Electronics
Radio Components
The remote control systems that I use for PAP has five components,
three on the ground and two on the cradle.
With this combination I can control where the
camera is targeting by monitoring what my camera sees.
Cradle:
Radio Receiver (RRx) - Receives the signal from transmitter on the ground and activates cradle servos.
Video Transmitter (VTx) - Two configurations are available, one transmits
digital camera output and the other transmits a video camera signal (XCam2, etc.)
to the receiver on the ground. I have used both systems to
monitor what the camera sees:
BTL (by the lens) systems consists of a video camera and a VTx that sends the signal to the VRx on the
ground. The camera must be manually aimed where the camera is aimed.
Typically, this system is used with digital SLRs that don't have live video out..
TTL (through the lens) systems uses the digital camera's output signal that
is input into the VTx which sends the signal to the VRx on the ground.
Ground:
Programmable Radio Transmitter (RTx) - Sends control signals from the ground to the cradle. Any 4 channel radio with exponential will work.
Video Receiver (VRx) - Receives the video signal and passes it to the monitor. I use X10 units with no modifications.
Video Monitor - In both TTL and BTL systems the VRx outputs the NTSC signal, by wire, directly to the video monitor. Portable DVD players and TV's work great.
RC Transmitter Setup
There are no hard fast rules for transmitter setup...this
is what works best for me.
One hand controls the cradle and the other controls the camera. Which hand controls what was dictated by the "Tilt" control as described below.
Tilt - Throttle control is the only one that doesn't center when released and is therefore best for holding a tilt position. I opened the case and flipped the friction spring over to minimize the jerking action caused by the groves.
Pan - Rudder control was used to keep all the cradle controls on one side.
Shutter - Elevator control was the logical choice because it is an up and down movement like the shutter button.
Zoom - Aileron control was the only one left, so it controls the zoom.
I highly recommend a programmable transmitter because it lets you reverse servos, limit turning range and control the rotation precisely.