In-Car Camera Mount

SCCA technical discussions and classing discussions.

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magilson
Posts: 292
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:52 am
Location: Springfield, MO
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In-Car Camera Mount

Post by magilson » Mon Nov 19, 2007 3:06 pm

I really wanted to make a headrest camera mount for my car so I can video tape my Autocross runs to help improve my habits.

Here's what I bought to make mine:

Lawrence Photo & Video

(1) Bogen 3232 Swivel Head $23.95

Image

Westlake Ace Hardware

(1) Square Aluminum Tube 3/4" x 4' $9.99
(2) "U" Bolt 1/4" x 3/4" x 1-1/2" $1.29 Ea
(1 ft.) Vinyl Tubing 3/16" $0.19 per ft.
(1) 1/4"x20 1-1/4" Hex Head Bolt $0.13
(1) 1/4 washer $0.06

Total: 36.90 + tax

Result!

Image

Image

With this installation I was able to keep my headrest at normal height. My real question was if I need a second method for securing the camera. When I first started looking into this I read a few SCCA regions that had rules about in-car cameras. Most required a second method of retention. In many cases they allowed the camera strap to be that method so long as it was securely mounted to the camera mount as well.

What does the SCCA or OMR require?

EDIT: This is all I could find...

"3.3.3 Safety Inspections
B. Inspection Requirements
1) All loose items, inside and outside the car, must be removed. Passenger’s seat back and squab shall be secured. Video cameras, if installed, must be securely mounted to withstand loads from driving maneuvers. The camera may be installed either inside or on the outside of the car. In either case, its mounting method and position must not interfere with driving or pose an additional hazard to driver, passenger, or course workers."

So I guess once one of the tech inspectors yanks on it to make sure it's secure then I should be okay?
Matt Gilson
06 United Gray GTI

f1race79
Posts: 52
Joined: Wed Apr 04, 2007 12:35 pm

Camera Mount

Post by f1race79 » Tue Nov 20, 2007 8:05 am

I have one like yours except I put it on the passenger headrest.
I just have a bolt thru it and mount camera on bolt, do get some vibration.
I might try one of the the swivel heads, it would be easier to adjust and maybe take out some of the vibration.
I have use it a several sites and no complaints yet.
Julius Miller
Little Rock, AR
07 Habby Civic SI
83 280ZX
Trying to build a full-time racer.

magilson
Posts: 292
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:52 am
Location: Springfield, MO
Contact:

Re: Camera Mount

Post by magilson » Tue Nov 20, 2007 9:22 am

f1race79 wrote:I have one like yours except I put it on the passenger headrest.
I just have a bolt thru it and mount camera on bolt, do get some vibration.
I might try one of the the swivel heads, it would be easier to adjust and maybe take out some of the vibration.
I have use it a several sites and no complaints yet.
I found that I could minimize most if not all of the vibration by mounting it from my seat so my body weight would help. I don't think mounting it off the passenger seat is really even an option considering how much it vibrates just driving down the road with no one occupying it.

I chose the swivel head just because I knew my square stock would sit at an angle so I needed the adjustment for level and tilt. I love it so far and can't wait to test it during an event!
Matt Gilson
06 United Gray GTI

springfielddyno
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Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:52 am
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Post by springfielddyno » Fri Nov 23, 2007 7:27 pm

should be fine for safety... a wiggle test will work :D

sam

neil
Posts: 79
Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:45 pm

Post by neil » Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:59 am

I currently run one the same way, it doesnt do too bad on vibration.

i can link to some sample video of mine if you like
2003 350Z - 23BSP
Image

magilson
Posts: 292
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:52 am
Location: Springfield, MO
Contact:

Post by magilson » Tue Dec 11, 2007 1:28 pm

neil wrote:I currently run one the same way, it doesnt do too bad on vibration.

i can link to some sample video of mine if you like
I've done some testing with my camera through rough roads and some open parking lots switchbacks. I have to see I'm very pleased. Only change I made was the use four wing-nuts in place of the regular nuts to allow me to take it in and out quickly.
Matt Gilson
06 United Gray GTI

drivehard
Posts: 104
Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2006 5:23 pm

Post by drivehard » Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:09 am

You know, I was just here thinking how I was going to do mine, and well, here I go. Yippy!!! :D
CRUX[kruks] 1. of perplexing difficulty. 2. the essential or most important point.

DRIVE HARD, DRIVE FAST, DON'T MISS YOUR POINT!!!!

drivehard
Posts: 104
Joined: Wed Jul 26, 2006 5:23 pm

Post by drivehard » Tue Jan 29, 2008 6:12 pm

I did mine pretty much the same way, but I bought a 1"X4' square tube, and a Manfrotto 3232 swivel mount. The mount was about $27.00 shipped from amazon.com.

Buy the way, it is made in Italy! :P :P :P
CRUX[kruks] 1. of perplexing difficulty. 2. the essential or most important point.

DRIVE HARD, DRIVE FAST, DON'T MISS YOUR POINT!!!!

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