Cvs, Flip & Rca Ezx 201 Video Camera Mount Made Simple

[1hoptycopter]

Here is anonther way to mount the "FLIP VIDEO CAMERA" on the TREX 450. The CVS, FLIP and RCA EZ 201 video cameras are basically the same. I used a Logo 10 landing gear and CF material screwed to a brass tube bracket. The bracket is the same spacing as the skids. The camera is CF strong backed by 2-56 all-thread rods, to 2-56 blind nuts and nyloc nuts. Easy access to the buttons.
Also attached is a link to the Youtube video. The heli is very stable and did not lean with the slight side weight. It is a bit much for areobatics ( I heard my motor bog a bit when inverted shortly) but can be fun for flying around. The video shows a quick loop and some nubie flying but you get the picture.
The vibrationis low on the camera, you can see the canopy move but not the camera. The video quality is much better on the computer, before it was compressed by Youtube.
The camera is cheap and easy if you're not inclined to hack the CVS video Camera. It flips a USB plug the flips out of the side and you plug it into your USB and down load. It has 30 minutes of video. Or for longer and more money thr RCA EZ 201. It uses AA batteries.
I got the idea from Fineless Bob on how he mounted the CVS Video Camera on the side of his TREX 600.

The LOGO 10 doesn't even know its there. 1hoptycopter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eev6ZkZslAo

[phil007]

You're mount is a much cleaner design than mine but I think I have you beat on manufacturing cost and build time. :lol:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i174/JokerHeli/P1060554.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i174/JokerHeli/Target%20Field%204-30-2006/P1060624.jpg

Phil

[1hoptycopter]

phil007, I guess the point is, it is mounted on a 450 TREX with minor mods. Your copter makes it look like a mini camera. I don't know if the 450 TREX could lift your wooden camera stick and all of the rubber payload. I am impressed with your resourcefulness though. Regards, 1hoptycopter

[Razor_Racer]

You guys using the Flip or the Flip Ultra? I'm interested in these but wondering if the extra $60 for the ultra is better.

[1hoptycopter]

I bought the "CHEAP FLIP" The RCA at Walmart sounds better. The CHEAP FLIP gives you 30 minutes of video. CHEAP because a crash can get expensive with out the camera when learning. How many battaeries do you have for the TREX? Will 30 minutes of video be enough?
I thought the extra money would be better spent on a better mini camera with "Image Stabilization" like the new NIKON S-50. Though now I am pretty happy with this "CHEAP FLIP". Youtube will compress it anyway it seems. 1hoptycopter

[1hoptycopter]

phil007 That is a great looking heli! What kind is it? What size motor and battery. That tail boom is amazing! Is that stock or an upgrade. I am interested in a video that you have taken with this set up. Please consider posting one for us. 1hoptycopter

[phil007]

phil007 That is a great looking heli! What kind is it? What size motor and battery. That tail boom is amazing! Is that stock or an upgrade. I am interested in a video that you have taken with this set up. Please consider posting one for us. 1hoptycopter
The raised tail is great for the tail blades. They stay clean and never nick the ground. When I had a Trex 450 I added the raised tail on it and never had to replace a tail blade again.

The helicopter is a Maxi Joker made by Minicopter in Germany. There are no upgrades available because of the high quality of the parts. Of course I had to find something to add to it so I added the Eagle Tree system, Helicommand 3A, modified the frame making it wider to fit 12s2p A123 battery packs and built a camera mount for it.

I made a few videos but there was nothing exciting and I didn't like the quality. I think the quality of your video was much better than my camera. I had an old hacked version and the new cameras, like yours, might work better. I'll try to get a video in the next few weeks using my Panasonic LX1 camera.

Phil

[1hoptycopter]

phil007, what a machine! Hurt me! My Reflex Sim has the Joker on it. I went to FXAeromodels site. I guess they distribute this Heli here. How much more was the raised tail? I will research this further. Thanx, 1hoptycopter

[phil007]

The raised tail came with my kit that I bought second hand, new in box. I think I saw the tail for sale somewhere for maybe $75. After flying the Joker I didn't have fun flying the TREX 450 any longer and sold it but I'm not a 3D flyer. I'd like to get a 2nd Joker for a scale body someday.

Are you using a JR Radio with the Reflex XTR? I sold my older radio with my TREX and forgot to copy the settings I had for the sim and now I can't get my 9303 to work correctly on it. The heli just wants to flip over. :confused:

Phil

[1hoptycopter]

Phil007, My FUTABA T6EXHP is set up on the REFLEX. It is set up different than my heli's. PPM, DR 100EPR, REVO inhib,GYRO 50,Swash 1-S,
I had to call JEFF at MRC in New Jersy to help me sort the radio out. It was well worth the long distance call. He is a heli pilot and knows this software. 1hoptycopter

[phil007]

Phil007, My FUTABA T6EXHP is set up on the REFLEX. It is set up different than my heli's. PPM, DR 100EPR, REVO inhib,GYRO 50,Swash 1-S,
I had to call JEFF at MRC in New Jersy to help me sort the radio out. It was well worth the long distance call. He is a heli pilot and knows this software. 1hoptycopter
Thanks for that info. If I can't find out what I'm doing wrong I'll give Jeff a call. It's getting too dark when I get home and would like to fly on the Reflex sim.

Thanks!
Phil

[Cryofix]

Whoa! 12S2P??!?

whats your run time?

The raised tail is great for the tail blades. They stay clean and never nick the ground. When I had a Trex 450 I added the raised tail on it and never had to replace a tail blade again.

The helicopter is a Maxi Joker made by Minicopter in Germany. There are no upgrades available because of the high quality of the parts. Of course I had to find something to add to it so I added the Eagle Tree system, Helicommand 3A, modified the frame making it wider to fit 12s2p A123 battery packs and built a camera mount for it.

I made a few videos but there was nothing exciting and I didn't like the quality. I think the quality of your video was much better than my camera. I had an old hacked version and the new cameras, like yours, might work better. I'll try to get a video in the next few weeks using my Panasonic LX1 camera.

Phil

[phil007]

Cryofix,

I get about 10 minutes before I need to land, timer is set at 9 minutes giving me about a 2 minute buffer in case the batteries aren't charged at 100%. This chart was made when I was testing the batteries in a hover so FF times will be a little better.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i174/JokerHeli/temp/2p.jpg

OT: I learned to fly rc planes not far north of you at Skyhaven Airport in Tunkhannock.

Phil

Whoa! 12S2P??!?

whats your run time?

[Cryofix]

wow thats impressive, also impresive is the ability to get 24 cells in there!