Using the "Burst Mode" for Launch Shots TIPS

 For more launch pictures to choose from I'm finally using the burst feature on my camera.
My camera "Burst" mode (or Continuous Shooting Mode) takes six pictures per second. You have to rotate the shooting mode wheel to the continuous shooting Mode.
Hold the shutter down halfway down and it starts taking continuous pictures like short movie stills. It will only start saving "stills" after the shutter is fully pressed down. (Note: there will be a few images saved immediately before the shutter is fully depressed)

For the fast launch pictures the ISO shutter speed was changed to 800.
Roger Smith takes great launch pictures and gave me the shutter speed suggestion.

It's a two handed operation and hard to coordinate at first.
In the left hand, is the controller. The continuity key is inserted and pressed down with the left index finger until it lights.
In the right hand the camera shutter is held halfway down which starts the burst mode of six pictures per second. (In the burst mode the camera won't start to record until the shutter is fully depressed and held. Your camera will save a picture or two from right before you fully pressed down the shutter.)

After counting down, the launch button is pressed with the left thumb.
When I hear the engine just start to hiss the shutter is fully depressed and held down. This starts the six frame per second "record". Don't let up the pressure on the shutter button. Hold it down for a full second.
After you get used to it, it's great to have some sequential launch pictures. 

This launch controller is unusual. 
It's a test unit from Estes given to me by John Bishop, one of the few old style controllers with the first factory installed LED continuity light.
The LED is very bright in comparison to the older style filament bulbs. 
TIP: It didn't come with the red launch button and black trim on the sides. That's just colored electrical tape I cut and stuck on. I just think a launch button should be red.