The Gyrosphere, owned and operated by Continental Mounts Australia, started out as an early Wescam model. Through the years the system has had major improvements and upgrades in the electronics and mechanics. The most noticeable upgrade is the switch to carbon fiber of most of the internal mechanical structure. The system is just as durable, but now significantly lighter. This makes the system more agile and easier to fly, keeping the gross weight of the helicopter down to a minimum.

Specifications

The Continental Nose Mount is hard mounted externally beneath the nose of a Jetranger or Longranger Helicopter. This camera is ideal for forward looking shots, with the ability to tilt only, and will accept both 35mm and 16mm film cameras as well as a wide range of Video Cameras. As the system is not vibration isolated, for the best results the lens choice is limited to 50mm or wider.

When using Betacam cameras, a remote control for on/off, zoom and iris can be used. A separate 5" Green Screen Monitor is used to view the camera footage and a second Monitor/ Tape recorder can be installed for the producer to view.

The camera operator sits beside the pilot or in the back seat and operates all functions by remote control. The Hand Console incorporates variable speed for 35mm & 16mm cameras, footage readout, iris control and infinitely variable joystick for the tilt control. The tilt range is from above the horizon to minus 130 degrees.

The Continental Magnum MK II Camera Mount is a versatile mount that has been designed to provide a stable platform for filming from Helicopters. It allows the operator and camera to be isolated from the vibrations and sudden movements of the helicopter.

When installed, the camera sits on a fully gimbaled arm that is counter balanced longitudinally and laterally so that there is no weight on the operator and thereby producing a floating effect. The arm can be adjusted in or out to place the camera in the most comfortable position for the cameraman.
Althought the camera is sitting on the side of the Helicopter, the range of view is approximately 100 degrees pan with 80 degrees downward view with level flight. A straight-ahead view is possible by side slipping the helicopter but forward speed is limited to approximately
60 Kph.

Key points of the Magnum MK II Mount

• Ability to accept all Film and Video Cameras used today
  for Aerial Filming
• Installation is easy and quick
• Precision zoom and focus controls with variable gain for
  fine control
• Camera On/Off Switch
• Fast mount Lock Off for changing magazines in mid-air
• Camera mounted on standard Sachtler Wedge Plate
• Film from left or right side of helicopter
• Carries Camera package up to 80 Lbs (37 kg)
• Your choice of lenses
• Can be shipped anywhere in the world in easy to handle flight cases

Helicopters
The mount is designed to fit the Bell 206A,B and L series, Aerospatiale SA 350 & 355 Series and also the BK117. An STC for the latest Aerospatiale EC120 is coming soon.

The Continental Belly mount has the same characteristics as the Nose Mount with the main difference been that it is attached to the Helicopter at different points.

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