Bullet Camera Farkle - Stage One

[newbluest]

Just picked up the Mustek PVR-A1 device from TigerDirect for $79.00. The device records in WMV format to an SD card. Comes with the AV in cable so that I can run it right to the bullet camera I will be getting shortly.

A few caveats:


it plays back the video on its screen pretty poorly. Playing the file on the PC is MUCH better, and shows the real quality of the recording.


The device was purchased SOLELY for the cost and ability to record high quality video without using a shock sensitive mini HD. Recording to SD seems great.

Might be able to run 4GB and higher on the SD but haven't tested it yet.


The device is SMALL and uses very little juice. Easy to hide this little thing just about anywhere. I plan on using a video device that records PIP for front and rear cams so I can use it almost like a black box recorder.


So that is my summer project. We'll see how it works out. If anyone has any suggestions or advice on this, I'm all ears.

[clmixon]

Cool purchase, neat price.

While I was reading your post, I noticed the ad at the top of the page was trying to SELL me a bullet cam :eek:

Boy, those targeted ads are getting sophisticated!

Funny thing, I work as a Coronors investigator and I use Gmail to keep my reports availible as needed, You ought to see the ads that pop up with that one!

Let us know how it works out, I still use a Sony cam on a ram ball and it is waaaay to delicate for what I put it through.

Chris :06biker:

[JIMGRIFF]

I've just bought an Oregon Scientific helmet cam which also records to SD card. I'm going to fit this to my ST for the grand European tour this summer.
Quality of film is fantastic. Unit is waterproof and up to 4 hrs at 30fps o a 2gb card. Will update progress here soon.

[newbluest]

My big problem, as I wanted a way to record cameras without having to manually toggle them, was to locate a video switcher that runs 12VDC and is small enough to fit in the bike.

As is usually the case with non-motorcycle specific items, I found that some motorcycle camera sites were selling a cool little quad switcher but at NOT so cool prices. They sourced it and marked it up.

I did my research, and found this (http://tinyurl.com/38wuz7) little item. Color quad digital switcher with PIP (picture in picture) so I can either cycle through the four cams, do a split four view, or with my current two cams, have the front cam be the larger frame and the rear do PIP.

The dimensions are just right at 6x5x1. I can tuck that away somewhere neatly. I think I am going to get a Pelican box, install foam that fits the devices, and lock it down in the top box.

At $78.00 it was a LOT cheaper than ordering from the motorycle cam sites in the US and UK.

Also, the Mustek PVR records up 90 minutes of video on high quality mode with 128MB of memory. As it TOTALLY accepted the 2 GB PNY SD card, I should get TONS of record time.....more than enough for most rides...approximately 24 HOURS of video!!!

When my bullet cams come in, I'll take pics of the install, as well as post test videos.

[newbluest]

Griff,

Post some video so we can check it out!

[markbxr400]

I tried the Mustek and after about a day it went haywire so I sent it back. I did find the AIPTEK A-HD high definition cam that uses up to 32GB SD's, and allows direct recording off of a TV, DVD, VCR or helmet cam, in high def. So far so good. I'll be trying it on a guided offroad ride in Utah in a couple of weeks and will let you know how it does.

Camcorder can be purchased at Target or Sears this week for $119. The helmet cam I purchased was a 380 line Swan outdoor color bullet cam (very small) with built in mic. It's powered from a small 8AA cell pack. It ws $59 at Fry's and seems to work well with the camcorder. I also purchased an 8GB SD for $29 at Staples. So around $200 in total.

Mark

[Mcreviver]

What happens if the cameras get inadvertantly pointed directly at the sun? Does the CMOS sensor get ruined?