On Thu, 10 Jan 2002 17:40:38 +1000, "Trevor S" wrote:

>I want to install a small camera onto my motorcycle helmet and then plug it
>into the SONY TRV 900 in a backpack, connected via analogue composite "in"
>to record footage while riding. Obviously the image quality will be no
>where near as good as the TRV 900s. Okay so far...

(I've got a noce compact sharp PC100 available...;-)

>The problem is,
>I need to be able to easily turn the recording off and on. I was hoping I
>could plug something into the LANC connector ? and have a slide switch so
>that I could tell by "feel" if it is recording or not.

There are several suitable Lanc controllers - the best for
your purposes (cheap, small, with lights, and able to restart
the camera after auto-standby) is one removed from
the cheapest Sony tripod with a Lanc controller mounted on
the handle (you would probably need to add a mini-mini
extension cord - mini-mini adaptors added to a mini
extension cord from Radio Shack is probably the easiest,
with the connectors wrapped with tape). Things to watch for,
though: shock/vibration, and heat build-up in the camera
operating inside a pack... (more practical may be a smaller
Mini-DV camera mounted on the helmet - I just happen to have
one available....;-).