New to Heli AP (glow power) could use some pointers

[Canada Goose]

Hi all,

I'm new to heli AP and could use some pointers. I have a glow powered Raptor 50 Titan with OS hyper engine. I have been shooting AP from an electric fixed wing using a Canon S80 but I want to venture into heli AP. There is no one doing it in my area and so I see a great potential for some work.

OK, suggestions needed for vibration reduction, camera mounts and ways of keeping the slime aimed away from the camera. Anyone that has some experience and a little time that would that they could share with me would be greatly appreciated. I am so tired of my day job and could really use a way to earn some extra money and who knows where it could lead to :)

Thanks for your time

Mike

[AZ ChopperCam]

I operated a stretched Raptor 50 nitro for about 4 months this year before I converted to all electric.

I used a Century Condor boom as an exhaust extension. Kept the oil and smoke far from the camera.

As for front mounts on nitro Raptors, my swing arm style front mount did great. Very little vibration made it to the camera.

it looked very similar to another mount of mine shown below

http://www.azchoppercam.com/raptorcam/eccpm_2.jpg

[Tonystott]

Mike, Askman and Dennis are your best bets! Between 'em, you will get everything you want! :)

[askman]

I believe for the nitro, I think DJ's pivot arm setup is way to go for nitro. I am an electric heli guy. (I do think under body type is bit easier for vibration control compared to nose setup in a nitro heli)

[MarkWebber]

No doubt DJ has gotten some great results with his mount for Raptors. I like the tailboom idea too. Eliminates the risk of tuning problems associated with using too small diameter tubing.

[Canada Goose]

Thanks for the replies.

I have a question regarding this type of camera mount. It looks nice and simple but how is it going to be for vibration? It looks to me that the noodles between the heli and the camera mount are the only "dampening." Any thoughts would be appreciated....thanks

Mike

[AZ ChopperCam]

the damping on that mount is handled via the elastic cords that strap it to the heli.

They do a fantastic job of damping engine vibes, but do nothing for rotor vibes.

[Canada Goose]

DJ, your camera mount looks very interesting. I was reading somewhere about a certain tyoe of conversion kit that was needed for it to work on a glow Raptor? Also, do you have any images of how you had your exhaust extension on your glow heli?

Thanks for your assistance

Mike