Helicam ship finally ready

**Trackhead** · 03-28-2007, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by Big Blue

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?

Why not.

**flowtron** · 03-29-2007, 09:39 AM

We're talking the 7/8h here?

I am in need of a Bartlett session. I've been shut out the past couple of tmes.

Daves Trail would be even easier than Chili Trail access-wise.

**Trackhead** · 03-29-2007, 09:55 AM

Flew the heli around 7,800ft today after skiing. Had full camera gear and balast. Upped the throttle and pitch curves a bit. It works just fine. Plenty of power. Only difference is a slower response in overall handling due to lower air density. I'm pretty sure it will fly at 10k just fine. I have plenty of throttle left at today's altitude.

No vibes in the video at that elevation. JoshP bore witness. Ha!

CS · 03-29-2007, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by flowtron

We're talking the 7/8h here?

I am in need of a Bartlett session. I've been shut out the past couple of tmes.

Daves Trail would be even easier than Chili Trail access-wise.

A bunch of us will be there from April 26th through April 29th. You should come on out.

And, what and where is Daves Trail?

**flowtron** · 03-29-2007, 10:12 AM

Oh, duh. I read 'last' but thought 'first'. That works much better. I'll prolly be heading to Fruita that weekend to shmooze at the FFTF, but I should be able to sneak out for a day.

And Daves Trail is a 2-3 minute DH run that goes from the ridge with the antennas on it thats across from the dump entrance. Its a short pedal/push from the big gravel parking lot on yer left after teh cattle guard about halfway from town up to the Sand Flats booth. The ends in the parking lot of the old folks home at the east end of 100north (I think, maybe 200N). Quick and eas shuttle, def easier access than Chili Trail...good for Heli transport.

**Trackhead** · 03-29-2007, 07:37 PM

**kidwoo** · 03-29-2007, 09:05 PM

Last week of april......trackhead becomes my idol.

**The Suit** · 03-30-2007, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by Trackhead

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.

You probably know this, but with toy planes we use the "blue sky rule" to ensure we don't hit each other's planes, paragliders, hang-gliders, etc. The idea is that you absolutely cannot rely on your depth perception to maintain separation, but if you always have blue sky between you and the other things in the sky, you can't hit them.

**Trackhead** · 03-30-2007, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by The Suit

You probably know this, but with toy planes we use the "blue sky rule" to ensure we don't hit each other's planes, paragliders, hang-gliders, etc. The idea is that you absolutely cannot rely on your depth perception to maintain separation, but if you always have blue sky between you and the other things in the sky, you can't hit them.

Yup, depth perception is the crux. Leave plenty of margin for error.

Tuesday is the day. Otter will be attending as the cameraman. He's bringing his posse. Any others are encouraged and welcome. I'll buy the beer, but won't drink any while flying.

I will likely show up around 5pm to scout and practice flying routes, etc.

**Particle** · 03-30-2007, 03:20 PM

Sickness, can't wait. I'll bring more beer

**rideit** · 03-30-2007, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by Trackhead

Yup, depth perception is the crux. Leave plenty of margin for error.

Tuesday is the day. Otter will be attending as the cameraman. He's bringing his posse. Any others are encouraged and welcome. I'll buy the beer, but won't drink any while flying.

.

I have a friend here who flies really advanced RC planes...he is a VERY good pilot, and is no stranger to beer. However, he agrees that even ONE beer totally affects his distance/speed/depth perception to the point where he won't fly. I guess it is just that much more difficult than say, a car.
Have fun, color me jealous, bitches!

**Trackhead** · 04-02-2007, 08:46 AM

Here's a no cameraman, random sighting of a runner that I made an attempt to shoot. I was guessing what the camera was pointing at. Also flying above trees, in a ravine/creekbed. Not easy to fly above trees of varying height.

Low res, 2mb, windows media.
www.fritzrips.com/FritzripsRandomVids/Runner.wmv

L7 · 04-02-2007, 09:02 AM

Super steady and not bad for low res. How far away from the runner do you think you were? 150-200'?

**The Suit** · 04-02-2007, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by Trackhead

Here's a no cameraman, random sighting of a runner that I made an attempt to shoot. I was guessing what the camera was pointing at. Also flying above trees, in a ravine/creekbed. Not easy to fly above trees of varying height.

Low res, 2mb, windows media.
www.fritzrips.com/FritzripsRandomVids/Runner.wmv

Whoa. Super ballsy flying in the trees like that. I'm impressed.

**Trackhead** · 04-02-2007, 09:10 AM

Originally Posted by L7

Super steady and not bad for low res. How far away from the runner do you think you were? 150-200'?

150 or so. I'm not flying with a wide angle adapter so I can fly further away from the subject for safety, etc.

If I was up on a hill, and not below the tree canopy, it would have been easier to fly there. But above the trees is tough.

**Particle** · 04-02-2007, 09:37 AM

That's pretty much the coolest toy ever.

**Trackhead** · 04-02-2007, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by Particle

That's pretty much the coolest toy ever.

Tomorrow should be fun at I-street. Weather looks like it will cooperate. Low winds, etc.

**Particle** · 04-02-2007, 10:08 AM

So, who else is riding tomorrow? Motionboy may make a showing. Bagtagley? A last gasp for Jayfrizzo? Bueller?

**Big E** · 04-02-2007, 10:33 AM

Can't wait to see the stuff you get out of this. How loud is that thing? I predict quite a few people freaking out once you actually start following them.

**Trackhead** · 04-02-2007, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by Big E

Can't wait to see the stuff you get out of this. How loud is that thing? I predict quite a few people freaking out once you actually start following them.

80db at 10ft. Sounds like a weedwip with a smooth muffler.

I will not be closer than 50ft from anyone. Or further if anyone is uncomfortable with it.

**Trackhead** · 04-02-2007, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by David Witherspoon

Not bad. It's gas-powered, not electric, right?

Yes, but I am considering buying an electric of the same size. Only drawback is very expensive batteries and short flight times (10 minutes). But 10 minutes is really plenty of time per shoot. You just need multiple battery packs to be productive.

The electrics are VERY quiet. Just blades wacking in the wind and the sound of the electric motor. They are also smoother on the vibration issue. Less tuning, etc.

**slippy** · 04-02-2007, 12:40 PM

I'll be there to spectate and maybe hit some jumps for fun....but don't put me down for the athlete list. I just wanna watch and I wuz going to be there anyways.

**Trackhead** · 04-03-2007, 02:19 PM

Game on.

Just did a test flight. No vibes. Heli running good. Remote downlink is ready to go with sun shade.

Not sure how long all the batteries will last on the accessory stuff, but should be long enough to get plenty of shooting in.

I'll be there around 5 or 5:30 tonight.

**Particle** · 04-03-2007, 02:21 PM

Cool - I'll try to be there by 5:30-45.

**bagtagley** · 04-03-2007, 02:37 PM

I'm afraid I'm out for this one. I've got a sick-gnar, extreme birthing class to hit up tonight. Should be pretty intense.

I'm looking forward to seeing some footage, though. Also, anybody I-Streeting other days this week? I need to get out.