MountGuys Blog

January 17, 2012

Arkon’s New Camera Mount Line

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , — mountguys @ 6:08 pm

Our friends at Arkon have introduced a new line of camera mounts for almost any location and they are available at a very reasonable price.  There are two keys to making a useful camera mount.  Almost every tripod has a 1/4″ – 20 threaded post that fits that little threaded hole on the bottom of the camera.  It also needs to be constructed to keep steady in a mobile environment.  Arkon has all that figured and has delivered with their new camera line.

The progression of video cameras over the past several years has spawned a need for a variety of mounts.  The Panasonics, Kodaks and Sonys have been replaced by Flip, GoPro and Contour.  Great quality, smaller footprint.  All of these cameras have a 1/4″ – 20 component, in a few cases you may need to buy a mounting cradle, but you will find most models are ready to mount.  Just look for that threaded hole on the bottom.

Arkon CMP227 Camera Handlebar Mount

Arkon CMP227 Camera Handlebar Mount

Arkon CMP220 Gooseneck Camera Mount

Arkon CMP220 Gooseneck Camera Mount

Arkon CMP212 Bean Bag Camera Mount

Arkon CMP212 Bean Bag Camera Mount

Arkon CMP214 Camera Suction Mount

Arkon CMP214 Camera Suction Mount

December 30, 2011

Attaching your iPhone or Tablet to a Tripod or Monopod

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , — mountguys @ 3:37 pm

We have received a few recent requests for attaching an tablet or smartphone to a tripod.  In the case of an iPad user, they wanted to watch movies on their device and wished to use their camera tripod as the mounting base.  Clever idea but he had no way of attaching the tablet to the tripod.  In the case of an iPhone customer, she wanted to take better pictures with her iPhone and wanted to attach it to her iPhone.  She was looking to stabilize the resulting image.  We also had a customer that wanted to use a tripod as a stand for their music scrolled out on a Motorola Xoom.

For those that wish to use an existing tripod or monopod, we present a selection of options.  These mounts all have a common 1/4″ – 20 female base to screw onto your tripod or monopod.  Some have custom cradles.

Expandable Cell Phone Cradle for Tripods

Expandable Cell Phone Cradle for Tripods

Tripod Adapter for SmartPhones and iPod Touch

Tripod Adapter for SmartPhones and iPod Touch

Universal Tablet Adapter for Tripods

Universal Tablet Adapter for Tripods

Apple iPad iPad2 Tripod Attachment

Apple iPad iPad2 Tripod Attachment

RAM-B-348U 1" Ball with Tripod Female Attachment

RAM-B-348U 1" Ball with Tripod Female Attachment

Amazon Kindle Fire with tripod base and custom cradle

Amazon Kindle Fire with tripod base and custom cradle

iPhone ready for tripod mounting

iPhone ready for tripod mounting

November 20, 2011

RAM’s New X-Grip Universal Cradle Line

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , — mountguys @ 2:09 pm

RAM is known for manufacturing some of the most innovative mounts.  They recently announced a series of universal cradles called X-Grip.  After playing with these for a bit, we see why they are so excited about these.  Most universal cradles are spring loaded and open / close with a button on the side.  The cradles have supports at the side and bottom.  Works for most devices, but sometimes blocks ports.

The X-Grip is different.  The cradles deploy a 4-leg design that will grasp your device at the sides quite firmly.  In fact, it is firm enough so that you do not need lower supports.  This permits free access to power and buttons at the top and bottom of your device.

Currently, the X-Grip supports smartphones up to a maximum width of 3.25″ and that is wide enough for just about all phones with or without a case or skin.  In December, a larger version of the X-Grip will be available for 7″ tablets like the Amazon Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy Tab and Blackberry Playbook.

The X-Grip cradles come in two flavors, with or without a RAM 1″ ball attached.  Use the RAM-HOL-UN7U for attaching to RAM’s Snap-Link mounting line.  Use the RAM-HOL-UN7BU for attaching to any of the RAM-B 1″ ball mounts such as the RAM-B-149Z-QU1U.

The X-Grip is also available as part of a complete mounting solution and we’ll add a few pictures below to depict that.

