Bike Cam

I was always amazed of videos taken from vehicles, particularly from bikes.
Not only the ones from professionals are impressive, but also those taken from travelers or leisure riders, so my decision was to do it.

I was looking around for quite a while checking all kinds of camera equipment suitable for video taping from a bike.
In the beginning I thought about a standard camcorder, but quickly realized that this would not really be what I wanted.

Camcorders are not rugged enough and you always have to take it off when you leave the bike, even if it is only for a minute.
It must be permanently mounted, rugged and waterproof.

My specification after a good while of web research.

I did a brief test in the car before I went on to make some fixtures for the bike.

Bullet cam with at least 500 TV lines; PAL system; changeable lens; waterproof
Solid state recorder; multiple inputs or changeover switch.


This is what I've got:

3 pieces BC2355 EXV bullet cameras with cable and lens cover

http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0109083337.JPG


2 additional lenses 2.9mm and 4.3mm, 3 spare lens protection glasses, 1 microphone

http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0109083350.JPG


Pacelog Switchover Box with 3 camera inputs, wired remote control and LANC

http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0109083607.JPG


Extreme III Solid State DVR with LANC, internal rechargeable battery, CF slot, IR remote

http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0109083446.JPG


A pile of cables

http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0109083428.JPG


First step was to wire everything up on the desk, testing all equipment, configure the recorder and focus the cameras.
All went well and it was really worth the time I've spent on all the inquiries.

Equipment test

http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0109084649.JPG


I did a brief test in the car before I went on to make some fixtures for the bike.

Coming up - bike fixtures.

Andy

Finding a suitable location for the cameras on a bike isn't that easy. After some thinking and talking to my friend and riding buddy Robert, we found the left hand side of the crash-bar a good spot for the front cam and right or left of the tail light for the rear cam.

With mounting spots located, it was time to think about robust fixtures, with the possibility to adjust the camera's viewing direction.

Front cam fixture

After looking around what I have available, I decided to use industrial clamps for hydraulic pipes to fix on the crash bar and a second clamp to hold the camera.

http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0109150504.JPG
Hydraulic pipe clamp


The diameter of the clamp is a little too big for the crash bar, so I put a layer of rubber between the clamp and the crash bar. It also avoids the clamp to slip.
This fixture is also used to adjust the camera vertically.

http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0109150419.JPG
Clamp on the crash-bar


The clamp for the camera fits perfectly in diameter.

I now needed a plate to put the two clamps together and the possibility to adjust the camera horizontally.
Two M6 threads to bolt the bar clamps together, one M6 thread for the first cam clamp bolt and a slotted hole for the second cam clamp bolt.


http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0112140553.JPG
Connection plate, deburred and painted


Eventually it was time to assemble the whole thing.


http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0112140458.JPG
Assembly line up


The camera has to be attached to the connection plate first, before everything goes on the bike.


http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0112140955.JPG
Camera installed on connection plate

http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0112141923.JPG
http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0112141853.JPG
Done


Parts list

- 1 plastic pipe clamp, DIN size 4, diameter 28 mm
- 1 plastic pipe clamp, DIN size 3, diameter 22 mm
- 1 connection plate, steel 8 mm, 50 x 70 mm
- 1 rubber strip 1 mm, 25 x 95 mm
- 3 Allen head bolt, M6 x 45 mm
- 1 Allen head bolt, M6 x 40 mm
- 1 lock nut M6
- 4 washer M6 small
- 1 washer M6 big


Tools

- 1 Allen key 5 mm
- 1 open end spanner 10 mm


Time

- mounting: 5 min
- engineering & manufacturing: 2 days

Next - Rear cam

Andy

http://www.rackaudio.com.br/dbimagen...0617115508.jpg
Your idea is very good and the work was very well done I thought in using a microphone for percussion instruments, it sets almost anywhere, without tools and costs USD 25

Fookin' great stuff Andy! I've sure ChinaV will be along soon with comments. You got a big trip planned where you're going to use all this gear??? :mwink:

CC

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Luis Carlos

Your idea is very good and the work was very well done I thought in using a microphone for percussion instruments, it sets almost anywhere, without tools and costs USD 25

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Thanks Luis. I was thinking about a RAM mount or something, but they are expensive and not easy available over here.
Also, I enjoy the "do it yourself" planning and making.

