Wind and heat proof RPM IVA cameras

[Wanderfound]

I like flying IVA missions: http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/97802-Fun-with-IVA-reentry-%28lotsa-images%29

However, I have a problem. During reentry, my IVA cameras explode like fireworks or tear off like tissue paper. If it's not Deadly Reentry, it's FAR: my cameras very rarely survive all the way back to KSC.

This is unfortunate, as I rely on those cameras to see what's under my nose while landing.

I've tried hacking the configs to try and exempt them from physics calculations and raise their temperature tolerance, but none of it seems to work. Those cameras are just determined to die. The only way to keep them intact on the way down is to make an extremely conservative descent (ie: above 30,000m while hypersonic, above 10,000m while supersonic) that triples the time it takes to get it done.

This should not be a problem. It's not that hard to make a camera lens flush-mounted with the skin of the fuselage; aircraft have been doing it for nearly a century now.

So, that's the request: a single-part mod pack, that includes some cool-looking streamlined cameras that match the aesthetics of a Mk2 spaceplane cockpit (ideally with a shape that makes it easy to tell which way is up when mounting them) and are totally immune to FAR and DRE.

I've heard other folks make similar complaints, so I'm not the only one interested in this. Anyone? It should be a relatively quick and simple job, and it will earn you the undying love of the IVA spaceplane community...

[Axelord FTW]

This should not be a problem. It's not that hard to make a camera lens flush-mounted with the skin of the fuselage; aircraft have been doing it for nearly a century now.

True for atmospheric-only aircrafts. Even if there was a way to keep the camera itself from melting/imploding, it would be charred pretty badly.

One solution would require the camera to have it's own heatshield plate to dump away after the reentry is mostly over. It would make the camera unusable beforehand but it would give you something to work with for IVA landing.

[Overjay]

Have you tried to increase camera's crash tolerance and maximal temperature?

[Javster]

Have you tried to increase camera's crash tolerance and maximal temperature?

Yes, s/he did, read OP.

[nli2work]

I might be able wing something that could be FAR friendly, not sure about DRE... have you tried adding module exemption in FAR's configuration? Add JSIExternalCameraSelector to FAR's exempt modules. I don't think physicsSignificance does anything for FAR. in the FARPartCLassifications.cfg

	ExemptModule
	{
		hasModule = LaunchClamp
		hasModule = KerbalEVA
		hasModule = ModuleControlSurface
		hasModule = ModuleResourceIntake
		hasModule = ModuleParachute
		hasModule = RealChuteModule
		hasModule = FARBaseAerodynamics
	}

I don't know if that's modifiable via MM. RF has a camera port with color coded axis. but I think I got something I can pull out into a separate camera part too.

I'll keep you posted.

Edited October 22, 2014 by nli2work

[Wanderfound]

Testing nil2work's way cool prototype:

Very nice looking.

And good clear right-way-up pictures.

Let's see how it copes with a bit of speed.

All good so far.

More speed.

Oops.

Didn't I use to have two wings?

Note, however, what isn't on this list: cameras. All good.

Wanderfound like.