Helicam ship finally ready

**Trackhead** · 03-27-2007, 08:51 PM

Well, after several months of tweaking this and tweaking that, I finally got the heli/mount/hdv/pan/tilt/downlink system up and running. When I put the HDV cam on I realized that I had to tweak the system more as the HDV showed otherwise unseen vibrations. Finally flew it tonight with a finished system with no vibration, just clean vid.

So....................when it dries out and warms up (this weekend), I'd like to FINALLY shoot some folks at I-street. Game on.

The goofy skids are for visibility. Can't fly what you can't see.

290 degree pan, 130 degree tilt. No cam on mount. Set up for Pany HDV SD1.

**dfinn** · 03-27-2007, 09:01 PM

that is bad ass. I cannot freaking wait to see the vid.

**Particle** · 03-27-2007, 09:02 PM

That is wicked cool.

, I'm not gonna be in town this weekend

I'd go tomorrow after work, but yeah...it's going to be covered in snow...

I'm in for next week post-work anytime though.

**Trackhead** · 03-27-2007, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by Particle

I'm in for next week post-work anytime though.

I can shoot next monday-friday. Mornings on mon-wed-frid. Evenings on tues-thurs.

I'd like to shoot a little "I-street" trailer so to speak. Complete with ground footage as well. And little quasy interviews of riders. So it's just not footage, but something more entertaining.

Let's finally get it done. I think Otter will be my cameraman.

**Particle** · 03-27-2007, 09:22 PM

Sounds really cool. I'm down for whenever; can't make it Monday morning, but Tuesday evening sounds good at the moment...

p.s. plus the light up there gets awesome close to sunset

**rideit** · 03-27-2007, 09:26 PM

Awesome, Track.
Let's keep the discussion open on 'Project Inca'.
I am talking with a bunch of folks this coming month.

Good luck at the I-Street beta session!

**Trackhead** · 03-27-2007, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by rideit

Let's keep the discussion open on 'Project Inca'.
I am talking with a bunch of folks this coming month.

Yeah, still down with that idea. Very much so.

CS · 03-28-2007, 10:26 AM

Cool man.

Just an fyi trackhead, but it looks like myself, Otter, the AG's, ktrials, maybe bagtagley and kidwoo will all be in Moab on the last weekend in April, so if you want to get some sicko redrock biking shots you should come on down.

**Trackhead** · 03-28-2007, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by CS

Cool man.

Just an fyi trackhead, but it looks like myself, Otter, the AG's, ktrials, maybe bagtagley and kidwoo will all be in Moab on the last weekend in April, so if you want to get some sicko redrock biking shots you should come on down.

I could certainly atleast make it down for one day.

What are the logistics? Can I lug the heli around on my back while riding? Or will it all be super gnar?

**JoshP** · 03-28-2007, 11:08 AM

If you need an extra bitch to help you shlepp that thing around for the day, let me know. I wanna see this thing in action.

**davidhowland14** · 03-28-2007, 11:09 AM

holy crap. that's pretty cool. Can you control the camera with a remote?

**tradygirl** · 03-28-2007, 11:30 AM

Please do an evening because the I-Street Peanut Gallery is excited.

**Trackhead** · 03-28-2007, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by tradygirl

Please do an evening because the I-Street Peanut Gallery is excited.

Looks like tuesday evening could be good. I have that evening off.

If winds are sub 15mph, game on.

holy crap. that's pretty cool. Can you control the camera with a remote?

2.4ghz video downlink to lcd screen infront of cameraman. I fly, someone else does the camerwork with a screen showing what the camera is seeing.

There's a fair bit of technology and even more money whizzing through the air. It's a little nerve wracking to see about $6k buzzing around at high speeds.

L7 · 03-28-2007, 12:20 PM

Man that's awesome and I was wondering how much money went in. Did you build that up totally from heli guts and redesign the frame or is it largely based on a unit bought and then modified?

I'm curious about payload in terms of how much heavier than a normal 'kit' and how the weight would impact flying at higher elevations with thinner air. Could be the next big step in backyard ski films. pppphhhhhhhtttt... helmet cams....... so yesterday.

**XtrPickels** · 03-28-2007, 12:29 PM

sick
2468

**Trackhead** · 03-28-2007, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by L7

Man that's awesome and I was wondering how much money went in. Did you build that up totally from heli guts and redesign the frame or is it largely based on a unit bought and then modified?

I'm curious about payload in terms of how much heavier than a normal 'kit' and how the weight would impact flying at higher elevations with thinner air. Could be the next big step in backyard ski films. pppphhhhhhhtttt... helmet cams....... so yesterday.

It is a heli designed to carry a camera rig. I made my own to suit my own needs with stability in landing in higher winds, portability, etc, etc.

I am carrying an extra 4-5 pounds right now. 2 pounds of that is dead weight balast for for/aft balance. That 2 pound balast will soon be exchanged for a KS2 gyro that weighs the same.

I flew this weight at 8k with no problem. I imagine 10k would be feasible. Just haven't done it yet.

The entire weight of the heli/cam/full fuel/mount/gyro is about 20 pounds. Add in two radios, a remote viewing screen, and you're at about 25 pounds. Requires two people to operate.

**Particle** · 03-28-2007, 01:20 PM

I have to admit I'm going to be a bit nervous with that thing buzzing around my head while I'm flying through the air...

L7 · 03-28-2007, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by Particle

I have to admit I'm going to be a bit nervous with that thing buzzing around my head while I'm flying through the air...

Says he with the avatar of carnage.

Around here if you can fly it at 8 or 9K you can catch all the good skiing you need. Your peaks around there aren't any higher I don't think. It'll be great to see the footage you get off of that rig.

**Trackhead** · 03-28-2007, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by Particle

I have to admit I'm going to be a bit nervous with that thing buzzing around my head while I'm flying through the air...

It won't be closer than 20-30ft. I'll give you a flight demo to show you my current skills so you are comfortable before you ride.

Believe me, I'm all about safety with this thing.

CS · 03-28-2007, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by Trackhead

I could certainly atleast make it down for one day.

What are the logistics? Can I lug the heli around on my back while riding? Or will it all be super gnar?

Logistics are pretty simple. I'm thinking the two places to shoot would be the Chili Peppers downhill and out at Bartlett. I've never done the downhill, but from what I understand, getting to it isn't real hard, and Bartlett can be ridden by anyone.

**TurxSki** · 03-28-2007, 02:07 PM

Good job. Do you have a name for your Bird-Ship ?

**Trackhead** · 03-28-2007, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by TurxSki

Do you have a name for your Bird-Ship ?

The Capitator. Or, The Flying Machete.

**cowdog** · 03-28-2007, 03:01 PM

Holy shit! That's crazy cool.

**Crinkle** · 03-28-2007, 05:00 PM

well done TH, that rig is SIIIIIIIIICK!!
I am jealous that I am not in SLC to take part, would love to see the footy coming out of your sessions. Someone should do some behind the scenes action as well, take off, dry runs, watching 2 guys hover over electronic control boxes, nervously twiching as particle hucks some big nasty. yeeeeeehaaaaawwww!

**Big Blue** · 03-28-2007, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by CS

Cool man.

Just an fyi trackhead, but it looks like myself, Otter, the AG's, ktrials, maybe bagtagley and kidwoo will all be in Moab on the last weekend in April, so if you want to get some sicko redrock biking shots you should come on down.

As of right now the plan is for AFW to be in Moab then too. I'll be there anyway, but the rest of the crew is supposed to come out. Maybe we can do some co-op filming with Trackhead.

How many ski film companies does it take to make a bike movie?