Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Helicopters / May 2009

Generally, a 60 size bird would be a minimum for this unless you're talking
about a "really" small camera.

Not if it's mounted correctly.  Some folks have extended the landing gear to
allow room for a camera mounting turret under the helicopter.  That keeps
the weight of the camera on the CG of the model and doesn't cause any
untoward balance problems.  The main issue you may have with this setup is
coating the camera with exhaust residue.  I'm assuming you're talking about
a glo powered model here.

Not if you've got the main and tail rotor system balanced properly as well
as the cooling fan and clutch assembly.

There a lots of folks who've put cameras on model helicopters through the
years.  A web search will probably net you something alone the way.  Also,
try www.runryder.com, I know there's some pictures on that site of what
you're talking about.  Also, look at www.bergenrc.com .  They sell a model
called an Observer which comes with a turret system on the front of the
mechanics for mounting a camera.  It's a gas powered model so the heavy
smoke residue that glo engines produce isn't as much of a factor.

Good luck & Fly Safe,
Steve R.

http://www.airfoilhelicam.com/index.php

sells several pre-made systems, plus camera mounts.

50-60 as a minimum, from what I have read.  Also, nitro is a no-no
becuase of the smoke.  You need gas or electric.

Again, from what I have read, it is ok.  In fact, it may make it better
by lowering the center of gravity.

No, not at all.  Check out here: http://runryder.com/helicopter/f25p1/ 
to see some great examples.

There are many people doing this as a business.  Good luck.

Patrick

60 size for smoother vid.

On a 30 size with batteries and so on hanging off it, Id say yes a
lot..
On a 60 size, a bit if its a front mount, more so if its a underslung
mount.

No, just do the usuals on the heli to get rid of any excess.

Many are going for the electric, less vibe and no smoke or paraphanlia
to drag around.
Gassers produce less smoke but more vibe than glows so some stick with
glow engine.
Stick cam in a plastic box to stop it getting any smeg off the
exhaust.

Plenty.
see www.runryder.com
RAVP forum

Do it because its fun, you wont be making anything from it till your
up to speed on shooting aerials, some pick it up in a snap but
generally take a while.
All but a few make less than what they thought theyd make from it in
the begining.
Jobs dont fall on you
(even though you think they might with all the encouragement youll get
from onlookers, ask any of them if they want a paid job and they thin
out fast)
You have to go out and twist arms and undercut others to get work.
(same for most photgraphers)
Upside is for real estate etc, once you do work for them they keep
coming back for more of the aerial views without having to hassle
them.
Its just you have to beat them over the head with the concept before
the penny drops and they use the helicam.

Shooting outdoors only youre at the mercy of weather, not possible to
shoot daily, depending on the region you might have longer periods you
cant shoot so it may not be viable full time simple becuase of the
where you are.

You can get low cost mounts that are simpler and cheaper than making
your own, Ive made a few of my own and can assure you it aint so easy
as it looks.

www.airfoil.com makes one low cost unit that is a fav with many and
been around for some time.

The latest mount from www.helicamsolutions.com is IMV is a more
advanced low cost mount.
I say that from testing and making my own mounts for 2 years, this new
one is made exactly as I intend to make my next version.
I guess they came to the same conclusions as I did in their own
testing.
Hence I wont be making anymore and will buy one of these instead.

It is made using HDPE and CF
Has a lateral frame camera mount for greater rigidity (less likely to
naturally vibrate itself)
No alloy makes it lighter, non conductive, less natural vibration than
alloy has.

Again at the price both ask, no point wasting time making your own.
The later seller has a 30 size one man unit for US$199

Buy one, bung it on and go shoot pics.

Cheers

I have flown an electric x-cell 30 with a Cannon MV20 with good results, no
oil, no vibration. A simple wooden box lined with foam was used for the
camera. It worked well.

The glow Raptor was not very good with the same camera (vibration)

A Futura was used 60 size and that was quite good (Belt drive helped keep
vibration down). Oil was the biggest issue.

The design of the mount (to isolate vibration) is difficult with the glow
model and you need the larger models to carry the weight of the camera and
the bulk / weight of the mount.

if its just something to learn about and play with here is my set u
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APj6y9qXkGU
it about 620gram

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