Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane Prep Questions)  
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Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane Prep... - 9/27/2004 6:36:47 PM   
critterhunter



Posts: 2542
Joined: 9/24/2004
From: Brook Park, OH, USA
Status: offline 		Hi all, I'm very new to the RC universe having just bought an Aerobird Challenger a few weeks back. I'm fairly good with the plane now even in expert mode, and decided I just had to have a live mini cam for it. I have a 800mw color camera in route that should get here in a week or so. In the meantime, I need to prepare this plane for flight with the camera. So, I'm hoping some of you can help a newbie get his feet (wings) wet with this project...

Mounting The Camera: What is the maximum weight you would suggest carrying with a Challenger? I'd prefer to mount the camera in a safe place while keeping the COG proper. How do I determine the COG of the plane exactly in stock form? The camera comes with a seperate credit card type transmitter. If it and the camera weigh about the same could I mount one under the left wing and the other under the right, very close to the body of the plane for protection? I need ideas, but if under the plane is best then I'll have to (?) put the wheels on the plane to avoid belly landings on the camera.

Camera/Transmitter Power Source: I have three options here. I believe the camera runs on 8 to 12v. The easiest way would be to use a 9v battery. However, this adds weight and I hear a lot of the signal drift people get is due to the low amp 9v battery use. That being said, if I power it via the plane battery I have two routes to try...using the X-Port connector or splicing a second power plug to the controller power line. The X-Port connection would be the cleaner, but provides two concerns. Does the power pins off the X-Port pass straight from the battery to the pinout or is it going through electronics on the plane which may overload the controller OR cause more interference? Does anybody know what this plug is called and where I can get the four pin plug for that port (prefer on foot) (Radio Shack, electronics store, etc?) or a web page. The other option is adding a plug to the controller's power plug. Does anybody know where (again, on foot) I can buy this plug, or at least suggest a web outlet? Or, would I be better off using an aftermarket plug style and converting all my packs and charger to that type (Is Dean's the best and most popular out there?)?

Noise Reduction: I'm concerned about possible noise interefernce from the plane. Where can I get a small device to eleminate noise (Radio Shack, web, etc) and how do I hitch it up?

Power Packs: I currently have 7.2v and 8.4v 900 packs. Since (I think) this camera needs at least 8v, are there any packs out there in the 9v range that the plane can also use? Or, my second option is a 8.4v pack with a higher amp rating. Suggestions on where to get one as I think there is a 1100ma 8.4v out there somewhere? I would assume this is a 7 cell pack but will an 8 (if it is) work with my stock charger? Need to buy the plane more fly time if the cam is feeding off the same battery. Again, connector type concerns or what to switch to?

Replacing the RCA plugs on the camera with something other for weight and bulk conerns: I know how to solder. Any ideas or types of plugs at Radio Shack to look for?

Upgrading the CMOS cam to CCD: I see many people doing this. Is it a simple plug and play procedure and where can I get a good cheap CCD that has better video quality if I decide to upgrade the CMOS?

I know these are a lot of questions but I'm new at all this and need guidance. Thanks in advance!
       Post #: 1

RE: Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane ... - 9/28/2004 2:32:58 PM   
Troglotech



Posts: 165
Joined: 9/8/2004
From: WhitehillHants, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		Hello Critterhunter, I have a video camera fitted to both my Aerobird Extreme and my Commander, I have just bought the Challenger and will be using the same setup on that too. I use the X-port for the power, as far as I know this is connected directly to the battery (pins 1 and 4). The connector (in England at least) is a 'K' series 0.1" Molex. I use a Traco DC to DC converter for the camera, this is available in the States as well. The converter takes an input between 4.5V and 9V and converts it to a regulated 5V. If you require 12V then the part number is TMR0512. The converter gets rid of any noise (completely noise free picture) and allows the camera and TX to operate from a fully charged battery to a near flat one. It is much easier using the X-port for power, I started off cutting into the power wires within the aircraft but using the Molex connector is much more acceptable.

I have mounted the camera on a small bracket and have used Velcro for the mounting, this has a few benifits, firstly you can move the camera from one 'plane to other, fly without it fitted and you can experiment with the best camera angle (about 45 Degrees to the vertical gives great pictures). You CAN fit TX and camera on opposite sides but mine is all on one side, I used the RHS as the motor torque was to throw the 'plane left on launching and this helps counteract those tendecies.

You mention removing the RCA plugs to reduce camera weight and the fact that the camera runs from 8V, this sounds very like the type that was sold on Ebay, be careful these cameras have a regulator within the connector, the camera itself requires 5V. Once the connector is removed there will be three wires: Black=0V, Red=5V, White=not connected.

Feel free to ask any more questions....Tim....

