Helilite Picavet

For our Helikite (http://www.allsopp.co.uk/) the stock camera mount wasn't doing the trick for what we needed. We decided to build a picavet to hang underneath. With some direction from Charles Benton's website (http://arch.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/equip/picavet.html) we constructed the cradle from some 1/4" basswood, a few small screw eyes, and a bent metal coat hanger to attach the camera to the cross. The whole thing was attached to the balloon with two Prusik knot loops (the pink string on the bottom photo).

3D Coordinate Transformations

JAG3D is a large software package that can be used for geodetic correction of survey data, however, buried within the interface is a nice compact module for performing full 3D coordinate transformations.


This tutorial is for JAG3D version 3.3.20110211 (published Feb. 11, 2011)

Data Prep for JAG3D

Instructions for preparing your Photosynth data for JAG3D Transformation.

Photosynth Software Links

A collection of software links to help with processing Photosynth data.

Pole Camera

Below are the instructions for constructing a basic pole camera with off the shelf parts. You’ll need something to trigger the camera while it’s up in the air. I use the remote that came with my DSLR or an IR intervelometer, you could use a wired trigger if you can make one with a long enough cord.All of the materials for this project can be found at most home improvement stores.

Moving over from WordPress

Today I switching over from WordPress so things can be a little more integrated with the rest of my Google centered life.