ATVPT

DSR-100

Product for this review was provided by MotoComm

www.rflimited.com

Product Specifications

Complete Helmet Camera and Digital Recording System

· Record your Ride – Video & Audio!

· Listen to Music – Built-In MP3 Player

· Use as Active Rearview Camera System

· Take Digital Still Pictures

Weatherproof Bullet-Style Camera

· Universal Helmet/Bike Mount Included

· Rugged Aluminum Housing

· Weatherproof Connector

Digital Recorder/Playback Unit with Color Display

· Records Video and Audio from Camera and Remote-Mount Microphone

· Uses Standard Compression and File Formats

· Saves Video in Internet Standard 320x240 at 30 Frames per Second Resolution

· 128MB On-Board Memory

· Accepts SD Cards (1GB SD Card = 4 Hours of Video/Audio Recording)

· Color LCD and Built-In Speaker for On-The-Go Playback, or Rearview Camera Monitor

· Built-In MP3 Player - Helmet Speakers Included!

· USB Connector for Transfer of Video/Audio Files to Computer

· Analog RCA Video/Audio Output for Playback of Videos Direct to TV

· Captures Digital Still Pictures from Helmet Camera

· All Cables and Accessories Included in Convenient Carrying Case

Product Review
Product:	- MotoComm's DSR-100 Helmet Camera and DVR
Review Date:	- June 2007

First Impressions:
	I really like the way that the DSR-100 is packaged; it comes in a nice plastic container with dividers to keep all of the extra cables and mounts organized. The container is similar to that of a fishing tackle box. The camera is petite and I should be able to mount it to my helmet or ATV without worrying about the size or weight. The DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is much smaller than I thought it would be and it comes with a nice pouch to help keep the elements off of it. This kit even comes with helmet speakers and ear buds and the DVR can be used as an MP3 player.
Review:
	The camera comes with two different mounting brackets that allow for a number of mounting options. There is a pedestal that you can mount pretty much anywhere with the three holes in the base being used for the supplied screws or zip ties. The other mounting bracket can be used to mount the camera to your helmet, handle bars, rack, and many other surfaces. The way that I prefer to mount the camera for daily trail rides is to my helmet. I found that in bright light situations, the camera had a difficult time with adjusting when the sun hit the lens. In order to help the issue, I mounted the camera in the center of my helmet under the visor to shade the lens. When mounted to my helmet, I am using a hydration back pack with an audio pocket to hold the DVR, batteries, and microphone. Both the camera and the helmet speakers have quick disconnects close to the helmet, so you don’t have to fish through your back pack to unplug the helmet. The cables go straight from my helmet to the Hydration Pack and with the quick disconnects, the system is very comfortable and convenient. The camera does a great job dealing with bumpy rides. It records at 30 FPS (Frames per Second) and by removing the lens cover, you can focus the lens at the distance you need it for. This is nice because you may want your focal point out more or less depending on what sport you are using the camera for. The raw video files are good quality and I plan on making a DVD of my rides. In order to post the videos on the internet’s public hosting sites, the files have to be compressed and the videos that you see do not really do the DSR-100 justice. In order to see a video that is not compressed, you can download one from MotoComm’s website here Uncompressed Video . It is a large file and will take a while to download. The DVR is surprisingly small and light weight with a built in Lithium Ion battery. You charge the internal battery with the supplied AC adapter. The DVR accepts SD cards up to 2GB in size. There is a small rubber flap that covers the SD card hole when there is not a card in place. When the card is in place, the flap does not close all the way. I am concerned that dust will find its way into the DVR; however, there are no moving parts internally, so the only way that the dust would affect anything is if there were also moisture or if the dust found its way into the LCD. Time will tell if this will be an issue. In order to pull your video files off of the DVR, you can either use a separate memory card reader (not supplied), or you can use the supplied USB cable. When you plug the USB cable in to both your computer and the DVR and turn the DVR on, your computer should automatically recognize the DVR as a removable storage device and you can access the files through “My Computer”. This process worked flawlessly for me and I find it very easy to use. For more information on this, refer to the owner’s manual. The DVR has a built in speaker for video/audio playback when not riding the ATV. There is also a port on the DVR that will connect to RCA inputs on your television monitor with the supplied cable. The DVR records the video/audio files in an “.asf” (Advanced Systems Format). This format is Microsoft’s proprietary digital audio/digital video container format, especially meant for streaming media. You can use Windows Movie Maker (free with Windows XP), to edit your video clips and add music or other audio files. In order to navigate through the menu system on the DVR, you must use the small joystick on the front panel. The joystick can be difficult to deal with especially when you have riding gloves on. The microphone supplied with the DSR-100 is small and comes with hook and loop fastener with adhesive to attach it where you want. For motor sports, the microphone is way too sensitive and clips with the sound of the exhaust. I found that wrapping the microphone with two to three layers of thick cloth and tape, that the clipping was improved. You will have to fine tune your installation to your needs and depending on how loud your ATV’s exhaust is you may not have the same issue that I did. The helmet speakers are a nice bonus to this already convenient package. The speakers are thin and come with two different ways of mounting them inside your helmet. The cable that comes out of the speakers has a quick disconnect. The speakers are loud enough and the quality is as good as can be expected with a thin speaker. Check your local laws before using the helmet speakers as some states do not allow use of helmet speakers.
Long Term:
	The more I use this camera, the more it bothers me to remove my back pack, fumble the camera out of a pocket and try to hit the stop button while wearing riding gloves. The system could really use a remote control. It wouldn't even matter if it was a wired remote even though some of the competition is using wireless remotes. I am still a fan of the camera and DVR; for the price, it's still a great system, it could just use a little updating.

Pros:
	Conveniently Packaged
	Multiple mounting options and plenty of extra cables
	Small and Lightweight
	Easy to use
	Simple playback on your TV or on the DVR’s LCD
	Adjustable focus
	Nice bonus features including helmet speakers and MP3 player
	Can be powered off of any 12 volt source including your ATV’s battery
Cons:
	Needs a remote control to start and stop recording
	Control knob/joystick is difficult to control while wearing riding gloves
	Rubber flap on DVR does not close all the way when using SD card
	Microphone is too sensitive and clips with the sound of the exhaust

Note: Video has been compressed for hosting on YouTube.

This one might take longer to load and is much shorter, but there is no extra compression and the video quality is much better.

Click here to download the uncompressed video
36.8 MB

Contact Information

RF Limited

Mailing Address:
PO Box 1124
Issaquah WA 98027
USA

**NEW** Shipping Address:
1145 12th Avenue NW
Suite C7
Issaquah WA 98027
USA

Toll-Free: 1-877-624-6869
Local Telephone: 425-558-9592
Fax: 425-558-9704

All Terrain Vehicle Product Tests ATV Technical Magazine

DSR-100

Product Review

First Impressions:

Review:

Long Term:

Pros:

Cons:

Contact Information