For anyone using Aiptek AH-D in car

Kemo · 02-09-2010, 11:04 AM

I purchased a used Aiptek AH-D on fleabay for $40 to experiment in car. My first videos literally sucked. I was just backing out of the driveway and driving down the street. The video was ok but the sound was disgusting. Lots of clicking and just humming and couldnt hear any thing at all. Just a buncha noise.

After some research, I found out that there are some firmware updates.

I went from Firmware 1.600 to 2.xxx(cant remember the exact version). I got these updates from email conversations with Aiptek support.

It makes a HUGE difference. Minimal crackling and buzzing, it seems like the bleaching effect is reduced in full sun as well.

If you have an Aiptek AH-D with crappy sound, I would highly recommend you contact Aiptek support.

krystar · 02-09-2010, 11:41 AM

wondering if the AH-D+ in 1080p is worth it over 720p....

Kemo · 02-09-2010, 03:01 PM

im not too sure...i cant tell the diff between the DVD resolution and the 720p...1080p? who knows

glewis80SC · glewis80SC's Garage

I use it as my track video camera, the video comes out good especially the HD, the audio is ok, I've been happy with it as a track camera. No buzzing etc for me..

berettafan · 02-10-2010, 08:27 AM

is this thing the best buy for budget in car video right now?

jpnovak · 02-10-2010, 10:16 AM

I do not expect it would be hard to open up the unit and add an external microphone to help the sound. Do they have stereo (L/R) microphones? A lapel mike hidden under the rear deck (or RS carpet) does wonders to pick up engine sounds and eliminate wind noise. Even taping a section of foam over the microphone access will help cut wind noise. Just make sure the tape doesn't interfere with the opening.

glewis80SC · glewis80SC's Garage

I have not tried the external mic. im sure it would im prove if I did, i will try it out next time, for the $100.00 it cost you really cant beat it.

krystar · 02-10-2010, 02:17 PM

yea i've seen alot of DIY's on modding the aiptek mics. some ppl have put a 3.5mm jack to plug in an external. others have hardwires external powered mics.

drew9146 · 02-10-2010, 08:37 PM

FYI; my older Aiptek camcorder (not sure of the model but it's not HD) has a AV input and came with a Y connector that allows me to input a bullet cam and external 12v mic and just use the Aiptek as a recorder. This works well except the sound still sucks. I have the mic in a sock mounted up under the dash, so the problem definately is not wind noise. I haven't gotten around to trying a new mic, but I think the volume of sound is saturating the Aiptek input circuit.

Plavan · Plavan's Garage

I have the Aiptek A-HD plus 1080- The best little cheap camera for the money- I have tested alot for in car use.

I run it at 720 with 60 frames a sec. That is the best for in car use.

My firmware is 1.9 on it. I'm scared to upgrade the firmware because I feel the sound and picture are fine. There are some bad stories about upgrading to the 2.02 firmware and things changing for the worse.

Here are a couple of examples of the quality (Keep in mind these are converted and look even better when run on a computer/tv in full glory)
I'm sure some of you have seen these. The sound is acceptable to me.

The first video can be HD if you have a computer that can run it. You have to click on it and goto the site to see in HD (When you embed video in a forum it is only standard def) (HD link make sure HD is clicked "on" from the screen)

The second video is in the "DVD" resolution so we could maximize the 16gb memory card for 9 hours of video.

from Chad P. on Vimeo.

berettafan · 02-11-2010, 08:14 AM

Chad can the Aiptek survive outside mounting as well? Say something on the side of the car to give a sense of slip?

Plavan · Plavan's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by berettafan

Chad can the Aiptek survive outside mounting as well? Say something on the side of the car to give a sense of slip?

I'm sure it could with the proper mount. It really is a cheap camera if anything ever would happen to it. Best bang for the buck.

jpnovak · 02-12-2010, 10:57 AM

Chad, What are you using for data acq. and video overlay?

Plavan · Plavan's Garage

Quote:

Chad, What are you using for data acq. and video overlay?

Traqmate logger and trackvision software overlay. Both good items.

glewis80SC · glewis80SC's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by berettafan

Chad can the Aiptek survive outside mounting as well? Say something on the side of the car to give a sense of slip?

The Cleat - 4.5" Suction-Cup Camera Mount
This is what I use for outside mount, the camera handles it well you just need to cover the mic from the wind.

glewis80SC · glewis80SC's Garage

Here is an outside shot from my work, the suction cup holds on really well.

ninesixfour · 02-22-2010, 07:38 PM

Here is some DE footage from an Aiptek Action HD GVS with an external mic from an old PC. Without the external mic it sounds terrible.

from Chris Martin on Vimeo.

chicago_82sc · chicago_82sc's Garage

Chris:

Can you provide details on how you set up the external mic? I'm looking for a low cost video alternative for this season and your video looked and sounded great.

ninesixfour · 02-23-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicago_82sc

Chris:

Can you provide details on how you set up the external mic? I'm looking for a low cost video alternative for this season and your video looked and sounded great.

The mic is one that came with a PC I bought about 12 years ago. It has a 3.5mm plug that goes right into the jack on the Aiptek. The mic itself is located underneath my carpet behind the heater controls, essentially on top of the transmission tunnel. This keeps the wind noise to a minimum, and you get that great whine from the transmission. It looks essentially like this one: