PPG Smoke Chase Cam V2 flight | Avery Flies

This is my first flight with a chase cam of any kind, so my review is from the viewpoint of a novice. It is more narrow than I expected, and I wish it hung back further for a better view (camera is a GoPro hero 8 black with "superview", the widest angle possible.) A longer line would hang back more, but also run the risk of hitting the prop and would be from a lower vantage point. The price is hard to beat though, while I have no doubt the skybean chase cam is a quality product, this PPG smoke cam is 1/2 the price ($65 vs $120.) I suppose a faster glider would make the camera hang back more. Woe is the A-wing.
A breezy flight today, but manageable. Happy to get back in the air after over a week of rain. With this, my 4th and final camera angle is realized. If I can't make good content, at least I'll get good angles! Special thanks to ‪@scaviator4207‬ for the setup help, he has the v1 chase cam, it was good to see the original to make comparisons.
music by bensound.com

[@dgatyahoo]

i enjoy your channel. I use an older ppg smoke chase cam and i also fly a mojo. it definitely looks better with a longer tether. I haven't had any issues with it hitting the prop. i can send a link if you would like to see it with the longer lead.

[@AveryFlies]

I have added about 2' of elastic and will try again, I also found out that GoPro's image stabilization crops it in a little, so I'll turn that off next time

[@flyingtime5501]

I think your personality has the right stuff for a successful channel. Can't wait to keep up with your progress.

[@majedppg]

I love this video, thanks for sharing.

[@Para_Ninja]

Does it feel like it would shatter if it had a prop strike? That was always my issue with the V1 and the foldable skybean with its wire rods and plastic sheet looks like it could handle a strike. Also often if im doing an XC to a sketchy LZ I don't want to take off with a chase cam and complicate a technical launch so the ability of the skybean to twist up into a single rod you could chuck into a pocket seems like a better way to go... that price tho sheesh, $170 on Ebay for some plastic with wire rods.. I just couldn't justify that much.
Heres an old v1 prop strike.. it actually shattered into a dozen pieces th-cam.com/video/7hOwWpmr8x4/w-d-xo.html

[@AveryFlies]

Yikes! Well, the feathers are smooth and very flexible. I think they'd hold up fine to running into a freewheeling prop, but I don't know about once spun under power. You're right, there are times and places where chase cam complications would not be worth it.

[@ComedyKraze1]

This is amazing man keep it up bro would love to give this q go one day

[@AveryFlies]

It's the most affordable way to fly! Find a trainer near you! Parayelp.com

[@cymrych79]

Tell your buddy on the trike to try rolling on the throttle for inflation rather than hammering straight to full. Slightly less chance of the wing going squirrely in the prop wash. And of course make sure he's pulling hard straight up on those A's.
Glad to see you using Gaggle. Love that app! Enjoying watching your channel develop, nice job!

[@AveryFlies]

I will mention it to him, but he's been helped by both instructors at the school, I'm sure he's getting all the good info. Thanks!

[@cymrych79]

@@AveryFlies Ah, didn't appreciate he was still in training!

[@AveryFlies]

@@cymrych79 yeah this video was flight #2 for him, he did great, just the launch that's tricky for him.

[@cymrych79]

@@AveryFlies Glad to hear he's doing great! As a trike flyer myself, these are his trickiest launches. He's learned a lot, but is still translating kiting and understanding to practical experience. Wait until he gets to do an evening of nothing but long touch-n-go's... his ground handling skills should skyrocket! He might never have another blown launch again, even with prop wash wanting to ball up the wing.

[@scaviator4207]

Great flying with you! The mic sounds awesome!

[@james7705]

It looks like the line isn't long enough

[@AveryFlies]

Yeah, but I also don't want it smacking the propeller or the ground more than it has to.

[@james7705]

@@AveryFlies th-cam.com/video/fmo2eAstskg/w-d-xo.html
So same. I added 2 feet on to the length so it doesn't hit the prop. The does softyl hit the ground and lens replacements if scratched are like 10 dollars on Amazon. I haven't scratched mine yet. Check my video out to see to image with 2 feet added.