Titanium Camera Mount! (huge Pics, Sorry)

I've been fiddling around with my minidv cam for the better part of this year, and decided I wanted to try some new views. But I have to be different. So instead of hanging it off a fork leg, duct taping it to a fairing or saddlebag, or mounting it on the tank (like I have been), here's what I came up with.

My main goal was to get a view that included me in the frame, so I could evaluate my body position on the bike, which meant I had to mount it behind me. Doing this offers the bonus of having a clear view out the back of the bike, so objective B was to be able to spin the camera around on the mount for rear-facing video. I thought the best idea for that would be to come up with a mount that bolted to the stock seat cowl on my VTEC.

So, I need a plate to mount the camera to, a base plate to attach securely to the seat cowl, and something relatively stiff in between that wouldn't be affected too much by changing air streams(wind buffeting).

Lucky me, I work in a high-end sheetmetal shop... after doing some sketching on the ole' mental notepad, I gathered up some titanium scraps and had at it.

Tacked together:
[image: 11-27-07001.jpg]
Ready to add a little filler:
[image: 11-27-07002.jpg]
Done.(see the motivation on the wall? wink.gif )
[image: 11-27-07005.jpg]

That would be the mid section, the stanchion between the two plates. .080" 6-4 titanium. Very stiff, and pretty light.

I needed a strong block that would provide a mounting point for the 'ladder', and that would spread forces of movement over the base plate - I used a piece of scrap 1" aluminum, squared up on a mill.(I used the same block to space the ladder while I tack welded it together, for a tight fit). Here it is getting some holes drilled in it:

[image: 11-27-07012.jpg]

And the corresponding holes in the ladder:
[image: 11-27-07013.jpg]

[image: 11-27-07014.jpg]

Gives me this:
[image: 11-27-07017.jpg]
[image: 11-27-07018.jpg]
[image: 11-27-07019.jpg]
[image: 11-27-07020.jpg]
[image: 11-27-07021.jpg]
[image: 11-27-07022.jpg]

The base plate will be larger than the piece of cardboard shown; I just needed something to set it on for the pic. It will be about the same width, but longer towards the front of the bike, possibly with some strategic cutouts.

To add some flexibility to the setup, I drilled a third hole in the block, allowing the ladder to angle towards the rear of the bike to almost 45 degrees. I folded the ladder back until the first 'rung' hit the block, then tightened the bolt and drilled the third hole. Should be real stable in that position, it should give a better view when the camera faces back, and should catch the sounds of the exhaust and throttle changes this way. musik20.gif

[image: 11-27-07024.jpg]

[image: 11-27-07025.jpg]

I need to do some trim work on the bottom and top of the ladder, to allow it to swing to that second angle when mounted. I need to make the base plate for the seat cowl, and the mount plate for the camera. Then clean the parts and apply a finish that I haven't picked yet.

It will be mounted on this spare seat cowl that member Crazybrother offered up for grabs a little while back(thanks again dude!!). Dunno yet if I'll paint it flat black, red to match, or just leave it alone??? Decisions, decisions.
[image: 11-27-07026.jpg]

Now that the hard part is out of the way, I have the weather and road conditions to deal with; I may not get to test this thing out for a WHILE. I do know that if the minidv camera proves to heavy for the mount(it'll be very susceptible to acceleration and braking forces in that location), I'll get one of those small Oregon Scientific SD-card cameras that seem to be getting good reviews. Then I could run the dv cam on the tank mount, and edit both views together later... oh the possibilities!

Anyway, just wanted to share, get feedback, etc... I'll post more as I get it done. fing02.gif


lurk.gif

excellent! i really would like this view on my track bike to see, as you said, my body position. but i am leary of putting something like this on a bike that has a good chance of crashing.... ohmy.gif

cant wait to see video in the spring!

Does the seat cowl mount to the bike solidly enough to keep this all on-board? Especially with the ladder rotated to the rear you will have quite a lever arm trying to pry the seat cowl off, and you will be developing some small amount of lift at speed too.

I have found that any "wiggle room" makes for a jittery video. I just can't see mounting it to plastic providing a firm enough base for good quality. I think you will be better off making a "Bridge" for your "ladder" using the grab rail mounting points.

I do love the thought of the views that will give you though. Look out for low power lines.




Damn, Snafu beat me to the idea.. I had to load some songs onto the Daughter's MP3 player between when I started typing and finshed.

I like the brake/clutch/shifter views on the GP bikes.

And the rear-wheel cam that also shows the trailing bikes.

