New PPG Video Camera
Text and pictures by Tom Feller
I wanted to record my flights from my eyes not a 3rd person view:
The Camera
I wanted to make this system simple but not cheap.... I wanted good picture quality. So I got a hold of a bullet cam and this will mount on top of my helmet. I want the view to be like the viewer is the one flying. Camera weight 1 OZ.
The Video Storage
I did not want to hook a camcorder up to this system as weight is a major concern as my Airfer Tornado with 8L of fuel weights 85 lbs. I will record my video source digital on a 20 Gig hard drive MP3 Player. Weight 10 OZ. Can record up to 4 hour near DVD Quality.
Camera Power Pak
I used 8AA batteries to power the camera rechargeable for saving money in long run. Can power camera up to 10 to 12 hours.
Aux Power/video storage
I can power Video Storage unit up to 12 Hours. If this can power both the camera and the storage I can do away with the 8AA battery pack.
Putting it all
Together
I need to protect the system as this has foam I can custom to the video gear so impact will not be a factor. Very small and will fit where a auxiliary fuel tank would go easy on easy off.
My Helmet
I ordered a camera holder off the internet. Boiled some water to soften the base to shape it to my helmet and used industrial Velcro. This baby is not coming off.
Fits like a Glove
I used 4 electrical pipe clamp to hold the box in place. Top bolts are wing nuts for fast removal.
When not filming it is a glove box
Show me the
Video's
Flying at Massey, Maryland
Flying at Smyrna, Delaware
Flying at Southern Fly in
Note: The above three links to the videos taken with my system are not active yet.
As soon as they are, I will make a public announcement.
Tom Feller
For more info, please contact me at:
tom@tomfeller.com
or visit my web site:
www.tomfeller.com
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