GoPro - Ultimate Support for Laser sailboat

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THIS PROJECT IS COVERED BY CREATIVE COMMONS - ATTRIBUTION - NON-COMMERCIAL - SHARE-ALIKE LICENSE. USERS CAN FREELY DOWNLOAD AND PRINT FOR PERSONAL USE, AND/OR DISTRIBUTE IF ACCOMPANIED BY PROPER CREDITS. CREATORS OF NEW WORKS BASED ON THIS, SHALL APPLY THE SAME CC LICENSE. COMMERCIAL USE IS FORBIDDEN IN ANY CASE ! ______________________________ Update 2020-12-11: it snapped ! (Se image above) It's the "Straight link Type 2" So, even printing it horizontally, it eventually snapped, a couple of weeks ago. I printed it again, this time using Nylon Bridge. It works fantastically !! Today I sailed with I nice northern breeze. Did something like 50 jibes in 20 minutes, some - of course - went wrong and the main sheet got tangled around the camera mount, with no consequences. Very good, indeed. Update 2020-12-01: uploaded a new, improved, STL file for the straight link type 2. Strongly suggest to use the improved version, which matches much better the camera link. This improved version can be sliced for printing it vertically! ______________________________ This is a project I've been working on for more than one year. Over this period, I tested several different solutions, customising things like <a href="https://sailingforums.com/threads/camera-holder-for-laser.17362/post-88476">this</a>, and like <a href="https://sailingforums.com/threads/gopro-camera-mounts.38269/">this</a>. They all worked pretty well, but had some big flaws too - the excessive size being the most significative. I also took into consideration buying a thing like <a href="https://www.imperialsailing.com/blank-1/laser-camera-mount">this</a>, but it was far too much expensive for my budget (and bulky, as well). Then I came up to this solution, which I [not so] humbly call "The Ultimate GoPro Support for Laser sailboat", which in my view has many pros, compared to the other solutions: - it is cheap, very cheap; - it is small (it can be transported in your sports bag); - it is small (it creates little to zero interference with other boats); - it takes less than five minutes to install (the first time); - it takes less than two minutes to mount/dismount; - it is super simple and quick to 3D-print ! (anyone with basic 3D printing skills can do it) It does not obstruct the rudder/tiller movements (obviously), but the main sheet may get tangled in the mount/camera when gybing clumsly. (which is the only significative problem I have registered so far, for solving which I would very much appreciate any suggestion) ====================== DRAWINGS My drawings are parametric, drafted with OnShape. They are all public, available <a href="https://cad.onshape.com/documents/6408f072415ffd2a431705f4/w/de3beddf8d0022d1b57e89d5/e/cfa3ec4f7fad7aa9a8604f2c?configuration=Inner_diameter%3D0.0162%2Bmeter">here</a>, accessible even by those who do not have an OnShape account. The main parameters of each part may be adjusted as required (even by those who do not have any 3D drawing skills), using either metric or imperial units. See relevant screenshot, which I have included within the thing's images. (If there is a parameter that you want to modify, but is not listed, just drop me a comment and I will add it as soon as I can.) To save the STL of any of the support Parts, access the Export command from the context menu on that Part's tab (right click on the tab, then select Export...), and specify "STL" as Format - no need to change other parameters. ====================== LIST OF MATERIALS + 40 cm (15 3/4") x PVC electrical conduit, 16 mm (or 3/4") diameter + 6 cm (2 1/2") x PVC electrical conduit, 16 mm (or 3/4") diameter + 2.5 m (8 ft) x string, 2mm diameter + 2 x M5xL30 stainless steel hexagonal bolt (in the US, a #10 x 1 1/4" bolt should work) + 2 x M5 stainless steel nut (in the US, a #10 nut should work) + 1 x rubber cap (chair leg caps or ferrules will do the job) + 25 cm2 (4 sq in) x double-sided tape (it must be strong !!! **) + 18 m (circa 50 g) 3D printing filament (I used PLA, but ABS and PETG should be fine too) The total cost of materials (without double-sided tape), should be around 5.50-7.00 euros/bucks ** TO NOTE : the double-sided tape must be of extra good quality. I tested several different (budget) tapes and they simply don't do the job. I strongly recommend using the 3M VHB 5259 or similar 3M VHB, 19mm width, which works perfectly. It is a bit expensive though (I paid 10 euros for 3 m on Amazon), but it is worth the investment. And you'll still have 2,90 m afterwards... :-) ====================== 3D PRINTING RECOMMENDATION Important !!! It is crucial that all "GoPro links" are printed with the hole axis normal to the hotbed. I.e.: the "Transom_plate" shall be printed vertically ! I know, it is not ideal for a flat thing, but that is the only way to allow the link to be sufficiently strong ! The "Y-link" shall be flat on the hotbed. Se relevant image as a reference for the printing orientation of each part. (Print each part separately, though) I used brim to enhance built plate (hotbed) adhesion. It is nice to have, especially when printing the transom plate. The three parts showing a GoPro link shall be printed with "supports everywhere" enabled (or equivalent) ====================== MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS When I will have time, I will write down some instructions For the time being, I ask you to be patient and refer to the images that I am attaching here. They are pretty much self-explanatory TO NOTE: the "collar" should be fixed closer to the camera than what it shows in the photos. I believe that 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the camera should work better than in my example ====================== CLASS RULES Let me spend a couple of words about Laser Class rules... Is my "Ultimate GoPro support" Class compliant ? I am pretty sure it is, but I'm not 100% sure. Indeed, since January 2017, the ILCA has introduced Class Rule 28, to allow boat or body mounted cameras. I quote from the 2020 edition of the Rules: "One camera may be attached to the sailor or may be mounted on the boat if the hull cavity is not pierced by anything other than the fasteners" I'm a bit worried, (but just a tiny bit) by those two strings tied onto the traveller fairleads. That's it. Anyway, I would never race with this mount attached to the transom of my boat ! So... problem solved ;-)

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GoPro - Ultimate Support for Laser sailboat

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