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VacuCam.com develops affordable, highly cost-effective video recording systems for the MINI. Able to call on nearly two decades of video production experience, VacuCam.com produces high impact DVD's and informative instructional videos while devising creative solutions for implementing todays best technologies.
If you have any questions or comments, I can be reached a number of ways. While you can PM me, the fastest response will be by email to nam@c3club.org or AIM me at OctaneGuy95. I carry a wireless email device called the Sidekick that allows me to respond as soon as your email comes in. I will always do my best to respond in a timely manner.
When I first set out to develop the VacuCam™, the idea was simple. Find a way to securely mount a small video camera and capture some of the most exciting footage possible from the MINI. My first tests used a black and white video camera
(Very Early Development Pictures)
Having seen the cameras currently available on the market, I knew there had to be a more cost effective way. So now after almost 8 months and thousands of dollars later, I bring you the VacuCam™. Thus named because the mount creates a strong vacuum suction to hold firmly to your car.
I've taken great pains to make each kit as complete as possible while still retaining the original inspiration for this venture, to keep it affordable!
So let me get a few facts out there:
1.) How Does the Mount Stick?
Our mount uses 90 pounds of force to stick to your vehicle. It's not magnetic, so it's perfect for just about any car including those that have fiberglass or plastic body panels. The suction mount is protected by rubber to provide a strong seal without the possibility of scratching your finish. It's been tested at up to speeds of 115mph without any problems whatsoever.
2.) What's included in your kits?
Well, everything you need to capture video. You need to supply the video recorder such as a video camcorder and any special patch cables for that camcorder. I supply the mount, cabling, straps, and connectors. I also have two levels of mounts depending on what you can afford. The basic kits don't include the ball mounts which I highly recommend for any interior use. For exterior use, the ball mount isn't a necessity. When you order kits including two or more cameras, I normally recommend having at least one with a ball mount.
Updated 5/19/06
Download the lastest instruction booklet HERE (2.5MB). Notice the page numbers when printing as the pages are meant to be folded and printed front to back.
A big thank you to Mark and Dave for setting up this forum. Feel free to discuss anything camera related with your MINI. Let's get shooting!
How and where does it mount on the inside of a MINI?
Good FAQ!
__________________
#43 Street Modified (SM) Class SCCA Hawaii Region
2005-2008 Solo Run Off Champion (Hawaii)
2006-2008 Solo Points Champion (Hawaii), 2nd 2006
2005-2008 Overall PAX: 8th 2006, 7th 2007, 10th 2008. http://www.tomo-dachi.net/sccapics/j...1/dsc_3376.jpg
Thanks for your feedback. Yep, pics, and details will be coming soon. I need to finalize a few things, and they will be visible in the store and I will post them here as well. The items should be on the store by the end of the week if not sooner.
Btw, that $19 for the DVD includes Priority Shipping and it's made and packaged using only the best materials!
re: FAQ
Thanks! I'll be adding more to it. I just wanted to get it up so I can build upon it.
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Video Links
Hey, Richard! I'm traveling, but when I get back to SoCal, I want a demo of your new gadget. Looks great! I may need one, (as well as a camera ), for next year's roadtrip and Dragon Meet #3!
I really think those clips look great. Really neat product.
I may be opening a can of worms here, but I thought I would mention it for consistencies sake. How does the posting and selling of these items not violate the street racing and excessive speed site guideline. The video clips appears to show cars exceeding the speed limits for a curvy mountain road and cars crossing solid lines as they go around curves. Is this significantly different than two cars taking off from a stop light quickly, but still staying within the speed limit?
Well for one, we were NOT racing. There were 8 MINI's driving individually. For the most part, none of us were in sight of each other, except on the way up. Once we got to the faster parts of the drive, none of us were competing with each, nor trying to out do each other. And more significantly, none of us were attempting to do crazy things like pass each other or push one another beyond their limits. If you read the FAQ on the DVD, you will see that the teaser itself was shot at Tuna Canyon---a one way road with no cross traffic, and many of the group shots were "staged" if you will---so that I could get them all on camera at once-and the FAQ says there were some significant lessons learned from this experience that should NEVER be attempted.
As for excessive speed, we were above the speed limit, maybe by 10 or 15mph at times, but that's anything far from what can be called excessive speed.
So is this significantly different? Yes, IMO because the competitive nature of two people racing head to head on crowded streets is very different from a single driver who chooses to do some spirited canyon driving under more controlled circumstances.
re: MINICLO
Absolutely sweetie!!! I've got a set up with your name on it right here!! Have a safe trip! I might even see you at the next Dragon.
Richard
Quote:
Originally Posted by dgszweda1
I really think those clips look great. Really neat product.
I may be opening a can of worms here, but I thought I would mention it for consistencies sake. How does the posting and selling of these items not violate the street racing and excessive speed site guideline. The video clips appears to show cars exceeding the speed limits for a curvy mountain road and cars crossing solid lines as they go around curves. Is this significantly different than two cars taking off from a stop light quickly, but still staying within the speed limit?
