Motoputer/Mobile DV Capture

**zipp** · 07-19-2006, 09:24 AM

Hi,

Although I'm new to this site I've been reading the most that I can of it. Great source of info!

I'm a one-man-band video producer and ride a Honda CBF600SA.

My idea is to build a motoputer that can double as a Mobile Video Capture Device when doing video jobs.

My question here is: what kind of specs do I need to do it? preferably on the low cost side.

I'll use it for:

Video:
- DV Capture with Serious Magic's DV Rack (great software)
- reviewing footage shot on tape or direct to disk
- some sort of teleprompter for broadcast like jobs
- very very short and simple video editing on-the-fly
- maybe on-the-fly dvd burning with an external usb dvd-rw for an impacient client
- webcasting live events

Motoputer:
- GPS
- webcam installed in front and rear (video recording)
- voip calling
- gsm calling
- mp3 and radio listening through earset (no speakers)
- fuel consumption (trying to figure this one out since its a carb model)

Can anyone with an EPIA M1000 or anything lowcost try the DV Rack software just to see if it works?

Any sugestions for this?

Thanks in advance

Paulo

p.s.: I know that bikes are dangerous enough without a puter in it already. i'm a conscious rider. this is just something i really want to try.

**zipp** · 07-20-2006, 06:51 AM

when i get to think of it maybe this thread is in the wrong section...sorry about that.
maybe some moderator can move it for me?
thanks

**DarquePervert** · 07-20-2006, 07:19 AM

It's not in the wrong section.
Nobody with an EPIA board who's willing to experiment for you has responded or been able to respond.

Considering the specs of the software require a minimum of a 1.,4Ghz processor and a 3D card with at least 32MB RAM, I'd say an EPIA board is a poor choice for runing DVRack like you want and possibly wouldn't even work.
The HDV option requires even more computing horsepower.

**zipp** · 07-20-2006, 08:35 AM

thanks darquepervert.
i was getting a little worried about screwing up my very first post

.

About Dv Rack...thats a great software...but i'm already looking for lighter options...found windv developed back in 2003...it's very simple but does what is needed. i'm waiting for a reply from the developer about the minimum requirements for that.

another option would be to go higher on the specs of my setup...again: any suggestions? keeping on the low cost side of things?

thanks
Paulo

**DarquePervert** · 07-20-2006, 08:39 AM

There's lots of options.
You could use a newer laptop that has the specs needed for your DVRack software.
The low-power versions of the Turion CPUs are a good choice, as are mobile versions of the P4. You'd still need a decent 3D accelerator card, which hogs more power.
The power is the main issue here, really. If you plan a system right, you could power it with the DSATX DC-DC PSU or an inverter, if you choose to go that route.

Keeping it low-cost is going to be the tough part, though.

**zipp** · 07-20-2006, 08:53 AM

Maybe i'm just overthinking it.
I have a compaq presario laptop that fits neatly in my top-case (old non-centrino P4 2.5Ghz).
Is it ok to use an inverter in a motorcycle? I know that bike's electrics tend to be quite picky...besides their small bateries.

This way the only thing that stays on the bike are the wires and the "implanted?" webcams. I could still use a touchscreen monitor in the front of the bike from the vga-out in my laptop and gps and 3G pcmcia board for internet.

I think its starting to make sense to me!

**RedGTiVR6** · 07-21-2006, 09:05 AM

I don't think it's wise to power something so power hungry on your bike. Get a lower power PC and you might be better off.

**DarquePervert** · 07-21-2006, 09:27 AM

The only problem with that is the lower-power PCs won't run the application he needs to run (or run it well, at least).
It's definitely a conundrum...

**RedGTiVR6** · 07-21-2006, 09:39 AM

I understand, but a bike doesn't have a big alternator (stator) on it.

1.4 gig you can get that in a mobile processor, the laptop he mentions is not a mobile processor....if he went with a mobile processor, I'd think it would work out better

**IntellaWorks** · 07-21-2006, 10:06 AM

Another concern I'd have is HD speed, on a bike you're going to need a lappy harddrive and I'm seriously doubting an IDE lappy HDD will do the trick. You may consider running the editing software from a lappyHDD but carrying a firewire external drive as well...

I agree with red in that the stator on a bike won't be able to handle an inverter for a power hungry PC. Since your consulting us, my opinion is buy a high end lappy with SATA harddrives and a fancy case to carry on your back while you take the PC to your clients.