Author Topic: Off site view positions?  (Read 26392 times)

uri_ba

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Off site view positions?
« on: February 12, 2010, 05:34:53 PM »
Hi Folks!
I wasn't around too much lately, but it's all for a good purpose :)

I'll be ariving to Orlando on March 13th intending to watch STS-131 go up.
unfortunately I was unable to get causeway tickets on the NASA sale (they were gone in 30 seconds I think).

can anyone recommend a good place to watch the launch from?
I'm looking (naturally) for a clear LOS to 39A, and I need enough clearance to place my three cameras (Mamya RZ, F50 with 80-200 and D300 with 300/4+1.7TC if anyone really wants to know :)).

and if any of you lives somewhere around and has his "own" super secret launch viewing spot I would be happy to tag along :)

Cheers,
Uri
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desktopsimmer

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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #1 on: February 12, 2010, 07:57:39 PM »
Most of that area is flat as a pancake, so anywhere is almost as good as the next. The most northern tip of Cocca-Beach I had planned to watch STS-114, but the launch data slipped and we missed it. However ont he STS tour, we got within ~500m. but get a good pair on bincoclars :)
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pheberer

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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2010, 09:27:26 PM »

Also bring a portable radio to hear the countdown and liftoff.  Preferably a scanner or amateur radio to listen to their 2 meter broadcasts.  They broadcast from the very beginning.  An iPhone g3s app broadcast NASA TV.

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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2010, 12:30:49 AM »
Anybody living in or around Titusville or Meritt to show Uri around and put those cool cameras to good use?

 ;)

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schmidtrock

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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #4 on: February 17, 2010, 01:00:14 AM »
I know Jeff lives in that area, where ya at bud? As a matter of coincidence, I'll be moving back to Florida (my homestate) from Huntsville in two weeks. Would be great to meet up if possible. I was planning already to head down that way and check out the launch. I'll be living in the Putnam county area near Gainesville. Little town called Interlachen.

uri_ba

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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #5 on: February 17, 2010, 11:01:33 PM »
thank K,
I'll send you a PM soon :)
I'm I have a test friday and I havn't started learning (VMware VCP4)
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bradleyjs

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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2010, 04:55:06 AM »
I know Jeff lives in that area, where ya at bud? As a matter of coincidence, I'll be moving back to Florida (my homestate) from Huntsville in two weeks. Would be great to meet up if possible. I was planning already to head down that way and check out the launch. I'll be living in the Putnam county area near Gainesville. Little town called Interlachen.

I went and got married and have been spending precious time with my Wife -- haven't done much simming in the last few months -- but I do check this forum a couple of times a week..

Anyway, found this good article that I thought that I'd share: STS-131 Flight Plan
http://spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts131/fdf/131flightplan.html


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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #7 on: March 06, 2010, 05:41:32 AM »
Not trying to bump, but Uri... Have you checked out the Space Shuttle Clarion Inn in Titusville?  A riverside room gives you the VAB and pads right out front of the door.  It's about 6 miles across the river to it all, but it's a fantastic view.

A non-riverside room requires a walk to get to there, but it's not far, and it's well worth the money.  If you can watch the launch from there, I've got two pictures I can upload - one of the VAB captured with a 80-400mm lens with a 2x extender by me, and a launch captured with a 75-300mm lens (at probably 125mm) by Larry of Max-Q Entertainment.

Please note these aren't the full sized images, I've had to reduce them down to fit the forum.  In the full sized launch image, you can see Tyvek covers coming off the Shuttle, and you can see inside the top of the VAB (not easily, but you can see some detail) in the top right corner.

Clarion Space Shuttle Inn - Titusville, Florida

I'd check into the rates now for the next mission - if you want to reserve a room there.  They go up to almost $200 a night if you don't grab them early for riverside, and I think around $100 a night for a regular room.  A tip, their internet is crap, excuse my french.  We couldn't upload anything at all from there, and it took forever just to load webpages.  You'll want to either sit in their lobby (best spot for connection), or go to the local McDonalds/Wendy's for free WiFi.



« Last Edit: March 06, 2010, 05:45:47 AM by Steven »
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bradleyjs

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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #8 on: March 06, 2010, 08:15:23 PM »
Uri,

Jetty Park is a descent view (in Port Canaveral - at the end of SR-528[BeachLine]/A1A) - I think it costs @$5 to gain entrance. It's right on the beach just south of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.


uri_ba

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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #9 on: March 07, 2010, 03:09:55 AM »
So far, I've got Causeway Tickets from Gator tours.. we'll see how it goes. :)

if that shot liftoff was taken with a 300mm lens in titusville I'm good with my 510 on the causeway...

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spaceboy7441

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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #10 on: March 07, 2010, 04:55:40 AM »
For sure. You will be amazed
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Steven

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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #11 on: March 07, 2010, 12:24:55 PM »
So far, I've got Causeway Tickets from Gator tours.. we'll see how it goes. :)

if that shot liftoff was taken with a 300mm lens in titusville I'm good with my 510 on the causeway...



It was taken with a Canon Rebel XS - 10.1mp at approximately 125mm, about 7 miles away.

The 400mm shots that are on NASASpaceFlight L2 from the Press Site for STS-129, you can see the Tyvek cover that got hooked onto Atlantis' tail during the first part of launch. ;)  That was taken with a Rebel XSi, 12.1mp.  As long as yours is that good, you'll be able to take some great photos.  Sadly, you won't see much from the causeway from SSME ignition until after she clears the smoke, but you'll get some amazing shots if you can time it right.
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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #12 on: March 07, 2010, 05:05:14 PM »
So far, I've got Causeway Tickets from Gator tours.. we'll see how it goes. :)

if that shot liftoff was taken with a 300mm lens in titusville I'm good with my 510 on the causeway...



Don't forget to wear something WARM. As for food, don't worry - there are tens of CHEAP fast-food (burgers) and soda/coffee makeshift joints dotting the causeway so you're set-up for as much geek-food as you want.

Just make sure that the first shots are posted here for the enjoyment of the entire community, and if they are any good (as your screenshots have proven already), they will adorn our FB presence too (with your permission of course).

Have lots of fun and a safe trip Uri!

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Steven

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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #13 on: March 07, 2010, 06:02:37 PM »
One last tip, sorry to be "spamming" the thread.

Don't, whatever you do, look through your camera through the whole launch.  You'll get great pictures, yes, but you won't remember a darn thing.  If this is your only launch you'll make before the program ends, make sure you take some time to watch with your own eyes, especially as she clears the SSME cloud, you'll be simply amazed by the brightness of the SRBs.
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uri_ba

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Re: Off site view positions?
« Reply #14 on: March 07, 2010, 08:18:43 PM »
I usually shoot with both my eyes open - especially when using long lenses - it makes "pointing" easier :)

But I will defiantly take your advice on it! :)

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