I was introduced to the ATC series about 12 months ago when I bought the ATC2K. On May 4 2008, one of my bikes was ‘customised’ by a Bangkok bus along with the ATC2K – I was fortunate and only had a few minor cuts. I did think about replacing it straight away but I had heard that Oregon Scientific was bringing out the ATC3K with an increased capacity and the ATC5K with the LCD monitor. I’m glad that I waited.
The ATC5K is similar in size, shape and weight to its predecessors. It retains the same fitting attachment which locates into the various mounts with a satisfying ‘click’. The control buttons are easier to use than the ATC2K which I found were a bit ‘fiddly’. I found access to the batteries, SD card and USB connected were far easier – just unclip the monitor screen rather than twist off the end cap.
The package also includes a remote control and a webcam mount and CD. When the ATC5K is helmet mounted, I found the remote control very useful as I tended to knock the camera out of alignment when I tried to switch it on to record manually. I never use a webcam but… I found it very useful when trying to align the helmet mount; with the unit connected to your pc, assume your normal riding position and adjust via your pc. If you have a laptop, then sit on the bike and adjust from there.
What I like about the ATC5K is that it is self contained, has a 2 hour capacity and the price.
Where the ATC5K can be improved – I normally have mine handlebar mounted and because of heavy traffic, I sometimes find it difficult to hear the ‘beeps’ so the addition of a small viewing window above the front facing red and green lights would be useful.
I know that you can buy lighter cameras but you need an additional recording device and I have enough stuff in my back pockets to carry around. For the price, it represents good value for money.
Two videos - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrPvrzg6dpk and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH0LFIgqDkQ have just be through Windows Movie Maker which has just edited them using Auto Movie facility, I have not enhanced it in any other way. You may be able to detect some wave motion but this is due to the suspension forks and road surface - not to the unit itself.
