Seeing what I see

ALP 3 Hardware Update

2011-08-20T22:06:00.003-05:00

Today we swapped a battery in the ALP 3 flight computer. This will ensure that there is enough power to run the computer through the full duration of all planned flights for ALP 3. An updated thruster array is being developed that will shave weight and reduce power consumption without sacrificing control. More ALP3 developments will be posted as they become available.

Hacked router aims to help ALP communications

2011-06-25T19:15:00.004-05:00

A few days ago we received a router that had been modified to boost the signal strength. This will hopefully allow for a stronger link between the ALP flight and ground computers. A modified antenna booster was also acquired and will fly on the ALP itself. We will test both components to gain a better understanding of characteristics before flight. This will allow us to fine tune the system to our needs. Check back for more updates on ALP progress.

More surprises await...

2011-06-11T08:45:00.003-05:00

ALP development is proceeding well and it looks like we will be doing some actual range testing in about a week. On a side note another really cool capability may be added to the ALP architecture. For now we will leave it to your imagination as we have some software hurdles to overcome. When we get a little closer it will be announced.

More research leads to better design for ALP 3

2011-06-08T12:19:00.003-05:00

ALP 3 Update:
Today we took some steps in design that will yield up to a 20db gain in communication between ground and flight computers. What this means is better streaming of data from the hazardous avoidance cameras and faster data transmission rates. Since all high resolution imagery is to be captured in Raw format, better data rates are very welcome.

ALP Support Hardware Testing

2011-06-07T14:17:00.003-05:00

Today we tested a router to be used to support the upcoming ALP flight. As of now we have communication between the flight computer and the control interface computer. Last week we were able to tweak and polish up the software that allows the flight computer to communicate with the main imaging camera. Sample images were taken through the ALP network. An array of web cams will be added soon to the system allowing for real time monitoring of proximity and hazard avoidance.
Range testing will soon follow as we test an array of antenna configurations.

ALP 3 flight slated for fall of 2011

2011-06-06T09:22:00.004-05:00

With this years dry season setting in the water levels in the Topless Dome of Tumbling Rock cave will drop allowing for another flight of the ALP system. This year we are adding much to our flight plans for ALP3. In addition to the lighting package, ALP3 will carry many new systems. This list includes: Imaging cameras, Hi-Def video, navigation cameras, optical image alignment system, parking and stabilization system, ducted fan axial thrusters, advanced SIT illumination system. Also included is a host of wireless gear to run and control it all.
More information will be posted as we progress with development and fabrication.

ALP Development Progress Update

2011-06-05T17:04:00.004-05:00

Due to the nature of the ALP project currently under development I thought it might be good to keep a record of progress. Since this is my first post on the ALP let me start with a some background information and a little history that got us to this point.

ALP is an acronym for Aerial Lighting Platform. This is an architecture we have been developing that allows us to loft lights for photography in caves. During our earliest planning stages that took place in 2003, the ALP system was simply a balloon that would loft an electronic strobe. Through much work and refinements the ALP concept evolved and continues to evolve.
The 396' Topless Dome of Tumbling Rock cave in North Alabama has been the subject of investigation by the use of ALP technology. In October of 2010 ALP 2 became the first floating light platform to reach the top of the dome allowing us to light it in its entirety from a different vantage point. This technique of lighting revealed details that until then were unknown in the dome by lighting with conventional methods.
Our lift balloon measured 6 feet in diameter with a total payload capacity of 5 pounds. The balloon was covered with a custom ripstop cover to protect it from abrasions should it impact the wall or ceiling of the dome. During transit the balloon made surface contact twice with no noticeable effects. A small gondola was suspended below the balloon to carry power for the SIT light that was mounted on the top. During this flight we used bottles of water as ballast to keep the lift tension manageable. A total of 3 flights took place that day resulting in some uniquely lit images of the dome.
It was noted during all flights that conditions in the upper dome was very stable and no air currents were detected.
The success of ALP2 has paved the way for the development of ALP3.

The theory that keeps me pushing forward with this

2008-12-09T20:23:00.000-06:00

Cave photography is by far one of the most challenging things I have ever undertaken. When I took my very first images 5 years ago at a TAG caving trip I never dreamed underground photography would take me on such a dynamic journey. Like the pieces of a puzzle the different elements seem to slowly fall into place and while I still can't see it all I do have a better understanding of this realm.
There are many factors that take place to create the mix that drives me to do what I do. First lets look at the obvious - caves. Caves can be right under your feet and you might never know it. Places so utterly amazing and beautiful, so exotic, so unreal. There is something to be said of a place that can make you forget time altogether. In place where light is alien to the landscape, caves hold a unique mystery that calls out. People from all over the world answer the call in their own way. My drive for caving is ambition that I will somehow do the cave justice in an image that may be shared with others.
Next there is the technical challenge. I am driven by this challenge that I do not possess all the answers needed to illuminate and capture every cave shot in the world. I must take steps to learn what has to be done in order to pull off a shot and get it right. There are so many elements that go into a shot. The odds that something will go wrong are usually higher than having it work right. This challenge and the fact that failure is always lurking at your doorstep drives me to push on and try new things. When it works, its magic.
Finally there is the teamwork. Few things in life demand the kind of trust that caving asks of your companions. We knowingly and willingly time and time again put our total trust in our caving partners. Trusting your life to someone is a big step. In my humble opinion the world would be a better place if everyone had that reponsibillity placed on them and understood it. Everything we do has to have the team in mind.
Tying this back into photography translates to having a unique place, a challenge that seems daunting, and an amazing team of friends who all work together to make it work.

-Stay tuned for the next post about photons and making them work for you.