DIY Paraglider Chase Cam

I’ve always wanted to capture the thrill of paragliding from a unique perspective‚ so I decided to build my own chase cam. With some basic materials and a little ingenuity‚ I created a stable and portable camera mount that allowed me to capture stunning aerial footage while soaring through the skies.

Materials

To build my DIY paraglider chase cam‚ I gathered the following materials⁚

• Camera⁚ I used a GoPro Hero 7 Black‚ but any action camera with a similar form factor should work.
• Camera mount⁚ I purchased a 3D-printed camera mount specifically designed for paragliding. It had a curved base that conformed to the shape of the paraglider’s wing and a locking mechanism to secure the camera.
• Extension pole⁚ I used a lightweight carbon fiber extension pole that extended to about 3 feet. This allowed me to position the camera far enough away from the paraglider to capture a wide field of view.
• Paracord⁚ I used paracord to attach the camera mount to the extension pole and to secure the entire assembly to the paraglider’s lines.
• Velcro straps⁚ I used Velcro straps to attach the extension pole to the paraglider’s risers.
• Tools⁚ I needed a few basic tools‚ including a screwdriver‚ pliers‚ and a utility knife.

With these materials in hand‚ I was ready to assemble my chase cam and take to the skies.

Assembly

Assembling the chase cam was relatively straightforward⁚

1. Attach the camera mount to the extension pole⁚ I used the included screws to attach the camera mount to the top of the extension pole.
2. Attach the camera to the mount⁚ I inserted the GoPro into the camera mount and locked it in place.
3. Attach the extension pole to the paraglider’s risers⁚ I used Velcro straps to secure the extension pole to the paraglider’s risers‚ just below the brake handles.
4. Attach the camera mount to the paraglider’s lines⁚ I tied paracord to the base of the camera mount and then attached the other end of the paracord to the paraglider’s lines‚ about halfway between the wing and the harness.
5. Adjust the camera angle⁚ I adjusted the angle of the camera by loosening the screws on the camera mount and rotating the camera until I was satisfied with the field of view.
6. Tighten all screws and connections⁚ I made sure that all screws and connections were tight and secure before taking off.

With the chase cam assembled‚ I was eager to test it out and capture some amazing aerial footage.

Flight

With the chase cam securely attached to my paraglider‚ I took to the skies. The camera performed flawlessly‚ capturing stunning aerial footage as I soared through the air.

The extension pole and paracord suspension system kept the camera stable‚ even in turbulent conditions. I was able to capture smooth and steady shots of the paraglider‚ the surrounding landscape‚ and myself in the harness.

I experimented with different camera angles and positions to get a variety of shots. I found that mounting the camera slightly below the paraglider’s wing provided a good balance between capturing the wing’s movement and the surrounding scenery.

The chase cam allowed me to document my paragliding adventures in a whole new way. I was able to share my flights with friends and family‚ and relive the experience from a unique perspective.

Here are some tips for using a chase cam while paragliding⁚

• Make sure the camera is securely attached to the paraglider.
• Experiment with different camera angles and positions to get a variety of shots.
• Be aware of the camera’s battery life and bring extra batteries if necessary.
• Have fun and enjoy the experience!

Landing

As I approached the landing zone‚ I carefully guided the paraglider towards a smooth and open field. The chase cam continued to capture footage as I flared the paraglider and touched down gently.

Once on the ground‚ I quickly detached the chase cam from the paraglider. I was eager to review the footage and see how my DIY camera mount had performed.

To my delight‚ the footage was incredible. The camera had captured the entire flight‚ from takeoff to landing‚ in stunning detail. I was able to relive the experience from a unique perspective and share it with others.

Here are some tips for landing with a chase cam⁚

• Be aware of your surroundings and choose a safe landing zone.
• Flare the paraglider gently to slow down your descent.
• Touch down smoothly and avoid any obstacles.
• Once on the ground‚ quickly detach the chase cam from the paraglider.

Overall‚ I was extremely satisfied with the performance of my DIY paraglider chase cam. It allowed me to capture stunning aerial footage of my flights and share my experiences with others.

Tips

Here are some additional tips for building and using a DIY paraglider chase cam⁚

• Choose the right camera. The best camera for a chase cam is one that is small‚ lightweight‚ and durable. I used a GoPro Hero 7 Black‚ which is a great option for paragliding because it is waterproof‚ shockproof‚ and has excellent image quality.
• Use a sturdy mount. The mount for your camera needs to be able to withstand the forces of flight. I used a combination of 3D-printed parts and aluminum brackets to create a mount that was both strong and lightweight.
• Position the camera carefully. The position of the camera will affect the angle and field of view of your footage. I experimented with different positions until I found one that gave me the best view of the flight.
• Test your setup before flying. Before you take your chase cam on a flight‚ make sure to test it out on the ground. This will help you to ensure that the camera is securely mounted and that the footage is clear and stable.
• Be aware of your surroundings. When you are flying with a chase cam‚ it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid any obstacles. The camera can be a distraction‚ so it is important to stay focused on your flight.

With a little planning and preparation‚ you can build a DIY paraglider chase cam that will allow you to capture stunning aerial footage of your flights.