Why the name URBI?
USB
Request
Block
Interface.
Pronounced like 'ERBY'.
What is it for, exactly?
The URBI will make a digital camera take pictures when there is no way
to reach the buttons. The most popular use is for a remote controlled aircraft,
under a kite, or on top of a pole/mast. The remote control system for the
aircraft sends the signal to the URBI, which then controls the camera electronically.
There are no moving parts, so it is very reliable and small. The shutter button
and the zoom can be controlled (optional).
Which cameras does it work with?
Check here. Almost every
Nikon and a range of the better Canon cameras. Testing is ongoing, but generally if the
camera is capable of remote control over USB, it will
work with the URBI. If the camera came with control software which runs on a PC, this is a good sign.
If a customer finds
a camera that should work, but wont, we quickly release an update for the interface software, but the current version is quite comprehensive now.
The URBI is shipped with a
universal
driver which we have developed - it detects the type of camera
connected and changes its behaviour accordingly each time it starts up.
Which camera is the best to use?
It depends on your budget, and what sort of platform you are flying.
A short list of Canons in descending order of price: G7, G9, A620, A640 (you get zoom
control on these).
Nikon: Any nikon - no zoom control but great small cameras.
Why don't some cameras work?
The interface relies on the camera supporting certain functionality via
USB. All cameras have a USB interface, but only some cameras support FULL CONTROL
over USB. Only a range of Canon and Nikons work, and even then not all models, just MOST.
Can I control zoom on a Nikon?
Nikon cameras don't provide the capability to set the zoom, only Canons
unfortunately. But don't let us put you off using a Nikon. They work
very well for aerial photography, and they are very small and light.
What radio systems will it work with?
If your radio works with normal servos that you can purchase from a hobby
shop, then the URBI will work.
It works fine with the new 2.4GHz radios from Spektrum, JR & Futaba as well.
You'll need 1 spare
channel (of any type - switch/gear/stick/knob) to cause the
triggering of the camera.
Will it cause my battery to go flat faster than normal?
The interface draws only a small amount of current, typically less than
80mA. For the duration of a 10-15 minute flight, this can be considered negligible,
and is comparable to the power used by a small servo.
I use 6 Volt power to my receiver / servos, is that ok?
Yes, the URBI will run fine on any voltage 4.6 - 6V.
Isn't it easier to use a servo to press my shutter button?
We developed the URBI as a means to simplify camera control from R/C equipment,
as we felt that mechanical control is always going to have its share of problems.
The use of a servo requires the construction of a camera mount to hold the servo
in place, this will take time and patience and a good workshop. The adjustment of
a servo to push the shutter button is crucial. You risk damage to the camera's
button from too much force, or even worse you can overload the servo, causing it
to stall, the results of which can be catastrophic - it can cause your BEC to overload,
and take out your whole R/C system.
We've tried to make the URBI as simple and reliable as possible - you connect it
to your gear, and it just works -
EVERY
TIME.
I want to see the image from the viewfinder via radio link. Can URBI do that?
When connected to a Canon camera, the URBI interface will enable the Video
Out connector. The video can be transmitted to the ground using a video downlink.
For this sort of setup we recommend and stock the Stinger transmitter and Yellowjacket
receiver. Nikon cameras usually provide video out via a special cable connected to their
USB port, so they are not suitable for this sort of application.
My camera normally turns itself off after several mitues of inactivity, how
do I prevent this?
Most cameras automatically power themselves down after a few minutes, but
when used with our interface, this does not happen. Both Nikon and Canon cameras
will say opeational as long as the URBI interface remains connected.
The video output of the Canon cameras is held ON at all times, only the camera's
LCD viewfinder is turned off to save power.
What cable do I use to connect my camera to the interface.
The cable that came with the camera is fine. It's a normal USB cable, designed
for use with a PC or Mac.
We stock a small, light cable for use with Canon cameras or similar.
For Nikon, it gets harder. If you find something better than
this, please contact us.