What do I need so I can capture in car footage?

Apart from a Racecam Kit you will need some form of recording device either a Handycam/camcorder or a hard drive recorder.

How does a Racecam Kit work?

The image captured by the high resolution bullet camera is fed into a recording device which you store in your vehicle. The bullet camera takes its power from the interface box that's connected to your car battery. The interface box also includes a voltage regulator and a pre-amp microphone that feds the audio soundtrack to the recording device. The bullet camera is securely mounted to the vehicle using our professional, adjustable camera mount.

How easy is it to fit a Racecam Kit?

Our simple plug-and-play connection system makes it very easy. It should take no longer than 10 minutes to fit a single Racecam and 15 minutes to fit a 2 Camera system. Fine tuning the view takes the majority of the time.

How is the video and audio signal sent to the recording device?

Via an A/V (audio/video) lead. This is a standard lead with a jack connector one end and 3 coloured phono sockets at the other end. This lead is normally provided with the recording device.

How much power does it take to run a Racecam system?

Not much is the simple answer. A single Racecam draws 149m amps and a 2 Camera system 298m amps - about the same as leaving an interior light on in your road car. We run a 2 Camera system in our F2 car which has a total loss system (no alternator) and it has no detrimental effect whatsoever on the performance of the car battery. Obviously, if you have a car with an alternator then it will make no difference at all.

Do I need a recording device with an A/V in or A/V out?

You must have a recording device with an A/V in connection to receive the bullet camera signal as well as an A/V out facility if you wish to play back your recording on an external monitor or TV.

Tell me more about the Racecam plug-and-play connection system

We have totally smoothed out the connection process and reduced the amount of connectors and adaptors as well as minimising the amount of leads and cabling. Our simple plug-and-play connection system is fully colour-coded and we defy any one to connect it up wrong - even a racing driver!

How do I activate record?

This depends on your recording device, the simplest way is to use a Sony or Cannon Handycam as these can be connected to a single touch Lanc remote control which is included in all our Racecam Kits. Alternatively, you can use a hard drive recorder with touch-screen functionality. The Lanc remote control also has the added benefit of powering up the handycam into the correct mode and enabling you to select record by the push of a button. Your instructions are visually confirmed by a coloured LED light.

Where do I position the Lanc remote control switch?

Anywhere out the way and within arms length, many people use the dash.

Which handycam do you recommend?

We have always used Sony Mini DV handycams, they are the perfect combination of quality, small, lightweight and excellent value for money.

Which hard drive recorder do you recommend?

That depends on your budget, if you want the best which is manufactured to IP67 standards you should seriously consider the new Stack hard drive recorder especially if you want to run it with a synchronised data-logging system. If you just want a cheaper recorder that can only be used to record video footage as a direct replacement for a handycam then we can supply a small compact recorder with a playback screen for less than £500.

Do I need circuit permission to run a Racecam Kit?

That depends on the circuit, some may ask you sign a declaration to say you will not use the footage for commercial purposes, others (especially those in Europe) never seem the slightest bit interested.

Do I need scrutineer's approval?

Always treat your Racecam kit as you would any component on your car, you must therefore ensure it is fixed safe and secure.

Can I download my footage onto a PC and produce DVD's?

Sure, there is no reason why not, you just need the right software. We use Pinnacle Studio because we have never been able to get on with the Sony image mixer software that comes with every Sony handycam.