#39
Karl B² half fast Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Western Wisconsin, USA Posts: 4,256	Camera servo as mounted on the Slowstick. The plane is upside down in this shot, and the servo is retained with foam mounting tape and two small wire ties just in front of the flight servos. I didn't bother wiring a second switch for the mode button, as I never used it during the several flights it was active. Attached Thumbnails 50.9 KB · Views: 344

Jul 29, 2003, 12:28 AM	#40
Karl B² half fast Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Western Wisconsin, USA Posts: 4,256	Progress Report Been away from this project for awhile, busy with other pursuits. No new pictures ATM. Tail Control The pull-pull system worked wonderfully with the kevlar threads running in a direct line. Once they were threaded through the labyrinth nylon guide tubes in the stabilizer pylon however, the tension became too great for smooth action. I next tried .040 CF rods running through several short nylon tube guides within the boom tube. The bends required to meet the servos and exit the tail also caused binding, so add two carbon fiber rods to the roll of kevlar thread in my "Now What?" pile. Sullivan micro cables to the rescue! I glued two ½" lengths of standard size inner nyrod together side by side, and threaded the cable sleeves through them. I pressed the nyrod guide assembly into the tube, almost to the tail, and extracted the ends of the sleeves. Another glued pair of short nyrod pieces guide the sleeves at the forward end. I tinned 1" of each cable end, bent a 90° angle at the tail, and used EZ connectors & micro snap links to attach. Fuselage The CF spiral wound arrowshaft engages tightly in two main crossmembers right below the battery platform, and passes through a built-up block of ply with a nylon strap. Tightening the strap screws secures the boom, and allows removal for maintenance. After sandwiching the motor mount between the gearbox and motor and adjusting the mesh, the ESC fit adjacent to the motor. Two balsa crosspieces with 1/32" ply skins carry the rudder, elevator, and shutter servos just aft of the motor/esc. All servos are inverted, and easily accessible through the bottom hatch. The rx is temporarily installed on the battery platform, and will eventually be mounted to the bottom hatch, just below the servos. A Dean's whip antenna attaches to the inner fuse side with velcro just forward of the wing and exits the top at a rearward angle. Wing I still haven't started the wing. Since my Slowstick is devoid of equipment at this point, I cut the aluminum SS fuse just forward of the LE bracket and aft of the TE bracket. I screwed two ply crosspieces to the SS servo brackets to bear the SS wing mount assembly on the new plane. Rubber bands hold the contraption to the wing saddle. Because the saddle is only 9" and the SS wing chord is nearly 12", the CG will be slightly forward even with the battery all the way back on the platform. Next Steps The SS hybrid (mongrel is more like it) is essentially ready to fly. I still have yet to cover the fuselage, but that's less of an imperative than it would be with a glow engine buzzing away. Check that thought - just had to chase one of the cats away, and found she put a few "speed holes" in one prop tip. I'll grab some pics in the next day or so. Karl

Jul 29, 2003, 08:36 AM	#41
Extremeone on a vacation Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ocala, Florida Posts: 924	Dual action switch Here is a dual micro-switch that I rigged up 3 years ago when I wanted to run two video cameras in the same aircraft. A few of the electronics guys were working on video switches to do basically the same thing. I used the same transmitter, wired two cameras to it in parallel and used this device to switch the +5 volt supply between cameras. I just moved the two position tx switch (could have been any control) and the Servo-switch rotates full throw and locks one switch out while turning on the other, then does the opposite going the other way. I didn't have to worry about both getting turned on accidently. It works really well as a dual switch if you have any use for it. Regards, John Attached Thumbnails 47.7 KB · Views: 292

Jul 29, 2003, 08:37 AM	#42
Extremeone on a vacation Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ocala, Florida Posts: 924	Dual action switch Pic 2 Attached Thumbnails 53.1 KB · Views: 273

Jul 29, 2003, 08:37 AM	#43
Extremeone on a vacation Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ocala, Florida Posts: 924	Dual action switch Pic 3 Attached Thumbnails 50.9 KB · Views: 270

Jul 29, 2003, 12:22 PM	#44
propfan Propellers are cool. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 117	Very clever! Now I have to think up something I could use that for

Jul 29, 2003, 04:07 PM	#45
Extremeone on a vacation Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ocala, Florida Posts: 924	what to use it for I'm going to use it for the purpose it was designed, to switch between two video cameras in my sailplane. One looking fore, the other aft. All while taking still photos out the side. I will probably also, on occasion, use the aft mounted one boresighted with the still camera to aim more accurately. John

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
AP Avenger - Scratch build Photo platform	Joe Bennett	Parkflyers	32	Apr 08, 2004 12:12 AM
AP Avenger - Scratch build Photo Platform	Joe Bennett	Aerial Photography	0	Feb 01, 2004 06:47 PM
What ever happened to the EDF design/build/fly contest.	OCModels	Electric Ducted Fan Jet Talk	2	May 13, 2002 05:10 PM
AIAA/Cessna design,build,fly	Travis	Electric Plane Talk	6	Apr 24, 2001 06:58 PM
AIAA Design, Build, and Fly!	foss1997	Electric Plane Talk	11	Apr 20, 2001 05:00 PM