GoPro

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You have probably noticed some of the photos in my blog have part of the bike's cowling showing.  Like this:

Let me give you a clue as to why that is:

See that shadow on the left side of the bike?  (With the red circle around it, in case you missed it.)  That's what we are here to talk about today. 

You see, my wife gave me a GoPro HD Hero 2 for my birthday, year before last. 
 

For the longest time, I couldn't figure out a good way to mount it without using one of the adhesive mounts on my helmet or on the bike.  I didn't like the idea of using either, because the mounts are hard to remove, and the top helmet mount makes the camera act like a sail in the wind stream.

I finally came to the realization that I would have to pry my wallet open and get some other kind of mount.  After diligent study, I settled on a large suction cup mount to be attached to the plastic cowling of the bike.

AUCMT-301 Suction Cup Mount

I found a suitable place for it on the bike cowling, but was concerned that the mount would come loose after a period of time, so I suctioned it to the bike, and did my best to dislodge it by hand.  I couldn't do it without overstressing the plastic. 

I left it on for a couple of weeks, and it seemed to remain just as tight.  So far, so good.  Here is the mounting location, just below the "Ninja" lettering: 

I put the camera in the clear plastic case with the closed back that comes with the camera, and affixed some wire ties between the base of the camera case and the frame of the bike, just in case something let loose and came apart along the way.

Then I took a little trip with the camera running.  The video was fine, but the sound was disappointing.  The sealed case helps to reduce wind noise well enough, so that is not the problem.  The issue is that the vibration of the cowlings of the motorcycle creates a loud buzz at certain engine RPM.  The buzz is a well-known problem of the Ninja 650R, unfortunately. 

I have not fixed that yet, but I have taken several runs at calming the buzzy cowlings down in the past.  It will take a further concerted effort to find all of the places that hum and put some more foam rubber weatherstripping in each joint. 


Well less than a year after I got the little camera, I began to notice that it would not power on again when the battery needed to be changed.  Sometimes it would not power on at all, even the first time.  No matter what I did, it wouldn't work.  I tinkered with the spare batteries, and with the charger, and with the SD card in and out, and manipulated the shutter button in all manner of sequence with the on/off button, but to no avail. My camera was what they call "bricked" in England. 

By the time I came to that realization, the unit was out of warranty, so a Googling I went.  I found that MANY owners of this GoPro model had the same problem.  Website after website and forum after forum did not really give an answer: Only bits and pieces of possible solutions were found. 

So, here is what I did to make it work again: 

• The article HD HERO2 Does Not Power On helped by describing how to power the camera on using a USB charger, but NOT using a USB cable plugged into a computer: You want a charger only.  Disconnect any BacPac accessories or cables from the camera and also remove the camera's battery and SD card.  With no battery in the camera, use the USB cable to connect your camera to a USB wall charger that outputs 5 Volts and 1 Amp or so.  Once connected to the charger, the red LED on the front of the camera should flicker.  Firmly press and release the Power button, and the camera should power on within a few seconds.  I had to do this several times before it worked. 
  My camera would still not power on with the battery in it after this was done, so onward..... 
• I decided that the software in the camera needed to be updated.  After all, what did I have to lose?  The original software version that was loaded in the camera was HD2.08.12.70   (The version can be found in the file version.txt on SD card.)   The latest version of software as of today is HD2.08.12.312    This information is available on the GoProSoftware Update Release Information webpage. 
  To update, the software, I first tried to use the GoPro Studio program that is supposed to be a video editing tool that also helps with software updates.  It would not install on -- and in fact locked up -- my Windows XP computer, so I went to this page, Manual Software Update for HD HERO2 Camera. 
  
• Next, reformat the SD card in the camera with the Delete ALL/Format function in the settings menu. See: Formatting an SD Card with the HD HERO2.  Remember that any data on the card will be lost. 
  

