CAMCAT

CAMCAT (Munich, Papal Fair 2006)

CAMCAT from CAMCAT-Systems GmbH is the registered trademark of a cable camera , the basic features of which have been developed by Georg Riha since the 1990s. This system enables camera shots at great heights over long distances, for example in rough terrain. It consists of a few basic modules, the combination of which allows adaptation to individual recording situations. In 2009, the entire technology was taken over by Alexander Brozek and Thomas Schindler and transferred to a company founded specifically for this purpose. With this step the large planned research and development offensive started. Since then, CAMCAT has not only received completely new accessories, but all control, regulation and safety mechanisms have been newly developed.

Historical development

Today's CAMCAT system is the result of years of development work. The first considerations for the development of a new type of camera cable car system began as early as 1992 . Right from the start, the goal was extremely lightweight construction and high mobility in use. It all started with the approach of a self-driving car with a data and energy supply via a fiber optic copper hybrid cable. The patent application at the time also went in this direction. At that time, the project was already being supported by the Austrian Research Promotion Fund. This phase ended in 1995. The originally planned parameters had been achieved.

As a result of the intensive examination of these possibilities, the demands on the desired system also increased. At that time the decision was made to further develop tandem suspension ropes and circulating hoist ropes for reasons of extremely high safety requirements and performance. In the course of 1996 the first model already existed in this new configuration. The performance was a speed of approx. 45 km / h over a distance of 300 m and up to an angle (relative to the horizontal) of 70 degrees. The cable car system of this generation was already used for the ORF - Universum - Documentation St. Stephan - The Living Cathedral .

The considerable success of these images was also the incentive in 1997 to plan an extremely high-quality modular system of a new generation. In the normal version, this standard should reach 80 km / h, a route length of 450 m and an angle of 45 degrees. A series of 4 systems was started.

In addition, the first tests for a high-speed version have started. The desired performance: 120 km / h with a distance of up to 1000 m. Another variant (CAMCAT® Vertical) was also implemented for very steep to vertical journeys .

This status was achieved at the beginning of 2000. In the meantime, further developments are being carried out, and a comprehensive system acceptance by the German TÜV has already taken place.

The maximum length of use so far was approx. 1000 m ( Olympic Games ), the max. Speed in action 130 km / h ( Four Hills Tournament ), the most difficult structure approx. 750 m in length in the Dorferklamm. The steepest operation 130 m high, 80 degrees in the Vienna Twin Tower , the most delicate operation: in the State Hall of the National Library in Vienna , the greatest burden so far: 2 shots with an IMAX camera for "Majestic White Horses" and for the feature film production "3 Musketeers" with a 3D rig.

Functionality and variants

1D - one-dimensional system

With a one -dimensional system , the camera can be moved along one axis. The camera is attached to the underside of the camera carriage, usually on a stabilized camera head, in order to prevent the recordings from shaking. The camera trolley, also known as a buggy , rests on two parallel ropes, the guide ropes , which are usually attached to cranes. With the help of a third rope attached directly to the camera carriage, the pull rope , the buggy can be pulled along the two tensioned guide ropes . It can be used both horizontally and vertically. Furthermore, a high-speed model is in use with which speeds of up to 130 km / h can be achieved.

Variants:

CAMCAT Standard (70 km / h, 1000 m length)
CAMCAT Vertical (30 km / h, 200 m length)
CAMCAT High Speed (130 km / h, 1000 m length)

2D - two-dimensional system

In a two-dimensional system , a one -dimensional system is expanded by a further rope, the lifting rope . With this additional rope, the camera platform , known as the flight deck , can be lowered and raised during the journey , thus enabling vertical movements in addition to the horizontal journey.

Variants: