View Full Version : Turbine Observer (sneak peek) NEW photos
Also, all of these HDV units only have 1/3" chips whereas the higher end cameras have 1/2" and 2/3" chips which means more information and better imaging. The qualitative differences between the two by the average viewer is barely discernable but the price differences are huge!
The 1/2" and 2/3" chipsets are more advantageous in low light situations, where as the 1/3" chipset is quite adequate in the typical lighting situation that a heli would be working in.
The new Sony FX7 I believe only has a 1/4" chipset. But it also has some other nice options for non-heli related video.
Gary Travis
12-01-2006, 12:01 PM
Just realized that Chris's sneak peak is getting side tracked with all the Camera discussions. Sorry about that, I was tryingto make the point that the FX1 and XH A1 are rapidly becomeing the industry standard with AP and it would seem that the turbine Observer certainly fits the bill. It should be quite interesting to see it in action .
Gary
sky high
12-01-2006, 06:14 PM
The 1/2" and 2/3" chipsets are more advantageous in low light situations, where as the 1/3" chipset is quite adequate in the typical lighting situation that a heli would be working in.
The new Sony FX7 I believe only has a 1/4" chipset. But it also has some other nice options for non-heli related video.
I agree that we have side tracked this thread so this is it for me about these cameras in this thread. ullr, the difference is all over, not just in low light. You will get better depth of field, more like film, with larger chipsets and on and on. DOF doesn't really matter with AP though. Anyway, I believe the new Sony camera that I mentioned that will offer 1080p will also be using CMOS chips which from what I hear is where they're all going. :roll: . All kinds of info can be found about this and more at those DV Info links I posted. Like I stated, you can't go wrong with any of these systems, especially for AP.
Gary Travis
12-01-2006, 06:55 PM
Xh A1 is correct, got to learn to type slower.
Gary
cbergen
12-05-2006, 12:30 PM
Got some pics of the Turbine Observer, using Scott's FX1, that we also installed on the Twin Observer (it was tight, but it worked :D ) to test the ability to pan and tilt around.
This may not be the final design, but it's darn close!!
http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/a3d68b41ec3d3bd48dfb3e64e5b34d57.jpg
http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/5457145424b96de04211451c62d73614.jpg
http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/4b20de71014065c08edc1522f46dcd92.jpg
cbergen
12-05-2006, 12:32 PM
One more pic. Forgot one... :oops:
http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/9e6de8bc0e88d29704ee787d098e580b.jpg
WillJames
12-05-2006, 12:43 PM
WOW that is cool!!
Cryofix
12-05-2006, 01:30 PM
Chris what is the price =p I am assuming $11,000?
That will be one damn sweet bird when done, hell it already is, just dont let Greg fly it.
fitenfyr
12-05-2006, 03:28 PM
Chris,
How did it balance out?
Any shift if the tanks are full vs. empty?
That is certainly one "purpose" looking machine.
Nothing pretty about that one. :D :D
cbergen
12-06-2006, 08:41 AM
All 3 tanks are centered on the main shaft, so there is no shift in CG.
Wait till you see the Body and the Ball!!
Not 100% sure on price yet. There may be new additions or adjustments that can affect the final price.
The first two "production" birds have begun the build process, Hope to be finished by Christmas.
Flyboy
12-06-2006, 02:25 PM
Very nice, Is the final version going to have a roll axis?
Any video from this or any of the turbine ap copters yet? I would love to see some/any if you have it? Please post it/some if you have it.
Thanks in advance & very nice looking bird!! Great work!!
FB
cbergen
12-06-2006, 03:44 PM
The roll axis will be available as an option, as will the body and the ball.
No video yet, but as soon as I have it I will post it here.
Scott is putting something together from his Twin Observer, but it will probably be in Quicktime format, so I will have to defer to Dog or someone else to help post that one. :oops:
fitenfyr
12-06-2006, 03:56 PM
Chris,
So the roll axis mount is bolted to the plate where you have the camera currently after the whole thing is rotated perpendicular to the ground right?
Or does the exisiting plate come off somehow and the roll axis bolts on?
Where is the gyro for the roll axis sitting?
Pretty neat setup if you can just pop on and off the roll axis when you need it.
cbergen
12-07-2006, 08:44 AM
The existing plate is removed and replaced by the roll axis plate.
http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/efda6b0456e458c542272e4a258448d3.jpg
http://www.helifreak.com/album_mod/upload/6055ff18f4afee5be053201c4cc66aa1.jpg
The gyro will be mounted to the backside of the plate, next to the servo.
fitenfyr
12-07-2006, 07:30 PM
Nice!
Now that is a trick setup.
I do think if it was mine I would leave the roll system on all the time though.
How much of a weight difference and what is the biggest camera you think you can get on there?
cbergen
07-20-2007, 09:17 PM
As an update (and a bump...! :lol: ) I am currently building #7 and #8 Turbine Observers.
The weight difference is minimal, add a servo and a few more grams for the slightly bigger plate, we've also lengthened the turret arms to allow for a slightly taller arrangement if necessary.
CG for the roll and tilt axis are adjustable, so getting the camera CG lined up with the mount CG is easier.
copterstudios
07-26-2007, 01:53 AM
Chris,
The other day when I was working with Gary I saw his Turbine Observer. Although it was a little "wounded" I was truly impressed by the size and quality of work put into this helicopter.
In an earlier post you mentioned that you were developing a camera ball and body. Do you have pictures of this and have thought about devolping the same for the gasser Observer?
Darin