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(in reply to critterhunter)
       Post #: 2

RE: Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane ... - 9/28/2004 3:26:24 PM   
critterhunter



Posts: 2542
Joined: 9/24/2004
From: Brook Park, OH, USA
Status: offline 		Great info, thanks! I'll have other questions for you in a day or so but right now I'm pressed for time. The only thing that comes to mind right now is...Can you be more specific about the 5v regulator that might be in this camera's power plug? Can I simply use this regulator instead of buying another while still getting the benefits you mentioned with the other (noise reduction, wider battery performance, etc)? Also, what is the "X-Port" connector used for in other applications. In other words, might I be able to find this connector at Radio Shack, a computer store, etc? More questions on the way but thanks for now...

PS- Funny you should mention the tendency of the plane to pull left when launched. I've always had to give it a tweak to the right to keep it from hooking hard left on hand launch. Couldn't figure it out as the plane was trimmed well otherwise. Never considered the motor's torque. Will take this into account when figuring out a mounting place. Thanks for the picture too.

(in reply to Troglotech)
       Post #: 3

RE: Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane ... - 9/28/2004 8:16:24 PM   
Troglotech



Posts: 165
Joined: 9/8/2004
From: WhitehillHants, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		Hello again, I cannot tell you how widely used the Molex connector is in the US, I don't live there! However, the Molex 'K' series is widely copied and used in all sorts of things. The exact part number (and shown as a US standard product) is 22-01-3047, I will try and attach the data sheet to this message. Somewhere on this Forum are more details on dissecting the camera, shown is the regulator chopped out of the connector. The regulator is a linear device and will get hot when working at higher voltages. I would have thought that is good for an input of 7V-8V and no more because of the low voltage drop-out and dissapating heat (it is very small and the energy has to go somewhere). A switched-mode DC to DC converter, on the other hand, is much more efficient, runs from wider voltages and lighter than the connector pair used on these small cameras.

It may well be worth keeping the connectors fitted to the camera, I have read of people flying the full kit, complete with a 9V battery on nothing bigger than the Commander, however, I prefer to keep the weight down and those 9V batteries only last 2 hours or so.

Just tried and cannot download data sheet....here are a couple of screen shots of it instead....Tim....

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       Post #: 4

RE: Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane ... - 9/28/2004 8:49:53 PM   
Troglotech



Posts: 165
Joined: 9/8/2004
From: WhitehillHants, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		Just found the article on the camera I was talking about....

http://www.rc-cam.com/hk_video.htm

However, this is for the 1.2GHz system which, as they rightly say, is awful. The 2.4GHz ones are quite good, the range is excellent, and the quality is quite acceptable. Not as good as from a Panasonic KX 121 (which, by the way, is now obsolete along with the complete range of micro cameras from Panasonic), but still pretty good.....Tim.....

(in reply to Troglotech)
       Post #: 5

RE: Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane ... - 9/29/2004 9:09:57 AM   
randall1959



Posts: 863
Joined: 8/29/2004
From: Bolckow, MO, USA
Status: offline 		Get the 12 volt converter critterhunter. You got the same camera I did, and since my plane is gas, I connected it directly to a 9.6 volt battery pack and didn't use the connector that came with the camera. I used another cord I had lying around.

< Message edited by randall1959 -- 9/29/2004 9:11:24 AM >

_____________________________

I meant to do that.........

(in reply to Troglotech)
       Post #: 6

RE: Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane ... - 9/29/2004 3:08:38 PM   
critterhunter



Posts: 2542
Joined: 9/24/2004
From: Brook Park, OH, USA
Status: offline 		Thanks again all, this thing is starting to come together. Picked up a 8.4v 1100ma Venom battery pack for the plane, which is about the max V and amp battery size this plane will handle I think. Should increase my load time a few minutes with the cam and plane feeding off it.

Still can't find that stinking X-Port connector anywhere. Called Hobbyzone for a part #. In so many words he told me it's a trademarked part and they won't sell me the part or give me a model number. Called a few local electronic part stores with the "Molex" discription you gave me in the initial message but nobody could source it. Maybe I'll have better luck with the data on it you just gave me. I'll make a round of calls again. On the RC-CAM forum he has an X-Port project using a still camera and says he has a plug part # that will fit the X-Port like a glove. Great, only problem is that the only computer I have access to right now won't allow me to open or download his parts list. Can anybody take a peak at that and give me the part # and any other data he might have posted on where to find it? Need to nail down this plug soon or I'll have a camera with no plug to power it.

