DIY portable 12v/5v power supply.

Do you have a nearly dead UPS battery, a bundle of wires and $15? Why not to combine them into the PSU which will provide you both +12V and +5V to power almost full range of gadgets?

Check my post here for details. 

Unofficial GitUp Git2 Android app.

Seems like GitUp experiences some kind of problems creating Android application for Git2 action cam control. Moreover there is even no estimated release date stated at the moment. So I decided not to cool heels anymore and write my own code.

GitApp main screen.

GitApp Android launcher icon.

Here comes GitApp - an unofficial Android appliction for GitUp Git2 camera (actually can work with any Novatek based cam). It already can start/stop video recording, take video snapshot and open live stream from Git2 camera. Now it's in early beta status and I will release it as soon as I add some more features. Stay tuned!

Hacking Novatek firmware.

Just managed to unpack Novatek NT96660 .BIN firmware  file. It can contain one or two separate firmwares combined into one file: one for uITRON OS and one for eCos OS. Seems like one is for realtime user interaction and the other is for camera controls. Stay tuned.

UPD 05-26-16: Here you can download tool for Novatek FW unpack: link
UPD 12-09-16: DENOVA Novatek firmware unpacking script: link

For those who don't like how plastic feels.

GitUp default lens vs Yi lens vs 4.35mm cheapo comparison. Git2 lens replacing tips.

Got another $10 4.35mm lens and made a quick test of it comparing with the default GitUp Git2 lens and default Xiaomi Yi Z22 series lens. All three were mounted on Git2 cam.

Note these when replacing GitUp Git2 lens:
1. You'll need a 1.5mm (metric) hex bit or key to unscrew 4 bolts on the front panel.
2. Remove MicroSD card and start disassembling the front panel from its slot slowly going to the middle of it. There are two strong massive latches inside so you'll have to put some force on them.
3. Git2 lens is hot-glued in its M12 mount (S-mount). Don't rush removing the glue because there are lots of tiny fragile parts around the lens. Scrub it away by small pieces using a sharp tool with fine tip.
4. Focus the lens using HDMI connected display or wifi livestream - rtsp://192.168.1.254:554.

GitUp Git2 action camera.

Got my Git2 cam today. At first glance it seems to be a pretty nice piece of hardware.

• It has a tiny screen on its back. Rather small, but still useful.
• It has Sony IMX206 sensor exactly like so much popular Xiaomi Yi cam has.
• It's powered by Novatek NT96660 chipset and it doesn't "overprocess" the picture like Ambarella A7 does.
• Git2's h264 video encoder is quite tricky. Comparing to Yi (defaults @1296p30) it provides slightly greater bitrate but twice higher keyframe interval leading to visible blocking artifacts. 
• Using p60/p120/p240 modes with indoor/low light is useless because the cam records 30 fps duplicating frames to the target framerate. 
• The lens is just great. It provides impressive resolution and colors though having some issue concerning lens flare and chromatic aberration effects.
• Due to its case design Git2 is compatible with GoPro accessories, moreover it has mini-usb connector for those of you who prefer to record audio with an external mic (supporting both mono and stereo).

UPD 2016-06-14: Git2 cam greatly strode towards (as one Git1 cam did) with actual FW updates. Seems like GitUp is going to get its maximum from HW and I'm pretty glad to take a feasible part in this process. Well done things are still here and need me to do some stuff.

Briefly about the Xiaomi Yi lens replacement for special needs.

For FOV and distorsion demonstration only.

Let's name the beast: GoPrawn here it comes.

UPD: Welcome to my action camera forum: GoPrawn.com

How to enable FTP server for Xiaomi Yi camera.

First of all enable telnet (put an empty file named "enable_info_display.script" to the root of microsd and reboot). Login with root using your favorite telnet client.
Then run this command to start FTP server (thanx to nikulin for update):
nohup tcpsvd -u root -vE 0.0.0.0 21 ftpd -w / >> /dev/null 2>&1 &

Connect using FTP. Works in both AP and STA modes.
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PROFIT:

File transfer speed via FTP is up to 1MB/s.

Xiaomi Yi camera firmware v 1.2.0 released. Noise filter is off.

Xiaomi has released 1.2.0 firmware for Yi camera. I found one interesting thing not listed in official change log (left - 1.1.0, right - 1.2.0):

Noise filter is disabled by default in LOW ISO mode (more about Yi camera modes in future posts).

Xiaomi Yi camera hardware mods. Aluminium case.

I got aluminium case with UV-protection filter kit from ebay. 

Pros:

• It looks great due to semi-gloss black anodized aluminium coating.
• Very easy to install camera into it.
• Protection of camera lens and body.
• Shoe mount on top - great for dashcam use.
• 5 1/4" mount holes on the sides.
• It gives better grip for the camera.

Cons:

• Kit filter shows severe vignetting. 
• Shoe mount and 1/4" holes on the upper and lower sides are not aligned with optical axis of the lens.
• Suggested camera fixation method doesn't provide a solid result.
• Mic hole of the camera is blocked by the frame.

It seems like the manufacturer of the case uses preforms for one of GoPro camera. That's why there is a mismatch of mount and mic holes. So I recommend not to rush off with buying of this case and wait until some design adjustments to fit Xiaomi Yi will be made.