Andy

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CrazyCarl

Fookin' great stuff Andy! I've sure ChinaV will be along soon with comments. You got a big trip planned where you're going to use all this gear??? :mwink:

CC

---

Yeah, I'm planning a bigger and a BIG trip. It all depends on how job opportunities develop for me in the near future.

But that's not the reason for that cam stuff, I just wanted to be able to take some exciting riding shots, as we don't have too many riding pics.

Cheers

Andy

The rear cam installation proved to be more difficult since space and a suitable non-vibrating spot is difficult to locate.
I used the turn indicators fixing holes to mount a steel bracket to the bike, which is also used as a vertical camera adjustment
- ever since I installed my Aluminum panniers I had to move the turn indicators to another place and the mounting holes are therefore not used.


On this bracket, which also has one slotted hole for horizontal adjustment, goes another hydraulic pipe clamp which holds the camera.

http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0109130903.JPG
Rear cam bracket


http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0112140610.JPG
Rear cam clamp


http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0117115348.jpg
Job done


http://photos.imageevent.com/chinabi...0117115318.jpg
Another angle - almost invisibly hidden


Parts list

- 1 plastic pipe clamp, DIN size 3, diameter 22 mm
- 1 bracket, steel 6 mm, 35 x 75 mm
- 2 Allen head bolt, M6 x 40 mm
- 1 lock nut M6
- 2 washer M6 small
- 1 washer M6 big
- 1 hex head bolt, M10 x 40 mm
- 1 lock nut M10
- 3 washer M10


Tools

- 1 Allen key 5 mm
- 1 open end spanner 10 mm
- 2 open end spanner 17 mm


Time

- mounting 5 min
- engineering & manufacturing: 1 day


Coming up - the test ride video

Andy

Here the video from the first test ride.
Camera positions and adjustment seem perfect to me.

I noticed some vibrations at the front cam picture at higher revs, but this may only need tightening up the bolts. We will see.

Another thing I have to work on is audio.





Andy

Andy, that's slick! When you have some spare time, would you mind putting up a short sample of less compressed footage somewhere we can download to see better what it looks like before youtube compression?

Where are you going to place the mic for sound?

CC

Carl, go to youtube and click watch in high quality, it looks much better.

Andy would you mind doing a cost breaking down and where you got the stuff? This is exactly what I want, only I need NTSC...

Andy, that looks like a nice setup:thumbsup: I like the front cam point of view, should make for some interesting water crossing vids :deal:

I purchased a similar setup for about $350 USD with 4Gig memory, one camera, and four lenses. Here is the brochure

Single heavy duty water proof connector splits to microphone and camera.
http://www.contactdi.com/2008/fix/cam02.jpg

I played around with RAM mounts etc, trying to find a good point of view.
http://www.contactdi.com/2008/fix/cam04.jpg

Finally settled on mounting under the front headlights. I like this location because people can't really see the camera unless they look closely.
http://www.contactdi.com/2008/fix/cam01.jpg

Andy, I like the the fact that your setup is multi cam capable, mine is only made for a single camera.

A couple of issues I have:

#1 The technology used in these setups is very dated. If you're trying to make videos for youtube, the 640x480 resolution is sufficient, but the analog interlaced signal they use is not ideal for DV production.

#2 It boggles my mind that $300 digicams are coming with image stabilization and 720p HD video yet people are still selling PAL and NTSC equipment. You can see the pixel differences very clearly in the following single frame captures.

640X480 520 Line Camera
http://www.contactdi.com/2008/fix/cam05.jpg

720p HD video (half original size) from my Panasonic Lumix camera
http://www.contactdi.com/2008/fix/cam07.jpg

1080i HD video (half original size) from my Sony HD video camera
http://www.contactdi.com/2008/fix/cam08.jpg

1080i video from a HDV cam is just mind blowing, even a single frame looks like a 2 megapixel photo.

