On Board Video Hooray!

[tricky_micky]

What a day I have had!

Got a new Farkle in a 'Snooper' speed camera detector and got it sorted and fitted this morning. Works a treat. Does not look for Laser because my opinion, after having used Laser Detectors, they are hard to lock onto a motorcycle, and when they do lock on it is normally toooo late to do anything about it, so I plumped for the camera detector.

No, I do not speed in built up areas, and I do know where most of the cameras are situated in my area, but it is still nice to have 'Santas Little Helper' when riding out of town, just to pick up the 'Revenue Collector Cameras'

So, I decided to move on and try and get the video system sorted. I have used on board video before but since moving to the ST1300, I have not had time to mess about. Today was the day. :D

I had been waiting for a waterproof connector to arrive before I did anything, as I wanted to house the recorder in the top box for security reasons, after all it is a £900.00 unit :eek:

I was unable to get the waterproof connector to work so in the end, I threw caution to the wind. Out came the drill, aaaargh, me and a drill is like a Dentist on heat! Away I went at the top box. I needed a hole to take the video leads, plus an audio lead from the Autocom unit to record my dulsid tones of voice.

Hey presto, pretty neat really, I must admit. Through went the cables into the top box and hooked up to the recorder. Lanc cable was routed under the seat up to the front and a small piece of velcro holds it on the gas filler cap. Easy peazy I thought, and a pretty neat job, unless you look under the seat by the tail light, it is now liking that of a plate of spaghetti LOL.

So, the video system now has the camera hooked up under the left mirror, and the cables run to the rear by the light cluster. The video leads are then run into the top box to hook up to the video recorder. And....it all works!

Snooper is run from the Blue Sea fuse box under the rear seat and cables are routed under the seat and to the left of the tank. I have installed the cables so that I can easily remove them if I want to run Snooper in the cage.

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Pic shows the Snooper sitting on top of the Honda Radio System, fixed by industrial velcro for easy removal.

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This pic shows the cockpit as it is at the moment. On the left is the Honda RDS radio with the Snooper Camera Detector on the top. On the right shows the Icom PMR446 unit (with rain cover) that I use for training purposes, this is easily changed to my Kenwwood Ham Radio should I want it running.

Top centre is the Garmin 2610 GPS BMW unit. Phew, what a day but at least I have everything working now.

Just got to do some tests with the video system whilst on the move. When I get chance, I will post more on the video set up but at least, I now have it up and running :bow1:

[billxp]

I really really hope and pray I never need to buy that Snooper thing.

But its only a matter of time. :(

So wheres the video??????????

[EASt]

That's a heck of a setup! Please, though, assure me that there's an ST1300 somewhere behind all of those farkles. I'm getting confused as to whether it's a motorcycle or a TIE Fighter.... :D

[STumpy]

Wow! What a setup. Mick, where do you have the espresso machine installed? :D

So how does this snooper work?

[tricky_micky]

Wow! What a setup. Mick, where do you have the espresso machine installed? :D

So how does this snooper work?

The espresso machine is in the top box powered by the Powerlet plug I have under the rear seat that takes power into the top box via the PowerMate :D

Snooper works on lat and longt coordinates. You download them from the approved web site and keep them updated. You just plug the Snooper into the telephone line and away it goes, it has it's own in built modem.

As you approach a speed camera it gives audible and visual warnings. It also comes onto the screen telling you what type of speed camera it is, the speed limit for that section of road and the road name and number you are travelling on.

It has a remote GPS antenna that sits nicely on the top of the top box.

Cool bit of kit, one problem and it is a big one, the unit is not waterproof.

[billxp]

So in theory if your gps accepts custom poi's and you had the list of speed cameras you could do the same thing without buy a special unit. I'm sort of doing that right now with known speeds traps and red light cameras.

And my gps is waterproof. :p:

But I'd pay for the service to keep the list current.

And summers coming ditch the expresso machine and get a blender.

[Tarheel_Rider]

Uh oh. Crazykz has some serious competition on how much stuff one can get on the front of an ST.