Lee 2002, Dec 2 2007, 12:44 AMDoes the seat cowl mount to the bike solidly enough to keep this all on-board? Especially with the ladder rotated to the rear you will have quite a lever arm trying to pry the seat cowl off, and you will be developing some small amount of lift at speed too.

I have found that any "wiggle room" makes for a jittery video. I just can't see mounting it to plastic providing a firm enough base for good quality. I think you will be better off making a "Bridge" for your "ladder" using the grab rail mounting points.

I do love the thought of the views that will give you though. Look out for low power lines.




Damn, Snafu beat me to the idea.. I had to load some songs onto the Daughter's MP3 player between when I started typing and finshed.

All you will see with Ken's bracket is your butt... still need to raise the camera up. My seat cowl fits pretty tight, the Sargent seat is a little bigger than the stock seat and firms the fit up quite a bit.

I did think of bridging the grab rails, but like the idea of having the quick-release of the seat cowl. Having a cowl pop up for free the very next day sealed the deal for me!

I may do another variation on this by spring, for rear view only. I had in mind to make a backrest for my wife from steel tubing that linked into the grab rails, I wanted to incorporate a removable pouch/ bag on it and a mount for a cam at the top... one thing at a time!

I forgot to mention that the ladder portion stands 14" high.

SEBSPEED, Dec 2 2007, 02:01 AM

Lee 2002, Dec 2 2007, 12:44 AMDoes the seat cowl mount to the bike solidly enough to keep this all on-board? Especially with the ladder rotated to the rear you will have quite a lever arm trying to pry the seat cowl off, and you will be developing some small amount of lift at speed too.

I have found that any "wiggle room" makes for a jittery video. I just can't see mounting it to plastic providing a firm enough base for good quality. I think you will be better off making a "Bridge" for your "ladder" using the grab rail mounting points.

I do love the thought of the views that will give you though. Look out for low power lines.




Damn, Snafu beat me to the idea.. I had to load some songs onto the Daughter's MP3 player between when I started typing and finshed.

All you will see with Ken's bracket is your butt... still need to raise the camera up. My seat cowl fits pretty tight, the Sargent seat is a little bigger than the stock seat and firms the fit up quite a bit.

I did think of bridging the grab rails, but like the idea of having the quick-release of the seat cowl. Having a cowl pop up for free the very next day sealed the deal for me!

I may do another variation on this by spring, for rear view only. I had in mind to make a backrest for my wife from steel tubing that linked into the grab rails, I wanted to incorporate a removable pouch/ bag on it and a mount for a cam at the top... one thing at a time!

Backrest/ cam mount sounds like good idea....stiffer and dual purpose........... fing02.gif These pics remind me how much I miss Buddy Brazelton (RIP)...I drove his race car for him some and he was the Boss over the welding/ machine shop at Arnold AFB...fantastic machinist, I could get anything made for my many "motorhobbies", from R/C cars to bikes, to real cars........ sad.gif

Definitely go for the most solid-state camera setup you can find....who knows how the mini-DV will stand up to moto-shocks....

Good fabrication! fing02.gif

Snafu, Dec 2 2007, 12:38 AM[image: IMG_4608_3_1.jpg]

Hmmmmmmmm. Very interesting.
[image: wolfgang.jpg]

Dale and I had tossed the idea around. Please, don't get me wrong, not try'n to shoot it down. Hope to be able to help, and save you massive alterations, post test time.

I can pretty much tell 'ya that mounting to a seat cowl, isn't gonna have good results, because,...
A ) As tight as the cowl may be on your bike, the added weight and wind drag, is gonna make the tabs break, and more than likely cause the cowl to split. The larger the base plate the better. The more weight dispersed out to the sides of the cowl, the better.
B ) The inner surface on the top area of the cowl, does not rest directly on the top surface of the seat. Hence, you'll have a drum skin effect, especially with weight on it. (Vibration is gonna be amplified). All the more reason to have the weight dispersed.

Ken's unit would be a good way to go, to get the cam centered, to get the view you're look'n for, even though it would be harder to deal with. Which brings more thoughts.

A ) What about mounting it to one grab handle? Ex: the right one, then you could put the cam on the left side of the ladder. (Most cams are set-up as righthanders, anyhow).
B ) This would also allow for more vibration dampening. With a cam mounted directly on end of a extension, (top as opposed to the side), the longer the extention, the more the vibration. (This I know from experience). Even with rubber dampening. I've been try'n to figure this out for almost a year. To be honest, I've found one gets WAY less vibration, if the cam hangs, with rubber mounts. (I figure that this is because the weight of the cam is already down, as opposed t, "bobbing" on top.

