auzoom

Ahhh a man after my own heart. I have a config where I mount a webcam to my dash and one in the front passenger headrest. These hook into my laptop where I have knocked up an application that records from multiple (2) webcam feeds simultainiously. I have then started playing with MS MovieMaker to do Picture-In-Picture and here is a little test that I did. Please excuse the one handed wonder moves, the sound is attrocious and be warned that the file is 32 meg. http://r100.harrisfamily.id.au/Test1.wmv.

I have also knocked up a plattform that sits between the 2 rear 1/4 windows, just trying to figure out how to hook my video camera to it.

Andrew

mirx*8

Hey Andrew, thats pretty good vision...a good sense of action. Right now I have a Keyhole Cam that plugs straight into a pretty cheap video recording device that gives me a reasonable picture but im stuggling with memory on that - trying to work a solution. It sits nicely on the dash but I would rather use that for the purpose of monitoring feet movement (learning to heel/toe) and speedo action. I also have a good jvc camera with a great w/a lens that would be perfect mounted between the two front seats. Since I have a sunroof, im trying to design a bracket that slots between the edges of the sunroof that would connect to an L bracket that the camera could be mounted on. The only downside is that the camera will feel every bump and the picture will show it....perhaps that part of the action.
I used to have a steadicam - but sold it years back...wish I had it now, would be perfect.
As for the setup you describe, perhaps use the mounting platform used on a tripod, you could create a groove for the mount to be sliiped into and the camera can be screwed to the tripod mount - alternatively just screw or clip the tripon mount to the platform.
Im interested in the software, I use Pinnacle but dont get a lot of time to really get into it.....blame the business.....but me thinks this car will be my catalyst....
I'll get some vid happenning and get it posted, probably on the oter site...

Cheers Tim

takahashi

Good going Tim.

I have the mount to have the DV located at the level of the centre rear console - that flip down thing you see.

I took this at Wakefield last October.

astro

My setup is a simple one. I just got a Manfrotto Magic Arm after sighting Taka's in-car setup. Works great! All ready taken some test samples. I am not sure whether using an external mic and some dampening material would help reduce road noise. I just want to accentuate the engine note more... and perhaps the gear crunches or even the swearing... . Any suggestions to improve the audio quality is much appreciated.

WE are gonna have fun... .

auzoom

What I think would be very cool would be if you could "record" sCanalyser's graph output for playback, so I would have an RPM and Speed dial setup, could then add that to the video.

As for your idea to mount from the sunroof Tim, unless you have a way to drop it a foot or so from the roof lining, you wont like it. I have tried it and you dont get good vision.

Andrew

takahashi

Get some microphone that suitable for your camera.

http://www.sony.com.au/dis/catalog/p...jsp?id=ECMHST1

takahashi

Why not an camera just for your tachometer???

mirx*8

Hey this is very cool...looks like we might be able to get some great video...idea would be to all get different footage and put it together...im sure there are a few of us who enjoy a bit of editing.
Andrew i was thinking of a (steel/metal/strong plastic) drop bar - probably a good 30cm long or more than can be screwed to the bracket across the sunroof and then the camera can mount to that. I think it would be quite strong and if fastened properly, quite secure. i dont want to re-invent the wheel, but Ive trawled the internet, camera shops etc trying to find a solution. Of course the best solution would be a floating head but thats probably a bit expensive at this stage, however down the track......(pun intended).
Taka, do you have some photos of the mount you are using, I had seen that vid (great it is) but the camera set up looked a bit higher than how i envisage using the drop down lid (i think this is what you refer to as the japanese rubbish bin yeah?) - are you able to show some set up shots? Also were you using a w/a lens or were you just using standard?
Astro, with the magis arm, what are you mounting to? - do you have a tripod set up in the car or are you actually mounting the arm to the car????
I think for getting true engine sounds it would be better to have a directional mike attached to the camera. The only problem i forsee with that would be that other sound would be almost non-existent. I like the idea of running 4 cameras, 2 DV - 1 with directional sound, the other catching ambient, 1 pincam for the tacho and another pincam for either outside or feet....i know its a nightmare to feed, but even if it was all recorded to seperate tapes/hard drives etc, it would certainly provide some great footage for editing.

astro

Magic Arm kit comes with a clamp. I mounted the clamp on the rear strut bar and the magic arm can be moved in 3D. It's just a matter of getting the camera height and reach to get the best "in shot" video. I also tilt the passenger seat just to get a better picture of the road up ahead.

Magic Arm can also be mounted on the front passenger's grab handle if you prefer a front mounted setup. More of a passenger's view.

mirx*8

Astro, you intend having the kit set up for Sunday? Id be very interested in seeing some footage....

astro

Yep... it will be rigged up for next Sunday's event.

takahashi

I will be there for the video too... continue finishing my Tein Flex story

auzoom

I could, but I think it would be cooler to use sCanalyser :-D

Once I can hook my Video camera up I will look for a way to mount one of the webcams to the steering column.

Andrew

mirx*8

Andrew, is the software you use to get multiple camera feeds something you created? I have been looking at various DVR options that allow up to 4 simultaneous feeds using any type of camera with the right connection but im not sure Im going to get a true uninteruppted frame rate.
I am assuming that you are recording using your web cam at 640x480? Or are you getti ng higher resolutions?
Cheers
Tim

takahashi

Kevin... do we need a helmet for Sunday?

auzoom

Tim,

I tend to use a product from http://www.pysoft.com/. My only issue with this is that you have to start each camera individually. To get around this I started to write my own application using DirectX. I configured this application to allow you to set the output file name, resolution, etc for each camera and then you have only one button to push to start all cameras.

In both instances (my app or the pysoft one) you are limited to 30 frames per sec and the processing power of your PC. The file I uploaded was at 30 fps 640x480 and recording 2 cameras simultaneously. Laptop is a PentiumM 1.7Ghz with 1.5Gb RAM.

Hope this helps.

Andrew

takahashi

It is near - so sunny

It is the only time I wish rain for our events

Forcast:

Saturday
Rain developing with possible thunderstorms. Late change. Min 21 Max 34

Trend for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday

Becoming fine and mild.

NT Rotor Head

G'day Guys, I've just relocated to Melb and have emailed Kev to see if I can get that last slot on Sunday arvo.

Hope to see you all there!

NT Rotor Head

Guess i'll have to change my name now ;-) ... VIC Rotorhead? hmmm

astro

Hmmm... we need you to join us at Winton on the 20th of March too!

takahashi

Good call astro.

Vic Rotorhead - yes you have to join now.

Only 16 cars for the whole day - plenty of track time and plenty of fun.

NT Rotor Head

OK, I've found what you are talking about (It's been a while since I've been on the forum!) Unfortunately I can't make Winton due to work commitments. I hope you all have a great day though!!