Flip Mino. 95g.

[SussexFlyer]

Have been experimenting with a keyfob camera, the weight seems to make no discernible difference, not surprising as it's just 15g. However, as I own a Flip Mino I am thinking about trying that as the quality will be far superior. The Flipside (groan), however, is that it weighs 95g. Any suggestions where to mount it? I'm thinking to Velcro it to the port-side of the fuz (obv in line with the C of G) to give a nice view to the left. As it will be relatively near the centre-line does anyone think I should add a small amount of weight on the starboard wingtip to balance it or will some rudder trim sort it? Where do people mount iPods and mobile phones as the Flip is a similar sort of shape. I have just weighed the plane (inc lipo battery but sans camera) and it's 675g - a 15g addition is therefore negligible but an additional 95g would, I suspect, be noticeable when flying. Thoughts welcome guys.

[iandhunt]

If you mount exterior, you always need to be wary of drag. It could make a noticeable difference in flight characteristics even if the camera is small. I would try to counter balance since you will be fighting roll to the left if you don't add any weight to the right. Maybe rudder would correct, maybe not. It is "only" a 3 ounce difference....or 6 ounces if you add the counterweight. I mounted a GoPro on top of my wing on the CG line. It flew like a pig due to the drag and weight, but i got some cool video. I would use Velcro or double sided tape and a secondary attachment, like rubber bands, string, more Velcro, anything. I wouldn't trust my camera to just one adhesive method. Sorry for the non-metric units.....being in America we are still in denial!

[SussexFlyer]

Well, yesterday I flew with the Flip Mino Velcro'd to the left of the fuz in line with the C of G. As for counter balance, iandhunt, you do NOT need to double the weight - I just taped a coin to the starboard wingtip and that was fine when the plane was balanced on fingers holding spinner and rudder. The further away from the centreline the less weight is required, I knew my school physics would come in handy one day (e.g. to achieve equilibrium add HALF the weight at TWICE the distance from the fulcrum, and so on, etc)!

Regarding security, the Velcro is actually very strong but the camera has a wrist loop which I passed through the little tube on the battery cover just in case.

Anyway, the plane flew just fine with no difference to trim, just maybe a couple of clicks more throttle than before but in no way short of performance. As for drag, the Flip is only about a centimeter thick so not really much to worry about on a slow-flying plane like the Cub.

The resulting video was excellent and FAR better than the keyfob. No problems with vibration either. The wingtip is just visible at the top, as are the struts of course, but these just add to the realism and also give a sense of perspective. Very pleased.

[Crazy Horse]

Sussexflyer, Please post the video if you can, I would really like to see the quality. As for the physics, you were obviously as well taught as I was when we attended school, which I believe may some years ago for both of us, longer for me though! Must look up your camera now, I use the keycam when driving around for a bit of fun, no probs with vibration in the car, but there sure would be on the Cub as you know.

[iandhunt]

I never said double the weight.... 6 ounces total! I am so used to mounting what essentially is a billboard on my super cub that drag was more a concern then weight. I use my J3 cub with clear window for video now. I like keeping everything centered and no more noise from the wind. I would love to see your videos!

[SussexFlyer]

It's quite a large file size, I'll see if I can edit it and put it up on YouTube, I presume that's the best way to do it.

[iandhunt]

I agree, YouTube is pretty easy.