Set-up of Remote Cameras At Times Region Rumble

Near the beginning of every new year the Times hosts some of the most thrilling high school basketball games at our Region Roundball Rumble. The events were held at East Chicago Central High School on December 31st and the Hammond Civic Center January 2nd. This year I mounted a remote camera behind the glass backboard at the Civic Center so our readers could get a great view of the high-flying action in front of the board. The process to place camera gear in this position in a safe and reliable manner takes preparation, practice, and time.

Jonathan Miano | The Times

A still camera is mounted behind the backboard of the Times Region Roundball Rumble at the Hammond Civic Center.

Jon L. Hendricks | The Times

Bishop Noll player and game MVP John Dodson, 5, shoots over North Judson player Winston Yergler, 24, during the Times Region Rumble at the Hammond Civic Center, Monday, January 2.

Set-up started at 2 p.m. as I needed to be finished working on the board well before players warmed-up. Two variable friction arms with clamps are used to mount and stabilize the camera. This is important as many of the high school players can dunk and shake just one arm out of position. A radio receiver is attached to the camera which allows it to be fired remotely from up to 1600 feet away. The rig is still unsafe as basketballs and hard dunks have the very slight possibility of causing the rig to unlatch and fall. To prevent any mishaps, a steel safety cable is secured to each piece of the rig and attached to a backboard post to keep the whole system tight. Finally, black gaffer's tape is used to cover up any distracting pieces of the rig along with making a gobo that sits under the lens to block-out any reflections on the glass. Lights were mounted in the arena and synched to the camera for crisp, clear action. This system only allows for one shot per 4-5 seconds while waiting for the lights to recycle so timing the players' jumps is critical. I also mounted a very small HD video camera in similar fashion. Thanks for looking!

Jon L. Hendricks | The Times

Bishop Noll player Larry Crisler, 25, reaches for a rebound against North Judson's John Eckert, 50, at the Times Region Rumble at the Hammond Civic Center, Monday, January 2.

Jonathan Miano | The Times

A still camera, left, and video camera sit mounted behind the backboard at the Times Region Roundball Rumble at the Hammond Civic Center.