Tricopter vibration mount testing
This clip shows sample footage from four different camera mounts on my tricopter. The aim was to counter the effect of vibration on the quality of the video and remove the "jello" effect as much as possible.
The best result achieved so far was probably the simplest and cheapest: a HD keychain (#11) velcroed directly to the frame.
The biggest improvement was can probably be attributed to using an accurate prop balancer as you might notice the noise in the last two videos is significantly reduced.
The next test will be with a GoPro.
Tricopter: Anti Vibration mount
Mounting the cameras directly to the ply base didn't yield great results in image quality due to all the vibration. To try and reduce it, I did a rough balance of the props using music wire as a 'balance beam'. I think this improved it a bit until a proper balance can be done.
The first mount was made with fuel tubing screwed onto nylon bolts. I probably should have made the tube length a bit shorter because it was too flexible for the weight of the camera. I'm not sure it made a big difference to countering vibrations and mounting the camera on the foam to get the right angle was difficult. The first bounce on landing and the camera would shift.
Version two uses rubber mounts taken from inside an old PC CD-ROM drive. A 1/4" nylon bolt holds the camera firmly in place while cable ties with the head cut off hold it all in place. I think this mount reduced the vibration getting to the camera but still not entirely. Until I properly balance the props and motors I can't tell if it's good enough.
I'm still impressed with the video quality I get out of the keychain cameras considering their small size and weight compared to that of the IXUS 100IS. Next test I reckon I'll velcro the keychain cam to the version two mount and see what I get.
Mount 1
Mount 2
