My camera is an Olympus AX that was purchased at a yard sale for less than $10.00. The timer was constructed in the home work shop with items purchased at the local electronics store.
Frame work that holds the timer and camera are constructed from scrap plexi glass from the local hardware store. The suspension system is made of 30 lb. nylon fishing string, cup hooks and basswood from old shipping crates. The picavet suspension lines are fastened to the 170 lb. test kite string with fishing sinker clips, and key rings. It was necessary to solder the three way swivels used to string the cradle. They were twisting during transportation in the gear bag. Large rubber o-rings are placed above and below the fastening points to keep vibration to a minimum. They do work very well when using slow film, like iso 100. Small plastic rings were placed at the intersecting points to keep the suspension from twisting in the wind. Pan angle is set by tilting the frame down and locking it in place with brass bolts and wing nuts. Rotation is controlled also with a brass bolt and wing nut in the center of the cross. The system is very stable in flight.
Equipment used for KAP can be carried in a small overnight bag, or large camera bag. In the image to the left you will see my layout of equipment. A dog stage to tie off the kite, fish scale used to measure the amount of pull on the line, steel shaft with handle used through the winder, leather gloves, extra film, spare batteries, picavet suspension, 1000 feet of 170 lb. test line with winder, Wind speed indicator, Two camera frames with timers (one 12 min. the other 3.45 min.), sun screen, insect repellant, kite tail for windy days, large o-rings to keep vibration to a minimum, gear bag, and kite not shown in photo.
Page by; Philip L. Goldsborough