[Burger]

Great set up Micky. I look forward to seeing the results. Do you just have the one camera fitted or are you going to install more and put in a switching unit? If you're interested in switching I found a very reasonably priced bar mounted switch unit that I could dig out the details on again. Of course, I know you may already have all this gear.

How did you mount the camera under the mirror? I'm currently looking for a better solution to the one I originally posted as it's too easy to knock the camera out of position. I'm also looking at modifying my LH switch gear to incorporate the Lanc switch.

Regarding the camera warnings, I use the excellent service of Pocket GPS World which for a very reasonable annual fee provides me with POI files for my Garmin Quest 2. The beauty of the Garmin POI's is they can be set with proximity distances (eg warn me when I'm 1/2 mile away) and also to only warn if exceeding the known speed. I load all the files... fixed cameras, hot spots etc. very useful.

Regards,

[tricky_micky]

So in theory if your gps accepts custom poi's and you had the list of speed cameras you could do the same thing without buy a special unit. I'm sort of doing that right now with known speeds traps and red light cameras.

And my gps is waterproof. :p:

But I'd pay for the service to keep the list current.

And summers coming ditch the expresso machine and get a blender.

Problem with my gps the Garmin 2610, it does not accept POI's, well it does in a fashion! So the Snooper is a cheaper means rather than buying a new Garmin Unit.

Summers coming :eek: When I ask.....When! LOL

[tricky_micky]

Just thought I would try a quick test with the Putfile.com

A short clip taken this morning and edited to keep the clip down in length. As normal, a wet and windy day in this part of the UK, but the main thing is the system is working.

http://media.putfile.com/Video-Test-37

Clip seems to work ok, wished there was some way I knew how to brighten up the clip as it is dark in places. Just used windows movie maker to put the clip together, nothing special at all.

[Northeast Rider]

What the h%&* is wrong with you, your on the wrong side of the road......... oh, never mind.......:eek:

[Burger]

Great video Micky... but I swear your first word is 'Ugly' :D

[tricky_micky]

To finish it off.

More pictures just to show the mounting of the system:

First one shows the camera munted under the left mirror pod. The mount is held by industrial velcro and I am able to pan and tilt the camera for best viewing.

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Next picture shows the cockpit area and the Lanc Button sitting on the petrol cap. Easy removal as it is not waterproof and may need to move it in a hurry!

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This one shows the Sony video sitting in the top box. I do have to get a larger piece of foam for it to sit on for stability.

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The bike in full glory!

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That is about it, hope it of some value to someone out there.

[The Sea Dog]

Nice bike, bestest and fastest colour of course though that pair of trainers could do with a good clean !

:)

[tricky_micky]

Nice bike, bestest and fastest colour of course though that pair of trainers could do with a good clean !

:)

You had better tell the wife about that as they belong to her:D

[The Sea Dog]

I'll leave that little pleasure to you, I get enough grief from my own wife ! :rolleyes:

[ajpags]

Spectacular result - I love the commentary "Covering the horn in case..."

Pretty cool!

[decompressing]

Mick...good-looking set-up.....and yes, you've got the best colour scheme that ST's came in!!

Take care (and hope to meet you one day soon on a ride out)

Marc

[griffog]

Problem with my gps the Garmin 2610, it does not accept POI's, well it does in a fashion! So the Snooper is a cheaper means rather than buying a new Garmin Unit.

Summers coming :eek: When I ask.....When! LOL
We have a Garmin 2610 compatible version of the database and it's better than Snooper's :)

[griffog]

Regarding the camera warnings, I use the excellent service of Pocket GPS World which for a very reasonable annual fee provides me with POI files for my Garmin Quest 2. The beauty of the Garmin POI's is they can be set with proximity distances (eg warn me when I'm 1/2 mile away) and also to only warn if exceeding the known speed. I load all the files... fixed cameras, hot spots etc. very useful.

Regards,
Cheers, always good to hear positive feedback, and especially so from a fellow ST Owner :)

[Burger]

Mick,

The audio quality of your commentary on the video is excellent. Would you mind telling how you have it connected up? Did you take an output from your Autocom or did you just use the camera mike in your helmet? The lack of road and wind noise is very impressive.

