Xtreme Recall Helmet Cam Systems – In-Car Mounts & Helmet Camera Accessories

Are You Compatible?

Since we provide all the items to transform your camcorder or PVR into a hands free system, you will still need to have a compatible recording device. This page will cover all the basic information you will need to plan for and/or purchase a "complete" wearable or in-vehicle video system. This page is also broken down into two types of answer: Short (top of page) / Long (bottom of page)

Short Answers

Is my recorder compatible?

Just about all camcorders, hard drive recorders and personal video recorders (PVR) will play to a TV via an AV cable. But to be compatible with a helmet camera you need to have the ability to record FROM your TV, TO your recorder. Your recorder must have the ability to record an “incoming” composite video/audio signal to work with any HelmetCam system today. Here is a handy compatibility list for camcorder models.

What is a LANC Remote?

This is a very special external remote control that allows remote operation of many Sony camcorders. You must have a “LANC” port on your camcorder (usually blue, sometimes black) to use this remote.

*New Sony hard drive camcorders also may have this port, though it’s usually black in color and labeled “remote”

What connector do I need to order?

One reason we offer a smaller/lighter design is we “direct-connect” to virtually all recorders. Of course we need to know which connector you need since A/V ports are not standard across all manufacturers.

3.5mm - Most common on Canon, older Sony and various other types of camcorders and PVRs. We will ship you a cable harness with a right-angle connector to maximize ruggedness and minimize bulk. If using for a PVR, please contact us to verify pin-out you will need on the connector.

Sony 10 pin - All recent Sony camcorders now use this connector. It is the new standard for them. We will ship you a very special (and custom) right-angle connector specifically configured for your camcorder model. This is why we ask for your recorder Make/Model when ordering.

This design greatly improves ruggedness and minimize bulk significantly.

Xtreme Recall is the only company that offers this - broken camcorder ports are common with all other helmet camera designs.

RCA - Old 8mm camcorders use this type of connectors. It is also a “Universal” harness as it will mate to any AV cable with RCA connectors. Somewhat bulkier than the rest of our configurations, this option is good if you don’t yet know what type of recorder you will use, or want the flexibility to inexpensively connect to virtually any type or recorder.

Archos - Archos uses a proprietary connector. You can either order our RCA “Universal” harness (above) or get a special direct-connect harness through our Custom Shop. This will allow you to connect without the need of any type of adapters, reduces overall width and greatly increases ruggedness.

These are the basics to know before ordering. If you want more detailed information, then just keep reading..

Long Answers

What we provide you:

If you order one of our Packages, we will provide you everything you need to transform your camcorder, hard drive recorder or PVR into a body worn or vehicle mounted video system. We do this by providing you the following:

Special micro-camera
Some form of mount for the micro-camera
Microphone(s): Records your audio (we use very special models)
External Lithium Ion battery and/or standard battery holder
Specialty Camelbak and/or Camcorder Impact Protector (CIP) (protects your recorder)
Cable harness to connect everything together
All the little miscellaneous accessories you may also need

What we DO NOT supply you is a camcorder or PVR - basically, something to store all the video and sound our system is recording. We know other outfits are selling “complete” solutions, but for any “helmet camera company” to do this they must charge you an inflated mark-up on the camcorder/PVR to make it worth the effort for them. You can always save a good deal of money and buy the camera gear from us and source a good recorder from a third party. Naturally, for the deepest savings you can also purchase a good second hand model.

Our recommendation for camcorder models, in this order:

Sony DCR-TRV HC32 (HC 30 is fine too)
Sony DCR-TRV HC42 (HC 40 is fine too)
Sony DCR-TRV HC96 (most expensive, but easy to find in retail)
Any camcorder model you have already that has video/audio inputs (camcorder compatibility list)

All have different hand-held camcorder features, but from solely a “helmet camera” perspective, all will deliver the EXACT same video performance/functionality. * PAL models have an “e” in the model number, for example “HC32e”

Our recommendation for PVR:

We do not have a specific recommendation as there really isn’t an ideal choice available (yet). We are compatible with all models that offer “composite video” recording ability, but understand you will give up a great deal of video/audio quality as compared to a good Sony HC camcorder. Of all available, Archos is still the best in the sub-$1,000 area. There are a number of $3,000 + models to choose from, but none can yet be considered ideal.

What makes a Recorder compatible”

Any type of recorder device you choose to use with our micro-camera based gear must be able to record an incoming “composite” Video and Audio signal. Basically, can you record FROM your VCR to your camcorder or PVR? If you already know you can, you have a compatible recorder. Most Sony and some Canon/JVC models have the ability to record from a VCR or TV.

To check for this port on your recorder, you should look for the lettering above the port used to connect your camcorder/PVR to the TV. If you see “in” after the A/V or Video you have a compatible camcorder, if all you see is “out” you most likely don't.

“What is a LANC remote?”

This port is needed to use our special remote control. This allows you to turn on/off your Sony Camcorder (those models with this unique port). Many Sony and a small handful of Canon camcorders have this port. If you don’t have this port, then you will have to reach into your carrier (i.e. backpack) to manually start/stop your recorder. Not a huge issue, but it is convenient to have a remote control if at all possible.

* 2.5mm in size and typically blue in color on most Sony camcorders. Sometimes you will see “LANC” lettering next to the port.
** New Sony hard drive models often also have this port, though it’s typically black in color and labeled “remote”

If still unsure about the A/V Input or LANC please refer to our "Compatibility List," consult your manual, call/email the manufacturer, or contact us.

We provide two models of Lanc remotes: Standard and Water/dust proof

What connector do I need to order?

One reason we have a significantly smaller/lighter design is we terminate directly to your recorder. No adapters, no hassle. Everything we make is “direct connect” and uses the minimal amount of connectors humanly possible - without giving up flexibility or ease of use.

From this point on we will assume you have a compatible recorder and now just need a little help on knowing what type of A/V connector you need on your wire harness (from us). This is the connector type that your recorder uses; you can tell easily by looking at the AV cable you were supplied with when you purchased your recorder. That would be the cable to hook it up to your TV. It usually has three RCA connectors on one side and one of these on the other:

This design greatly improves ruggedness and minimize bulk significantly.

Xtreme Recall is the only company that offers this - broken camcorder ports are common with all other helmet camera designs.

If you still have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email or M-F 10am – 7pm PST at 775-851-2686