DEW Sources of Equipment
The following sources are not endorsements of any particular product or supplier,
but since one of the goals of this project is to develop and integrate low-cost equipment to
support scientific exploration and learning, we did need to post our sources.
Aerial Photography: Purpose–valuable way to collect useful field data
while helping students learn about the change in perspective in aerial/satellite imagery.
Any small, lightweight digital camera will do.
Consider the cameras with built in time lapse mode
(such as the Pentax Optio 43 WR and Pentax W10 described below)
may set camera to take pictures at timed intervals,
which saves developing a triggering device for the camera.
Wireless TV camera: Purpose–lightweight, so useful with one helium balloon;
plus, see live what we can see from the balloon/kite/airplane
(helps identify when to take digital photograph, if this is also on board)
Many nice, complete packages from $40-60.
Go to eBay.com or Google.com and search for “wireless spy video camera”
A wide array of quality radio remote control rigs for
panning/tilting/taking pictures from kites and/or helium balloons: Best kites
As of 2016 use of drones has become most common.
Here are two links for getting started in learning about UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) or UAS (unmanned aerial systems):
- Webinars: Learning with drones – how educational environments are flying new frontiers
- UAV Coach – http://uavcoach.com/ – website for UAV enthusiasts
Filters: Purpose–colored filters are an inexpensive way to look at the world to see what portions of the visible spectrum are being emitted from, transmitted through, or reflected by objects. These durable filters are broad-band, meaning a wide range of wavelengths are transmitted through the filters.
1) Plant Stress Detection Filters (see details of filters that compare very well with forester’s plant stress detection glasses)
Mike Abdow, Sales (Barbizon has been a long-time supplier for MoS activities; ask about discounts for bulk orders)
Barbizon Light of New England
1-800-935-3920 ext 212
mabdow@barbizon.com
NOTE: one 21”x21” filter sheet costs about $7; Consider calling for all filter needs, including those that follow)
2) IR goggles: Purpose–provide inexpensive experience in exploring the beginning of the near infrared (IR) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum using one’s eyes. Important to do before using digital cameras, which many young people expressed concern about because they believe one can lie with an electronic instrument.
Details on making the goggles are available at Bill Beaty’s website
Bill’s web site includes details on what filters to order and where to purchase welder’s goggles (~$6-7 apiece) that will hold the proper set of filters.
Consider buying welding goggles at your local hardware store, including Home Depot and Lowes. See goggles that works well for glass-wearers cost about $10 apiece.
Mike Abdow, Sales (Barbizon has been a long-time supplier for MoS activities; ask about discounts for bulk orders)
Barbizon Light of New England
1-800-935-3920 ext 212
mabdow@barbizon.com
NOTE: one 21”x21” filter sheet costs about $7; Consider calling for all filter needs, including those that follow)
Hand-held Sensors: Purpose–nearly indestructible and inexpensive light probes that monitor a narrow bandwidth of light.
1) LEDs–Light Emitting Diodes– (typically use 5 mm size, but this is not essential for activities)
a) With resisters already soldered to LEDs. These are good for activities in which people “light” LEDs with batteries; may also be used as light detector when connected to voltmeter/multimeter.
TIP: To find soldered LED sets, search eBay.com for website listings using “12v ready LEDs” .
b) Without resisters – These LEDs should be used only for light detectors or for soldering to create a light source.
Consider buying in bulk from LED manufacturers selling on eBay (search for vendors).
Also consider these companies:
All Electronics
DigiKey
2) Digital Voltmeters/Multimeters – When combined with the LEDs, become an inexpensive light detector
$8 apiece (also bulk discount available) from All Electronics or higher-end voltmeters/multimeters for $18 each
3) ATLA II reflectance spectrometer (Note–useful for educational training, but not a useful tool for collecting any significant quantity of data efficiently). Sets of ALTA II spectrometers are available by loan from theLunar Planetary Institute.
LED Flashlights: Purpose–to create lighting with a greater control of wavelengths (most LEDs are designed to emit in a narrow bandwidth of light), which is ideal of studying the reflectance of light from objects using the naked eye or a digital camera.
Flashlights that are significantly more expensive but wide array of wavelengths are available (including UV and near IR):
Watch for solar-powered, rechargeable, and hand-crank rechargeable LED flashlights; however, most use white LEDs rather than the colored LEDs.
Digital Cameras: Purpose–invaluable tool for collecting spatial, spectral, and temporal data that may be used in a broad spectrum of scientific studies (Our project will focus on plant and environmental sciences, but we will include a number of examples of broader scientific use)
1) Time Lapse Photography: Purpose–visualize and measure the dynamic nature of plants in our surrounding landscape.
Kodak DC290 (Lower resolution version, also with time lapse is DC260): workhorse of relatively inexpensive digital cameras that have built in time lapse capabilities; unfortunately, these cameras are no longer manufactured, so one needs to patiently bid on eBay or other sites that sell used camera equipment. One should pay no more than $150/camera. You will need a power supply to take time lapse with this camera, and a 96 to 128 mb compact flash card.
Pentax Optio 43 WR: very useful camera for many outdoor experiments since the camera is water resistant (WR). Has adequate time lapse capabilities (up to 99 pictures at a time). Very efficient use of battery power, so most likely will not need an external power supply. Recently discontinued, so search on eBay or other sites that sell used camera equipment. One should pay no more than $200/camera.
Pentax Optio W10: water and dust proof, light weight, and can take up to 324 pictures with a time interval as short as 10 seconds.
Tripods – consider purchasing for any time lapse photography work (~$30-40 each)
2) Vis/IR photography: Purpose–explore worlds previously invisible with relatively inexpensive, portable equipment.
Many modified cameras are available, but they aren’t cheap
Bullet/Lipstick (plugs into TV for classroom or science center use) – $90-100 at + $15 power supply
Computer board cam (plugs into TV for classroom or science center use) ~ $75 at + $15 power supply
Sony “Nightshot” cameras: have slightly disabled near infrared mode that allows basic near IR photography. Disabled because of “voyeur” use of near IR photography and certain types of fabrics being somewhat transparent
Color Calibration Card for Digital Cameras (use search engine to find currently available ones)
Infrared Thermometer
The GLOBE program recommends the Raytek ST20 handheld infrared thermometer. There are others, but this is as big a recommendation as one can get. Search the Internet for the best prices.