Power Kite Forum

GoPro on a kite?

TRP - 2-3-2011 at 01:13 PM

Hello Gang,

I have a pretty random question for you more experienced pilots. :wee:

Have any of you successfully mounted a GoPro to a kite? I'm currently toying with the idea. I was just wondering if anyone had successfully done it, and if so, how?

Thanks!
Ted

acampbell - 2-3-2011 at 01:24 PM

lots of that here and on YouTube. Don't have the links here but someone will pop in with them here

Todd - 2-3-2011 at 01:26 PM

Kite Hero

Depends on what kite you are expecting to fly with this. I've had mixed results in my last two videos.

TRP - 2-3-2011 at 01:41 PM

Ahh! Excellent. I knew someone would have an answer.

Todd -
I'm thinking of trying it on my 3M Beamer III or my 5m Crossfire II. Something tells me, I'm going to be SOL because of the size of the kites I want to try it on. Or is it more of a depower, vs Fixed Bridal?

I can totally see how this would be a problem with weight distribution and stability, etc.

Todd - let's see some of your results. :)

Thanks again!

burritobandit - 2-3-2011 at 01:51 PM

I've mounted my GoPro to the center strut on my LEIs using only zip ties. Worked out great!

Edit: I see you mentioned trying this on fixed bridle foils.. A Kite Hero might work if you set your FB kites up on a bar; that Kite Hero rests on lines that would be close together, such as the center lines on a depower.

Todd - 2-3-2011 at 02:06 PM

The Sound Video @ 2:14 and 2:37 This was being used on a Navigator bar

My Best Theory Video @ 1:10 This was being used on a Navigator bar

Binary Lies Video @:50 and throughout. This was mounted on the spar

and here is how I did it.

My how to film from an ARC tutorial




I think it will be tough using a 3m but I guess with enough wind it could handle the weight. Just be careful.

Kober - 2-3-2011 at 04:18 PM

I make a video today on my 6m Gin with line mounted GoPro for a first time ....... very shaky and lots of spinning .... mostly because wind was very gusty..... There is many sections of video where picture is very steady and worth keeping .... Camera was installed right above bar on power lines.... I did not try to install camera on bridle yet.... I use aftermarket kite mount for GoPro that I purchase on ebay for $40

bigkid - 2-3-2011 at 05:23 PM

I used a 2 inch square piece of Velcro to the bottom of the trailing edge of the kite and then put the other part on the back of the camera. Put the kite in a spin and then watch the vid, Good stuff.

TRP - 2-3-2011 at 05:36 PM

Ah, yes.. velcro on trailing edge. That make great sense. :embarrased:

I assume you leave the camera in the protective case and attach the safety lanyard to one of the brake bridle attachment points, just in case the cam lets go. (Not likely to happen but a nice safety feature)

I like that idea! Cheap! Effective! My two favorite features!

Thanks!

TRP - 2-3-2011 at 05:41 PM

Todd - your "Best Theory Video" is awesome. I love the ending. ;)

How many GoPro's do you have!? LOL.

T

Todd - 2-3-2011 at 06:18 PM

:embarrased: 4


Thanks for the compliment on the video!

arkay - 2-3-2011 at 06:32 PM

The kite hero is great, the guy who made it is great too! But it's really made for the centerlines of a depower and doesn't work well on handles. It also takes rider POV just above the swivel on the centerlines and does not take a view from the kite. If you want to take a kite view with a gopro then I believe you need a custome solution at this point. ... that said I have used a vented helmet strap with limited success.

TRP - 2-3-2011 at 07:16 PM

Excellent info.Thanks, arkay.

Short term, I'll pick up some velcro.
Long term, I need to find a 4m depower kite. ;)

TRP - 6-3-2011 at 11:26 AM

Tried to fly the goPro on my 5m Crosfire II. I was in kind of an odd spot and don't think I had enough wind to haul the extra 5.5 oz into the air.

It started to lift off, but wouldn't get much above 10 feet off the ground. I pulled the camera off the kite and continued to fly the Crossfire without the cam.

Later in the day the wind picked up a bit and the kite scared the Sh*t out of me, so I put it away, but that's a different story for another day. :)

22bene - 6-3-2011 at 05:12 PM

I was watching some vids where the camera actually swiveled and offered sick shots of the rider on water don't know if he was using software or just camera.