"Capture All the Action"

Karting presents unique challenges for video.  Video taken from spectator/pits viewing areas never provides the level of action experienced by the driver.  Camera size, durability, image stability, cabling and power limitations present significant challenges to obtaining high quality onboard video.  Even those attempting to use wireless technology (at reasonable cost) would tell you that the track setup (with multiple antenna and broadcast equipment) doesn't result in very satisfactory video... and the technology is certainly not suitable for long-tracks unless you happen to have a helicopter and pilot at your disposal !

   JMR ActionCam has worked with component suppliers and engineers to bring a small, light and system that can provide from 25 to more than 50 minutes of onboard recording with an optional 1-2gb SD/MMC card.  There are NO MOVING PARTS to be contaminated by dirt or affected by vibration.  The recording unit is powered by its own internal battery capable of recording up to 2 1/2 hours before requiring recharge.  The bullet-style "helmet cam" has its own battery pack to provide up to 4 hours of camera and audio recording power.  Finally, the SD/MMC solid-state recording media can be switched out in seconds for additional recording time or later download.

   The NTSC (TV-standard 30 frames per second) analog camera sends video and optional audio feed to the recorder worn by the driver.  This results in an MPEG-4 (also known as ASF) file being recorded in real-time.  The file can be immediately viewed using the integrated 2.5" TFT screen on the recorder,  or loaded onto a computer system using a digital media download device.  MPEG-4 files can be viewed on a computer via Windows Media Player or edited using Windows Movie Maker or other software packages.   This system is best used in an environment where power, space and noise constraints are considerations.  In addition to karting, other uses may include hunting, parachuting, mountain biking, climbing, motocross, etc.  Camera mounts are available for most specialized needs.

   A system as described above is available with a standard resolution "380" camera for $624.95, or with a  high-resolution "480" camera for $699.95.  This price does not include the SD/MMC card, which can often be purchased with retail consumer rebates in the $49-60 range for a 1gb card, or $90-120 for a 2gb card.    

   This system will be at all Superkarts! USA Great Lakes Pro Tour races in 2006. Video samples will be posted to this page throughout the season!  Files are not indicative of the quality since they have been significantly compressed due to Internet bandwidth limitations. Files converted to DVD (MPEG-2) and played on a TV set will give even better results than when played on a computer monitor. A high-speed connection (DSL/cable) is recommended for download.  Files are best viewed with Windows  Media Player.  You may wish to right click on the link, then choose "Save Target As" to download the video to your computer for subsequent playing.  This will avoid buffering issues, and files can be played multiple times without downloading again.