1.  Power on your camera with the SD card inserted. (Using the USB charger, not a computer.)  You may have to do this repeatedly if the camera won't power on, disconnecting the charger between tries. 
2. Press the front (Power) button repeatedly until you see the wrench icon on the camera’s screen.
3.  Press the top (Shutter) button one time.
4.  Press the Power button repeatedly until you see “MORE”.
5.  Press the Shutter button one time to select MORE.  Next, you’ll see a trashcan icon.
6.  Press the Shutter button one time to select the trashcan icon.
7.  Press the Power button until “ALL/Format” is highlighted.
8.  Press the Shutter button one time to select “ALL/Format”.
9.  Press the Power button until “Yes” is highlighted.
10.  Press the Shutter button one time to select “Yes”.  Your camera’s LED and the trashcan icon will blink to indicate that your SD card is being reformatted.

• Using a computer, download the HD2 software .bin file.  The location of the newest HD Hero 2 software is located here.  Don't open the file once it downloads.  Instead, place the file in the root directory of the SD card. 
  Insert the SD card into the camera while the camera is powered Off. 
  Hold the Shutter button down on the camera, and press the Power button one time. The camera will power on and show a video camera icon.  (I had to do this many times before it would work.  In my case, I powered the camera with the charger, not the battery.)  While STILL holding the Shutter button, press the Power button 3 more times. The camera software update screen should show again.  While the camera is updating itself, you'll notice that it will power itself OFF/ON up to two times within the span of 3 minutes during this process. If the camera stays powered Off for longer than 20 seconds, power it back On. The camera will continue to update itself.  (I had to power on the camera manually.)  If you see the camera software update screen for longer than 3 minutes, remove and reinsert the battery.  (DO NOT remove or reformat the SD card.) 
  Power on the camera by pressing the Power button one time. In some cases, you may need to repeat this step.  The software update should complete in about 3 minutes. 
  Once the software update completes, the camera will automatically start up into video mode.
• To verify that the software update installed properly, power Off the camera, then power On the camera. Once you do this, the software update will complete if it hasn't yet, and you will see the camera go into video mode.  Once it starts up into video mode, you'll know that the software update is complete. 

After that, my camera powered up OK and I was able to take some test videos and photos.  From then on, it has worked perfectly.

Fringe Benefits:

The software update solved the no-power-on problem, but it also installed a feature that helps with editing and better playback functionality on slow WiFi networks.  The new feature causes the camera to put not only the video file with the .MP4 extension, but also .THM and .LRV files.

.THM files are Thumbnail video files that are used to display a thumbnail image of the first frame of the video.  Rename the extension to .JPG from .THM in order to open it up as an image and view it on your computer.

.LRV files are Low Resolution Video files.  If you rename the extension to .MP4 instead of .LRV, it will be a lower quality version of the original video you shot.

See this and this reference.

The other purpose of .LRV files is to allow quicker and more headache-free video editing on your computer, which may not be powerful enough to handle high resolution video files. Refer to this thread for more info on how you can use .LRV files to edit your GoPro footage quicker


My First Posted Video:

I had no experience editing and posting a video, so back to Google to find something cheap, err...inexpensive that will load the .MP4 files that camera records.  Neither Windows MovieMaker nor Virtual Dub would load that file type. 

I found Wondershare video editor.  It is fairly easy to learn -- a good thing for me.  The trial version of the software overlays an unfortunate Wondershare watermark through the entire video.  I will need to buy a license if I am going to continue to use it.  It costs $19.95 for a year and $39.95 for an unlimited time. 

I started with an old video that I had taken back on December 30 of 2013, while riding US-178 from Rocky Bottom to Pickens, SC.  That is one of the favorite twisty roads around here. 

It was a pretty day, and the road was clean. 

I edited in some titles and edited out some straight-road sections in the video. 

But, the annoying cowling buzz is in the audio.  (Turn the volume down to minimize the irritation.) 

This is the route, starting at the top: 

Click here for an interactive map. 

See what you think:

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Finally, a View From the Top of South Carolina

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A while back, I wrote about the highest point in South Carolina, Sassafras Mountain.  It is not far from home and the road is an easy, if bumpy, ride to the top.

The only problem has been that there was no place to look off this 3564-foot peak into the distance at the surrounding mountains and valleys.  The trees prevented it.  More than once, I have ridden up there, dismounted, and walked as far as my riding boots would let me, but found none of the breathtaking views I had hoped for.

