DIY camera mount

[Darrel]

Here's what I have out of pocket. I found the camera and after 2 months in the lost and found and posts on the local forums, it's mine.

gopro camera-- $0

plexiglass to repair case-- $0

1/4" aluminum bar stock-- $0

suction cups-- $2 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=97713

screws-- $0.60

total--- $2.60

Double that if you want to use 2 suction cups.

I don't count my time since I'm doing this for myself. The picture speaks for itself so you can see it is pretty simple.

You could also use plexiglass in place of the bar stock. heat and bend to fit.

It's a very easy DIY project for which ever camera you have.

Edited September 8, 2009 by Darrel

[cbudvet]

Wow, $2.60. Thats pretty steep! Is that a socket head? I don't think that will work as well as a camera. Thats a nice, straight forward looking setup. Its hard to tell from the picture but will the camera pivot at the suction cup and hit the windshield? Good luck with it and be sure to post some videos.

carl

[Darrel]

I'm still sorting it out. I just needed something set up real quick for our track day this saturday.

The socket is there just to test the weight while sitting in the sun. There is a bolt holding the bracket and will be tightened enough that in normal track driving it won't swing forward. Sudden stops would be another thing.

The bad thing about this intitial set up is the length of the frame. There might be too much torque when in the twisties. Another frame and another suction cup should work out much better.

The ideal solution to the mount will be a U-shaped bracket and 2 suction cups

[Darrel]

After using some extra material I have, I came up with this.

this one looks much better.

[TomoHawk]

Would something like this work?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46134

It's a Dual Cup Suction Lifter and the flat handle looks liks a good surface to bolt your camera arm to. It supports up to 125 LBS. and it claims you can pull dents! It would mount at the top or the passenger side of the windscreen.

Other ideas I've had for a camera/GPS/computer mount is a bracket that bolts to the frame behind the vent panel, which requires a modded vent panel. or a small bracket that attaches to the metal puck (which is permanently glued) on the windsreen like the rearview mirror, but elsewhere on the windscreen.

thxZ

Edited September 21, 2009 by TomoHawk

[Darrel]

You can use any of them you like. Check each one yourself to see which one would be better for what you want it for, not just look at the rated pounds it can hold.

[TomoHawk]

With a 125 LBs. holding capacity, it ought to hold a little camera. The big thing with that one is the 5-inch suction cups.

I went to the store right after I posted that other message, but someone had bough every one in stock!

thxZ

Edited September 23, 2009 by TomoHawk

[TomoHawk]

Hey-

could you put a spring on the bolts to act as a damper to the mount swinging? One twist around the bolt could be enough.

thxZ

[TomoHawk]

I bought one of these: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40993

It can hold 15 LBs.

It's not as substanstial as the double cupped handle thing, but I think I can screw a bracket to the arm on this one with some tiny screws.

thxZ

[Chino 240Z]

Depending on the Track Clubs & Organizations, your car may be required to go through a vehicle inspection and if the inspector or track worker doesn't think something looks safe, or well constructed you might need to remove it before entering the track. The weight of small objects become great from the extreme forces found on track. I would think that most all tracks make sure you remove any loose items like garage door openers, floor mats, music CDs, phones, cups, papers, sun glasses... or what ever might be found inside your car.

One thing for sure is you wouldn't want a flying projectile inside your car with you or a paper cup buzzing around your view or having a camera get wedged under your brake peddle while doing 120MPH.

I've had to return to pits for not having a safety strap on the camera if it did come loose. I wouldn't want a $3.00 item ruin my or someone elses $150+ track day, so just be careful.

Edited September 24, 2009 by Chino 240Z

[TomoHawk]

Good advice.

My initial goal for the camera is for recording things while touring. If the mount works out, I'll beef it up to competition standards.

[TomoHawk]

What are you using for your recording?

I have a creative labs laptop webcam (1.3MP, 800x600video @15fps). I wanted to use a laptop computer on the passenger seat (while touring, not [competition]) I'd rest the laptop in a cutout in a thick foam sheet. We haven't figured out how to use a pocket PC with a UB webcam yet. the goal is to make a time-lapse video, with a picture about every 0.1 or 0.3 second, but normal video is also available.

I'd probably need a USB extension cable. I wonder if I should've gotten the auto-focus camera instead (we will see.) With the CB radio in the ashtray (the GPS stays in the storage box for (emergencies), the driver's area feels fairly busy! :laugh: Fortunately, I don't drink coffee while driving the twisties.

thxZ