Cockpit Video - camcorder audio adaptor???

[EricTheRed]

Hi,

I would like to record the pilot/ATC conversations when I use a camcorder in the cockpit, instead of the constant wind/prop noise you get from the internal mic. This will hopefully make my airborne video a bit less boring!

I wonder if anybody knows where I can buy a suitable splitter/adaptor in the UK - or can even tell me how to make one myself.

The camcorder audio input is 2.5mm stereo mini jack.

Many thanks for your help.

Eric

[maxmobil]

Hi,
first I would need to know what type of aircraft You want to be in; in jetliners for example most headsets use 3-pin XLR connectors; I don't know about the wiring but with three pins only there is nopt much room for mistakes. If You use the observer's headset You can also record the pilots conversation via intercom and You can adjust the volume individually.
I would make sure that the camcorder has 2.5 mm jacks as all models I know have 3.5mm jacks.
What kind of equipment do You use ? I used a manfrotto suction plate to mount the camcorder to the side window, it worked well.

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This Airbus is o.k., but why did it come with a RENAULT key ??

[EricTheRed]

Thanks Maxmobil....

Sorry about the 2.5mm - it was a typo. 3.5mm is correct.

Would like to record in a PA34 and B737-200.

The impedance mismatch is what concerns me the most. The spec for the mic input is:-

0.388mV low impedance with 2.5 to 3.0 V DC, output impedance 6.8K Ohms.

I'm looking for some kind of suction mount, but not sure if I can justify the (high)expense I've so far encountered! The camcorder only weighs about 700g.

Thanks again for your help.

Eric

[Squawk 8888]

I went for the low-tech solution that works like a charm. Get a tie-clip microphone from Radio Shack, remove the clip and tuck the mic in your headset. It's small enough that you won't even know it's there.

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Nuke the rainforest- it's more efficient than logging.

[maxmobil]

As for the camera mount, I have also tried the manfrotto "magic arm" in conjunction with the manfrotto clamp; in the 737 there are certainly many positions where You can clamp it onto; during T/O and LDG however the vibrations will probably prevent reasonably picture quality.
Once I also had a camcorder mounted behind the (straight) center windshield of the MD80 during cruise. This made wonderful footage.I simply stuffed newspapers above and below the camcorder to make it fit between glareshield panel and overhead panel.

As for the limited space available in the PA34, did You consider a minicamera in the size of 3cm in diameter, which can be strapped to Your headset and tapes the pilot's view? This wouldn't be prone to vibrations

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This Airbus is o.k., but why did it come with a RENAULT key ??

[Londoner]

I have been told that the telephone mics that have a suction cup built into them work well. I have never tried this myself, but I assume that the cup would be attached to one of the headset cans.
Would love to know how you make out since I'd like to try the same at some point.
Another thought would be to have the speaker in the aircraft going and hope the camcorder picks it up - probably try that one if all else fails! :)

[EricTheRed]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

However, I am still in the dark concerning the technicality of an adaptor lead for the cockpit audio.

[Tor]

I tried once using a cable with a normal jackstick (like the one on the headset) and a mini-jack in the other end to go in the camcorder. No engine noise, however, there was an irritating high pitch tone that changed with the prop revs. I guess this is because of the difference in the output of the intercom and the input of the cam mic that you mentioned?

Please post if you find solution as I'm interested to know as well - thanks.

[maxmobil]

Hi,

You did not yet mention the type of socket/outlet for the headset installed in the aircraft. In my A320 for example there are two sockets for each headset, one 6.25 mm socket and another "canon" or "XLR" female socket with 4 contacts.
The 6.25 mm socket is for headphones only and shouldn't be any problem to connect to the camcorder via an 6.25 to 3.5 mm adaptor.
The XLR socket is different because I have to find out the wiring first, it's including microphone AND headphone.

Regards,
Markus

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This Airbus is o.k., but why did it come with a RENAULT key ??