Rigid GoPro mounts for 981

AndyKerr · Jan 4, 2017

Is anybody aware of a suitable rigid mount for fitment into the cabin of my 981? Or of any other way it can be done? I would like to be able to fit it somewhere in the space between the seats in such a way as to provide a solid fixing suitable for trackday activity, but completely reversible without doing any damage to the cabin.

I have had a few thoughts, but not yet come up with anything I would consider adequate.

Anybody?

Boxbrownie · Jan 4, 2017

AndyKerr said:
Is anybody aware of a suitable rigid mount for fitment into the cabin of my 981? Or of any other way it can be done? I would like to be able to fit it somewhere in the space between the seats in such a way as to provide a solid fixing suitable for trackday activity, but completely reversible without doing any damage to the cabin.

I have had a few thoughts, but not yet come up with anything I would consider adequate.

Anybody?

Something like this?
http://www.lightinthebox.com/camera-clamp-roll-bar-seat-post-tripod-mount-for-bicycle-motorcycle_p4526284.html?currency=GBP&litb_from=bing_shopping&utm_source=bingshopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=bingshopping
Very cheap unit, but you can pay a lot more depending upon your requirements and how long you want it to last!

AndyKerr · Jan 4, 2017

Boxbrownie said:
Something like this?
http://www.lightinthebox.com/camera-clamp-roll-bar-seat-post-tripod-mount-for-bicycle-motorcycle_p4526284.html?currency=GBP&litb_from=bing_shopping&utm_source=bingshopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=bingshopping
Very cheap unit, but you can pay a lot more depending upon your requirements and how long you want it to last!

Thanks for the response.

It's very similar to one of the solutions I looked at, but unfortunately there appear to be two problems:

1. It's a standard camera mounting, and the GoPro mount is very specific;
2. On the 981 the roll bars are hidden inside plastic coverings, which makes them a good deal bulkier (as well as being less sturdy mounting points). I don't tink this would fit.

Additionally, this would place the camera very high in the cabin, essentially looking down at the dashboard and the bonnet with little or no view through the windscreen.

I hope this doesn't sound ungrateful (which is not the case at all), but I can't see it working.

Perhaps it would help if I provide some details of the camera I plan to use:

http://shop.gopro.com/EMEA/cameras/hero5-session/CHDHS-501-master.html

Ideally the camera would sit somewhere between the headrests. There is a very lively market in accesories for these units so getting a lightweight gantry of some sort won't be a problem. The issue is establishing an anchor point to which to attach the supporting paraphernalia. Weight is not an issue since the camera itself weighs less than 100g (but is an extremely sophisticated device nevertheless). The company do supply self-adhesive mounts which could be attached to the trim panel the sits between the headrests, but I'm fairly sure it wouldn't be sufficient to satisfy track marshalls (not to mention the Club!) - if it could then I'd already have the solution of course...

Sandy59 · Jan 4, 2017

How about buying an aftermarket glass/plastic wind deflector to fit between the roll bars, then attach to this ??

T24RES · Jan 4, 2017

As above, this would appear to be the most secure method To avoid suction cups and the like.

Boxbrownie · Jan 4, 2017

Problem I see with attaching to the plastic/perspex window is the flexibility of the panel.

There are literally hundreds of different mounting solutions out there, what about searching for "GoPro Mount clamp" or some such?

Sorry I cannot be more specific, I have been out of the mobile video investigation/engineering stuff for almost 5 years, it moves fast!

These are the type of lenses I used on my video cameras, a bit smaller than a GoPro [

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Boxbrownie · Jan 4, 2017

https://uk.images.search.....04-02.gb.avg._.0316tb

ralphmusic · Jan 4, 2017

I use a standard GoPro bar mount which with some protective tape does not damage the bar or the trim beneath

The mount

The view

JATKN6POT · Jan 4, 2017

I am making my own perspex rear wind deflectors for the 981. The next mod will be to add a GoPro mount which will also act to strengthen the perspex for use with a camera.
I want something semi permanent so camera mount is straight forward and repeatable. I will let you know how I get on.

AndyKerr · Jan 4, 2017

JATKN6POT said:
I am making my own perspex rear wind deflectors for the 981. The next mod will be to add a GoPro mount which will also act to strengthen the perspex for use with a camera.
I want something semi permanent so camera mount is straight forward and repeatable. I will let you know how I get on.

I like this idea, and think it has the potential to be developed in a number of ways.

The camera I'm planning to use has sophisticated image stabilisation and is in any case very light: I would think that provided the deflector plate is a snug fit then vibration is unlikely to be too much of an issue. There may even be some mileage in cutting a small slot or cutout in the lower central section that will accept any of several GoPro mounts.

Are you making (or planning to make) these for resale?

AndyKerr · Jan 5, 2017

Thanks to everyone who has been kind enough to respond to this query. I now have a way forward. [

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JATKN6POT · Jan 5, 2017

Pleased you have it sorted. I don't have a huge amount of spare time so making these screens is just a winter project as it were.
Can I ask what you did to mount the camera instead ?

andrew0401 · Jan 10, 2017

The clear perspex windshield looks neat and must help improve rearward visibility - how difficult was this?

Thanks

Andrew

JATKN6POT · Jan 10, 2017

You need a template, some basic tools (files), jigsaw with metal cutting blade, 4mm perspex and a reasonable ability to carry out some handwork using the previous mentioned. + a little bit of Patience

Do you have the standard mesh wind deflector you can use that as a template?
Or you can buy them off the internet. Quite pricey for what they are though and I fancied a winter project.
Cheers
Angus

AndyKerr · Jan 10, 2017

I'm going to take the easy (but expensive) option and buy one off the internet! There's a company in the States that advertises them on eBay UK for around £75 (plus fairly hefty postage charges). I probably have the tools: what I don't have is the patience to make something that does the requirement justice.

Here's the eBay link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2013-2014-2015-981-PORSCHE-BOXSTER-WIND-SCREEN-WIND-BLOCKER-WIND-DEFLECTOR-/192067797847?hash=item2cb8220357:g:EkoAAOxyAc1SQDgI

While I'm here, it may be of interest to mention the camera I'm now planning to buy. Not a Gopro; it's the Garmin Virb Ultra 30. It has a very similar feature set to the Gopro Hero 5 Black, but with added GPS functionality built in that will allow you to include dynamic data in the video. Oh, and a free editor app to pull it all together.

Here's a link for this as well:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/p/522869

Ignore the price shown, as you can get it from Amazon UK for about the same as a Hero 5 Black.

JATKN6POT · Jan 10, 2017

Yes there are a few places in the States that offer them. There will probably be some import charges to add also.
A number of people have imported them on Boxa.net without problems

Yes Gopro starting to have some real competition now.

JATKN6POT · Jan 10, 2017

http://suncoastparts.com/product/981WINDSCREEN.html also

JATKN6POT · Jan 18, 2017

So the prototype is made ................ a little over engineered but its certainly rigid! Allows quick forward/rear change mount or a may buy another camera.
(the screen still has protective film on until design finished in these pics btw)