Cheap camera swivel mount

[BensonWdby]

I am working up a prototype for a replacement for the Trakker pylon camera mount for tracking a skier using the rope movement to move the camera. This is actually a concept I came up with in 1987, but never did anything about. Eventually someone else came up with the idea and the result is Trakker - which runs about $250.

My design is hand made from some simple parts - about $25 max.

If there is interest I can post photos.

Not actually tried it yet, so could have some vibration issues that the expensive ones have resolved - we'll see.

[langmotorsports]

I would like to see it!

[KSmith]

I would very much like to see it as well!

[scoot_gt]

I'm in for some testing!

[deafgoose]

VERY interested to say the least.

I am tired of using my tripod everytime we go wakeboarding.

[BensonWdby]

Unfortunately the current design would not work very well for tower mount - but I am pretty sure it coudl be adapted. I will try it out on the pylon this weekend now that it is basically complete and try to get some photos posted next week.

[KSmith]

Unfortunately the current design would not work very well for tower mount - but I am pretty sure it coudl be adapted. I will try it out on the pylon this weekend now that it is basically complete and try to get some photos posted next week.

Sounds good!! I am sure after you post the pictures if there are modifications needed to adapt the design to the tower we have plenty of talented folks here on the forum that will offer advise and options.

I am very interested to see the design and parts list when you get them posted.

[Ian Brantford]

Does anyone know of the opposite -- computer controlled motion tracking for watersports? Ideally, it would be pylon-mounted. Presumeably this would be many hundreds of dollars or even a couple thousand. I know that there is at least one commercial one (for sea rescue) that's over $10,000.

[BensonWdby]

Maybe the sensor for an Xbox Kinect could be adapted?
Pylon mounting is easy - I think the real challenge will be vibration damping...

[BensonWdby]

Test drive for the swivel mount - worked great. Will try to get some photos in the next day or so.