KAP - Video Downlink

What is it?

It is a small transmitter that broadcasts (with a very weak signal) the video output of the KAP camera or a separate minature camera. This signal is picked up on the ground and viewed on a monitor by the KAPer. In short, it is a remote viewfinder.

Raison d'etre

You don't actually need a video downlink to be a successful KAPer. My downlink exists because I like gadgets; because I would like a better hit rate and because my family footed the bill as a birthday present.

Rig Three

Or should that be 2.1 - or even 1.2? the fact is that my current rig is still the original frame. I have changed servos, camera, battery packs, suspension method and configuration in a constant effort to improve upon the original.

Since the video downlink is still expiremental it is currently held in place by velcro. The receiver battery pack has been relocate to keep the rig balanced and it too has velcro tapes. This method of fixing gives me the option to add/remove the video Tx without too much trouble.

The Tx is fed from the camers's video out socket. The power is supplied by 8 AAA batteries. I had looked into the possibility of a voltage step-up circuit but found this to be impractical for me at the moment.

The all up weight of the rig, including the pendulum suspension is 2.2lbs [1.02Kg]. I have done some static testing and everything seems to work fine. Watch this space for a report of my first proper KAP session with the downlink.

You will find a discussion on video downlink here [KAP Cameras >Video Downlink]. The thread is current now (13 March 2006) but should remain available for some time.