Bla, bla, bla,......
NEXT!

A bullet cam, is the way to go on such a long extension. (I don't recall if your cam has RCA inputs).

I like the swinging ladder Idea - when you crash your video camera slingshots out of the holder much like a trebuchet. That way you can view your crash from an over the top and downward view ala Motogp. The shot would be incredible and worthy of ABC's agony of defeat fame. In an emergency stop it just whacks you in the back of the helmet?

HispanicSlammer, Dec 2 2007, 08:08 AMI like the swinging ladder Idea - when you crash your video camera slingshots out of the holder much like a trebuchet. That way you can view your crash from an over the top and downward view ala Motogp. The shot would be incredible and worthy of ABC's agony of defeat fame. In an emergency stop it just whacks you in the back of the helmet?

very nice set up. but do not waste the seat cowl. i think the bracket would work better, plus you could make some money by selling me the seat cowl(pleassssssssseeeeeeeee)

Seb - cool idea!

SLammer - you have a point there.......

YOu could use my Solo Rack as the base to mount your block to. It is solid as a rock.

Additionally - the Solo Rack would be ideal for the rear facing views.

sirimiri, Dec 2 2007, 03:28 AMDefinitely go for the most solid-state camera setup you can find....who knows how the mini-DV will stand up to moto-shocks....

Good fabrication! fing02.gif

from my experience, the minidv is the most dependable. the SS cameras tend to shut off, give jumpy video, etc, while the miniDV is solid and hi res.

i have wrecked 3 times now with my miniDV and it is still tickin! the issue i have with miniDV is it is time consuming to get in digital format for posting.

HispanicSlammer, Dec 2 2007, 10:08 AMI like the swinging ladder Idea - when you crash your video camera slingshots out of the holder much like a trebuchet. That way you can view your crash from an over the top and downward view ala Motogp. The shot would be incredible and worthy of ABC's agony of defeat fame. In an emergency stop it just whacks you in the back of the helmet?

laugh.gif If only I were so lucky...


The mount is very solid, the cowl will have to break first. Wait till you guys see the rest of it, before passing final judgment.

The view from the cam:
[image: 11-11-07015.jpg]
[image: 11-11-07017.jpg]
[image: 11-11-07016.jpg]

And a second cowl that I made for my F4i, might use the same idea with a shorter ladder...
[image: FIBERGLASSF4iSEATCOWL008.jpg]
[image: FIBERGLASSF4iSEATCOWL017.jpg]
[image: FIBERGLASSF4iSEATCOWL021.jpg]


lurk.gif

HispanicSlammer, Dec 2 2007, 09:08 AMI like the swinging ladder Idea - when you crash your video camera slingshots out of the holder much like a trebuchet. That way you can view your crash from an over the top and downward view ala Motogp. The shot would be incredible and worthy of ABC's agony of defeat fame. In an emergency stop it just whacks you in the back of the helmet?

LMFAO!


Like the others mentioned, I'd pass on the seat cowl mount and go for Ken's rack or something like Riv mentioned with just mounting it to one of the grab handles. Bullet cam would be ideal too. I also would pass on the Oregon Scientific and put that money towards something better. It's not a horrible camera but is very succeptible to vibrations which make for a really poor image.

You might snoop around your local photo shop for quick-release mounts and/or heads to mount the camera to. Lot's of options there. One Example

My fear is that if the cowl breaks, bye, bye cam. blink.gif

A coupls members have had there cowls fly off.

Keep us posted.

turtlecreek, Dec 2 2007, 11:36 AMi have wrecked 3 times now with my miniDV and it is still tickin!

......and the BR crash........and you guys keep tellin' me how much fun I could have on track days.....Boy, it sure sounds like a barrel of fun......somehow "fun" and "crash" don't acclimate well with me...........sounds like the camera needs to be mounted to a full rollcage....... goofy.gif

dutchinterceptor, Dec 2 2007, 11:58 AMLike the others mentioned, I'd pass on the seat cowl mount and go for Ken's rack or something like Riv mentioned with just mounting it to one of the grab handles. Bullet cam would be ideal too. I also would pass on the Oregon Scientific and put that money towards something better. It's not a horrible camera but is very succeptible to vibrations which make for a really poor image.

You might snoop around your local photo shop for quick-release mounts and/or heads to mount the camera to. Lot's of options there. One Example

As always, this is a budget job. I put more faith in a $.20 1/4-20 screw than I do a $50 mount. No need to buy a mount from Ken, I don't always ride with the grab handles!

