New series of short videos with tips, tricks and tools.
The mic of the recording camera was right below my nose, so sorry about soundling as if I were out of breath in the video. I was trying to hold the recording camera at arm’s length as I moved the pan and spinner mount in my other hand.
The coupler was not tightened down fully on the device, but it really works flawlessly as it is. I have not taken it out for a test on the nose of my sidecar, but I just finished putting the parts together on the prototype project. The aluminum bar is about 8-9″ in length and can be repositioned by adjusting the allen screw at the T-fitting and moving it. I can replace the long allen screw with a smaller thumb screw when I finish the project. There does not seem to be any need to add any camera balance weight to the opposite end of the aluminum bar on this mount. It swings freely and I believe that on the nose of my sidecar, it should work well in panning as it spins. Like I said in the video, it may require a modification added to slow down the spin, but I am not sure of that until I put it into actual use.
I added set screws to the Eye of Mine piece, so that I can change the angle of my camera at will. Before actual use, I’ll add a tether strap or some velcro straps to ensure the camera is secure to the nth degree on the mount setup. The round magnet was a 95 lb. pull one from Harbor Freight and cost maybe $10 bucks. As always, be careful with a magnet, as it can mar or scratch paint if you are not careful in the application or removal of it.
The parts are basically:
1/2″ PVC coupler.
1/2″ T-fitting, tapped for an allen head set screw or thumb screw.
9″ piece of 1/2″ aluminum tubing.
Choice of Eye of Mine camera mount or using a stock GoPro tripod mount.
Stock roller blade wheel bearing.
1/4″ bolt for attachment of assembly to magnetic base.
Round magnetic base from Harbor Freight.
Some 1/4″ nuts. I prefer nylock nuts.
* Remember, you will need to actually apply PVC pipe glue when you press the T-fitting into the coupler, once you have everything complete and ready to go. This means you are not going to be able to easily remove the T-fitting and coupler assembly from this mount in the future. Best of luck in figuring out the best method to break the system down in the future if you do use glue to make things permenant. I prefer the glue, as it is too easy to have the camera flip off if the parts are not secured properly.