Looking for inexpensive ideas for mounting a small action camera (GoPro and similar) outside the cabin while flying.

I've been using a GoPro suction mount under the wing for my old camera but I'm hesitant to hang the new one that way. I made a mount for the wing strut but there is too much vibration transferred to the camera making the video useless.

Photos would be welcome, links too. Thanks.

Mounted go pro on a Rode Mic Boom pole lashed to the top of the wing strut.

Attached the camera to the pole with the GoPro handlebar mount.

I took the stock GoPro mount (the little thingy that normally attaches with double sided tape) and drilled it for a counter sunk #10 washer and screw. That screws to either an inspection cover or wing tip screw (Cessna 170).

Works like a charm, easy to remove but wont ever fall off.

Handle bar mount on the tail stinger.

Hopefully the statute of limitations is up on this one.

Zzz wrote:Hopefully the statute of limitations is up on this one.

"Backcountry ghetto technology" (BCGT). Classic.

Gave me a good Ha ha!

Thank you to everyone who replied. Great ideas.

Bagarre I especially like your idea of the drilled GoPro mount attaching to the inspection panel. Did you drill a hole in the inspection cover to mount the mount or did you use one of the cover screws ?

Zzz that looks like a Canon Powershot cleverly mounted !

Keep 'em coming !!!

I used one of the existing screws. No mods needed to the aircraft.
Using an inspection cover screw is hit or miss as the skin will flex and cause a wobble in the video. The wing tip screws work wonderful tho.

Just cut out a round "inspection cover" out of some scrap .064 (ish) aluminum and mount a 1" Ram ball to it, then screw it into any existing inspection hole to have a nice variety of perspectives with your camera.

And how do you fix the camera hanging upside down issue?

SkySteve wrote:And how do you fix the camera hanging upside down issue?

The GoPro has a function to invert the picture internally...set it before you leave the ground. As far as other cams, I don't know...

With enough joints and arms, you can mount just about anything upright or upside down, but in my opinion, the longer the distance between the mounting surface and the lens of the camera (or the more joints you have), the more likely you are to experience the "jello" effect.

YMMV

Contact Cloudbase Engineering, aka "Addicted2Climbing" on BCP. Hands down the highest quality camera mount and best results, at a very reasonable cost. He has engineered out the vibration and all other problems that have plagued the use of go-pros on aircraft.

I bought one of the Cloudbase mounts for my cub to mount on the strut. Works great and easy to take on and off.

I've been meaning to pick up one of his mounts. They look well designed and solidly built.

bart wrote:Just cut out a round "inspection cover" out of some scrap .064 (ish) aluminum and mount a 1" Ram ball to it, then screw it into any existing inspection hole to have a nice variety of perspectives with your camera.

I would worry about safety wiring the camera to the mount... If she comes loose, its gonna cost a heck of a lot more to repair the damage of it whapping around than to just buy a new camera.

RE: which mount... hands down Cloudbase Engineering.

This is how I have mine mounted, It's pretty tough but if you land on a sand or gravel bar and your tail wheel sinks or breaks through the crust it can fold it back, but it hasn't ever broke off.

The GoPro has a function to invert the picture internally...set it before you leave the ground

Good to know. I have now learned something new .... again!

I just ordered a Cloudbase Engineering mount a few weeks ago. Very very impressed with the quality, after seeing this mount, there is no way I would screw around with anything else.

CamTom12 wrote:I've been meaning to pick up one of his mounts. They look well designed and solidly built.

Won't be disappointed.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

The Cloudbase mount is more than I was wanting to spend, but I like the money back guarantee if it doesn't work for you.