Well, that has changed.  They have cleared a few trees and other vegetation, and now there is a small platform from which you can see for miles. 

You will note that they also put up a discrete little sign to let visitors know that there is now a place to look over.  Actually, on a clear day, I might be able to read the sign from home if it weren't for the trees! 


Here is the overall map with the twelve-mile route to the top (Pushpin "B") from the Holly Springs Country Store at the intersection of US-178 and SC-11 (Pushpin "A"): 


View Larger Map

Here are some pictures from the top, looking approximately south,

 

  
then southwest,  

then west.

That shiny place to the right center of the first picture is Lake Keowee.  The shiny place to the right-center of the third picture is Lake Jocassee.  I have mentioned Lake Keowee before, as well as Lake Jocassee, from an off-paved-road adventure of mine. 

Here is a panorama -- my first effort -- created from four individual photographs using PixMaker Pro. 

I think you will agree that the top of South Carolina is now a very much more enjoyable place to see God's creation. 


If you go:

• The road to the top of Sassafras Mountain starts at Rocky Bottom on F. Van Clayton Highway, at the sign to the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind.  The road is paved, but is narrow and bumpy in many places.  Most of the potholes have been repaired.  There is only one hairpin turn, and the road is readily accessible on almost any type of motorcycle.  The parking lot is gravel.  The highest point is actually a short walk beyond a locked gate. The North Carolina state line is a short walk on a trail at the opposite end of the parking lot from the overlook. 
• A website about Sassafras Mountain is here. 

Edit: find an update on Sassafras Mountain here.   
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Local Photographer on Twisty Roads

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Nearly anyone who rides a motorcycle has heard of the Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina. Actually, it is route US-129, and has 318 curves in 11 miles. That is a pretty crooked road, though they embellish its description a bit by counting any curve with a varying radius as more than one.

You may also know that there are several photographers who take prodigious numbers of pictures of vehicles as they pass through there. Amongst them, Killboy, MoonShinePhoto, and US129 Photos. They sell prints on their websites to put food on their tables. Many motorcyclists from around here make the 150 mile trip to run the Dragon, in part, to be able to get a picture of themselves carving the curves.

I have written several times about traveling US-178, north of SC-11. It is a favorite nearby motorcycle road with good scenery surrounding it.

As you have come to know, I like to explore that scenery and have ridden the road quite a bit. All manner of bikers from scooters to trikes travel it.

The gathering point for almost all the motorcyclists and bicyclists is the Holly Springs Country Store at the intersection of SC-11 and US-178.

Lately, a local amateur photographer, Patrick Welch of P.G. Welch Photography, has taken to snapping pictures of riders on a section of US-178 north of there.

View Google Street View

Patrick classes himself as an advanced amateur photographer, and he is out today. He has positioned himself on an S curve just south of Rocky Bottom.


View Larger Map

The S curve consists of one with a larger radius than the other, but both decreasing radius. The rider can stay within the speed limit and still be able to get his knee down.

Now I'm no where near skilled enough to try that, but I want to see my form in the curves, so I make a few passes -- well, maybe more than a few. Apparently it is a slow day for motorcycles, because my multiple passes cause me to get the most exposure of any rider.

Here are thumbnails of pictures taken by Patrick as a sampling of the bikes out today.

Through the wonders of the Internet, you can see the road here.
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View Larger Map

I ordered some prints and their photo files on CD-ROM as well. Here are some shots he took of yours truly navigating that S curve.


Headed north just coming out of the south curve of the S.


Done with the south curve and headed toward the north curve.


Headed back south on the south curve.

The photo CD-ROM even has a label on it containing one of the photographs and the date and location of the shoot. He is very accommodating, and gives quick service through SmugMug. I think Patrick does a good job of framing the shots and getting a sharp image. Maybe some day he can quit his day job and do this full time.

If you come through here, look at his schedule to see if he will be out with his camera. He also does other types of photography, so look him up.


When not watching the birdie today, I ride up to the highest point in South Carolina, Sassafras Mountain. The road is well paved but bumpy almost all the way to the top. Here is a terrain map to the top from Rocky Bottom.


View Larger Map

The turnoff at Rocky Bottom has this distinctive home across from it.



