Drill-less mount for small dashcam

[Dan Robinson]

http://stormhighway.com/blog/cammount1.jpg
http://stormhighway.com/blog/cammount2.jpg

I stumbled upon this very simple rig to mount my Aiptek dashcam. No drilling or adhesive necessary. Parts are around $6 (aluminum bar, bolts and nuts). The camera is upside-down, but the video is easily rotated 180 degrees with editing software. The bar is bent so that it is held in place by the spring-loaded tension of the bar against the roof. Another bend keeps it from sliding forward, and the cross-brace keeps it from rocking.

This might even work for a small camcorder as long as your visor clips are strong enough.

 

[Bill Hark]

Dan, thanks for posting. That looks like a nice alternative. Is there anyway to move the camera from side to side or does it just face forward. I have an HV20 and it is a very light camera that may also work in that set-up.

For a screw-less mount, I use an old Video Innovators mount. Unlike in the image, I now have the vertical bar turned horizontal between the other two bars. The mount is a bit more forward on the dash. I still use the bungee cord. The mount is non longer made but there may be some on Ebay. It does require a fairly flat dash.

http://www.harkphoto.com/tempcammount1.jpg

Bill Hark

 

[Dan Robinson]

The camera is attached with a single 1/4" bolt (standard tripod mount thread size). It can be moved side to side, though that would loosen the bolt. A cheap tripod head could be attached to the bar that can be swiveled and panned if needed, which would solve that problem. The only mod I might make to this later is to add a c-shaped bar that would allow the camera to be positioned right-side-up.

I like that Video Innovators mount - if they're no longer available, I think it could be easily replicated with the Lowe's/Home Depot aluminum pieces. Those aluminum bars are great, you can bend, drill and shape them into whatever you need, yet they are strong and lightweight. They come in flat bars, box beams and L-beams.