Camera Heat Test

-

Objective:
Since the GoPro cameras most likely failed due to sun heat during the 2017 launch, we will simulate the environment using a heat lamp, testing whether the cameras will record until its battery depletes, or will automatically shut down prior due to excessive heat.

Method:
We will set up the cameras in their cases and their respective positions in the payload box. The side cameras (labeled #2 and #3) will be connected to one fully charged power bank (10,000mAh), and the top camera (labeled #1) will be connected to another fully charged power bank by itself. The cameras will start recording before we set them in their cases and into the payload box. A heat lamp will be hung from a steel pole, and its heat will be directed towards the top camera. A thermometer connected to the back of the top camera (since the battery is there) is also on the steel pole within the camera’s field of view so that it can record changes in its temperature, so that in case it fails, we can determine what temperature it failed at by viewing the last recorded footage. We have previously determined for the top camera (GoPro Hero 3+ Black) to run at 720p at 120fps and the side cameras (GoPro Hero 3+ Silver) to run at 1080p at 60fps. The memory cards are all 64GB.

Results:
Distance between top camera and heat bulb: 0.260m

Top Camera (#1, GoPro Hero 3+ Black, 720p at 120fps)
39.8GB used, 184 min (3 hours and 4 min) of video recorded before the camera automatically shut down


Side Camera (#2, GoPro Hero 3+ Silver, 1080p at 60fps)
59.4GB used, 343min (5 hours and 43 min) of video recorded before battery power bank depleted


Side Camera (#3, GoPro Hero 3+Silver, 1080p at 60fps)
59.4GB used, 340 min (5 hours and 40 min) of video recorded before battery power bank depleted



Conclusion:
The top camera failed after 184 minutes of recording (including the one hour the heat lamp was turned off during lunch break). It was initially too hot to the touch and took over 30 minutes for it to cool down. There was a slight smell of burnt electronics. The side cameras recorded until the power bank depleted. They also recorded about 15 minutes more than the 5 hours and 26 min written on the screens at the beginning. We were unable to determine the temperature at which the top camera shut down, for the thermometer kept on reading 87.1F. (It was later revealed that the thermometer just needed new batteries) At one point when we used a different thermometer, the temperature was around 50C (122F). We are waiting for a bright, sunny day to test camera performance outside.

Pictures:

Top Camera

Side Cameras












Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Camera Field of View Test

-
Image
Objective: To test which GoPro field of view if most optimal for the side camera to record the tray opening and closing. Gaining footage of the horizon is also a secondary goal. Method: GoPro Hero 3+ Silver, the camera that will be used for the sides, was mounted in its casing and payload box to simulate recording on the day of the flight. A previous model of the petri dish assembly will be positioned at various distances on the side. A ruler was used to measure the distance of the payload from the petri dish assembly to record different distance possibilities. The camera was recorded at 1080p and 60fps.   Camera mounted into the new, lightweight casing.  Using a standard ruler to measure distance. Below is a diagram of all the possible frames of second and fields of view for each resolution within GoPro Hero 3+ Black, the camera that will be used for the top.  It has been determined for the side camera to record at 60fps at 1080p, in which the possible fi
Read more

Camera Test in the Sun

-
Image
Last week we were able to test the GoPro cameras outside to see at what temperature the GoPro cameras fail, especially the top camera that would be directly facing the sun. The high was 83F in the afternoon, with several clouds in the sky. The thermometer cord was attached to the back of the top camera to record its changes in temperature. Attaching a thermometer to back of GoPro Inside Payload (Top camera connected to one power bank, side cameras connected to another) Setting up pole and payload so that the camera can record changes in thermometer. Results: 38900 Lux of Sun on Roof Top Camera (#1, Gopro Hero 3+ Black, 720p at 120fps): 98.2F - Initial Thermometer Reading at 10:35AM 116.8F - Thermometer Reading at 11:57AM 108.7F- Thermometer Reading at 1:16PM 36.5GB of memory used, recorded for 2 hours and 52 min (172 min) Side Camera (#2, GoPro Hero 3+ Silver, 1080p at 60fps): Temperature data not recorded for this ex
Read more

Week 4, Wednesday

-
General We are taking inventory of what we need for the tethered launch. CAD We have made revisions to the bottom holder and rail components of the dust capturing system and are going to start printing one or both pieces of the assembly today. We are also sanding down the newer lid to reduce friction and add clearance. Circuits We are still testing how to compensate for the motors' low torque. The two methods we are considering are using a higher voltage to yield more torque and using two motors per assembly and have them operate slower. Cameras We are trying to determine if aluminum and/or mylar foil will aid in reducing heat buildup as initially hypothesized. Of the websites and reviews read, it seems mylar is the better solution. It is more reflective, provides more insulation, and is lighter than aluminum foil.
Read more