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Scion TC: On-Board Video Camera for Autocross Racer A Scion SC gets outfitted for some cinema verite at the autocross track — with a driver's point-of-view digital video camera mounted to the headrest. From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-411

(Continued from page 1)

Andrew ponders the uses of an on-board video camera.

Part 1: Constructing the Camera Mount

To get the project started, Andrew Totolos builds a camera mount, which will be attached to the passenger seat headrest and will support the mini DV camera.

Making a camera mount is not that difficult. The trickiest part of this project comes from the fact that we opted to do some custom welding to secure the mount. But if welding is out of your league, a bolt on version can be made as well.

Materials and tools used in this phase of the project:

steel conduit strut
reciprocating saw
grinder
scrap piece of heater hose
razor
drill

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Steps:

• The first step is to build the support arm. Begin by measuring and marking a two-foot piece of strut (figure A).

• Clamp it in a vise, and use a reciprocating saw to make the cut (figure B).

• Using a grinder, smooth down the sharp edges on the piece of strut.

• To protect the headrest posts and get a firm grip for the mount, cut off a couple of small sections of rubber hose. Use a razor to slice them so they will wrap around the posts.

• Tighten the strut fittings onto the headrest, and then slide the strut bar onto the fittings.
  
  
• When the bar is in position, snug up the fittings so the strut bar is held tightly in place.

• Next, it's time to gather the components to build the camera head. A smaller piece of strut needs to be cut down and will be attached to a gate hinge.

• Mark the strut piece so it's about an inch longer than the gate hinge.

• After cutting the piece, use a drill to enlarge two holes to 5/16". The holes will be just large enough for the bolts to fit properly.

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