Thanks for the reply. It makes sense. I guess there will be a fine line. Not that I haven't done any spirited driving on curvey roads.
My point of mind is that they seem to be equally dangerous, until you decide to drag race at extreme speeds. Going around curved roads at speeds above the speed limit does push the car to more of the limit than staying within the speed limit. And if you were to crash or even worse hit someone, you would be at fault. Two people taking off quickly at a stoplight to 50mph, can also be construed as dangerous because there concentration is elsewhere, even though they may be within the speed limit.
I am sure you were being careful. It does show off the capabilities nicely of this device. Glad to see it come to market.
Oh sure np. I agree it's dangerous either way. The MINI handles so well, it really gives people a false sense of security. Even mediocre drivers feel superior. I've seen and heard about terrible canyon accidents involving MINI's, whether the driver took a curve too hard and lost it, or was following the car ahead too closely and spun out. In fact, after the Malibu run, I heard that Maxmini hit a big rock on his way home and had to have the car flatbedded. It's all just too unpredictable.
I must admit though, I personally take curves faster than the posted limits because I enjoy it. There is no other car I've ever owned that's allowed me to do that. I'm talking about long sweeping curves like those on a freeway onramp/offramp that are rated at 15mph - 25mph, and where you can easily take it at 45mph or higher without even a hint of squealing on the tires. Try that on an SUV or 4 door passenger car, and you'd be nuts.
I Hear Your Tires Squealing, Wasn't that Dangerous? I have to be honest here. We weren't going that fast, and my runflats were on its last legs so getting them to squeal wasn't hard at all. But like any movie you see, I did some movie magic to enhance the squeal. The video just didn't feel as exciting watching it at normal level. I was also in constant radio contact with the group, asking them to regroup so I could get better shots. At times, I waited for everyone to catch up, and at the end, where I'm driving with Maxmini, we were on a one way road with no cross traffic, though I heard a few weeks later, some lady on her cell phone was traveling the wrong way up this canyon. So it goes to show, you can never be too sure of anything.
Do You Have Any Advice to Share? Yeah, be courteous, be safe, and don't race in the canyons--or on the street for that matter. There are way too many variables and it's all too easy to be involved in a fatal accident regardless of fault. There is one point in the video which shows me crossing the line around a blind curve. That should be a shining example of what never to do, because moments later, a huge truck comes around the next corner--and had I done the same thing, I would have been history and possibly taken an innocent life with me. So please learn from my own mistakes, and drive safely at all times, you never know when your next MINI run will be your last forever.
Thanks for the comments on the VacuCam. It's been a fun road, and I hope people will use it to capture more of the Motoring experience--of the group rides, and scenic landscapes, and all the fun stuff that goes with along with Motoring. The Malibu run was an opportunity to test out an early version of my camera systems, so there have been many changes in the past 7 months, including the birth of my son which also makes my love for life even greater!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dgszweda1
Thanks for the reply. It makes sense. I guess there will be a fine line. Not that I haven't done any spirited driving on curvey roads.
My point of mind is that they seem to be equally dangerous, until you decide to drag race at extreme speeds. Going around curved roads at speeds above the speed limit does push the car to more of the limit than staying within the speed limit. And if you were to crash or even worse hit someone, you would be at fault. Two people taking off quickly at a stoplight to 50mph, can also be construed as dangerous because there concentration is elsewhere, even though they may be within the speed limit.
I am sure you were being careful. It does show off the capabilities nicely of this device. Glad to see it come to market.
I may be opening a can of worms here, but I thought I would mention it for consistencies sake. How does the posting and selling of these items not violate the street racing and excessive speed site guideline. The video clips appears to show cars exceeding the speed limits for a curvy mountain road and cars crossing solid lines as they go around curves. Is this significantly different than two cars taking off from a stop light quickly, but still staying within the speed limit?
Just about anywhere that's flat. I mount mine on the inside of the windshield looking out, on the rear window looking back--easily done with the ball mount, from the sunroof looking forward or back. It's really up to you where you want to mount it. I will have pictures soon, once I have the final product in hand--I've got some variations, and still waiting on a few things, so I don't want to post pics until I can actually say- What you see is what you get.
Quote:
Originally Posted by minihune
How and where does it mount on the inside of a MINI?
You are welcome!! Be sure to check this thread out before Saturday--or atleast be prepared to get them Sat morning if you don't already have it! I wouldn't want you not being able to use the VacuCam if you're missing these items.
I mention the need for the coupler, but in my case, I just needed the cable, and not the coupler. See if you can just plug the RCA cable with the cig lighter end into your camcorder--if not, see if you can just plug the AV Cable into that--if not you may need the coupler. The coupler is just a gender changer.
Richard
Quote:
Originally Posted by TMGRobyn
WooHoo! Received ours today!!!!!!! I know what I'm doing Saturday!
Thanks, Richard. I can hardly wait to give it a try. The girls will have to stand in line.
lil'Black Wow
Wicked Wanda
), for next year's roadtrip and Dragon Meet #3! 
