The CARVEC main system unit is designed as a general purpose computer which is common across all helicopter systems. It has a data output connections which areintended for a custom auxiliary control unit. This unit is where the system is tailored to control specific hardware on each helicopter type.

The function of the auxiliary control unit is entirely dependent on the end application of the helicopter. In most cases it will drive servo motors which slew a camera mount to specific angles. As it is also receiving attitude data from the CARVEC system, it can also stabilise the mount in any of the pitch/roll/yaw axis. A further function is to send commands to an on-board camera across an RS232 interface.

The unit can be configured for any desired operation. For example, the camera can be automatically positioned straight ahead when in control-mode 1. This would be used to centre the C of G during takeoff, transition and landing. It may also be useful for first-person video flight to/from the target area.

In control mode 2, the camera could be switched into stabilised slew-mode where two or three further channels from the RC receiver are used to frame the required camera shot.

When control mode 3 is selected then the camera can be commanded to take a single picture, or start recording video.

As the CARVEC system only requires one control channel, it is entirely possible to operate the helicopter control systems AND the camera slew control using a single 8 or 9 channel transmitter. This is further simplified by the stabilised nature of the helicopter flight.

This video demonstrates the CARVEC system operating and stabilising a video camera. Note how the 'tilt' axis automatically stabilises according to the pitch angle when straight ahead, and according to the roll angle when out to the side.

The mount is simply two servo motors which are driven to the required position. Slewing is still allowed whilst the stabilisation is in operation. (Windows media format, 2157KB).

A prelimanary user-manual for the mount-controller module is available here