Several Question about PDR100 from new user (can't get batteries in!)

[964RSA]

New to the forum and new to the PDR100. I am currently in the middle of the install and had a few questions that I need help with.

1. Why would the PDR100 have the INABILITY to accept my 4 AA batteries? There are 2 items siliconed in their way. (see attached pic). Why would this be, as I can't get my batteries in for backup or to run the PDR without hardwired power.

2. If the batteries were able to go in (which they aren't right now) would you still have the batteries installed with a hardwire 12V as a backup in case power is interrupted?

3. Do you format the CF card that comes with the PDR100 before you use it?

4. Is there significant differences between "normal" and "highest" video settings? I plan to try out the different ones later this week when I get to the track but was curious to others that have tried it.

TIA!!!

[RandallNoll]

New to the forum and new to the PDR100. I am currently in the middle of the install and had a few questions that I need help with.

Welcome! :)

1. Why would the PDR100 have the INABILITY to accept my 4 AA batteries? There are 2 items siliconed in their way. (see attached pic). Why would this be, as I can't get my batteries in for backup or to run the PDR without hardwired power.

You have one of our new Supercap units. The parts in the battery box are the Supercap capacitors. These are intended to run hard-wired with the Supercaps there to provide failover power long enough to save the current recording and shut down (about 5 seconds). Supercaps provide this failover protection without the hassle of making sure your AA batteries are charged. This should have been an option when you purchased your PDR.

2. If the batteries were able to go in (which they aren't right now) would you still have the batteries installed with a hardwire 12V as a backup in case power is interrupted?

Yes. That is the intent of the Supercap capacitors. It's always good to have either the Supercaps or batteries as a backup in case 12V power is lost.

3. Do you format the CF card that comes with the PDR100 before you use it?

Nope. Put it in and go!

4. Is there significant differences between "normal" and "highest" video settings? I plan to try out the different ones later this week when I get to the track but was curious to others that have tried it.

I would call it noticeable, but not significant. When we do video for studios, like the stuff we recently did with Jay Leno, we record on highest for obvious reasons. Normal is still very good quality and probably works for most folks. You can see a comparison in the Videos section of our site, here: http://www.chasecam.com/videos

Hope this helps!

[964RSA]

Wow! Thanks for the speedy and detailed response!!!!

I got everything wired up and just tested out a few video resolutions. Since I will probably watch the video on my TV at home (50" HD plasma) after I burn to a DVD I will use the highest recording quality. So I ordered another card (16GB) to capture enough highest quality.

The recording quality seems really good and the resolution at highest seems near HD! I will be recording my first "on track" video later this week so I'm looking forward to that.

Quick question about the camera......is there a 16x9 camera in the works? I was thinking that I would move this 4x3 camera to my PIP camera when I upgrade that way if a 16x9 camera is available in the near future.

Thanks again for the input!

[RandallNoll]

Glad everything is working.

Re: cameras. We're always testing new equipment and developing new products. Right now I don't have any firm information or date on any new cameras.

Keep us posted on your results!

Thanks.