RunRyder - G-26 in my Observer

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Aerial Photography and Video > G-26 in my Observer

ekripper
Heliman
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Here are a couple of pics of my Observer with the new G-26 I just finished installing. I also used a velocity stack and the Bergen pipe. Wanted as much power as I could get for our altitude. I went with this setup on the suggestion of flyboy. Anyone out there who has used this setup please let me know any tips or tricks to get the most out of it. I plan on starting the break in process tomorrow. Its been unusually nice here so its time to quit playing and get to work taking pictures.

01-08-2003 Over year old.

HOMEPAGE

flyboy
Elite Veteran
Location: California

Great minds think alike!

Just got mine in, PK U Rule! Haven't had the chance to even fire it up and start the break in.
Keep ya posted as I get somemore time with it.

Whats better than stoping at the local shell and spending a buck and a half for a gallon of fuel...? Ok a buck!

01-08-2003 Over year old.

sincity
Veteran
Location: Pasco, WA

One thing you might do is use some gaffers tape and tape up that viewfinder. No reason getting dirt and muck in there, especially if you have the fold out screen on that camera. I did this on the camera I use for skydiving. Never needed to look through it with the 3.5" screen on the side.

Give me a call dood. Let me know how the flyin is goin!

Shawn

01-09-2003 Over year old.

ekripper
Heliman
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Good idea Shawn

these cameras aren't cheap so no point in ruining them! Hey Flyboy, where do you get all that orange tape or whatever it is, your using on your Observer? I have the full body and had hoped to use it with our company logo painted on it but this thing weighs enough already so I'm a little leary about adding more weight. I think its damn close to 22lbs with the Cannon GL2 on it! That orange looks like it would work fine for visibility. Also, I noticed in another post you mentioned that your using the Minolta DiMage 7i. I'm using this for stills as well. I am curious how you set up the camera radio to trigger the focus and shutter. Also, do you use the zoom function at all when mounted on the Heli? And finally one last question, do you do anything extra for security when you mount the camera on to the Observer platform? I am worried that vibration might cause the hand tightened bolt that threads into the cameras tripod mount to come loose. Sorry for all the questions and thanks for all the answers.

Regards,
Eric Klapstein
HeliShots, LLC

01-09-2003 Over year old.

HOMEPAGE

flyboy
Elite Veteran
Location: California

I found the orange tape at the local hardware store. It is usually located by the tapes, or reflectors. Drop me a line if you can't find any. It made a huge difference on the visibility of this helicopter.
As for the Minolta Dimage 7/or 7i both have external plugs for a remote shutter release (usually a long cord, with a plug on one end that goes into the camera and the other has a button/trigger) I used the stock cord from Minolta and cut the switch off and replaced it with a dual e switch, by emsjomar. It then hooks to any open channel in the Rx and when activated completes the circuit and triggers the shutter.
(Big thanks go out to Tim, at Birds Eye Video and Photography for the original suggestion.)

"DUAL E-SWITCH
A dual, mini E-Switch. Operates two accessories from one channel. Independently turn On (latch or momentary) and Off two loads of up to 5 amps and 24 volts. All electronic microcontroller device with no switches and linkages to install. Great for airplane lights or boat applications. Uses are limited only by your imagination. Size 1.5 x 1.5 x.75 - weight .75 ounce. Includes servo connector. $39.95 "
http://www.emsjomar.com

Truthfully I have not played with the zoom that much. I know you have an exponential effect on the movement/focus. This camera has a manual focus and would be a project to convert (motor/belt assist) consider go electric if needed. I usually shoot at fairly wide angles at as high of resolution as I can afford, and then crop the image if needed. Or better yet fly closer to the subject. Remember this is all about detail.

I believe that safety, and redundant back ups are always a good idea. I use a lock washer on the camera attachment. I also put a little loc tight on it and allowed it to dry.
I use a small zip tie just to back it up, I feel it is a small cost & it is a good idea.

Use a servo connector on the switch and then you can un plug it and use it for anything else you need to trigger or control.

It sounds corny,and I have yet to try it, but plastic cling wrap is rumored to work as well.

Happy to help. Good luck!

01-09-2003 Over year old.

ekripper
Heliman
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Thanks Flyboy

Just ordered a dual E switch. Now, how are you activating the start/stop and zoom for your video camera. I see you're using the Sony VX 2000 where I'm using the Cannon GL2. There is a LANC port on my camera where you can plug in a remote to control start/stop, zoom, and display on/off. I'm not familiar with LANC so I'm not sure if you could use the dual E switch on this port to control the necessary functions. Let me know how you've set up your video cam. Thanks a ton for all the help Flyboy.

Eric

01-09-2003 Over year old.

HOMEPAGE

flyboy
Elite Veteran
Location: California

Same story,

Call Sony tell them what camera that you have, and get the part number. The item that you want is similar to the trigger relay that I made for the Dimage. You need to order the compatible remote (on a cord, usually used to control the camera on a tri-pod or w/out having to touch it) I have yet to build one for my video camera. I looked into it about a month ago and directly from Sony the part was two weeks back ordered. I put it aside. However I did the research and know you can build the same controller for the video camera through the remote. The part if I remember correctly was around fifty dollars. You can control the start stop, zoom and a few others, all w/electronics like the dual e switch. No brainier, easy and supper reliable.
It was $55.95 I spoke w/Eric in the parts dept 1 (800) 488-7669

01-09-2003 Over year old.

flyboy
Elite Veteran
Location: California

I just had the chance to get four tanks of gas through mine. Still breaking it in, but this thing seems to have plenty of power & punch.
I will keep you all posted.

Thanks for the advice Bill!

01-23-2003 Over year old.

StableHover
Heliman
Location: Singapore

Observer

Flyboy,

Hi, I've just ordered my Observer and I'm waiting to receive it through mail). I've been reading and have found out that Observer is only good for taking pictures

. Also read a lot about AirFoil mount and many claimed that its great for taking STABLE video shots. I hate to feel that my money has just gone into the drain even before I get my hands on my new Observer.

As an Observer owner yourself, have you taken any video shots with your Observer. If yes, how's the quality of the video clips ? Appreciate if you can provide links to your video clips (taken by Observer) for us to see.

Though I've never flown an Observer (yet), I'm sure that Observer can be set up to take great video shots too. What is your advise on setting up Observer for video taking ?

Thanks a lot.

09-18-2003 Over year old.

mlmcquiggjr
Heliman
Location: Tulsa, OK

Age of the thread

I believe I now have the observer shown in the previous pics. Flyboy sold an observer on ebay. In some of Flyboys posts he raves about the airfoil 30 mount. I too asked him about the differences between the observer and airfoil mounts. The airfoil mounts are mounted under the CG of the chopper, but the struts can get in the way of large pan angles, not a problem with the observer. Some posts address the issue of videos with the observer. Balance and proper head speed seems to be the solution. You might try a post in the "beautiful day in the neighborhood" thread, as Flyboy started that thread and posts there frequently.

09-21-2003 Over year old.

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Aerial Photography and Video > G-26 in my Observer

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