I've been thinking about how to install and power my video camera and its recorder. I have also been thinking about how to make access to the Dynon from my laptop easier. The solution I came up with is as follows:
1. I purchased the extra map box that is delivered if you buy a second Dynon. I'm installing additional electrical stuff in this box. 2. I have mounted the recorder on the top of the map box with velcro, and drilled a couple of holes on the side of the box so that the video/audio cable and power cable can be routed inside the box. 3. I have brought a spur from the 12volt auxiliary (cigarette lighter) circuit into the box to power the camera/recorder. I'll have to remember to unplug the unit after use as this is an unswitched circuit and is continually powered directly from the battery. 4. I have brought the video cable into the box, routed from the top of the tail fin. 5. I have installed the option to tap into the passenger headset socket. Instead of installing an auxiliary socket, I have routed a cable into the box (via 47k ohm resistors) terminated with a 3.5mm jack. This attaches to the video recorder. I should now be recording the intercom soundtrack along with the video. 6. I have used the Dynon-supplied DSUB to USB cable to present the USB plug at the side of the map box. I should now be able to readily attach the laptop with a USB extension cable. It will now be easy to install updates (V5.4 is just out), to upload checklists, and to download test flight parameters. 7. A future task is to consider the possibility of mounting my video camera at the top of the tail fin. I had originally intended to mount it inside the fibreglass moulding, but this restricts the camera field of view to one fixed position. I'm now thinking of fixing it on top of the fin, so that it can be rotated through 360 degrees. Less tidy, but more functional. Meanwhile I'll just mount it on a camera bracket in the cockpit.
