Monday, February 13, 2012

Kayak Fishing Monopod Conversion for GoPro and other Cameras - DIY kayak camera mount

After several requests, I decided to put the kayak camera monopod conversion on the blog.  It is still available for free download in PDF form on the "Downloads" section of the Palmetto Kayak Fishing website.  Here is the direct link if you prefer to download the instructions. - Paul

I’ve built quite a few different camera mounting poles over the years and thought I would share a very simple
design that doesn’t cost much to make. It will fit any 1½” commercial or PVC rod holder. An aluminum
Targus telescoping monopod is the main component of the build; specifically, the TG-MP6710 model that can be found at Walmart ($15) or Radio Shack ($12.99). Target sells one as well – the TG-MP7010 ($13.79) – that is silver in color and almost identical except for a narrower foam grip.


1. Targus TG-MP6710 Monopod ($12.99-$15.00)   
 

2. Hacksaw (or Dremel Tool)                                
 
3. Phillips Head Screwdriver       

4.  9/32” Drill Bit

5. 1” Rubber Chair Tip (Ace Hardware, $0.83)

6. PKF decal available on the website (j/k-optional)


The beauty of this whole build is that you don’t need to purchase a bunch of different parts. Assuming you
have all the basic tools pictured, all that is needed is the monopod and the 1” rubber chair end cap.




STEP 1: Remove the lanyard and set aside. Slide the foam grip to uncover the 3 screws that hold the camera mounting base in place. Unscrew each of these 3 screws to remove the camera base from the pole.


STEP 2: On the opposite end of the pole, unscrew the rubber foot until it will go no further. Using a hacksaw
or Dremel tool, cut the threaded post as pictured leaving approximately 3/8” exposed. If you are using a
Dremel tool, it is easier to cut away the rubber foot and then cut the post. Discard the rubber foot as it is not
needed.



 


STEP 3: Flip the camera mounting head over and locate the center hole. Use a 9/32” drill bit, and bore the
existing hole out by hand approximately 1/8” deep. This will allow you to easily thread the mounting base onto the post you just cut at the opposite end of the monopod.




The material feels like graphite and the camera head will self-thread very securely to the post using this method.  For extra security, add marine epoxy to the threads although this step is not necessarily needed.



STEP 4: Slide the 1” rubber chair tip cap onto the opposite end of the post.


Additional notes: I use this setup with a GoPro HD camera that has its own adjustable mount, eliminating the need for any sort of directional adjustment. If you are using another style of camera and/or need to add more adjustment capabilities, simply purchase a “mini tripod ball head”. This component is designed screw into the ¼“ bolt on the monopod and will allow you to adjust the angle of any camera. They cost around $10.






Get creative with it and add a screw in mount for your kayak light...one pole, multiple functions!



Enjoy! - Paul

28 comments:

  1. AWESOME! Built one of these last year using the PDF he refers too, it references all parts and prices (on some stuff) and even tells you where to purchase some of the items.

    Obviously, a quite useful tool.

    Thx again

    Steve Joseph

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  2. Thanks Steve and you are welcome! Glad it is working out for you.

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  3. Awesome info on your blog. Are there any other pdfs, this one is the only one I see. I was specifically looking for instructions on the crates mentioned in your blog or kayak racks, the blogs are very detailed but I am also very mechanically deficient.

    thanks

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  4. Hey Rossi - thanks. It is just this one in PDF form for now.

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  5. the foam handle got stuck in my coosa flush mount rod holder. I had to get pliers and pull it out. Ended up tearing the rubber plug on bottom and the foam. It was a snug fit but just would not come out. GOing to have to get something better to go on the end to make it fit snugly but also be able to come out when I want to remove it. My Visipole Silent Slip is a straight foam pad. It goes in and comes out.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Corey, not sure what size flush mount rod holders are on the Coosa, but I'm guessing they are close to the diameter of the PVC pipe I use for the crate. Try some pipe insulation from Lowe's. The important thing is to not push the grip fully down into the flush mount. This will created too much resistance as well as suction that probably caused your issue. Slide the foam to the TOP portion of the monopod so that just a few inches go down into the rod holder. It will stay put nicely and you will be able to get it out easily as well.

      Delete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. I think this goes without saying, but just to clarify, you used the GoPro tripod mount to mount to this pole's existing head/bolt?

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  8. This is absolutely fantastic, btw. Added another PVC tube to my front corner of my crate just to hold this. Completely unreal how awesome this is. Now to go use it....

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  9. Paul, this is an absolute great product, I do have a quick question about the screw in mount for the Nano Spotter. What is it made from? I did notice that ya'll sell a PVC style pop off mount with your Nano's, but haven't seen anything related to the screw in mount. Thanks, Scott

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  10. Paul, are there any 'specific' Targus part #s required to integrate the mini tripod ball head into the Monopod Conversion build? I am trying to add the mini tripod ball head mount to the completed Monopod conversion build, per the pdf instructions Step 4, Additional notes. Do I a.) need to modify the mini tripod ball head mount by drilling out the existing threads to fit the 5/16 camera bolt on the monopod build or should I, b.) make changes to the monopod build, removing the camera mounting bolt(step 3), to fit the mini tripod ball head mount with the existing bolt and threads?
    Thanks, Aaron in Tampa Bay

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  11. Excellent post! Thanks you so much guys for sharing on your knowledge about this field.

    Fishing Guides in Alaska

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  12. Thank you very much : excellent idea

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  13. Does this pole float? Awesome idea

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  14. This may sound like a stupid question but how do you connect the GP to the pole? My GP does not have a screw port to mount it.

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    Replies
    1. There is a specific GoPro tripod mount you can get that works on the screw at the top. It also works on regular tripods and other things like gorilla pods. Especially useful for time lapse.

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  15. This may sound like a stupid question but how do you connect the GP to the pole? My GP does not have a screw port to mount it.

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  16. Just built mine today. There is only one small screw on the current version of the monopod. I also had a lot of problems with the hand drilling and tapping portion. I think the camera head is shorter than it used to be so I would cut the screw a little shorter. Mine wouldn't thread so I ended up using Locktite super glue inside since I didn't have any marine epoxy on hand. I just worry about camera shake if it is up all the way and I am rowing or there is a lot of wind.

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  17. What is the piece you used to attach the 360 light? I can't nail that part down. Thanks!!! You have some awesome diy stuff.

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  18. This is really a nice and informative post,.
    carbide drill bit

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