I'm in the process of remounting my camera and LANC switch. I found a good place on the LH switch cluster for the LANC switch that I can operate easily with my LH forefinger. I've also modified the LANC switch slightly to give it a bigger (glove proof) button and to make it a little more weather proof. I'm re-doing the camera mount under the right mirror with 1 inch ball ram mounts.

I'll post a couple of pics when I have it done later this week.

Regards,

[tricky_micky]

Dave

I had a lead made sometime ago, but I would think they are now readily available from Autocom.

It plugs into the passenger extension and then to the recorder. Works a treat with vox set up correctly, and this way there is no outside noise or I should say excessive outside noise.

So, when you speak it records.

[Burger]

I've just remounted my camera using ram mounts which gives me much greater flexibility in pan and tilt etc and it's much easier to adjust on board (not on the move obviously) if I wanted to. I've also modified my LANC switch to give it a glove friendly larger button and mounted it on the LH switch cluster where I can operate it with my forefinger.

Pics in my gallery (http://www.st-owners.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=50).

The mount, while it blocks a little of the mirror view is only covering the part that normally gives me a view of the top box. So I've not lost any rear visibility. I plug it all into my Sony DCR-HC90 Mini DV cam in my tank bag. This makes the whole arrangement very easy to put on and align etc. Apart from the LANC switch it doesn't currently require any permanent wiring. I intend to fit a fairing powerlet socket and tack bag kit in the near future to provide bike power for the camera. Having said that, the camera battery lasts easily for the length of a mini DV tape so it might not be required.

Very impressed with the audio quality on Micks sample and so I'm going to look at getting a lead made up for my Starcom to video audio... just in case I ever want to give a running commentary to anyone other than me :D

Regards,

[tricky_micky]

Dave

How you fastened the ram mount to the mirror housing? You drilled holes?

The Lanc switch is not waterproof so remember when it is wet to cover it with cling film or something like that. In the position you have it situated, it is prone to the weather elements.

Glad to see you are getting it sorted, it took me ages, and I still have some tweaking to do.

[Burger]

Mick,

The lower ram ball is mounted to the side of the dash not the mirror housing. You can just see the base plate in the first pic. Yes, I drilled into the plastic and fitted with some self tappers, although I might change that to nuts and bolts. Access should be easy with the inner fairing out. To be honest, it's not quite as rigid as I'd hoped but I don't think it will cause problems. If it does vibrate too much then I can always add a stiffening plate behind it.

Interestingly I was wondering today, while watching some video I've shot if the camera wouldn't be better mounted to an unsprung part of the bike. Perhaps somewhere on the front wheel? Have you ever tried this? Perhaps it would vibrate more there because something would have to soak up the shocks from the road I guess.

I have attempted to waterproof the LANC switch. I removed the rubber cover and coated the circuit board etc in silicone goo. Then glued the cover back. I also put some electrical grease in the switch housing as much as possible. With that and the bigger button I superglued over the top of the switch, I'm hoping it will keep functioning. I do put it's weather cover over it when not in use. The only problem I foresee at the moment is being able to see the LED in bright conditions. However with it mounted where it is, it should be pretty easy to cup my hand round it if need be. I wish there was a more robust switch available and haven't stopped looking.

Regards,

[yellow wolf]

well got my setup pretty close to done

3-560 line mini soni cams
1-on top of helmet
1-on ft of wing inside air intake
1-rear facing under trunk


got sony 305 dvd camcorder"i went back and forth on this but being i want to give the custermer the dvd on the spot it was the only way to go"

got 4 way switch from radio shak,mounted to the dash of bike

have 7" monitor mounted just under the top of my windshield to view what im taping at all times

so far no skips,switching from one cam to another is instant!

watched 1st video of the brp on my big screen and it looks it was done by a pro!!!

[sherob]

How many DVD's have you burned? I was looking into a DVD rather than a miniDV... read horror stories about video loss on the DVD recorders ;)

[Burger]

The biggest difference with DVD and MiniDV is the compression used for the footage. MiniDV records DV AVI which is about the best quality you'll get for home use and is the home user standard for post prod editing etc. DVD camcorders record in MPEG 2 or 4 which is more highly compressed than AVI and therefore there is a loss in quality. So, if post production editing is important to you my recommendation would be to go with MiniDV, but if it's not then DVD may well be acceptable.

