ION as platform for camera work.

[lfalsetto]

As smooth as the ION looks has anyone considered it for camera work? Feedback appreciated.

Thanks

[ChrisS]

You would not want to use the "Hacker" kit for camera work, unless you changed the gear ratio a lot. But we have set Ion-X's up for lifting jobs that would make excellent camera platforms. I would recommend the "1024-6" kit and set it up with either an Actro 24-5 or 32-4 motor. Geared to produce a loaded headspeed of between 1300 and 1400 rpm, the machine will loft a 5lb payload for 15+ minutes on a pack of the TP 8000's.

Chris

[lfalsetto]

Thanks ChrisS. Is the 1024-6 a stock kit? Does MinAir have the gear kits that would work.

Larry

[fitenfyr]

You would not want to use the "Hacker" kit for camera work, unless you changed the gear ratio a lot. But we have set Ion-X's up for lifting jobs that would make excellent camera platforms. I would recommend the "1024-6" kit and set it up with either an Actro 24-5 or 32-4 motor. Geared to produce a loaded headspeed of between 1300 and 1400 rpm, the machine will loft a 5lb payload for 15+ minutes on a pack of the TP 8000's.

Chris

Chris I totally disagree with you here.
I am running the box stock ION-X for aerial work right now.
It works fine. It does have a tad higher headspeed than is ideal, but it still works great IMO.

I do think the more ideal setup is with one of the outrunners just for the sake of better power, but I don't think a 400-600.00 power system is really necessary for most of the work.

Here is some stuff I shot recently including some stuff I shot at about 3000' feet or so in the mountains.

My motor, batteries and ESC have NEVER gotten hot while carrying my 3lb camera and mount. (Nikon D70 and Helicam solutions Sport 60) and I am getting 10+ minutes out of the 55T layshaft gear on the Milspec TP 8000's.

[fitenfyr]

The hotel in Leavenworth Washington. Bad light :?

[lfalsetto]

What sort of camera platform are you using. I would be interested if you would post a picture or pm me.
Thanks.

[fitenfyr]

No pictures right now of the mount, but it is a stock Helicamsolutions Sport 60 mount.
Here is the link to them www.helicamsolutions.com

I run no dowlink or any kind of tracking. The camera is a Nikon D70 Digital SLR with the 18-80mm lens.
I am going to be ordering the Pro 60 3DX from Jody in the next couple weeks.
I need some more flexibility in my mount for the shots I like to take and the wife needs a job. :D

[ChrisS]

That's good to know Jason, and I'm glad you found the flexibility you needed.

But, I know that with a slower turning/larger rotor, you can add a lot of time to the flights and make the system a lot quieter. And the Actro motor with Jeti 77-O speed control is actually a little cheaper than the Hacker setup and works great.

Yes, we have all the parts to do this now except the motors, which are just a phone call away.

Chris

[fitenfyr]

Chris is right on.
If the $$$ work out right the Actro is the way to go.
I am going to put that combo in a Fury I am building for a dedicated cameraship.
I also find the ION is quiet enough as is. I heard one of the Actro's fly and at the 3D headspeed I actually prefer the sound of the Hacker over the Actro or LRK. The gear noise is pretty innocent to me and the blades buzz nicely. :D

Chris so far the ION is working great box stock. Need to get that 60T though and tame the headspeed some. Then I think it will be perfect for my needs till the other Fury is done.

Is the 60T layshaft gear in stock? I have had on on order from a LHS for awhile now and not heard anything.

[ChrisS]

Hi Jason
I'm quite sure we have them in stock, give me a call at the shop tomorrow and we'll get one sent out to you.
Chris

[fitenfyr]

Thanks bud will do! :D

[rcman]

Chris
Will the hacker Ion-X motor work with the 60th gear
I mean will the Hacker motor rpms be to high for the motor
Thanks
Rcman

[ChrisS]

Yes, the 60 tooth gear is a good option for the individual who wants to unload the motor a bit (lower head speed). With the 60 tooth gear, the headspeed will come down to something around 1750 rpm on average, which will make a nice sport or camera type setup. The use of slightly larger blades is also an option when doing this.

Chris

[rcman]

Chris
Thanks for replying
That help me alot, Also did you do any other testing with different winds on the hacker motor line before you dicided to go with the ION-X motor that come in the kit
I would think that there is a better hacker motor then the one that comes with the kit for a camera ship
Thanks for you input
Rcman

[fitenfyr]

Something to consider here.
The ION-X is NOT a cameraship.
That kit was really designed for 3D.
In order to get it to perform really well and not just good as a camera ship there are a bunch of $$$ changes you will have to make IMO.

First thing. Get a Tempest Head for it. Probably the FAI one to get a more locked in solid hover.
Dump the can motor and go with the Actro outrunner that Chris suggested.

That said if you want to have a fun 3D ship that you can slap a camera on and shoot some pics from time to time then build it from the box. :D
The 60T will just lower the headspeed a tad for a BETTER hover over stock, but still not what is ideal for a camera ship IMO.

The stock Hacker works great and honestly I don't see anything in their lineup that will do the job better.
The key as with any electric is in the gearing. The motor can wizz away at 50K RPM all day so long as the gearing keeps the amps down and the headspeed where it needs to be.
With the 2 stage gearing on the ION it is pretty easy IMO since you have so many variables for the gearing.
When you change to the outrunners you just lost one gear to make gearing changes with so it gets a bit harder.

If you want a dedicated cameraship then do as Chris suggested and get the Actro from the start.

Also the ION dare I say it is actually a bit too light for camera work in the stock configuration with the LiPo packs.
The wind will cause it to drift a bit more than a heavier ship IMO.
Course that is easy to deal with as a pilot, but can be annoying at times.

I love my ION and it fits my needs really well, but I will like my purpose built ship more. :D

[rcman]

Jason
Thanks for trying to help me understand a little better
What I am looking for is to take the Ion-X out and shoot some camera shots here and there, Just to have fun and play around. then I want to also use it to learn to manage collective better on 3D
I have two Ion so I will problemly leave one bone stock right out of the box
And change the other one to do what I am saying here
Thanks again for your help
David

[fitenfyr]

David,
I would be interested to hear what you think is a better Hacker motor?
I am converting a Fury so the motor is still not selected for it although I am gearing up for a Actro.
I didn't see anything in the lineup that would put out the torque and not have to worry about heat IMO.

Buy one of Jody's mounts and have fun. The ION is a great ship for shooting for fun and with some adjustments profit also. :D

[rcman]

Jason

I did put in a 60 tooth gear last night and tried it tonight I did lower the head speed some I didn't get a tack on it but I did do my 3D routine and it did it just fine
the heli was alot slower and it made you slow down and fineasse the heli a lot more You can't just band the stick around (Yes I am a stick banger)

I was thinking of picking up a Hacker 17 or 19XL motor and trying it but after the couple of flights I had today on the 60 tooth gear I may play with this for awail
before I go and buy a different motor

You are probably right, there is not a better hacker motor out there then the 15XL

I already have one of Jodys mounts and yes there very nice for the money
he build a good mount for the cash
Thanks again for your help
David

[fitenfyr]

Glad you got the 60T in.
I have been too dang busy to call Chris :?
Today!!!! Dang 3 hour time difference. :D

Sounds like you have all you need. Get out and take some pics. :D