I pass two bicyclists laboring their way up, but that is all. There is no other traffic. The road has a short downhill section in the middle of the climb, so you have to regain the elevation lost there. The bicyclists tend not to like that.

At the parking lot near the summit, a middle-aged man emerges from one of the hiking trails carrying a backpack, saying that he had been out for several days, and is about to head for home in Pickens. He looks tired, having hiked over the tallest peaks nearby and now to the highest point in the state.

The short trail from the parking lot to the top starts here.


Photo by Ryan Cragun, on the Summitpost website.

By the way, the ride starts in Rocky Bottom at about 1745 feet in elevation and climbs to the 3560 foot summit in slightly less than 6 miles.

The tattered sign at the top near the parking lot.



There isn't much to see from the top without hiking a ways because it is almost completely undeveloped and there are no overlooks. Actually, that is kind of nice: There are few people to disturb the solitude. Nearby hiking is plentiful and information about it is here.

After I have a couple of granola bars and a bottle of water, I head back down the hill and make one more pass of the photographer. I get up a little more speed this time, and I am closer to my (not the bike's) limit on the tighter of the two curves that is decreasing radius from this direction, but I don't panic and make it through just fine.

I motor home via. Table Rock State Park and Pumpkintown.

In all, I have ridden 113 miles today, an interesting day out.




Now, to examine those pictures to see about my riding form.
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Photography

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First the disclaimer: I am no photographer. There are many other motorcycle bloggers who take much better pictures than I do, and the engineer in me leans toward documentation rather than art, I must admit. Nevertheless, I enjoy snapping pictures as I explore the places I ride, and I sometimes get one that is attractive, occasionally even artistic.

In the digital age, I find that I take more photographs than I did with film. This is probably because the bad pictures can simply be deleted, but you still have to pay for those on film.

My first digital camera was a Sony Mavica FD-88. I bought it used for $50 about fourteen months ago. New in 2000, it would have cost about $750 (!). Some of you may be old enough to remember floppy disks. Well, this camera records images on 3-1/2" floppy disks. Each 1.44MB floppy diskette holds between four and eight images. It is amazing how good the pictures are despite the fact that the best resolution is only 1,280 x 960 pixels. (There are also two lower resolutions, 640 x 480 and 1024 x 768.) It has an 8 power true optical zoom that reaches out to the equivalent of a 400mm lens on a 35mm camera. Here is a review, and here is another one. The time to record onto the floppy disk is surprisingly short as well -- about as long as it takes for some digital cameras to record onto flash cards, albeit the file sizes are not the same.



Here is a photo of my Kawasaki Ninja 650R taken hand-held with the FD-88 from a distance at Keowee-Toxiway State Park.



Here is a picture taken from the same spot with full 8x zoom, still hand-held.



I think both photos came out pretty well.

Another advantage of using floppy disks is that you can take someone's picture and give them the diskette to take with them. Since floppys are very plentiful and cheap, you can easily afford to do that. One problem, though, is that not many new computers include a floppy drive.

I took most of my early blog photographs with this camera, but I wanted something smaller and with greater memory capacity so I don't have to pack dozens of floppy disks. I also wanted something that was quicker to download from the camera.

I checked a few Internet camera sites and found the Panasonic DMC-LZ8. It has a resolution of 3264 x 2448 pixels (plus several lower resolutions and aspect ratios) and a 32mm (35 mm equivalent: 32-160mm) 5x optical zoom Leica DC lens. There is image stabilization for those of us with shaky hands, and it has what they call the Intelligent Auto mode, so it figures out what it is looking at and decides what settings to use. That is the way I have used it so far. It also has many manual settings that I have only begun to explore. It can take movie clips. I paid $108 on line, and $10 for an 8 gigabyte memory card at Christmas last year.



So far, I have enjoyed using this camera, and most of the blog photos since Christmas of 2008 have been taken with it.

Problems that I have not solved:

• Where should I stow the camera so it is ready for a shot on short notice? I keep it in my tank bag, but it takes some time to get it out and shoot.
• How do the other bloggers manage to shoot a picture while they are riding? Why don't their gloves interfere and how do they keep from crashing while they are playing photographer?

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