Helmet cams - Here's mine

I recently got a helmet cam and thought I’d share it with all of you. If anyone else has one and wouldn’t mind sharing with us, please post some pics and describe it here in this thread. Maybe this with help some of those how are interested in one? For those reading I hope you read my entire post!

The model I got is the Tachyon XC.  It was a little bigger then I expected but not too bad. I used a soda can as a size reference. This is an all in one unit. It does not need to be attached to another digital device to record, so no wires. It comes with camera, three different mounts, remote control, hand strap, rubber band strap, TV cable, USB cable, velcro pads, EVA pads (foam pad). It is shock resistance and water proof up to 28 ft  for 30 mins.  Here are its specs- Length 4”, Width 2”, Height 2.5”, Weight 4.4 oz (without  batteries). It accepts SD/SDHC Memory Cards 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, & 32GB.



Here are the three mounts that come with the standard package. In left to right order – swivel mount, general mount, and side mount. The swivel is for tri-pods and for a handle bar adapter they sell separate. No good for dirt bikes.



I used the general mount for a top mount on my helmet. When it comes to mounting you need to be creative, velcro alone does not hold this there. They make a few suggestions in the booklet.



This is the side mount. It is new for Tachyon and I did not receive this in the original pack (now standard in it).I got it days later with a letter saying it new and now included, bonus!  I didn’t know it was coming or I probably won’t have bothered with the other mount.  It’s curved to fit helmets! With velcro and goggle strap it stays in place pretty good. My top mount is more stable.




A few tips about mounting. The angle can be a pain to get right. If you look at my top mount it is pointed way up. When riding your head is down some (especially looking in the direction of the sun) so take that into consideration when mounting. This cam does not have a display so the only way to see what you are filming is to view it on TV or computer. My laptop will be handy in the mountains! Before permanently mounting, temporary affix your camera and do a few tests.

This unit is not the cheapest and cost about $180. I am happy with the quality of the vids. It has 4 different video quality settings to choose from. Less quality, more record time. It can even take still pictures. It really is a simple unit to use.

I took a couple of vids of me putting around yesterday for demo purposes. I’m in a field about 100 yds from my house. I have never taken my bike to this field before, but I couldn’t wait to test my cam. I also took the opportunity to learn about windows movie maker. Kinda lame vids but hey they work.

This one is the side mount. Was not set high enough (real low when I turn toward the sun)but I can easily adjust that by moving it around on the velcro. I didn't know till I got home how low it was.
Side mount


Here is the camera on top of my helmet. I liked this position but may still need to go up some more. It is low when I turn to the sun from tucking my head. I think I might use this one the most. I liked the weight on top of my head rather then dangling on the side. After a few hours of riding the weight on the side might get to me? Guess I’ll have to find out.
top mount



I look forward to showing all of you the places I ride this year and hope you enjoy them when I do post them. There are so many thing that me and my friend talk about after a ride and now I’ll have proof of it! It going to be great!

EDIT 3/27/09: I thought I'd add these links about the helmet cams.

Tachyon- http://www.tachyoninc.com/main.html

GoPro- http://www.goprocamera.com/products

Oregon Scientific- http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/browse.asp?cid=6&scid=14

Review of 4 different cams (GOOD REVIEW)- http://www.helmetcamreview.com/4camShootout.htm  
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"These are the things that condition the man, seldom shown the ways to understand"

That's pretty damn sweeet!  
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The King Of Crumpets - Crumpet Boy!

- 1991 RM125

Thanks Rock, Showing it mounted on your helmet gives me a better perspective of size. I likes it a lot.  
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Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

Glad it helps, thats what I wanted!  
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"These are the things that condition the man, seldom shown the ways to understand"

What's the battery life?  
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The King Of Crumpets - Crumpet Boy!

- 1991 RM125

So were you riding illegally?!  
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The King Of Crumpets - Crumpet Boy!

- 1991 RM125

92rm125:
So were you riding illegally?!

Well, yes!

As far as batter life Energizer e2 Lithium/Ultimate Lithium Batteries will give you up to 11.5 hours. For some reason they don't recommend rechargable ones?  
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"These are the things that condition the man, seldom shown the ways to understand"

Both vids are great, but FWIW I thought the top mount offered a bit more real life POV for the viewer.

I have a Helmet Cam and the one thing (pretty much the only thng) I like about it is that I can mount it on the underside of the helmet visor.  I'll have to look onto the Tachyon.  I really like the idea of no camcorder.  What made you choose the Tach?  
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Hudson Valley NY
KTM XC-W 250

"If you don't have a dream, how can it come true?"

hairscrambled:
Both vids are great, but FWIW I thought the top mount offered a bit more real life POV for the viewer.

I have a Helmet Cam and the one thing (pretty much the only thng) I like about it is that I can mount it on the underside of the helmet visor.  I'll have to look onto the Tachyon.  I really like the idea of no camcorder.  What made you choose the Tach?

I choose it because I didn't need the camcorder. Don't have to worry about breaking or dunking that. I wanted something like the "lip stick cams" but there is a wire and your camcorder attached. This one also is water proof. I've been caught in the rain and go through some deep water at times. I looked at alot (well what I could find) and this one seemed to offer the best of everything. They start at $150 and sell a 4gb card for $20.  
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"These are the things that condition the man, seldom shown the ways to understand"

Cool videos Rock!  I love helmet cam videos, but only in clips...gotta find a good section for like ten seconds and place it in other videos..hahaha...man, I get motion sickness waaaay to easy to watch them. hahaha  
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"Only the desert has a fascination to ride alone in the sun in the forever unpossessed country away from man. That is a great temptation."
--D.H. Lawrence

csully:
Cool videos Rock!  I love helmet cam videos, but only in clips...gotta find a good section for like ten seconds and place it in other videos..hahaha...man, I get motion sickness waaaay to easy to watch them. hahaha

Thanks Court! I'll now be able to show you those great trails in CO you've heard about! HAHA

10 secs. is too short. I try to keep my vids 1-2 mins at most. Once I get better editing the vids I cut more of the boring stuff out. They were pretty good for a test run.  
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"These are the things that condition the man, seldom shown the ways to understand"

alright...well i look forward to seeing them...although, i'll probably only be able to watch them in ten second spurts, otherwise I'll barf all over my computer....hahaha  
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"Only the desert has a fascination to ride alone in the sun in the forever unpossessed country away from man. That is a great temptation."
--D.H. Lawrence

rocky what vid quality was that??? i could actual see your vid were as most on you tube you cant
DavidS  
i take a lot of pride in what i am

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ride: 02yz426
local: north east Oregon

terrain type woods with lots of roots & rocks

Okay Courtney - this outgha reallly make ya seasick - my helmetcam is a lipstick style and it's held in place with a set screw.  I didn't realize the camera wasn't 100% vertical when I started the camcorder.  


XCW200#1

ps - I hope RTR doesn't mind  
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Hudson Valley NY
KTM XC-W 250

"If you don't have a dream, how can it come true?"

That was their S level (Superior) I get two hours at that level with a 4gb card.  
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"These are the things that condition the man, seldom shown the ways to understand"