(in reply to randall1959)
       Post #: 7

RE: Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane ... - 9/29/2004 3:32:13 PM   
randall1959



Posts: 863
Joined: 8/29/2004
From: Bolckow, MO, USA
Status: offline 		Since that's a charge port, does your charger have one? I'd get a second charger and cut the lead off it. Yea it's kinda high for a connector but it beats making yourself blind staring at the computer screen trying to find one........haha

_____________________________

I meant to do that.........

(in reply to critterhunter)
       Post #: 8

RE: Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane ... - 9/29/2004 4:18:03 PM   
Troglotech



Posts: 165
Joined: 9/8/2004
From: WhitehillHants, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		Digi-Key do them, and the crimps:

http://www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?KeywordSearch

Keyword is the part number I gave you (22-01-3047)....Tim...

< Message edited by Troglotech -- 9/29/2004 4:19:21 PM >

(in reply to randall1959)
       Post #: 9

RE: Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane ... - 9/29/2004 4:37:11 PM   
Troglotech



Posts: 165
Joined: 9/8/2004
From: WhitehillHants, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		...and just to confuse you, here is a capture of the Bill Of Materials you mentioned in the X-Port project:

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       Post #: 10

RE: Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane ... - 9/30/2004 3:06:16 PM   
critterhunter



Posts: 2542
Joined: 9/24/2004
From: Brook Park, OH, USA
Status: offline 		Randall, nope...the X-Port is a different plug meant for modules (4 pin). The power plug the battery hitches up to is a two pin different style plug. I already have extra battery plugs for it but want to avoid cutting into the main board battery lead, plus then I'd have to route that outside the plane to the cam. The X-Port is located on the right side of the plane under the wing, which makes it perfect for camera location.

Anyway, I've found a solution for all those in search of an X-Port connector. Went up to Radio Shack and picked up an 8 pin IC socket. I cut (grinded) off one side (set of four pins) and this little bugger snaps in nice and snug to the X-Port upside down. In other words, take you're new half of the IC (4 pins) and flip it upside down, so that the pin holes on the IC that normaly held a chip's legs are plugged into the 4 pins on the X-Port. I then soldered a positive and negative wire to the outside (1 and 4) pin legs on the IC (that normaly would have been soldered to a circuit board). The X-Port has a plastic plug "guard" at the top of it and so I left some of the middle plastic on the IC socket. This prevents you from plugging in the IC backwards in the field as the plastic I left on it (the IC now looks like a shallow "U" from above) will be in the way of the plug guard at the top of the X-Port, so you can only plug it in one way. After soldering the positive and negative wires to the IC legs I snipped of pins 2 and 3 to avoid shorts, and put some goop glue over all that for further safety. This also holds the two wires to the plastic on the IC to take the stress off the solder points when plugging in the connector. My only concern is that those IC legs are tiny, and I wonder if the current draw of the camera and transmitter will cause that connection to overheat?

While I was at Radio Shack I also picked up the only suitable voltage regulator I could find. It's a DC to DC with a max input voltage of 32V and a constant 5V output. It has a nice heat sink at the top. Still not sure if the camera needs 5V until I get it in the mail but if it does should this voltage regulator be suitable? Also, if the transmitter (seperate from camera) can handle a higher voltage (I think it may be 8 or so) should I power the camera with the 5v regulator and feed the trasnmitter straight battery juice from my 8.4v pack?

< Message edited by critterhunter -- 9/30/2004 9:05:17 PM >

(in reply to Troglotech)
       Post #: 11

RE: Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane ... - 9/30/2004 3:14:04 PM   
critterhunter



Posts: 2542
Joined: 9/24/2004
From: Brook Park, OH, USA
Status: offline 		Troglotech, thanks for posting the port info. Think I'll call DigiKey to order it...but wonder why RC-Cam lists a different part # than yours? Also, does the part # you listed already have the pins in the socket?

(in reply to critterhunter)
       Post #: 12

RE: Cam For Aerobird Challenger On The Way (Many Plane ... - 9/30/2004 5:04:40 PM   
Troglotech



Posts: 165
Joined: 9/8/2004
From: WhitehillHants, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline 		No problem.....And no, crimps are separate items, they will need to be ordered as well (cheap as muck though), should be some sort of cross reference on the Digi-Key site.....or even easier..phone them. As you will not have the crimp tool make sure you squash the crimp on as well as possible using pliers (or something similar), and then solder the wire in as well. Let us know when your camera turns up and how you get on......Tim....

EDIT: There are loads of sockets that will quite possibly fit, as you found out already, it is a 0.1" spaced design and there are loads of them out there. However, the socket looks just like a Molex/Walden one to me (my company uses loads of them) so there will be many alternative manufacturers who will offer something that will fit....I gaurantee that the part number I gave you is correct....

< Message edited by Troglotech -- 9/30/2004 5:09:48 PM >

(in reply to critterhunter)