Motocross (video) with DIY 360 Helmet Pole + GoPro.

in motocross •  8 years ago  (edited)

With a little imagination and DIY you can create your own camera accessories. They are all available on line. This particular 360 swivel pole retails for around 100+USD or you can head to your local hardware store and buy the parts for under 10USD and make it yourself.

A screenshot below.

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The most important part of the set up was the swivel caster wheel. Removing the wheel allowed a slot for the pole to sit. The bearings inside remained intact and allowed for the 360 swivel.

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The GoPro mount (seen in the photo above) was dissembled and the flat base was then drilled out to allow the caster wheel to be bolted on. A rubber stopper (from old IKEA furniture) was added on the top. This stopped the pole from tipping too low.

The pivot point of the pole was tight but still allowed for up-and-down movement. Metal washers were used as a weight to counter balance my GoPro Hero4. Getting this balance just right to keep me and the bike in frame took some playing around with- washers were either added or removed to achieve this.

To keep it light, yet strong, the pole was an aluminium pole. GoPro clips/joints were used to attach the camera through a drilled out hole.

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Test runs on the flat and gentle jumps were done with absolute caution- I was VERY aware that I had a metal pole clipped to my head but I couldn't feel a thing. It was as if it wasn't even there and as light as a feather.
No matter what direction I turned my head, the pole and camera found its balance without pulling or tugging on my helmet.

Jumps got bigger and it was working. The speed at which I traveled affected the angle or swivel of the pole but this could be controlled with a short spin or brake using my hand. Mid air this wasn't possible so I had to hope the shot came out good.

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Down below are 2 of the best clips filmed that day.

Even using the regular 3M sticky pad that comes with the GoPro mounts there was no wobble (mounts attached to helmet surface). I think because the pole was able to swivel 360, there really wasn't any force given to the mount or sticky pad.

Yes I did look kind of silly riding around wearing it, but a couple of unique shots were caught and it was good fun. It always satisfying when something you build, works- even better when its super cheap and works as well as the real ones for much more.

These kinds of shots are usually filmed with drones, but getting this close and ensuring you stay locked on to the object would be impossible with a drone.

Some of you guys out there might be riding motocross or other bikes too- give it a go.

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  ·  8 years ago (edited)

Cool post!! @thinkit I like the DIY part, people are buying everything and paying alot for it. In most cases it is really easy to create something yourself. Awesome driving too!

Resteemes, upvoted and followed! Keep up the good work!

Thanks you. Glad you liked it- hopefully some of you guys who see this will give it a shot too.

Cool, a proper Matrix Visual effect :)

Hadn't thought for that but yeah i guess so- If only i could do it backwards lol

so sick shit like this makes me want to buy a go pro, but i suck at extreme sports so there's that.

No way, when u get cool angles or something a bit different- normal stuff looks cool- I got the idea from someone cycling in a park- then when I researched I found it being used for other things too.

Thanks for the info. Btw great shots there bro.

  ·  8 years ago (edited)

Thank you- give it go.

I'm going to have to try that. The making the camera attachment part; The motorbike part makes me nervous

Even riding around on the flat looks pretty cool- mountain biking/cycling would be cool too. Give it a go.

-Dan Aykroyd-

Very true. You head is completely clear of everything when your flying through the air. Cool Gif man- thanks :) upvoted that haha

Thanks .

what a ride

Thanks :)

Awesome..freaking awesome..👍👍👏👏

Thanks buddy. Following you- will check out your posts.

Cool this makes me want to buy a go pro but unfortunately i cant do the extereme sports like that.

The unique angle makes everything look cool- cycling, jogging, walking.

Full bags of impressions.

Have a try too lol. Really simple to make.

A great man.

Thanks :) glad you like it.

Adventure fun, I want to be like that @thinkit

Never too late to try- give it a go.

Of course like that @thinkit

That is next level!


Awesome footage!


FOLLOWED/UPVOTED

Thanks man, See you might have some cool things coming up on your blog- followed and waiting.

Nice picture...

Thank you- took a few attempts to get the right shot.

Nice stuff, defiantly like the 360 idea you have going on!

Try a DIY one at home- It'll work for you too.

Yo man thats creativity at its best the
GO PRO POLE hehehe cool nice one !

HAhah, these gifs get me everytime. Funny lol

lol u ma friend hehehe

SteemOn Racer

Amazing, thanks for share your article, i like motorcross

Thanks- I have a lot on motocross- take a look sometime- Following you now :)

Okay tnaks. Nice to meet you in steemit

Seen this in action before. Really cool stuff you can get from it. There is a ski video out there too that I have seen.

Yesss. That one was the one that gave me the idea- Did he have it attached to a lasso in one hand? It did a really slow slowmo so the video didn't spin so fast.

Not as I remember. I think the video was a few years old. At least the one I saw.

Ah ok, probably loads out there. All pretty cool though.

One of those things that I say, "Why didn't I think of that."

Give it a go. Simple and easy.

You are right bro we get different varieties online for camera accessories

A huge choice right- sometimes you can make it yourself :)

Wow cool 😎

Thank you :)

Your welcome

This little trick certainly creates an interesting angle. I alway appreciate it when someone shares insight like this! Thanks @thinkit

Thanks :) Might have to dig out and have another try sometime lol

For sure!

This is really creative idea! Thank you for sharing :)

Try it. It's simple to make.

Super cool post! I love motocross @thinkit

thanks. do you ride too?

No not yet, I would love to tho!

Awesomely sick! the video shoes how passionate and how happy you are on what you do...
BTW, nice drive!

Spread love and positivity☺
Follow me: @sam-rt

Thanks- FLWD you, will check out your posts :)

In case of a fall.........think we all agree there's a chance that thing will break your neck. But....have to upvoted for good content!

I was more worried about impalement- was trying to ride safe.

Wow! this is crazy @thinkit what an awesome build The footage looks awesome, definitely looking forward to some more of these motocross posts. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks. hopefully will have some more coming soon.

This is actually amazing :-) And here I am, blowing $3700 on a 360 camera -_-

You serious? What are you getting for 3700usd? Didn't know they got up to that much- must be something special- got any links or footage examples.

Have a go a building one of these too. Do a compare video lol

Great video shooting device

Thank you- turned out pretty good in the end.

i've upVoted kindly upVote at my posts as well. i'll be obliged. ;)

This is awesome! I wonder how a video of it will look when I go mudding with my ATV!!

You should give it a go- probably get a good shot too.