World Lightest Paragliding Chase Cam (built here in Utah)

[Josh Heater]

Hi Guys, 

Hopefully this works this time. Last time I sent this, it said my images were too big. 

Anyway, after seeing a lot of "duck tape" chase cam designs on the internet, I asked my dad to help me engineer a Paraglider chase cam. We had a lot of fun doing it. These little gizmos actually are not as easy to make as you would think. Balancing, weight, hang back, directional control etc.. after testing many different designs, here is the final product. 

Highlights:

• 3 point harness - reduces bobbing. (Best highlight! only one I've ever seen that has pitch & roll stability) 
  
• 360 & Tilt Camera angle adjustment
  
• Line Winding grooves for easy storage
• Light weight
  
• Compact

Anyways, I wanted to get some of the groups thoughts and feedback about using chase cams, problems, safety concerns and even things you like or don't like about this design. All connections and lines are at 30lb tensile strength. I think I need some better camera shots of the Chase Cam and a decent "spring time" flying video :) I made a couple videos with the chase cam this winter but watching them makes me think of the cold haha. 

Any input is appreciated.

Thank you

Josh H

[Josh Holmstead]

Here are my 2 cents:

The trouble with chase cams is that our wings aren't rigid and thus will transfer vibrations down the line to the camera. If you think about it that is why when you are in tune with your glider you can pinpoint to within a few feet of where the air is lifting your sail. Your three point balancing will help dampen the pitching but I don't think it will eliminate it the bouncing and other vibrains that mess up a shot. The smoothest shots I've seen are those that use a two or three axis gimbal, like those on drones. They remove a lot of the random vibrations but also come at the cost of additional weight trailing behind you and pulling on the glider. If attached to the brake lines there is a potential for unwanted deflection.

You may want to consider some kind of weak link between the glider and the camera. The strength of you line could be that (is 30 lbs to much or too little? I couldn't tell you) or something as simple as a lightweight split ring could serve that purpose as well. In my opinion I'd rather lose my camera than risk a crash. There is a high risk of snagging on launch given the terrain here in Utah, especially in on our mountain sites. Launching and landing are the most dangerous stages so special consideration needs to be given if an additional distraction is worth the shot. 

Also spring time is when we see the most accidents for a myriad of reasons. My opinion is that an additional worry isn't worth the shot even though I think they are awesome. I personally wouldn't use a chase cam in anything but the most benign of conditions and even then with extreme caution. If I take a collapse the last thing I want to worry about is if my chase cam will snag in my lines or prevent a quick recovery.

Josh

[Dustin Hawkes]

I'll echo the thoughts of Mr. Holmstead.  I love a good video, and unique shots, like a follow cam provides, really add to the ability to captivate the perspective of the pilot well.

I too am concerned with the added risks these devices create.  I wouldn't want one of these to be the difference between a recovery and a fatality.  I've taken a few violent collapses, and I can see where one of these could have been very problematic.  I also see the risk of snagging something on the ground somehow, even when someone else is helping you launch.

The chances of something bad happening goes way down if you are careful and selective on when and where you fly with a follow cam.  Many have done so successfully and safely many times.  This still doesn't put me completely at ease.  To some degree, the risk is still there.

Ok, so if you are one to still implement a follow cam even after considering the risks, then I second what was said about the gimbals.  They make follow cam video actually worth all the effort.  That smooth buttery, fluid shot is where it's at.  I would have a hard time wanting to get anything less than a gimbal setup, as most everything else will produce a mediocre and shaky video.

Thanks,

Dustin Hawkes

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[Josh Holmstead]

I should've proofread my post one more time. Sorry for all the typos.

Josh

[Keenan Ryan]

I really like the thought that you put in to this.  I love videos.  I think all the different angles can make videos really fun.  That being said, I have been on the losing end of mishaps because I've been more worried about what my camera is capturing versus actually flying.  I was using a wing mount for my gopro and in the middle of trying to get my remote linked, camera on and in the right position I lost focus during my preflight and I hooked my riser in backwards.  This didn't cause any trouble in flight but I learned first hand how distracting the "camera" can be.  

I personally wouldn't fly with one because it seems like too much (for me) manage on launch and I don't like the idea of something hanging from my wing that has the potential to get caught in all the other lines.  No judgement to those who fly with them as I know a few that handle them extremely well.  

Keenan

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[Jeff Salisbury]

I purchased a follow-cam last season, but have yet to fly with it for all the safety reasons articulated by Josh, Dustin, & Keenan.  I've personally witnessed some near disastrous launches with 'em.  I do think a break-away feature is a must.  And, personally, I feel more prone than most pilots to allowing the camera setup and usage to distract me (unless it's a simple helmet mount).

