MINIsOnTop (June 17th, 2006)

[Theo]

Quote: Originally Posted by bjl

When should we expect our MOT packages?

Don't know if Ian is out sightseeing on his last several days in the Sunshine State (motto: Send Jeb to the NFL!) but with Registration Packing Day being this Saturday, I believe they will be on their way to you for next week.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, Ian!

Theo

[rfinprc]

Quote: Originally Posted by m2smith

Are we talking small furry mammals or what...?

[Not so] small spiny animals are mammalls too.

[yellowmininy]

"I Brake For Porcupines"

[rfinprc]

Quote: Originally Posted by yellowmininy

"I Brake For Porcupines"

One would hope...

[yellowmininy]

Wow, that porcupine is almost as big as a Mini! Or at least I'm sure it seemed that way...

[MetalMiniMayhem]

Josh.. how exactly are you stabilizing the kite cam..?.. I have an idea to stabilize it if you're interested.. very simple physics..

1) Get as accurate a weight as possible on the camera and any components associated with it

2) Take the camera and suspend it from the kite roughly one meter via some form of high strentgh wire.

3) Suspend a weight approximately the same weight as the camera and components on the same wire at about the half-meter mark.. it wil act as a counter-weight and dramatically cut-down on "swaying".. see picture.. (really crude drawing, but it's easier to explain what I'm saying that way.. the camera is the circle and the counterweight is the square)

This is actually the same principle they use for earthquake proofing buildings on the west coast and in Japan.. it's a very easy and effective solution..

Anyways, just thought I'd help...

[GBMINI]

Confirming Theo's message.

The last item needed has been delivered today to the "packing office" - this Saturday a number of MOT support people will create 250 registration packs ready to inundate the little Essex post office on Tuesday - priority mail should get all packs to you by the end of next week.

[jcsinnh]

A note from the Q-Tip


Governor Lynch of New Hampshire, a guy we like but not nearly as much as Terry Lynne does, has decreed June 17th to be MINI Cooper Day in NH and, this AM, I will finally have the proof.

[yellowmininy]

Woo hoo! Thanks, John!

[MaxaMiniBro]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

I realized this weekeng just how close we are to MOT.
Good news is I may have an opportunity to test out the KiteKam tomorrow.
Shotty video only (thanks to my wireless spy cam) unless I can find a way to repeatedly click and wind a disposable camera.

Yes indeed, MOT is getting like those objects in your right side-view mirror - "Closer than they appear!!"
I've got an answer Josh. We'll send up a large French Military Kite with you strapped to it!
That way you can zoom in and out and advance the film as often as you'd like. Afterwards we can then fly your underwear for all to see the pretty patterns.

[jwardell]

Quote: Originally Posted by MetalMiniMayhem

Josh.. how exactly are you stabilizing the kite cam..?.. I have an idea to stabilize it if you're interested.. very simple physics..

1) Get as accurate a weight as possible on the camera and any components associated with it

2) Take the camera and suspend it from the kite roughly one meter via some form of high strentgh wire.

3) Suspend a weight approximately the same weight as the camera and components on the same wire at about the half-meter mark.. it wil act as a counter-weight and dramatically cut-down on "swaying".. see picture.. (really crude drawing, but it's easier to explain what I'm saying that way.. the camera is the circle and the counterweight is the square)

This is actually the same principle they use for earthquake proofing buildings on the west coast and in Japan.. it's a very easy and effective solution..

Anyways, just thought I'd help...

A bit of free time there to make such a beautiful illustration.

I'm sure a big weight like that will certainly stabilize it. Things are very stable on the ground.

The camera isn't mounted on a kite, but on a picavet that hangs from the line and automatically stays level at all times. The kite itself was only all over the place because of the crazy cape winds. I wouldn't want to put more weight on it, depsite the high winds it was still hard to get it up very high.

But thank you for the great illustration.

I think what needs to be worked on is some nonconductive line so we can fly in any weather... And really, I need to figure out a way to trigger my camera every x seconds.

[m2smith]

Whatever you need to do DO IT!
MOT is only three weeks away :
- week#1 - develop nonconductive line and re-rig kite.
- week#2 - figure out a way to trigger camera every x seconds.
- week#3 - arrange for wicked p i s s a weather and pack (apply extra coat Zano)

[dazrum]

I have a 14 yr old daughter and wanted to know about how many young teens were spotted at last year's MOT..lThanks DAZ

[Theo]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

{snip}...I need to figure out a way to trigger my camera every x seconds.

Let me try to 'splain my idea...

Picture a locomotive's drive wheel(s) being turned by the steam pressure in the connecting piston and linkage.



Ok, now instead of the piston driving the wheel, how 'bout the wheel driving the piston?

So, you have a small RC-style motor driving a wheel who's rotation plunges a piston in a plastic tube so that it just exits the end of the tube. The end of the tube would fit directly over the shutter release button so the plunging piston would trigger it. Now, mount the whole rig onto a lightweight C-clamp which would hold the camera and securely align the piston/tube with the shutter release. You could even activate the motor via an RC controller. Easier said than done, I suppose.

Just a thought...(I have so few these days )...

Theo

[Theo]

Quote: Originally Posted by dazrum

I have a 14 yr old daughter and wanted to know about how many young teens were spotted at last year's MOT..lThanks DAZ

About 430...masquerading as adults.

Theo