RAM-HOL-UN7BU for RAM's Standard 1" Ball Mounts

RAM-HOL-UN7BU for RAM's Standard 1" Ball Mounts

RAM-HOL-UN7U for Snap Link Mounts

RAM-HOL-UN7U for Snap Link Mounts

X-Grip Marine Mount

X-Grip Marine Mount

RAM Microphone Stand Mount with X-Grip

RAM Microphone Stand Mount with X-Grip

RAM Handlebar Mount with X-Grip Cradle

RAM Handlebar Mount with X-Grip Cradle

RAM Snap Link X-Grip Dash Mount

RAM Snap Link X-Grip Dash Mount

 

 

November 12, 2011

Tetrax Mounts: A Little Magnet Goes a Long Way

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories, Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , , , , — mountguys @ 1:14 am

Tetrax introduces a new concept in car mounts.  Pairing strong small magnets with corresponding adhesive chips, these mounts provide a strong grasp of your device and the magnets are completely shielded by the metal chips.  We were impressed with the holding capability of the XWAY mount as it held our TomTom XXL in place with no problem.  The mounting kits include the mount and adhesive chip for the back of your device.  We like the simple approach to attaching the device then removing it.  Much less effort than practically anything else on the market.  Manufactured in Italy, these are nice quality mounts.

There are a few different lines from Tetrax:

  • XWAY – for heavier items such as GPS devices up 300 grams (10.5 ounces).  This would include most units that have a 3.5, 4.3 and 5 inch screen size.  These also make excellent smartphone mounts.  This fits on your car air vent
  • FIXWAY – also for heavier devices up to 300 grams.  These use 3M adhesive disks for your car dash.
  • FIX – a lighter weight version for devices up to 150 grams (5.25 ounces).  These are for smartphones, iPhones, iPod, Nano, etc.  This is the dash version.
  • EGO – also for lighter devices.  This is the vent version of the FIX.
  • XCASE – a nice idea.  Incorporates the metal chip into a custom case.  These are available for the iPhone only.
Tetrax FIX Dash Mount

Tetrax FIX Dash Mount

Tetrax XWAY Dash Mount

Tetrax XWAY Dash Mount

Tetrax Fixway Dash Mount

Tetrax Fixway Dash Mount

October 10, 2011

Using a Tablet Computer on a Microphone Stand

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , — mountguys @ 6:46 pm

This has become a popular question lately.  Lots of music apps and the ability to crisply display lyrics or music have created a new opportunity for using your tablet PC.  The issue is that you might look a little strange holding the tablet in your hand while singing into a microphone.  The ability to hold your tablet securely while attaching to a microphone stand sounds like a good idea.

Off to the MountGuys lab we go.  Fortunately there are some nifty solutions available.  The key is to keep it steady so that you can interface with the tablet without it (or the microphone) falling over.  We have found that the mounts used for connecting to aircraft yokes and motorcycles work very well for this purpose.  Go figure….

Cell phone cradle attached to a clamp mount is ideal for microphone stands

Cell phone cradle attached to a clamp mount is ideal for microphone stands

Also used for motorcycles, these mounts will attach to anything round that is 1.25" diameter or less.

Also used for motorcycles, these mounts will attach to anything round that is 1.25" diameter or less.

iPad on a microphone stand.

iPad on a microphone stand.

 

Amazon Kindle Fire Holder and Mount Options

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , — mountguys @ 6:00 pm

Some suggest the Amazon Kindle Fire is the first real threat to the Apple Ipad.  It sure is cheap at $199 with a dual core processor and a bunch of bundled software.  As we all know, Amazon has a lot of money and can make some investments that could very well give the Fire some features not found in the iPad.  We’ll see.

Some quick specs:

Display:  7″ multi-touch, 1024×600 resolution

Size:  7.5″ x 4.7″ x .45″ (that’s 190mm x 120mm x 114mm for our non US and UK readers)

Weight:  14.6 ounces (413 grams)

That’s amazingly similar to the Samsung Galaxy Tab, which in our opinion, was a worthy challenge to the iPad, but at a price that was double that of the Kindle Fire.

OK, mounting options.  Good size, nice display makes this an enjoyable device to watch movies and play some games (but not while driving!).  We present some nice options for your consideration.

Major Suction Action for the Amazon Kindle Fire

Major Suction Action for the Amazon Kindle Fire

Handlebar Rail Mount for Amazon Kindle Galaxy Tab

Handlebar Rail Mount for Amazon Kindle Galaxy Tab

Desktop Stand for Amazon Kindle Fire

Desktop Stand for Amazon Kindle Fire

Car Headrest Mount for Amazon Kindle Fire

Car Headrest Mount for Amazon Kindle Fire

Seat Bolt Floor Mount for Amazon Kindle Fire

Seat Bolt Floor Mount for Amazon Kindle Fire

Suction Mount for Amazon Kindle Fire

Suction Mount for Amazon Kindle Fire

 

 

 

October 5, 2011

Car and Motorcycle Mount Solutions for the Apple iPhone 4S

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , — mountguys @ 12:29 pm

The much anticipated Apple iPhone 4S was just announced.  Faster processor, better camera, some new connectivity options.  An iPhone 4 on steroids.