But, I gotta say, I absolutely love follow-cam footage, and I also love the thought you've put into this.  This was the first follow-cam footage I ever saw:

    http://is.gd/kwBuHy

I've heard of a few people who deploy their follow-cam after they launch, and reel it in before they land.  They use a retractable dog leash (or something similar):

    http://amzn.com/B015SXZ684

I may try the dog leash thing this year.  But, I would only fly with it under the most benign of conditions.

Jeff

[Josh Heater]

Hi Josh, 

Man, this is some great feedback and thoughts. Thanks guys! These devices do add a level of risk. I responded to a few of the focus areas below.

Powered Gimbals: I have seen the battery powered gimbal chase cams. Those videos are soooo smooth, but agreed it weighs a lot more on the wing edge. We made this chase cam as light as possible and the 3 point harness reduces as much as possible of the vibrations and bobbing. The video is much smoother than our single point and double point harness tests. Looks like I need to go edit and post one of my videos to show the smoothness of the 3 point harness design.

Break away link: The split ring or breakaway link is a great idea that I'm going to look into.

Attachment Point: The attachment point connects to the top brake line loop at the trailing edge, 4-5 loops out from the center. Depending on the camera angle you prefer.

Flying Style: I would think the Chase cam would best be utilized in ridge soaring conditions, (not rugged mountain sites). Consistent and predictable wind locations. I share Josh Holmstead's concern that occasionally on thermic flights a pilot can hit a rough bubble. Last thing I want to worry about is chase cam preventing a recovery effort. Also, its not an Acro Flying accessory. Not recommended for spins, banked turns, flips, or SIV clinics :)

Weather Conditions: I totally agree. If you choose to fly with a chase cam, only do so in smooth winds, predictable, glass off conditions. 

Launch Safety: All of the times I have used the chase cam I have launched from smooth terrain or had someone else hand launch it. I would think the launching is the highest risk place for Chase Cam tangles and danger overall. Especially leaving it on the ground and hoping it does not snag on something as you launch. To help resolve this, my last rendition involved a strap that hooks to the side my harness. The chase cam hangs on the harness compact at the side until the pilot is flying safe away from the hill. Before I launch I turn it on. Sure it records a bunch of weird sky views and stuff until I unhook it, but it allows me to concentrate on flying and not on camera controls (ie turning the camera on, off, etc). Later I can edit out the fluff.

Landing Safety: Landing with the chase cam is actually very simple. As you lose air speed at full flare, the momentum of the chase cam moves close behind you and hangs at waist height until you bring your chute down. As a safety recommendation, I would not use a chase came in a LZ where you have never landed or are unfamiliar with the wind patterns or unpredictable wind patterns. Oh - Just read Jeffs suggestion of the retractable line. I really like that idea.

Some people have asked me about the birdi at the end. We actually tried many different fins, plastics, laser cut foam, discs and other drag elements. With the airflow tests and the simple birdi shuttlecock design beat all other variants. 

Thanks again for the valuable insight. 

Josh 

On Mon, Feb 8, 2016 at 1:50 PM, Josh Holmstead <joshho...@gmail.com> wrote:

Josh

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Josh Heater

801-505-2856

[Josh Holmstead]

It really sounds like you've put a lot of thought into your design and the ramifications of its use. It would be fun to see the improvement the three balancing point method makes.

One thought that might improve the stability even more is to attach the line to the c line connections instead of the brake line since there is more pressure inside the wing at this part of the profile. This may dampen out some of the small bumps a little more (I believe the highest pressure is under the b lines but it's really not practical to attach it there).

I also like Jeff's idea of being able to reel in the rig in flight before landing. As an alternative to the dog leash you could use a carpenter's chalk reel like this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0051QI9N8/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1454972065&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=dewalt+chalk+reel&dpPl=1&dpID=413tFmyAJeL&ref=plSrch and replace the cotton line with fishing line so it's harder to see. This would allow you to physically reel it in quickly. The only downside is it may take both hands off the brakes.

Keep up the good work 

Josh

[Clark Tayler]

Josh,

Great work on the follow cam!  The shots they can get are great!  I am usually pretty quiet on the subject, but I have been flying with them for 3 years now, and I thought I would pipe up on the safety bits I have learned.  There are lots of great recommendations from others in this thread!  

I am on my 9th iteration of my follow cam.  I tried all kinds of different configurations to try to get the maximum stability.  In the process I learned a few important things.  Like others have said, I would only fly with one in very tame conditions.  I have found myself once or twice flying with mine when conditions got thermic and because of the length of the line, it can start to whip around with a bit of gusto.  If I think I will be thermaling at all I will not fly with mine.  I also attach mine to the inside break attachment points to help mitigate this whipping effect.

