Frequently Asked Questions

How will I power my recorder?
The recorder accepts 12V (actually 6-28v) DC power. You can hardwire directly from the car's power to a terminal block on the PDR. This situation is ideal because it allows for the most secure wiring. (We recommend those using using this method use a 14-16ga gauge wire and an 1amp fuse. You can also use a cigarette lighter adapter or a wall transformer, both of which you can find on the Recorder accessories page. You can also power it off of a battery pack.

Is there a more secure way to connect power to the Recorder?
Why yes. Do not use the cig lighter DC jack. Right next to it, is a 2 (older units have 4) pin wiring connection block that uses a small flat screwdriver to lock the wires down. This connector also unplugs!

Can I use other video inputs?
We offer an adapter cable that allows you to use the PDR100 or SD DIVA with any RCA video input. The PDR100 and SD DIVA autoselects either NTSC or PAL format depending on the input. We do not use S-Video. For the DIVA HD, no.  Youwill only connect to the ChaseCam HD Camera.

How will I mount my recorder?
We offer a mounting bracket (and retaining clamp for those very high vibration situations) that can be mounted to almost anything for easy snap in and out. We have rollbar mounts for the recorder.  We also carry waterproof boxes for those rainy situations or nautical applications or they can order an R version of the recorder that is weather resistant. We find a large percentage of customers will secure their unit using dual-lock velcro, place them on their person, or throw them in a glovebox.

Why choose the ChaseCam recorder?
Our PDR100 and DIVA are extremely durable PROVEN solid-state video recorders. It is field upgradeable. Please review our feature list.  We are confident that the ChaseCam recorders are the best on the market.

Can it be used for things other than racing?
Of course! We have people using our products in military, law enforcement, security, nautical, and aviation applications. We've also had them used for things like paintballing, skiing, biking, and even during rugby matches! There's no limit to what you can do with this recorder. NASA has put them on rockets.  We are always suprised to see the many uses of the recorders.

Can I switch a camera off?
Unfortunately, there isn't a way to switch between cameras or switch one off. However, if one video feed is lost, the remaining feed will switch to full screen.  Some of our customers use a simple switch for this.

I want to buy an SS1000. Is there anything else I need?
A recording unit. The SS1000 only processes the video to PiP or splitscreen and outputs that new video, it doesn't record. Whether you're feeding your SS1000 into our PDR or another recorder/monitor, you'll need to make sure you have two video inputs (the SS1000 accepts our miniDIN and RCA). The SS1000 will power the cameras, but you will need a 12V DC power source for the SS1000. For those using the SS1000 with PDR, you cannot power the SS1000 out of a PDR and we recommend you power the two units seperately. You'll also want mounts for your cameras. And if you have a PDR100, definitely check out our mounting bracket and dual retaining clamp for an easy way to mount both units together.

I'm not sure I need two cameras, do I have to buy my SS1000 now?
No. You can go ahead and do a single camera set up and add the SS1000 later.

What is the degree measurement on your camera lens?
Our cameras come standard with a 90 degree lens which we believe to be optimal for motorsports. This captures all of the action without the fisheye effect.  It looks like what you would normally see with your eyes.

Can I change the lens?
Yes. We stock 90, 120 and 72 degree lenses. We also carry replacement lens covers (the bit of glass at the front that is occasionally damaged by a stray rock. It's very simple to replace either.  The outer lens is attached by hand. The internal lens is changed with needle tipped tweezers and a video screen to aim it.  We can do this for you.

Why 520 and not 580 lines?  What does that have to do with 720x480?
If you've found a camera out there that is 580 lines, it's the same resolution as ours. There's a bit of a break in the industry between what companies choose to call the resolution, but we're all limited to the same standard of 520 lines.  Or call it 550 lines.  Reality is what it is... testing will show that it is around 520 lines of actual video.   This is a totally different measurement than screen resolution. Our SD recorder for example, records full D1 (also known as SD) video at 720x480.  And at 30 frames per second. This is the same as your television (NTSC).

Do you offer a WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) camera?
Coming soon.  

What is the degree measurement on your camera lens?

What is the resolution?
720p.  This is a progressive 1080 x720 image sensor that can deliver 24, 30, 50, and 60 frames per second. The shutter speed is sufficiently fast so as to minimze the "rolling shutter effect" commonly seen on other CMOS sensors.

What type of camera mounts do you sell?
We have rollbar, suction cup, clamp, and helmet mounts. If you have a rollcage or a smooth surface to mount to, we have the mount.

What if I don't have a windshield or rollbar?
For those with unique mounting situations, we recommend seeing if you think the flat mounts or helmet mount will work for you. Either will work on a dash or a variety of other places. We also have mounts designed for formula cars and will be willing to work with you on custom mounts.

Will it work with my camera?
Any of our mounts (except the helmet mount) can mount to any moving or still camera, with the standard female 1/4'' -20 "tripod mount."

Will my race series allow it?
Check with them before mounting anything outside of your car. Most race series are fine with bullet cameras but have additional requirements, such as using a tether, for anything larger.