The form factor for the iPhone 4S is quite similar to its older brother, the iPhone 4:

Height: 4.5 inches (115.2 mm)

Width: 2.31 inches (58.6 mm)

Depth: 0.37 inch (9.3 mm)

Weight: 4.9 ounces (140 grams – that’s a bit heavier than the iPhone 4)

What about your mounting options?  The good news is that if you have a mount for an iPhone 4, it will likely fit your iPhone 4S.  Since the form factor is similar, most custom cradles should fit just fine.  However, our opinion is that the new features while nice, are similar tot he iPhone 4 and in addition the announcement comes approximately one year after the iPhone 4.  This means upgrades may consist of many iPhone 3 and iphone 3G users.  It’s worth the upgrade for the improvements in performance.

So for those diving into the iPhone 4S world, we present some mounting options for you.

 

Weatherproof Motorcycle Mount for Apple iPhone 4S

Weatherproof Motorcycle Mount for Apple iPhone 4S

Motorcycle Mount for Apple iPhone 4S

Motorcycle Mount for Apple iPhone 4S

Powered Lighter Mount for iPhone 4S

Powered Lighter Mount for iPhone 4S

Car Vent Mount for Apple iPhone 4S

Car Vent Mount for Apple iPhone 4S

Handlebar Mount for iPhone 4S

Handlebar Mount for iPhone 4S

 

September 12, 2011

Industrial Strength Camera and Videocam Car, ATV and Motorcycle Mounts

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , — mountguys @ 2:20 pm

Haven’t done any recent camera mount posts in a bit.  This category has become quite popular with the introduction of lower cost videocams that provide fairly good quality images.

We carry a huge selection of camera mounts.  Just when we thought we had them all, something new comes up.  Got a heavy camera or a situation that requires additional stability?  You might need something beyond the basic mount.  Takes a look at these mounts.  While they may not be inexpensive, they are very well made with substantial stability.  All have a standard 1/4″ – 20 threaded stud.

Motorcycle handlebar camera mount

Motorcycle handlebar camera mount

ATV / Motorcycle Rail Camera Mount

ATV / Motorcycle Rail Camera Mount

Dual suction camera stud mount

Dual suction camera stud mount

Dual suction camera mount

Dual suction camera mount

Heavy camera dash mount

Heavy camera dash mount

August 24, 2011

Watching Movies While on a Plane with Your iPhone, iPod or Any Smartphone

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , — mountguys @ 12:14 am

Airline movies, for the most part, suck.  It’s much better to rent a movie, download a podcast or even listen to music on your portable device.  The problem I have found is that after about twenty minutes of holding your device, your arm gets tired.  Also, try to fall asleep with the iPod on your lap.  Maybe you will get lucky and it won’t roll off your leg under the wheels on the darn drink cart.  The flight attendants drive those things like Indy Racers down the aisle.  Your iPod is no match for a crazed flight attendant behind one of those carts.

It sure would be nice if there was a way to attach it to something, anything so that you can watch videos without having the feeling that your arm is about to fall off.  Well, it’s off to the labs we have gone to uncover a pretty nice solution.  Clip it to the snack tray in front of you.  Ever taste airline food?  You aren’t going to want to eat that slop!  Might as well use the tray table for something useful, like mounting your MP3 player, smartphone, iPhone, whatever!

Scope these pictures out.  We’re sure these will work out better that your lap.  These mounts are spring loaded and expand from 3.77 to 5 inches so it will accept devices in a case or skin as well as without.

Samsung Infuse with Otterbox 30,000 feet above sea level

Samsung Infuse with Otterbox 30,000 feet above sea level

Apple iPod Nano 4G on Continental Flight 577

Apple iPod Nano 4G on Continental Flight 577

 

August 2, 2011

Arkon’s New HTC Thunderbolt Car Mounts

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , — mountguys @ 4:16 pm

Our friends at Arkon recently released an entire line of custom mounts for the HTC Thunderbolt.  Many mounts available in the stores and online deploy a universal cradle, not so with Arkon new Thunderbolt line.  A custom cradle to grip your Thunderbolt securely will attach to their high quality mounting line using the typical dual T pattern.

There are almost ten different mounts to consider.  We present a few in today’s post.

HTC Thunderbolt Car Vent Mount

HTC Thunderbolt Car Vent Mount

HTC Thunderbolt Suction Mount

HTC Thunderbolt Suction Mount

HTC Thunderbolt Cup Holder Mount

HTC Thunderbolt Cup Holder Mount

HTC Thunderbolt Powered Mount

HTC Thunderbolt Powered Mount

 

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