Helmet camera sound mod

Simbo's topic really got me thinking. I have a pre HD Drift camera with an internal only microphone. I have had a lot of fun recording my biking antics and mods but the sound had always been a problem especially at speed with the wind noise often masking the engine. I know some of the more expensive cameras have an external mic to enable putting it hidden somewhere for a more pleasant soundtrack. So for those who have a stone age camera like me and fancy a bit of fun with a soldering iron, here is a step by step guide to a cheapo upgrade.



Here's my original with the mic hidden beneath the plastic circle:









So first off, remove the screws to see what's inside:







There's the mic behind a not very effective windshield:







Pull it out ready to snip the wires:







Take out the tiny microphone:







Take a length of screened cable (I used about 5') and solder on to the mic terminals:







Tape up the joints after soldering - you could use sleeve but these wires are very small to work on! Do the same inside the camera to the microphone output wires:







Now close up the case and test the camera to see that the new external mic is functioning ok:








Tidy up the microphone end with some foam and a bit of tape:








I had an old helmet that I decided to use just for wearing when I film. I taped up the bracket at the right angle and blacked out the camera case abit because the orange is a bit too obvious for my liking. There she is, my lid with camera and extension mic to put out of the way - under seat or in pocket (safer probably) away from the wind:





Tested the DL650 today (I'm in-between Intruders at the moment!) on a very windy road at 60 mph and very impressed with the clear engine sound. Will post a video. I think improvements will be a 1/8" socket and plug arrangement to enable taking off the cable from the camera.

Nice mod mate. I suppose you could solder a bigger and better microphone on at the same time if you wanted? Provided its the same voltage?

Bunso Steel wrote:

Nice mod mate. I suppose you could solder a bigger and better microphone on at the same time if you wanted? Provided its the same voltage?

Good idea. Actually the microphone is pretty good, just let down by the positioning. This one is very light and fits into my pocket easily.

Very Good Idea John Cracking write up My camera hasn't come yet and I'm already thinking of taking it apart

Now that's thinking outside the box John, excellent write up mate.
Will look forward to the video.

Thats very clever Blues

Well thought out and executed John

Sim's great video today was quite a coincidence as I'd been out with the camera too!... as I have not tested out my external mic lead properly due to all the shitty weather in December, I decided to give it a whirl today. I have been getting a bit uneasy with the speedo showing so decided to mount the camera on the fairing. Not nearly as good a view as on the head or tank but a bit less risky in case the speed drifts up a bit! I put the mike under the passenger seat. Quick tests a while back showed that the tools etc rattle on the soundtrack so I cleared out the compartment and wrapped the mic in a soft cloth. I was quite pleased with the lack of wind noise, even at high speed:

That works really well putting the mike there John. Might be worth mounting it in there permanently with a quick connection available. I will try mine there when I next go out.

think that does it for me i now want a camera for my bike

That's a good position I'll give that a try Your bike sounds terrific

does sound nice recon yours will sound pritty cool when you do the mike mod sim although you might have to wire two mikes in one for under your seet and one for joe to sing into

fat intruder wrote:

does sound nice recon yours will sound pritty cool when you do the mike mod sim although you might have to wire two mikes in one for under your seet and one for joe to sing into

Not a bad idea! Actually voice overs are easy with a mic in the computer - you can do a commentary after the ride on the spare sound track or even sing a bit!

The engine sounds great John,must admit miss that sound at times.