Get a Driver's View from your Mini-Z!
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We recently discovered a tiny video camera that is small enough to fit inside a Mini-Z! Unlike other Mini-Z cams we've seen, this one is wireless! The tiny device broadcasts a color signal to channel 16 on any TV, and uses only a small CMOS camera mounted to a copper-wrapped PCB board, which connects to a 9V battery.
We installed the unit in a Skyline GT-R, and were amazed with the results! By watching the TV, it was possible to navigate the car without being in direct line-of-sight. The added weight of the 9V caused some rollover problems at first, but after some experimentation we found that the placement pictured below provided optimal results and actually helped keep the rear end down. The upper right image shows the Skyline in front of a mirror. The image was captured using a PC TV tuner, and does not do justice to the camera, which produces a very clear image on normal TVs. The second picture shows the Mini-Z Cam image on a 32" Sony TV. The bands of colors are caused by taking a picture of the CRT, and are not present when viewed with the human eye. The white vertical line in both images is the antenna from the camera, which was routed through the left window. The windows were removed completely to accommodate the camera. The camera we used can be found here, along with some other interesting radio control items including a micro tank and an inflatable blimp!	The Skyline sees its reflection...
The above images show how the Mini-Z Cam is attached to the body. The camera is mounted to the underneath of the roof, which means that the Mini-Z cam body can be removed quickly and easily and swapped for another body, as it is not attached to the chassis in any way. The 9V battery is mounted to the rear deck lid with double-sided removable adhesive. Although we haven't had a chance to try it yet, we expect that using a rechargeable cell will reduce weight and thus reduce the effect of the added rear weight. We're currently experimenting with counterweights applied to the front end to see if this similarly improves handling. Stay tuned for in-car race footage, coming soon!