Regards,

[yellow wolf]

i have just got it and taped only 3, i am not concerned with editing as i wont be doing any. i tape folks 20 min. give them the dvd and on to the next!!

[mister_bill]

Just thought I would try a quick test with the Putfile.com

A short clip taken this morning and edited to keep the clip down in length. As normal, a wet and windy day in this part of the UK, but the main thing is the system is working.

http://media.putfile.com/Video-Test-37

Clip seems to work ok, wished there was some way I knew how to brighten up the clip as it is dark in places. Just used windows movie maker to put the clip together, nothing special at all.

Mick,

Nice short clip. Were you able to do the narration "real time"? I have trouble enough just thinking about all the things you were saying in the clip :confused: . By the way, you are driving on the wrong side of the road :D . A good thing everyone else is doing the same.

[tricky_micky]

Mick,

Nice short clip. Were you able to do the narration "real time"? I have trouble enough just thinking about all the things you were saying in the clip :confused: . By the way, you are driving on the wrong side of the road :D . A good thing everyone else is doing the same.

Bill.

It was suggested I use another web site that took a larger file, you may try this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWFHOq0PlDk

The narration is all real time and not dubbed after. The only thing I have added to any of my film clips are the titles and credits as well as any music you may hear.

I have had plenty of practice at doing a running commentary as it is part of my job whilst riding the bike. They say practice makes perfect and I am far from being perfect. My thoughts are you never stop learning, and even though I have done a lot of training with the Police Driving Schools because that was my job until I retired, and you have to do a running commentary, it has been a continuation of self training and disipline.

No one is perfect and we never ever stop learning. Sometimes in our careers we get to a plateua where we have reached the top, but still you leave your mind open and learn from others, the learning curve does flatten off, but, I believe that you can still learn from others, even if it is a comment that you could add into your knowledge database to use for yourself.

I do a running commentary for about 5 hours at a time when I have students under training, the same as you can hear on the video clips, to me it is natural but I do need at times, some liquid refreshment LOL.

I do produce DVD's for my students should they ask for a copy, but I still like to produce that DVD at home with a little bit of titilating them to have titles and credits at the end with the full copyright stuff to finish it off. But that is me and I like the personal touch, it helps my business. I aint one that films my students and at the end of the day, sell them a DVD of the run I have just taken, after all, that film may just be crap or something happened to the equipment.

So, all the chat you hear on the film clips is LIVE and not dubbed onto the clip after. Hope this helps.

TTFN

[tricky_micky]

Bill and others.

Cant help riding on the other side of the road to yourselves. I have tried it and it seems pretty damn dangerous over here so I think I will stick to riding on the left hand side of the road, it does seem more acceptable in the UK! :bow1:

TTFN

[hojo in sc]

Mick: What kind of antenna is that on the left? Any photos of it? Also, you need to get a different radio so that you don't have to worry about the plastic bag...Yaesu VX7R

[tricky_micky]

Mick: What kind of antenna is that on the left? Any photos of it? Also, you need to get a different radio so that you don't have to worry about the plastic bag...Yaesu VX7R

Antenna on the front of the bike is the FM Radio unit, fitted by Honda and BMW to receive normal radio transmissions such as your XM radio etc.

I have another antenna on the rear of the bike that works on Ham radio bands. The radio under the plastic cover works on our PMS frequencies, and that is the radio that does all of the work when I am out training. It gives me the bike to bike stuff but it needs protection against our ever changing weather conditions!

When I want to run Ham bands, I just remove that radio from the ram mount and put the Kenwood radio there, that gives me the Ham Bands and I then run off the antenna that is mounted at the rear of the bike.

Still need that little protection of the radio by dropping the plastic cover over the radio itself, rather be safe than sorry LOL.

I can take further pics if you want, but the antenna on the front of the bike is for normal radio reception, and it is a small helical antenna that works great. Hondas and most BMW's fit this antenna in the same location.