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JVC GRD72 ski cam hardware mod? Opinions?

T

Ted Mahler

Jan 1, 1970
0
What I want to do is use my JVC GRD72 as a DV recorder for a ski cam. I want
the recorder to be safely zipped up inside a backpack. Video feed will come
in from an externial bullet cam.

Here is my problem. I can't figure out a way to remotely add a power and
record switch. If I can't do that then I will have to unzip the backpack,
take out the camcorder switch it on, press record, zip it back in. Yuck.

I am a electronics project builder so soldering does not scare me. I can
make a small control unit but I don't know how or where to tie into the
recorder. I can (and probably will) start taking off panels until I can get
to a power switch and record switch tie point and bring out leads to my
remote control box. But I thought perhaps some of you folks might have a
better idea or can tell me where to look for schematics.

Thanks a bunch.
Ted
 
Any chance you can modify an ir remote instead of the camera? It
wouldn't help you with the power switch but it shouldn't use too much
battery juice just sitting there, turned on.
 
T

Ted Mahler

Jan 1, 1970
0
I thought about that. I though maybe I could place a dedicated IR LED in
front of the detector and use a little PIC to have it blink out the on/off,
record, stop, and off functions based on a switch throw. But all for naught,
the IR functions are only for playing the camcorder as a VCR, not recording.
ARRRRG

Unless there are some "hidden" IR functions.

Maybe I can modify a battery to allow remote switching of the power (don't
have to open the camcorder) but still don't know how to "push" the record
switch. I've even considered servos wired up to 555's. Really clunky!

Ted
 
T

**THE-RFI-EMI-GUY**

Jan 1, 1970
0
Be careful you don't introduce static electricity into the unit with
your wiring modification. I had a perfectly good Minolta camera get
Zapped by the snow cat driver at Yellowstone one year. She was taking
our picture, wearing a nylon ski jacket and the camera malfunctioned
permanently. Funny thing is, the driver said, "Hey I have that same
camera and it stopped working as well".

Maybe you could house the camera in a small pelican case and rig up a
cam and a rip cord to activate the appropriate switches mechanically?

Ted said:
What I want to do is use my JVC GRD72 as a DV recorder for a ski cam. I want
the recorder to be safely zipped up inside a backpack. Video feed will come
in from an externial bullet cam.

Here is my problem. I can't figure out a way to remotely add a power and
record switch. If I can't do that then I will have to unzip the backpack,
take out the camcorder switch it on, press record, zip it back in. Yuck.

I am a electronics project builder so soldering does not scare me. I can
make a small control unit but I don't know how or where to tie into the
recorder. I can (and probably will) start taking off panels until I can get
to a power switch and record switch tie point and bring out leads to my
remote control box. But I thought perhaps some of you folks might have a
better idea or can tell me where to look for schematics.

Thanks a bunch.
Ted

--
Joe Leikhim K4SAT
"The RFI-EMI-GUY"©

"Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason?
For if it prosper, none dare call it treason."

"Follow The Money" ;-P
 
That's what I would have said, too.

Is it possible to activate these functions over the firewire port? Does
anybody make something (besides a computer) that does that? I know you
can access the aforementioned playback mode functions this way.

Talk about a project that will keep you in the garage the whole ski
season.
 
T

Ted Mahler

Jan 1, 1970
0
Ahhh, interesting idea. This camera also has a USB port that might allow
access to these functions. How would one go about finding out the sequence
of commands?

Ted
 
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