DIY GoPole for GoPro Hero2

Saw this project on the internet and decided to give it a go.

Materials:

(1) Telescopic walking pole

(1) Screw

(1) Bolt

(2) Washers

Size 6 Drill bit

Drill (I used an electric screwdriver with hex link)

Pliers

Screwdriver

Hammer

Steps:

1. Flatten the edge of the pole with a hammer.

2. Punch small holes on both sides of the pole.

3. Drill a hole on the pole.

4. Insert the screw, washer and secure with the bolt.

5. Attach the GoPro tripod mount on the bolt.

6. Attach the camera.

7. Shoot!

Pole position!

Image taken using the GoPro with Wifi BacPac and iPhone app control.

GoPro WiFi kit and remote + LCD bacpac

After the long wait I finally got the GoPro Hero2 LCD bacpac. Not only that, I also got the WiFi and remote kit!

The LCD bacpac makes it easier to compose and preview shots on the camera. This makes my GoPro just like a smaller, compact full HD video camcorder.

The WiFi and remote kit is the accessory that blows my mind. According to the specs sheet the WiFi remote can:

• Control up to 50 cameras at a time from up to 600’/180m in optimal conditions
• Enjoy full camera control, including On/Off, Shutter and Settings control
• LCD screen mirrors your camera’s LCD status screen
• Attachment strap, key ring, and charging cable included
• Wearable and waterproof to 10’/3m

The Wi-Fi BacPac attaches to your GoPro camera, enabling long range remote control (600’/180m in optimal conditions) when used with the Wi-Fi Remote. To Wi-Fi enable multiple GoPro cameras, Wi-Fi BacPacs can be purchased individually.

I was also able to use my iPad as a camera controller with the full preview of what I’m shooting! All it took was installing the free GoPro app downloadable from the iTunes store and voila! Instant Scorcese/Jerry Bruckheimer/Steven Spielberg!

Here’s a demo video of the GoPro remote and WiFi kit.

Going HD

It’s been a while since my last entry.

Just sharing a recent acquisition – the Go Pro Hero 2 HD camera! I used a Flip mini video camera before during runs and travels but the resolution was only good for internet videos. Plus the Flip was limited in the sense that I had to hold it in my hand.

After much thought I decided to get the Go Pro from R.O.X. in BHS. I plan to use it for motorcycle rides, running races, and general video documentation. Heck, I’m even thinking of how to mount it on my guitar so I can get POV shots.

Today, I tried the camera when I rode the Ducati to a meeting and the office. I attached the curved mounting sticker on top of my Shoei modular helmet. That instantly limited the movement of the face protector because the camera hits the visor when I pull it up. That means I need to get a small angled extension mount.

I got the Outdoor Edition so I only had a couple of sticker mounts, a head strap and a vented helmet strap. I’m beginning to regret not getting the Motorsports Edition because I’m missing the suction cup mount assembly. I used the vented helmet strap and lashed it on to the Monster’s trellis frame. This wasn’t such a good idea as the engine vibration and road conditions affected video recording. Video ended up a little shaky aside from the fact that it was tilted sideways. I have extension arms for the mount but I figured that these would add more camera shake and vibration because the camera would be far front the bike body.

There are a lot of options for the camera. I like the fact that there are alternatives to mounting it on a bike, a car, a baby stroller or any part of the body for those creative shots.

Here’s a link of the video I took today:

The Rainman Rides

I started writing here after I got into running and organizing the Corregidor International Half-Marathon. I don’t really think of this blog as a “running” blog because occasionally, I share travels, adventure and even law. Now I have another reason to write about and share. Just recently, I got myself a motorcycle. Yes, a big bike. It’s like living a childhood dream!

Since I have not been running much the writing also stopped. My last running event was the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon which was a disaster. I blame myself for not preparing for the event. I was too busy with work that training was at a bare minimum.

Another reason for the limited road mileage is the fact that my right foot developed a heel spur. (Read about it in a previous post Spur of the Moment ).

I have never ridden a motorcycle in my life and now I have an 800 cc Ducati Monster. Hence, for two weeks, the bike was cooped up in the garage. For another week, I was just starting the engine and twisting the throttle. Then I got the the necessary riding equipment: helmet, jacket, gloves, boots and knee pads. I began riding the rocket in circles around the garage. The rest is now history.

The day she arrived.

Sunday morning breakfast ride in Burgos Circle with (From L to R) Jay, Nestor, Kara, Tom, JM, Jody and Toto.

I have only started riding the bike to nearby coffee shops in my area or for meeting with clients. On weekends, I meet fellow rider friends for breakfast. Who knows, soon  I’d be doing long distance rides to interesting places in the Philippines like what Ernesto “Che” Guevarra did in South America.

This is the first of my “Motorcycle Diaries”. The Rainman Rides.

*Special thanks to Rene Sangco of lensmates Photography

App Review: Nike Training Club

It’s a personal trainer application for the iPad or iPhone.

Choose your workout. The exercises cover cardio, strength, core and interval training. Each workout lasts for 30++ minutes.

There are detailed instructions and video demos to guide you while you workout.
Plus, you can customize your workout playlist!

While you workout a Nike coach gives you instructions. You can pause the workout anytime to access the video demo.

I recommend it to anyone who needs motivation and cross training routines.

Ridiculous

The Blackberry Data Plan via service provider scheme is simply ridiculous!

Plus Gmail users have to integrate the phone with the data plan to browse email. You can’t simply use WiFi or GPRS!

I can’t help but regret getting the Blackberry 9700. 😦

I know it’s a good phone but how come RIM made it so difficult to use?!?

Where RIM fails, Apple succeeds. All Apple gadgets are (almost) ready to use straight out from the box.

