"Buellet" cam project...

[interex2050]

I thought this may be of interest...
So I figured I will share this one.

 

[buellxb]

Welcome interex2050! Thanks for joining our Buell forum. Please share your Buell expertise on this forum, but I have to request that you share the knowledge rather than place links to another competitive site. The site you referenced has requested the same from some of our members and myself.

 

[interex2050]

Sorry about that,
I will do a formal write up of the setup as soon as I get a chance.
Best,
Peter

 

[buellxb]

Thanks, I'm looking forward to it! [up]

 

[interex2050]

The following is an inexpensive alternative to a "bikecam", with surprisingly good results.
The basic idea behind this is to get an external video camera connected to a camcorder.
There are a few key points to consider:
1) The camcorder that is to be used must support video input (VCR function).
2) The security camera to be used should support a DC in, otherwise constructing a power supply for it will be trickier.

This is what I used for my setup:
A Swann "bulletcam", I have tried to use the pricier CCD version but that burned out without ever getting off the table.

The easiest way of mounting the camera is to use double stick square used for securing cables and zip-ties, like so:

The model that I used could use a power source producing anywhere from 8-12V. I decided to go for the 9V configuration (6 AA), although by using a 12V power supply one may get better results with respect to batter life and performance. Not that 20 hrs is all that bad, and this is only the point at which the voltage dropped to a point where the microphone unit began to send a "buzzing" sound with the audio.
To construct a power supply one simply needs to purchase a 6AA cradle with standard 9V snap connection, some 9V snap leads, and a compatible power plug.

Some soldering and shrink wrapping later one gets this:

To eliminate the chance of angry muttering later, connect everything up on the floor to make sure it works properly before mounting everything to the bike...

Now just mount the camera...
A piece of advice, when mounting the camera make sure its right side up... (I have made this mistake and with a bullet cam it can be easily overlooked)
Since the cable mount tabs are cheap and come in hefty bags one is not limited to one place and moving from one location to another requires little more then cutting a few zip-ties.
The first test location:

The major downside of the setup that I have put together is sound quality this is due to the overwhelming wind noise.
What I have found to work the best is a little piece of masking tape, scotch tape cuts out all the sound.
Another attempt was to put some sort of "muffler" into the camera body...

This did only slightly better then unmodified...
I think the best solution to this is to have an external microphone, the only problem with this is that it needs to be powered.
Lastly here are some videos:
First attempt, at night nonetheless
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQPmkkcX-8E
Second run, mounted to the helmet
(personally I think it looks strange)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlmeTTedKL0
Third run, mounted to the front axle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVp_0Krw4ss
Fourth run, this is where the limitations of the camera were reached. Sunset is not a good time, so I need to redo this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ8P-rwOaIA

Best,
Peter

 

[buellxb]

That's flippin sweet! Where did you learn to do that?

 

[interex2050]

Thanks!
I just went with what made sense, I am sure years of tinkering with almost everything I can get my hands on help a bit too...

 

[HOVERJOCKI]

Interex2050.
I have been playing with a helmet cam that has a card in it and the pic quality is good but with the vibration coming off the bike i get a lot of vibration through the picture.
How did you over come this problem and also do you have pictures of how you attached to the front axel.
Cheers.
Justin

 

[njsxb9]

Found the Camera for $45.00

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...e+Equipment-_-Swann+Communications-_-81124053

 

[HOVERJOCKI]

Interex2050.
I tried your set up but i went with a straight 9v battery and it wouldn't work...... do you have to do it with the 6 x 1.5 volt bateries. I'm not electrically minded.
Cheers for your help
Justin

 

[HOVERJOCKI]

Ok, got it to work....bad plug i bought.
Thanks anyway
Justin

 

[badbandit12]

I have found these little cameras as soon as I mount one to my bike I will post pics!! they are a heck of a deal for $65 they are 12v with hook up.

 

[justice720]

link on the boss camera?

 

[badbandit12]

I sale them I have mine mounted just havent takin the bike out yet so let me see how they do on a trip to the curvys sunday

 

[badbandit12]

well I have ttried it out and it has great picture but backwards, I have a few others I'm going to try!! will keep you posted