#3 VholdR has a nice camera that uses lasers to remain level, but the video quality is not that great http://www.vholdr.com/shoot/camera/features

#4 Sony's HXR-MC1 is due out in February, but my guess it's going to be very expensive and still lack any kind of stabilizer. Check out the specks at http://www.xdcam.com.au/modules/news...hp?storyid=476 Very sweet piece of kit.

http://img.skitch.com/20081112-g2wky...k4k45yw2iu.jpg



Cheers!
ChinaV

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jim

Carl, go to youtube and click watch in high quality, it looks much better.

Andy would you mind doing a cost breaking down and where you got the stuff? This is exactly what I want, only I need NTSC...

---

I purchased all equipment from Germany.

1. Cameras + switchover box + wired remote

3 Cam sets
- 3 cameras
- 3 Lens protection glasses
- 3 lens covers
- 3 camera mounts, which are useless on the bike)
- 2 additional lenses (2.9 and 4.3 mm)

1 Controller
- switchover box for 3 cams
- wired remote
- battery holder for 10 AA batteries
- cigar lighter adapter
- 2 sets of cables for the cameras
- 1 microphone

This came from Pacelog, the English camera specs are here.

Price for this was EUR 550

2. Recorder

- 1 solid state recorder
- IR remote
- power adapter 12V
- power adapter 1100 - 240V
- 16G CF card

I ordered from Hekasys, specs in English are here.

Price was EUR 499


3. Fixtures

priceless :icon10:



I just found a shop in the US, they sell, what I believe is exactly the same camera I have, for USD 159.99 a piece.

It all seems quite expensive, the recorder in particular, but I couldn't find anything lower priced fitting my specs.

You can also look around at chasecam or xsportscam.

Andy

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ChinaV

Andy, that looks like a nice setup:thumbsup: I like the front cam point of view, should make for some interesting water crossing vids :deal:

---

I am looking forward to capture these. Can't wait to see how it looks like when the camera submerges and comes back up, me still on the bike.:lol8::lol8:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ChinaV

#1 The technology used in these setups is very dated. If you're trying to make videos for youtube, the 640x480 resolution is sufficient, but the analog interlaced signal they use is not ideal for DV production.

---

I saw a HD bullet cam, but it doesn't seem to be rugged enough and looks very expensive.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ChinaV

#2 It boggles my mind that $300 digicams are coming with image stabilization and 720p HD video yet people are still selling PAL and NTSC equipment. You can see the pixel differences very clearly in the following single frame captures.

---

It seems there is not enough demand from semi-pros or amateurs. I tried to figure out who is supplying the stuff for Moto-GP but couldn't.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ChinaV

#4 Sony's HXR-MC1 is due out in February, but my guess it's going to be very expensive and still lack any kind of stabilizer. Check out the specks at http://www.xdcam.com.au/modules/news...hp?storyid=476 Very sweet piece of kit.

---

Yeah, but thats gonna be $$$ and the camera is not waterproof.

Andy

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CrazyCarl

Andy, that's slick! When you have some spare time, would you mind putting up a short sample of less compressed footage somewhere we can download to see better what it looks like before youtube compression?

Where are you going to place the mic for sound?

CC

---

Here a 12 second cutout.

Several options for the mic location

- under the tank
- somewhere in the fairing
- in the fuse and relay box

Andy

Cool, thanks for the information Andy :)

I took another test video on Feb 15th, this time on a real mountain road.

Still without audio, but it was too damn (-5 C) cold to mess around with the microphone.



Andy

Guys,

Check out Go Pro's HD motorsport kit....
http://www.goprocamera.com



http://www.goprocamera.com/images/pr...01-683x426.jpg

After shooting a motorcycle sequence for the the TV show on CBS "The Amazing race" I saw how great this unit is.....

Sorry did I mention is an HD cam.... hi def baby:icon10:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shanghaifingers

Guys,

Check out Go Pro's HD motorsport kit....
http://www.goprocamera.com


http://www.goprocamera.com/images/pr...01-683x426.jpg

After shooting a motorcycle sequence for the the TV show on CBS "The Amazing race" I saw how great this unit is.....

