Giant Leap Rocketry On-Board Video

Giant Leap Rocketry - On-Board Video

Contributed by Nick Esselman

Published: 2010-11-13
Manufacturer: Giant Leap Rocketry

(10/01/01) After purchasing a couple of the Point39 LDRS videos I found it always fun when there was a video or and T.V. transmitter rocket flown. It brought a new perspective to flying rockets as if you were ascending with it. Then I saw the Giant Leap "On-Board" video advertised and decided to purchase one.

This is what Giant Leap has to say about it: "See the view from on-board a high-power rocket! This is a stunning collection of on-board videos from all over the country. Includes, Gates digital video, NASA video and how-to interviews. Airstarts from on-board 200 lbs rockets, M-staging to almost 20,000 ft!! This is a must-have for any video library. "

The video includes about 25 different on-board experiences within the 70 minute tape. It also includes the ultimate on-board experience of the NASA video of a the Delta Launch taking you all the way into space.

There are a couple of how-to interviews for placing a camera and some pointers on what type of camera to use, what type of mirrors to use, etc. Also a brief discussion on how to take pictures of your launches from the ground and some pro's and con's to using a T.V. transmitter in the rocket instead of a video device.

Giant Leap has done a good job in putting together the video and providing the additional information about the rockets. They flash up alerts telling you to look for certain aspects during the flight, for instance one alert said to notice the plume at 3 secs of flight. Another was a rocket that did a full cart-wheel at 500 feet and kept going. All caught with on-board video!

Some of the other shots of interest (to me) included going to 19,000 feet in 40 seconds. A couple of really cool airstarts, like an M2400 to (2) K1100 and (4) K700's. There were several launches of the Gates Brother's rockets and what mirror-like finishes these rockets have. You can see the action through the reflection of the rockets they are so perfect.

Front Cover
Back Cover

I have to admit though, I could not sit and watch the video straight through without fast forwarding. Why? Well, it got a little boring to me, especially the descents. Please don't construe this as a negative against the quality or the content, because both are exactly as advertised. This is merely saying, that for me, watching the LDRS videos with the occasional on-board flight drew my attention, while on-board flight after on-board flight was too repetitive (for this viewer).

Gaint Leap did mix it up some, by first showing the launch from the ground and then going to the on-board camera in some cases. Also throwing in the interviews. And the VIDROC sequence was cool to watch. They did capture a ground perspective of a five (5) M drag race and then went to one of the on-boards, which was also a nice add. They also did some slow motion shots to show you specific things, like seeing a motor eject during a flight.

Overall, I think the video meets a specific need and they could draw many to it. Don't be concerned about quality, because it is there. There is another draw toward purchasing the video to, "a portion of the proceeds goes toward the LDRS Legal Fund". So with these understandings, the On-Board Video video might be right up your alley. I give the video an OVERALL rating of 4 points.

Comments:

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T.R.L. (March 7, 2010)
I enjoyed it immensely. There are some very cool shots, and I'm waiting for volume II.

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