Hey everyone, I'm Christian. I've visited the forum for a bit and decided it's time to jump in.
I'll start with a couple of thank you's...
1) To Bikerag for creating a place to store and share knowledge about the cablecam.
2) To DPC for the outstanding how-to documentation and examples over at DPCfilms.com, that's how I found this place.

I'm investigating building a cablecam (like you didn't see that coming:) Figured I'd ask for some advice before diving in, since it seems no cam setup is the same. I will use the system in my work with track and field athletes, specifically sprinters, hurdlers and jumpers. The majority of footage I shoot is high speed imagery and used for technique and biomechanical analysis. Here is an example for the type of angle I am trying to achieve. (this is not my work, but it does represent the level of quality I aspire to!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkPlF6L8FOE (7:00 minute mark)

Portability, stability, speed, and acceleration are important factors for my rig. Oh, I'm also figuring out wether or not I can create an independent anchoring system, since I work primarily in large flat open areas. I realize I've laid out quite a challenge for myself, but believe it or not, I'm looking forward to it. Any ideas on which questions I should answer, what parameters need to be quantified so I can develop a methodical plan for building my rig?

I think the first thing you need to do is figure out what size camera you will be using, and how fast you need it to go. From there you can start do develop a plan for the cable cam itself based on some of the samples on the site..

You will certainly have some rigging challenges in an open field but I think you can probably use a few poles that are anchored with (3) 45 degree support wires that would be staked into the ground..

Jon

Thanks for the input Jon.
Camera Size: I'll be using the Casio EX-F1. With the battery and possible DOF adapter/35mm lens combo, I'm looking at approx. 3.5lbs.
Velocity: 25mph or 11m/s

I'll add the stake solution into my rigging research to make sure I explore all my options. Most of the time I will be working on an all weather track so I will have to figure out if a weight based system is feasible as well. I was thinking I might be able to use a modified tripod or quad-pod design. But I wont know for sure until I gain a better understanding of the forces involved.

Some visual examples...
http://www.frenchcreekproduction.com/im ... System.jpg
http://msecorporation.com/images/photos ... allsys.jpg
http://www.heightec.com/shop/images/ATR ... or-500.jpg

Take a look at lighting truss can be weighted down with water cans and is very strong also truss can be rented in any city of the US and bought used for cheap