I use a small metal "break away" ring on the attachment point, and I also use a low test line that will break away pretty easily.  I think mine is 20 pound test or less but my camera is heavier than yours.  (tough because too light and you can lose it, to strong and it can toast you...)   This is important because I have had many occasions where the break away has snapped and saved me from trouble.  Twice when I was landing and it snagged as I landed, and multiple times when it snagged on things as I launched; even on a friend's hand who was helping to launch it, so break away is important!! :)   I have found that I need to have the attitude that I can not care about the camera when flying so that I am not distracted unsafely by it.

I have used the retractable leash for drop cams and this is good to alleviate all of the launch and landing issues, but it is complex to hook this up in a way that would work well for a follow cam, so I have only used this for drop cams.  (By the way you can get great drop cam shots with this design deployed from your harness, but be careful, it can get distracting :)  )

Inevitably in the pursuit of smooth video I ended up using a 2 axis powered gimbal (roll and pitch).  This led me to put a small flexible plastic ring around the camera to act as a bumper to protect the camera and the electronics.  This helps on landing as the follow cam tends to find rocks, bushes, small gophers, and everything else on landing.  This also made the camera heavier, but this seems to be no problem with all of the pressure in the wing, and this even helps dampen the swinging.  

I also now use a remote control on my harness to turn the gopro on and off, and switch between video and still photo mode.  This saves a lot of battery on long ridge soaring sessions and helps so I can get the shots I want.

Anyway the follow cam can be super fun, just be super cautious when using it!

I tried to find a picture of my most recent follow cam, but I don't have one and it is in pieces being repaired right now, sorry,  but here is a video where we used it.  (gimbal stabilized version):

https://vimeo.com/118315318

And more videos with the follow cam here:

https://vimeo.com/user7819887/videos

Hope this helps!

Clark

[Jeff Salisbury]

On 2/8/2016 10:20 PM, Clark Tayler wrote:
> I tried to find a picture of my most recent follow cam, but I don't
> have one and it is in pieces being repaired right now, sorry, but
> here is a video where we used it. (gimbal stabilized version):
>
> https://vimeo.com/118315318

That video makes me want to go back to California!

[Josh Heater]

Hi Clark, 

It would be cool to see you're gimbal version. I'm curious where you are storing the batteries.

Thanks

Josh Heater 

[Clark Tayler]

Josh,

I have a very small 350 mAh 3S lipo battery right behind the gimbal at the very center of gravity right below the attachment point to the string.  I have a longer tail and a small weight at the tail to make this possible.

Clark

[Jeff Salisbury]

On 2/8/2016 3:15 PM, Jeff Salisbury wrote:

But, I gotta say, I absolutely love follow-cam footage, and I also love the thought you've put into this.  This was the first follow-cam footage I ever saw:

    http://is.gd/kwBuHy

Here's some more pretty spectacular follow-cam footage:

    http://is.gd/dLfbfc

And, here's another video showing how he built the follow-cam, including a gimble:

    http://is.gd/QbSPrl

Jeff

[Dustin Hawkes]

Thanks Jeff, I really enjoyed watching that first video on a large screen.  Too bad it wasn't filmed in 4k.  That would have been awesome.  Hoping to shoot and edit some 4k video this summer.  It's getting temping to put together a follow cam with a gimbal.  I kind of wonder how inexpensive I could do it with the gimbal now that they have been around for a while.

Thanks,

Dustin Hawkes

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[Josh Heater]

Hi Jeff, Thanks for sharing these links. 

And Dustin, I have some great news. 

From the feedback and interests in the a "gimbal" chase cam,  we are designing a gimbal attachment accessory that will quickly connect a gimbal+gopro to the Birdi Chase Cam via the fork mount already on the chase cam.  The design will work with the standard "2 axis 8bit" gimbal currently on the market. 

With this enhancement, the gimbal can quickly be removed and used for your other filming needs. With this new design a customer can use the same gimbal interchangeably with their drone, chase cam, hand held filming frames, and selfy stick. (We will also be offering a drone adaptor plate for the quick connect) The gimbal will have a battery saddle that can quickly be unplugged and removed.

Now a pilot can get a basic birdi chase cam and enhance it at any future point they want with the gimbal option. The plan is to not only offer a complete Birdi chase Cam Gimbal setup but also allow those who already have a gimbal to purchase individual accessory mounts or battery saddle to open up versatility with the gimbal they already own.

I will post some new pictures in the coming weeks of the Birdi Chase Cam "Gimbal" setup.  

Thank you

Josh H

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Josh Heater

801-505-2856

[Josh Heater]

For those of you that had interest in the chase cam. 

Here is a quick look at a couple shots that we got when we were testing. This footage is not using the gimbal. I am planning on getting better footage as soon as we get some good flying days. One of the segments, toward the end, includes short divide. 

https://youtu.be/64c3zyjdkIc

Yesterday I put together some 5-7 lb breakaway snaps I am planning to test this week. We have tested 10-12 lb and 12-14 lb break aways which are too strong. I hope the 5-7 lb works out.

Thank you

Josh Heater