---

This is a great post (thanks Andy for starting this off and great work on the photos of putting together your kit -nice!) :clap:

I and a mate have been talking and toying a little with the idea of a helmet cam for some time now, and this post above with the link, was a bonus. The HD Helmet Hero at US$299 might be exactly what we are looking for. Ever since I watched the long way down, and the guys use of helmet cams, I've thought that would be a great way to go. I must add though, that I'm a fan of the Amazing Race series. Any adventure or reality type series. Amazing Race I'd luv to do that...

Thanks for sharing ! I heard about this cams earlier but don't know how to fix & how it works. But you have cleared all my queries & now i am also planning to have cam in my bike to get better high quality pictures.

Dear Charmil,

Greetings from Shanghai, and nice to have a new member in India. Where are you based and what do you do? Harley Accessories? We've been hearing H-D might be starting to manufacture one or more models in India? Is this true? Is there really a market for Harleys in India? I'd have thought it's a better adventure/dual-sport market, but I'm often wrong!

welcome and I look forward to more of your posts!

cheers

Ahhhh well I don't feel like even really belongs here but.... oh well.

Casio EX-G1 + 16g micro flash

I was thinking about the hardware I needed and the things on my desk were my computer, my phone, a sandwich box, and some books. As the sandwich box was the only thing I was about to throw away anyhow, it got the nod.

So here is my plastic sandwich box camera mount. As you can see if fits in opposing napoleon pockets on my jacket, obviously not an option for everyone.

Attachment 6884Attachment 6885Attachment 6886Attachment 6887

The positioning is actually pretty nice, it's not eye level, but it's centered, I can reach down and turn the camera on/off and start/stop recording, though I'm looking down to far to feel comfortable to do it while riding.

So am I wrong, or will your system allow you to switch between either/or both cameras? Are you thinking of incorporating a helmet camera?

I like the installation, it looks real clean, are the mounts for you used something you work with or something you found/had lying around?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ChinaV

#4 Sony's HXR-MC1 is due out in February, but my guess it's going to be very expensive and still lack any kind of stabilizer. Check out the specks at http://www.xdcam.com.au/modules/news...hp?storyid=476 Very sweet piece of kit.

http://img.skitch.com/20081112-g2wky...k4k45yw2iu.jpg

---

The trouble with that, is that is a CMOS sensor = jello.
These things work OK so long as the platform is stable. Strap it to a bike and its all wobble.

Just my thoughts:thumbsup:

Cheers,
John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chinabiker

2. Recorder

- 1 solid state recorder
- IR remote
- power adapter 12V
- power adapter 1100 - 240V
- 16G CF card
I ordered from Hekasys, specs in English are here.
Price was EUR 499

---

What recorder is that Andy? I couldn't see it in the link.
I bought a Mini DVR III from China but its not really up to much and the sound is unusable on a bike.
I have a couple of Sony CCD bullet cams. I used one on a trip to China, via a Sony HandyCam (DV tape)
These GoPros etc come nowhere near the quality, but as noted by others, the HandyCam is a little fragile.


Cheers,
John

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maux

So am I wrong, or will your system allow you to switch between either/or both cameras? Are you thinking of incorporating a helmet camera?

I like the installation, it looks real clean, are the mounts for you used something you work with or something you found/had lying around?

---

I have a switch installed, allowing to manually or automatically switch between 3 cameras. I would only go for a helmet cam if it would be completely wireless.

The mounts are self designed and made from materials I had available.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by redboots

What recorder is that Andy? I couldn't see it in the link.
I bought a Mini DVR III from China but its not really up to much and the sound is unusable on a bike.
I have a couple of Sony CCD bullet cams. I used one on a trip to China, via a Sony HandyCam (DV tape)
These GoPros etc come nowhere near the quality, but as noted by others, the HandyCam is a little fragile.


Cheers,
John

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The recorder isn't available anymore and I couldn't find suitable replacement for it. That is why I am working on a new solution with the video signals of 4 cameras, 2 microphones and a data stream (gps, speed, rpm ..) being simultaneously recorded.