The plot thickens,............

Hold for sketch,..............

K.
[image: lastscan-2.jpg]
If you're tossing the idea 'round of doing a lay-up, you could integrate a 1 pc. metal plate, foam on the underside to help with shock absorbance.

I was gonna suggest cutt'n the tab posts off the esat and using screws, to secure it, BUT that eliminates having the ease of just popping it off. (Could always put a small srewdriver holder on it though). That way you don't have to dig the tool kit out. ?????????????

The Sargent seat has a more scooped surface for the passenger than the stocker, there is room between the cowl and the seat for an aluminum plate that matches the base plate, to spread out the load. I highly doubt the tabs on the cowl are going to break, but I can reinforce them if I install this thing and they feel like a weak link.


Chev, I see you. Need some measurements? wink.gif Lol.

Rivcyko, Dec 2 2007, 02:41 PMIf you're tossing the idea 'round of doing a lay-up, you could integrate a 1 pc. metal plate, foam on the underside to help with shock absorbance.

I was gonna suggest cutt'n the tab posts off the seat and using screws, to secure it, BUT that eliminates having the ease of just popping it off. (Could always put a small srewdriver holder on it though). That way you don't have to dig the tool kit out. ?????????????

No layup for the VFR, I have the cowl for that already. The CBR cowls run ~$100... forget that!

A piece of foam between the seat and cowl will help spread out some of the load, but ultimately put more stress on the tabs. The seat cowl will already be a stressed member, but the plan is to cut and hand form the AL baseplate in such a way that the stresses are applied evenly across and through the whole part.

Like walking on thin ice. You don't. You get on your belly and spread out...

Rearward force on the camera will create lift on the front of the baseplate, which would try to pull itself away from the cowl. If the plate is attached in such a way that the pull is spread over a larger area, it should not rip off the cowl, and cowl should not break.

Nice work Seb, but it looks way to complicated. unsure.gif


I have been working on a A-frame design for a few minutes and here's my first prototype! fing02.gif


This Stepped Design allows infinite adjust ability in the camera platform! 491.gif








[image: axle004.jpg]

[image: axle005.jpg]

Butthead. dry.gif










goofy.gif Looks like a good effort there, probably makes a good roll cage too! laugh.gif

you know i thought this was just a joke, but after seeing how you fiberglass, i am not so sure this wasn't a serious effort.... rolleyes.gif

Baileyrock, Dec 2 2007, 01:55 PMNice work Seb, but it looks way to complicated. unsure.gif


I have been working on a A-frame design for a few minutes and here's my first prototype! fing02.gif


This Stepped Design allows infinite adjust ability in the camera platform! 491.gif








[image: axle004.jpg]

[image: axle005.jpg]

[quote name='turtlecreek' date='Dec 2 2007, 02:13 PM' post='457230']
you know i thought this was just a joke, but after seeing how you fiberglass, i am not so sure this wasn't a serious effort.... rolleyes.gif

[quote/]


Ouch! blink.gif


goofy.gif fing02.gif

New idea, after taking a walk to the garage... lay up fiberglass mat, about 3/8" thick, on the top surface of the cowl, in a fat 'T' shape. The top of the T will face forward, and the perpendicular arms can lay on the sides of the cowl, by the tabs, where I can mold in two thin aluminum straps bent in an L shape to fit over the tabs, reinforcing them. Coupla' countersunk bolts from the underside threading into some molded-in nuts... no worries about broken tabs.

The next episode will be brought to you by the letter 'S'. rolleyes.gif

Kinda like this very rough sketch:
[image: Interceptor017.jpg]

More weight, but not much. Maybe 2lbs. There is enough clearance between the tabs and the bike to allow for the brace.

There 'ya go. fing02.gif

skuuter trash, Dec 2 2007, 01:54 PM

turtlecreek, Dec 2 2007, 11:36 AMi have wrecked 3 times now with my miniDV and it is still tickin!

......and the BR crash........and you guys keep tellin' me how much fun I could have on track days.....Boy, it sure sounds like a barrel of fun......somehow "fun" and "crash" don't acclimate well with me...........sounds like the camera needs to be mounted to a full rollcage....... goofy.gif

I still say roll cage mount.....save both of you and your cameras............... rolleyes.gif

skuuter trash, Dec 2 2007, 05:14 PM

skuuter trash, Dec 2 2007, 01:54 PM

turtlecreek, Dec 2 2007, 11:36 AMi have wrecked 3 times now with my miniDV and it is still tickin!