Plus the Apps are idiot-proof.

Tip to RIM: KISS – Keep It Simple (for the) Stupid!

Some people don’t have the time or patience to do your setup requirements. Think out of the box. As in end users should be able to enjoy your product immediately after taking it out of the box!

Motivation in a Black Box

A reason to train…hard? Not exactly.

Now I have a gadget that can measure the things I do when I train. This means no more guess work on what’s going on inside!

I’m still looking forward though to this other gadget to measure speed (distance/time).

My Stats:

Heart Rate max 190 (High activity – 3-5 hours a week. Participating in at least 3 times a week in heavy physical training. Ex. 20-50km per week or 3-5 hours per week in comparable physical activity.)

Heart Rate sit 60

VO2 max 59

Flipped out at the TNF Thrill of the Trail Run 2010

It’s my first trail run for the year. Since I just ran a 42k last week I decided to sign up for the 11k trail event and take it “easy”. The TNF run coincides with Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year so I wore red for luck and love. Cheesy!

We left early to catch a light breakfast on the road. The weather that morning was pleasant and a bit breezy. Perfect time to test the little Flip camcorder Marga and I got for Run Radio. I knew it would be a challenge to carry a gadget like that even if it was small because conditions on the trail can be unpredictable. Slips, sprains or falls can easily happen if I wasn’t too careful. I got out unscathed thankfully. But I almost lost the Flip when I paused to take the sand and stones in my socks and shoes after the river crossing. I dashed from the water station immediately leaving the Flip behind! I was a bit far from the place when I remembered so I had to rush back. Silly and stupid.

I don’t regret bringing the camcorder though because I got some shots of the trail, the river and the finish. Beats writing the little details of the race. Now you can see what happened from my point of view. I just hope you don’t mind the bouncing. It was tough to keep the camera steady with my pace.

Note: The video clips were raw not edited, except for the splicing and the music.

Team Run Radio: Dingdong, Bards, Marga and Luis

The TNF Starting Line at the Nuvali Solenad Area

Post race with Edward, Bards, Jaymie and Dingdong

Poetic photo by Edward

Dear Prudence

“Dear Prudence, won’t you come out to play
Dear Prudence, greet the brand new day
The sun is up, the sky is blue
It’s beautiful and so are you
Dear Prudence won’t you come out to play”

These words played in my head as I pulled her off her case. Now she can plug in to an amp! Once I played my first song I got so excited with the brilliance of the sound. I appreciate the melody even more now as the amp just boosts every detail.

Unfortunately, there’s a slight feedback on the E string when idle. I still have to get a feedback buster from the music store and scout for a good pre-amp or a graphic or parametric equalizer.

What was installed? The Duncan|Turner Acoustice Research (D TAR) SADDUCER.

The Sadducer™ is an under-saddle-transducer for acoustic guitar that uses six discrete piezo crystals, one for each string. The result is a high-output pickup designed for even frequency response. It’s exceptional for melody players, especially those who play over the entire fingerboard. But perhaps the biggest benefit is that, unlike other piezo pickups, the Sadducer does not require a built-in or off-board preamp to boost and smooth the signal. That means no batteries required!

A normal guitar jack plugs into the Sadducer and any guitar amp. I recommend an acoustic guitar amp for the best acoustic sound.

It doubles as a guitar strap nut. So I also had the old strap nut moved on the neck. Not she can be played standing up. Excellent for gigs!

If you want to be more technical about it here are the features:

Feature	Benefit
Uses discrete piezo crystals	Better string to string balance. Increased responsiveness to the guitar top’s vibrations for great tone
High output response	No need for expensive on-board electronics to boost signal
Lower output impedance than film type transducers	No buffering preamp required, no battery required, simpler installation
Thin height profile	Allows for optimal saddle placement in bridge slot, generally without need to modify slot
Thin width profile	Accommodates both 1/8″ and 3/32″ saddles
Available in steel string and nylon string versions	Optimized for type of guitar

The men responsible: Ramon and Jenner of Audiophile Greenhills.

QCIM Prep

Due to the crazy weather, not to mention the two big typhoons that his Metro Manila and Northern Luzon, the training for my first full marathon got sidetracked. But this did not keep me from pursuing this would be “lifetime achievement.” Kung hindi ngayon, kailan. Kung di ako, sino? Postponing this run to a later date will just be delaying the inevitable.

I had two whole weeks to cram a training routine but as per a veteran-runner brod’s advice: “You can’t get any fitter than how you are now.” I complete junked the idea of doing conditioning long training runs. What I did was to rest, eat well and psych myself up.

Come the day prior to the race, I had a relaxing manicure and pedicure. 🙂

By 8:30 PM the night before I was tucked in bed already.

OC.

I did an inventory of the stuff I will be needing for the run. As I had to wake up early, laying them down in one corner would save me prep time. Except for the extra Gatorade and water which I entrusted to my bike support, most of the items in the photo were on me the whole time.

1. Sunglasses

2. Cap

3. T1 Tights

4. Nike Pro Sleeveless undershirt

5. Adidas Jersey

6. Newton Stability Racer

7. Fuel Belt

8. Gu (4 tubes)

9. Race bib and map

10. Pain reliever meds and sunblock

Breakfast of Champs: Banana Nutella French Toast!

I woke up at 2AM to make breakfast and hydrate. I could hear the sound of live band music from the bars in front of the condo.

The night was still young for these party goers. I also realized that as everyone  was preparing to get to sleep or partying the night away, there I was up and ready to run. And it was my birthday. While having “breakfast” I saw birthday greetings from nocturnal friends on facebook. I replied to some of them over toast just before gearing up and leaving for the starting line.