HD Kite Hero Vid. Stabilizer Mod Test

[C.J.]

http://vimeo.com/10148734

[stringy]

looks good.
good job on getting it stabilized.

[Vinny]

I like the "dive submarine" shot! Did you use Virtualdub and deshaker then?

[C.J.]

its a mechanical stabilizer.

I used a fiberglass rod from an old stunt kite and zip tied it to the Kite hero mount so that the rod sits across the steering lines. it makes it so the camera can't spin unless the bar spins.

[Robert]

Dude, that is smooth! Great video too, lots of jumping. We need some variety from Clown's cruiser videos (hehe, just messin with you Craig!) I loved the slow motion crashes. That last one was epic, made me almost feel it.

[rodeo clown]

thats really cool dude...
I catch myself leaning into the turns while watching it!
can u post a pick of the modified mount?

[C.J.]

haha this clown can read minds! I was just about to post it.


Most importantly this is just a mod. modding is dangerous so do so at your own risk. Hopefully one of you might invent a better mod

Here's my prototype. as you can see at the heart of it is Stringy's awesome Kitehero mount.

I was really impressed with his finished design. There is definitely a lot of work that when into his mount.

On to the mods. This goes for everyone. As with any mods please remember that there is risk involved and if you mod your kite gear don't blame me or stringy if you get hurt because of it. this is my own man cave creation so it is in no way affiliated with the Kite Hero brand.

So what you will need:
(3) zip ties
(1) 1/8" solid Fiberglass delta kite spar or equivalent. Don't use graphite because it has much less flexibility and can crack easily (the spar must be at least a couple inches wider then the steering line spacing at the point where you want to attach the camera)

warning zip ties can break if the camera is dragged through the water at high speed.

Install the kite hero as normal. then once you are safely out in the water you will want to land your kite on the water and adjust the spar so that it is sitting UNDER your steering lines on both sides. Over the lines works too but I found under the steering lines works best.

If you already have a gopro and a kitehero then the parts cost will probably be around $1.50? You can find the fiberglass spar at a kite shop or if you're like me you probably have one in your closet if you have any old delta stunt kites.