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Version 1 Camera Platform
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Trials using the Align T-REX 600
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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.
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Trials using the Raptor 50
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Problems here...
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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.
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A far better Camera Platform is required.
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Version 2 Camera Platform
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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.
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Mounting a camera on the floor of the box would not give us 270 degree vision
(left, forward and right hand side).
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Improved design required.
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Version 3A low noise Camera Platform
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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
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There is a reduced noise level from the helicopter.
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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
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Heavier
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The battery and engine gets hotter since there is a more restricted air flow
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More fiddly to attach the helicopter and change the camera.
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Version 3B lightweight Camera Platform
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Trials with the Align T-REX 600 helicopter
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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.
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More work needs to be performed to reduce the vibration level of the camera.
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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Trials with the Raptor 50 helicopter
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We need to add some heat proof tubing to bring the exhaust fumes to the level of
the landing skids.
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The helicopter control is still very jerky, although the vibration level has
been reduced.
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