gordon_dunn

Yes- system is very similar to the one in the link, but I've made a few mods to suit better. Instead of using the adhesive mount and clip, I used the GoPro tripod mount bolted directly onto the bracket. This is smaller, lighter and gives better adjustment for the camera. Also I left off the 'tail string' off the end of the bottle, as it just got tangled on everything during set up. The system worked well enough without it- so there are no issues here. I used the 'skeleton' rear door on the camera to avoid condensation. Id definitely recommend doing forward launches only when using this set up. PS- the angle setup on the camera is critical! may take a bit of trial and error! GD

Just a short edit from the chase cam video- View in HD [youtubevideo] [/youtubevideo]

Flew the chase cam lastnight for the first time.... Wasn't sure how it would workout, but results were great for both stills and video. Couldn't decide on whether to do stills/video, so decided to set the camera to do simultaneous... mixed up the settings, so missed the landing video!!! Still need to get more used to the GoPro! Here's a sample of one of the stills- I'd recommend forward launching only with the chase cam, and make sure the grass is dry before you launch, as the lens will get wet. Getting the angle of the camera right is a bit of a guess- I was lucky that it worked out for me and gave the images a nice composition. GD

£57 for replacement netting is still very steep. This shouldn't 'wear out' on a 6 month old machine anyway, if so it's a design/specification issue and is a warranty issue. GD

Tried the telescopic boom mount last night- not great flying conditions, but video and stills turned out great. Need to re-look at a handier way of storing the telescopic pole during takeoff and landing.

Just another quick experiment with the GoPro..... [youtubevideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uCySNb-lZM[/youtubevideo] GD

Chase cam mount- under construction...... Meanwhile, did a bit more filming last night- with some more great footage. I've always been more keen on stills than video- but didn't want to bring 2 cameras on the flight for this purpose- so tried the still mode on the GoPro. Wasn't expecting great results, thought it would be more like a 'screen capture' from the video- but very pleasantly surprised by the results. I had the setting for stills at 4000x3000 pixels (12MP) - so quality is amazing! Proving there is no real need to carry the G10 in flight anymore. In saying that though, the G10 does have better lenses, and has more control than the GoPro. One thing to watch for is the time delay on the GoPro WiFi remote. When you press the shutter button, wait at least 2 seconds before moving the camera. Here are some of the stills- Cropped to wide format.

No- dont think the chest mount would be on my list- certainly not a high priority. I think next priorities would be telescopic pole, shoe mount, then follow cam. GD

Second video- helmet mount also.. Watch in HD! [youtubevideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vy66Mzn8fE[/youtubevideo] GD

Had another go at the helmet mount... and results were better this time due to a few improvements that I adopted. I installed the camera on the helmet then 'calibrated' it by placing a small sticker on my helmet visor, to give an indication where the centre of frame will be. This is easy enough to do using a laser pointer held against the camera casing, and focusing it on a nearby wall. Instead of running the camera continually, I did several phases of filming where I was concentrating more on the camera- then turned the camera off for the remaining flight using the remote control. This kept the file size to a minimum- and still ended up with a lot of usable footage. Will be working on edit later. GD

I'd have to agree 100% there Simon. I got around 50 mins footage during the flight, but edited it down to 5 mins usable stuff. During the flight I'm continually checking wing and motor systems, and looking out for other traffic... it goes with the training, and I do it subconsciously. The camera can be a distraction, and there is a danger that pilots prioritise the wrong task... especially dangerous if you are flying low. Working on various other mounts, hopefully the weather will improve and give me the chance to experiment further. GD

Results from first flight- [youtubevideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvbBj7TXLDg[/youtubevideo] Weather not perfect, quite windy so the terrain was causing a bit of turbulence. Messed up with the settings too, and missed the take off!!!! Generally I don't like the helmet mount too much- a lot of movement. Will experiment with few other options next time. Enjoy! GD

Gone for the Cyberlink Ultra solution, very easy to use, can process mp4 files straight from the GoPro. Should see some results soon. GD

Just wondering what you guys use for editing GoPro footage? Currently using Windows Media Maker, but seems a bit slow and cumbersome. Any suggestions? GD

Had to have a go at my own version of the images in the original BBC post, only based on my paramotor flights.... Northern Ireland's North Coast Omagh, Northern Ireland Northern Ireland

Interesting article on the BBC website- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-22657086

I'm certain that the pilots insurance won't pay up for this. The accident would have been avoidable if a proper accessment was made by the pilot. Arguable if the event organisers insurance would pay up either- was a site briefing done, were hazzards outlined to pilots upfront?

I'd say the the guy in the second clip was 'blinded' by his camera... Too much focused on the chase cam to actually think about flying, and not being aware of the risks.

just ordered a gopro 3 black!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-g ... t-22365368 "...Similarly, the board believed that a hang-glider or para-motor would be radar significant and that conditions precluded them, as they did para-gliders or parascenders...."

Not relevant here- (but interesting all the same)- flying PPG from public areas in the Republic of Ireland is illegal.

That's a very good point. you'd be surprised how quickly a crowd can gather, and they may unwittingly get in the way. I thought that landowner's permission was a necessity also....

Fantastic idea!!! The simplest ideas are the best! I'll defintely be doing this. Also I'll be putting one in my harness pocket along with the emergency stuff sack incase of land outs too.

Still way to windy here! Nice sunny day though!

If I were a betting man, id say parallel definetly wont work....