By Andrew Liszewski
As a kid I was really into building and launching model rockets and I can remember always being tempted by a particular Estes model that included a camera for taking high-altitude photos. Unfortunately the camera used actual film and the thought of having to wait for the prints to be developed was usually enough to make me lose interest. (It doesn’t take much.)
So I’m glad to see that not only has Estes moved onto using digital cameras but they’re also selling a rocket that can record video too. The camera mounted in the nosecone of the Astrovision can record a 12 second clip with a resolution of 640×480 from as high as 500 feet using a recommended C-sized engine. Of course it can also be used to snap photos in flight (though for some reason it’s limited to three per launch) and after a safe recovery the videos or stills can be downloaded to any PC via a USB connection.
The Estes Astrovision will be available in September from Hammacher Schlemmer for $59.95 and it includes a launch pad and controller since these aren’t the type of things you want to be setting off with matches.
[ Estes Astrovision ] VIA [ The Green Head ]
Hi,
I just want to let you know that the Estes AstroVision rocket
is not Window Vista compatible. In fact, Sandra at Estes
customer service says “At this time none of our products are
Vista compatible and we do not offer a “patch.” Estes has
known about this problem for quite some time and is not
honoring their policy of a one year warranty against
manufactures defects. Websters Dictionary describes defect
as “Lack of something necessary for completeness.” Sandra
goes on to say “I understand the item was purchased in
November 2007, if the store is not willing to refund your
money due to a return policy they have, perhaps they will
offer you a store credit? This product was created prior to
the “Vista” program, therefore it is not compatible with the
Vista program.”
On the AstroVision box it list minimum requirements. These
minimum requirements are met by everyone running the
Vista program.
Just thought you should know. Email correspondence is
available upon request.
Michael Jennings