BARNARD MICROSYSTEMS LIMITED

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introduction

Grand Challenge

The Align T-REX 600 helicopter with payload

• Version 1 Camera Platform
• Version 2 Camera Platform
• Version 3A low noise Camera Platform
• Version 3B lightweight Camera Platform

Simple rig used to check on the ability of the image stabilised SONY W200 camera to ciope with the vibration level on an Align T-REX 600 electric helicopter

Pairs of elastic bands are used to provide some isolation between the camera platform and the helicopter. This simple approach proved to be remarkably effective.

The Align T-REX 600 had no problems lifting the SONY W-200 compact camera.

• Download a copy of the short movie (9.373 MBytes)

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Problems here...

• The camera is far to close to the hot, high vibration-level two stroke engine. After a short flight, the camera was scratched after being in contact with the two stroke engine.
• A far better Camera Platform is required.

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The construction is made using balsa wood and carbon fibre rods. Two part epoxy resin is used to glue the parts together securely.

Test flight with the Align T-REX 600 electric helicopter.

• Mounting a camera on the floor of the box would not give us 270 degree vision (left, forward and right hand side).
• Improved design required.

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We have built up the side walls to direct the sound energy upwards and to the rear. The rectangular hole on the right hand side is for the glow plug connector attachment for the Raptor 50 helicopter.

Practice flight without a camera.

Advantages of this design

• There is a reduced noise level from the helicopter.
• We should eb able to more easliy reduce the Visual Signature of the helicopter

Disadvantages of this design relative to one with no side walls

• Heavier
• The battery and engine gets hotter since there is a more restricted air flow
• More fiddly to attach the helicopter and change the camera.

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The Align T-REX 600 electric helicopter has been fitted with the lightweight Camera Platform and a forward pointing Canon G9 midsize digital camera. Spot the helicopter!

This is the option we have selected. We have an underslung camera that has a 270 degree viewing capability with an equipment compartment behind it the size of a shoe box.

• More work needs to be performed to reduce the vibration level of the camera.

• Download a copy of the short movie made from the Canon G9 on the helicopter (4,522 kB).

The next experiment involved taking snapshots from a side looking Canon G9 camera.

with the front landing skids providing an unexpected image obscuration...

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• We need to add some heat proof tubing to bring the exhaust fumes to the level of the landing skids.
• The helicopter control is still very jerky, although the vibration level has been reduced.

• Download a copy of the short movie made from the Canon G9 on the helicopter (5,917 kB).

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© Barnard Microsystems Limited 2006 - 2008