Estes - Astrocam (RTF)

The following excerpt is from "Sport Rocketry". The intention is to allow guests to get a basic feeling about a kit. We strongly suggest that you get a copy of the referenced Sport Rocketry and read the entire article. Inside you will find many helpful hints in construction as well as other useful information. For more information, use the two links above.

"One of the more advanced Ready Built to Fly starter sets offered by Estes is the Astrocam RTF."
". . . designed to take aerial photographs using a cartridge of 200 speed 110 film."
"Success with the Astrocam requires a methodical approach and patience."
"The Astrocam itself has been improved from several years ago with better fitting parts."
"A bad news/good news scenario describes my experience with the booster rocket for the Astrocam RTF."
"The bad news was that each time the booster flew something minor failed."
"The good news is that the problems were easily corrected and with foresight can probably be avoided altogether."
"Reinforce everything on the booster with epoxy and carefully watch for heat damage, especially to the parachute and shock cord."
"Aside from minor launch problems the actual aerial photographs were quite good."
"Excluding the cost of the starter set, I priced each photograph at about $3.00."
"The Astrocam RTF was my introduction to aerial photography and I found it fascinating."

The entire article gives the impression is that this kit, even though RTF, is for a patient modeler who is willing to make some enhancements to the booster.

Flight Log

Date	Rocket Name	Motor(s)	Altitude	Notes
2010-05-30	Bob Francis's Astrocam	B6-4	-	Good first flight. Parachute deployed and opened. Daniel recovered about 150 yards east of the...
2010-06-05	Bob Francis's Astrocam	B6-4	-	Short flight with B engine to gauge wind.
2010-06-05	Bob Francis's Astrocam	C6-5	-	High powered launch. Landed in a backyard.
2010-06-05	Bob Francis's Astrocam	B6-4	-	Low powered flight with video camera in the body. Two misfires with igniter before successful...
2010-06-07	Bob Francis's Astrocam	B6-4	-	Low powered flight with video camera in the body. Camera did not deploy and did not record.
2011-03-11	Bob Francis's Astrocam	C6-5	-	Repaired rocket and tested with new engine mount and new shock cord and launch lugs. Wind blowing...
2011-04-09	Bob Francis's Astrocam	C6-5	-	Perfect flight. Good launch towards the south in the wind. Parachute deployed and opened. Wind...
2011-04-13	Bob Francis's Astrocam	C6-5	-	Good launch. High flight. Parachute deployed and opened correctly. Rocket landed five yards...
2011-05-05	Bob Francis's Astrocam	C6-5	-	Good launch. Good flight. Parachute deployed, but did not open. Crashed about 25 yards north of...

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