New Climb Cam?

I have recently created a rock climbing (an anywhere quad-pod really) camera that in my opinion is pretty cool. Of course, my opinion doesn't really count. I'd like to know what you guys think of it and if you would ever be willing to buy something like this. After machine work and materials used it would sell between $100.00 - $120.00. It is expensive but maybe there are more people willing to pay that amount for a good rock climbing cam than i think.

I made this original prototype with a lightweight fiberglass (for simplicity) material called g10, some standard aluminum hardware, and some plastic loc-line parts.

The g10 mount table is .250 thick and approx a 5 x 5 square frame with some holes in it. 4 holes in the corners to attach the plastic spider-like legs, a hole for the 2.5 ft aluminum rod, and one 1" hole so it can be clipped to your harness as well as any pro you might have with you. Its a frame to keep it light weight and can be used to tie or clip it with whatever else. Kind of open options up really.

The standard .750 rod in the center is simply to attach the camera to the g10 mount table. Simple, and with some help from someone (who is better at this sort of thing) can come up with a way to make it spin and lock in some lightweight way. Also, Ive been thinking of making this telescope but my concern is strength loss and wind moving the camera.

The loc-line parts add up to about 13" tall when completely straight and when spread out cover about 30" of ground. (obviously not exact measurement)

With a Go-Pro attached this thing only weighs about 1 pound (maybe 2, this things soooo light), most of the weight surprisingly coming from the camera.

Ive tested this prototype in various places already. It hangs well at bolts, from pro in cracks, doesnt blow in the wind or fail, and is relatively quick to set (about 2-3 min). You can lead with it on you but falling will probably damage it and you might really mess yourself up if somehow you fell and it impaled you...??? I recommend rappelling to set it.

The legs are pretty strong and i cant see them moving unless your angle is just absolutely ridiculous, placing all weight on 1-2 legs. Ive also tried curling the legs up into a crack and that worked as well.

My nickname for it is... the Spider-Pro! ... cuz thats cool right? spiderpro? no?

Anyway, Im no engineer but thought i might share and see if anyone had any interest in something like this.

PS im writing this from my phone and im probably not including everything, let me know if you have any questions or tests i could perform with it.

G10 Base

Rod

cheaper with three legs? check out joby gorillapod. those work pretty well.

Darren Mabe wrote:cheaper with three legs? check out joby gorillapod. those work pretty well.

No way, it needs 4 more so that it can live up to it's name of "Spider-Pro".

kennoyce wrote: No way, it needs 4 more so that it can live up to it's name of "Spider-Pro".

they have 8

I thought of 3 only but feel that the weight of the camera being 2.5 feet away from the base would easily cave one leg. In fact, ive seen it do it. Two worked perfect.

And yes, spiders do have eight. But, come on, its a thuper thweet name!

PS: After making this (like 6 months ago)i looked up more inventions like it and found the Joby Gorrillapod. . . . biggest piece of ish.

It hardly held a go-pro and fell over at any angle. Its 6" tall and never stops spinning.

looks pretty cool. 3 legs might be more stable. could the rod be telescoping? like an old radio antenna?

keep up the good work man!

Darren Mabe wrote: they have 8

right, which is why it needs 4 more (4+4=8);)

@slim:
I mentioned in my op that a telescoping rod would be worth tryin out but am worried that i will lose a lot of strength and that it may bounce in the wind.
As for 3 legs, it soumds like yes it would be more stable but after testing, 4 legs are needed for strength.
Unless, someone knows of stronger legs?

My original model like a year ago used 3 threaded screws you just twisted to get the right height. Heavy. Took forever. Didnt cover much area. Slipped and slided everywhere.

Nicely done Chase!
More pics of this thing in action plz? (ie; hanging from bolts, cracks, n such)
You must have created some wicked galactic destroyers out of your Leggos as a child!
Keep up the good work!

Thanks Tom.
I dont have any pics of this particular model in action but i do have pics of the old (and much crappier one) one i made. I'll post these for now to show what it basically lools like. Ill post pics of the new one next time i get back out. I have a shoulder injury so it may be a while. Anyway, here's the old one:

Old rock climb camera.

This particular one had to be tied to bolts. Extreme PITA. The new one clips to any sized climbing carabiner. Wayyy easier. Also, this one was way heavier due to thicker g10, less cut outs, threaded legs, and a longer rod (giggity). This one probably weighed. about 3.5 pounds and it worked fine. The new one, is amazing.

PS. I used to make guns with rubber bands and k'nex as a kid. My parents hated it. ha