powdrhound

I have the SmartyCam HD Rev2 and the internal audio also sticks, sounds very muffled with the occasional popping as you can see (hear) in the video below. I'm assuming that is normal. I'm considering either the Aim CAN cable with their built in mic or their CAN cable that has the audio connector that I could plug an aftermarket mic into. I'm thinking that an aftermarket mic will be a better quality than the stock Aim one. I'm considering the following Shure or Rode mics. I would welcome anyones input on this.

http://www.shure.com/americas/produc...mobile-devices

http://www.rode.com/microphones/smartlav

winders

I have the AiM CAN cable with the built-in microphone for my SmartyCam HD v2.1. I have turned down the gain to zero for the internal microphone and set the gain for external microphone at about 70%. I have the microphone a few inches below the camera (mounted to the main hoop crossbar) aiming down to the floor .

Here is a video you open to hear how it sounds:


I think it sounds pretty good.

Don't knock the driving too much. That was like my 10th lap after a 5 month layoff.

powdrhound

Thanks for posting that Scott. The Aim CAN cable with the built in mic actually sounds very good! That's a night and day difference when compared to my video. I think I'm just gonna go with that and call it a day. Are you using any kind of a wind screen on the mic? I don't think Aim includes one.

Quick question for you. How are you getting the lambda information to display? I have lambda on CAN but can't seem to get it to display on the SmartyCam. I'm using the Aim ECU bridge. Thanks! Oh, nice driving by the way!

winders

Thanks!

I am not using a windscreen on the mic. The mic is in the center of my car pointing down.

I am using the AiM LCU-One which is CAN with my MXL2. I have never used the ECU Bridge so I don't know how to help you. Sorry!

Hatzenbach

Is this a 1:39 lap at SEARS Point ?
HOLY CRAP!

powdrhound

No worries, thank you. I have to use the Aim ECU bridge since I use a MoTec dash for data and obviously the Aim camera is not compatible with that..

winders

Here is how the camera and microphone are mounted:

winders

Yep...on slicks that I bought in January that have 25+ heat cycles on them!

powdrhound

Thanks Scott. One more question. It looks like you have the SmartyCam with the wide angle 84 degree lens (designed for open wheel cars) as opposed to the 67 degree version, correct? Hard to make out the print on the lens in your pic. It says it right on the lens. I have the narrower (red) lens but I like the wider one a little better, if that's what you have.

winders

Yes, I have the 84 degree lens. I think that is just about perfect for my setup.

ProCoach

Ok. Originally, the SmartyCam HD Rev1 came in one FOV, 84 degrees. Then, when the Rev2 came out, you could buy a 60 (regular) or a 120 (wide). The lens supply has been spotty, so first the 84 was reintroduced (back by popular demand) and in the Rev2.1, the 120 has been discontinued and the 60 replaced with the 67.

I rarely, if ever, sell (or sold) the 60/67 (red ring on the late cameras) and for awhile sold the 120's reasonably well. But in my stock of a dozen or so cameras right now, I have 10 84's, one 60 (older GP) and two 120's.

Did I say how much I like the 84? No distortion around the edges (the GoPro effect) and I can see pillar to pillar, which is what I think everyone ought to be looking at.

Hatzenbach

Just for reference: the video that I posted in post #4 is also recorded with a 84 degree lens. I moved the camera forward to catch less of the the two helmets and more of the view out the windshield

mikemdd

Getting back to the original topic.... Have been working with AIM folks but no solution. Looks like I will have to live with the issue. My feeling is it is related to the GP unit not having the same audio control/logic as the all in one units.

ProCoach

Hmmm. It's been proven that they do work. Are you working with the Lake Elsinore office of the US importer/distributor? Specifically, Robbie Yeoman?

mikemdd

Have been working with Zach, who has sent videos with sound, physical setup of equipment, etc. to Italy for comment. Software up to date, tried new cables, tried different AUX microphones, changed microphone location, tried different "muffling" covers. With the GP setup there is no gain control for AUX microphones, as there is with the all in one units. Also, it seems that the sound is blended between the AUX and internal microphone which may be contributing to the issue.