......and the BR crash........and you guys keep tellin' me how much fun I could have on track days.....Boy, it sure sounds like a barrel of fun......somehow "fun" and "crash" don't acclimate well with me...........sounds like the camera needs to be mounted to a full rollcage....... goofy.gif

I still say roll cage mount.....save both of you and your cameras............... rolleyes.gif

That would involve a seat belt to keep from being tangled in the bars... what're you REALLY trying to say Skuuter??? goofy.gif

Rivcyko, Dec 2 2007, 08:32 AMDale and I had tossed the idea around. . .

I absolutely know I'm going to regret this but this is the video that inspired Trav and I tossing this idea around. I had literally duct taped a camera tripod to my Givi rack, hit record and went for a ride around the block. If it's good for a laugh I'm all for it, even at my own expense. This is more or less to give you an idea of what your view might look like. The camera could easily be spun around to point backwards.

Before you watch I need to post some disclaimers.

1) This is a tiny test run around the block, thus no riding pants and my short-sleeved, cotton "armor."
2) It was a borrowed camera that shot the crappiest video I've ever seen.
3) The cruiser guy at :48 probably spent the rest of the day laughing his ass off.
4) At 1:47 the duct tape gave way, unbeknownst to me, and makes for a truly spectacular angle. With a little more thought I think I could easily mount it again. . . securely.

http://picasaweb.google.com/awells1975/Jul...key=VHRAbKbzRoQ

Let the laughing begin! tongue.gif

HA! And no CBRs, with the right of way, cutting off your left turns!

theoxmole, Dec 2 2007, 06:57 PM

Rivcyko, Dec 2 2007, 08:32 AMDale and I had tossed the idea around. . .

I absolutely know I'm going to regret this but this is the video that inspired Trav and I tossing this idea around. I had literally duct taped a camera tripod to my Givi rack, hit record and went for a ride around the block. If it's good for a laugh I'm all for it, even at my own expense. This is more or less to give you an idea of what your view might look like. The camera could easily be spun around to point backwards.

Not a bad idea to mount it on the trunk, a little farther back would have been better. I'm hoping that a piece of foam taped over the mic will take care of most of the wind noise... ?




Oh, and -















Holy Tar Snakes Batman!! goofy.gif

Tar snakes are the state snake. . . did you see the sprinkler spraying on the road to the right?

theoxmole, Dec 2 2007, 07:31 PMTar snakes are the state snake. . . did you see the sprinkler spraying on the road to the right?

No... I think I was still in awe of the tar snakes... unsure.gif

Hey SEBSPEED check out this site linky sweet videos.
This guy has some sort of camera mount on the rear of his bike's that he can position
anywhere. He shows it somwhere on the sight , just took a quick look but didn't see it.
I don't know if that is what you want to build but it's pretty cool.

SEBSPEED, Dec 2 2007, 06:27 PMThat would involve a seat belt to keep from being tangled in the bars... what're you REALLY trying to say Skuuter??? goofy.gif

......heh, heh, heh..... rolleyes.gif ....Hwy 50 out of Lynchburg the back way to Winchester has sections of tar snakes that look more like "tar spaghetti". On really hot summer days it feels like a "dirt bike drift" sometime going through there.......... goofy.gif

RAM mount with U-bolt around one of the grab handles is the way to go. Solid, position anywhere with a twist of the knob.

Do you have RCA inputs? If you do, a bullet cam on a flew bar, would be sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.flexbar.com/flexbar.htm

Rivcyko, Dec 3 2007, 08:51 AMDo you have RCA inputs? If you do, a bullet cam on a flew bar, would be sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.flexbar.com/flexbar.htm

Unfortunately, I don't. That would solve a lot of my problems. Christmas is coming though, if I can get rid of the cam I have for a better one... hmm...

unkjj, Dec 2 2007, 11:01 PMHey SEBSPEED check out this site linky sweet videos.
This guy has some sort of camera mount on the rear of his bike's that he can position
anywhere. He shows it somwhere on the sight , just took a quick look but didn't see it.
I don't know if that is what you want to build but it's pretty cool.

Those vids are pretty sweet! I checked the link for the mount, $130! Ouch! blink.gif It looks suspiciuosly like a series of RAM arms... He's using helmetcamera.com cams too. I love that rear 3/4 view! fing02.gif

I DON'T regret posting my cheesy video. . . nobody made fun of me! Yay! tongue.gif