(copied from Pat Coyle's entries in the Grassroots Mapping Wiki) On March 5th, we did two plus balloon test flights in the front yard.
From 2nd BAP test 3-5-10
From 2nd BAP test 3-5-10
From 2nd BAP test 3-5-10
From 2nd BAP test 3-5-10
From 2nd BAP test 3-5-10
From 2nd BAP test 3-5-10
From 2nd BAP test 3-5-10
From 2nd BAP test 3-5-10
From 2nd BAP test 3-5-10
There were several observations. * On the first test, the script/camera stopped after 12 images and the first few were at the ground as launched, so not good. I don't know if there is something about the Canon Elph SD400 that is the problem or if it is the script. Recall it shot about 40 on my walk-around test, then stopped. A second launch gave much better results: * We got 117 images before the script/camera stopped. The test included a pull down to add a second balloon with script interrupt and resume. * The bungee cord and wrist strap attachment made it pretty easy to lower the camera from the soda-bottle to interrupt the script and later snug it back up for launch. I made a little more room in the strapping tape cradle so was able to access the camera controls better. * It was pretty windy so there was fair amount of swinging but not so much spinning. * After as we were stowing the rig minus the camera the first balloon brushed against something and popped. * The full unedited photo set is at: [first test](http://picasaweb.google.com/coyle.patrick/FirstBAPTest3510?feat=directlink) and [second test](http://picasaweb.google.com/coyle.patrick/2ndBAPTest3510?feat=directlink) * I also have some video that I have not yet trimmed to post.