ZPOST
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   ZPOST > BMW Z4 Technical Talk > Navigation, Audio, Bluetooth, Stereo, Electronics Talk
  TireRack

SUPPORT ZPOST BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER, THANKS!
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-01-2012, 03:34 AM   #1
mfanatic325
///M-fanatic
mfanatic325's Avatar
Taiwan
192
Rep
3,885
Posts

Drives: '01 911 Turbo
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA.

iTrader: (23)

iPhone Mounts

Hey guys, do ya'll know of any good dash/vent/windshield mounts for an iPhone that you can recommend to me? My friend's Lotus had a forum-made mount which was extremely sturdy and hooked up to the dashboard without any intrusion and best of all, it was non-permanent too! I was thinking about just using my phone as a cheapo track recorder

I know there are tons of mounts out there, but of the ones I've seen thus far, only my friend's intrigues me; mainly due to the fact that not the entire backing of the phone is covered, and it is still high enough to see out the front windshield (for recording purposes). Let me know if you guys have any ideas. Thanks in advance!

Last edited by mfanatic325; 06-01-2012 at 03:54 AM..
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2012, 05:08 AM   #2
sabbanick
Lieutenant
13
Rep
505
Posts

Drives: 08 SBM M coupe
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NY

iTrader: (1)

Google Ram mounts you can build you own system.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2012, 11:25 AM   #3
psygnosis
Major
psygnosis's Avatar
23
Rep
1,034
Posts

Drives: '04 Z4 3.0i Sport
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: WA

iTrader: (0)

spec dock > all

but spendy
__________________
Straightaways are for fast cars, Corners are for fast drivers.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2012, 12:35 PM   #4
marinb
First Lieutenant
marinb's Avatar
United_States
16
Rep
331
Posts

Drives: 2017 911 GTS
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (4)

From the sound of your description, what you want is called ProClip. Do a google image search for "ProClip Z4" to see how it attaches.

I think RobMCoupe had one in his car at exhaust fest, but I could be mistaken.

----
Edit: after reading your description again, this may not work because it might not be high enough to see out the front windshield.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2012, 12:53 PM   #5
mfanatic325
///M-fanatic
mfanatic325's Avatar
Taiwan
192
Rep
3,885
Posts

Drives: '01 911 Turbo
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA.

iTrader: (23)

Yeah I did find the ProClip as an option. However, the only Z4 option they currently have is one that's attached to the passenger side on the transmission tunnel/center tube, which won't be able to see out the front windshield at all =/

I'll look into the Ram and Spec docks. Thanks!
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2012, 01:02 PM   #6
marinb
First Lieutenant
marinb's Avatar
United_States
16
Rep
331
Posts

Drives: 2017 911 GTS
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (4)

There are lots of generic vent mounts out there. They will work ok... not sure if they can handle the track though.

I did find this more permanent style vent mount:
http://www.kudausa.com/bmw-z4-e85-un...ack-a1372.html
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2012, 01:45 PM   #7
Finnegan
Dog Listener
Finnegan's Avatar
United_States
701
Rep
7,850
Posts

Drives: Z4M/. Z3M, E36/46 M3
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Teaching the dog to slalom

iTrader: (22)

I'm in the same boat Lon, so let me know what you find.

(Krissi wants to run her iPhone 4s--and Harry's Laptimer which integrates Video--but the question is how to mount it where you can see the friction circle and other metrics and use video at the same time.)

Has to be safe/solid for track, and I don't think vent mounts would meet those requirements (as Marin noted).
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2012, 05:42 PM   #8
mfanatic325
///M-fanatic
mfanatic325's Avatar
Taiwan
192
Rep
3,885
Posts

Drives: '01 911 Turbo
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA.

iTrader: (23)

Yeah I'll definitely update this thread once I find a solution.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2012, 05:48 PM   #9
mfanatic325
///M-fanatic
mfanatic325's Avatar
Taiwan
192
Rep
3,885
Posts

Drives: '01 911 Turbo
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA.

iTrader: (23)

Quote:
Originally Posted by psygnosis View Post
spec dock > all

but spendy
The Spec Dock looks nice and clean, but unfortunately does not meet my requirements as far as using my iPhone as a camera to record track videos: http://stores.homestead.com/2point5/...OCK/Detail.bok

Quote:
Originally Posted by sabbanick View Post
Google Ram mounts you can build you own system.
RAM on the other hand does have what I'm looking for I think. Looks like this is a good cradle that fits my phone nice and snug: http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResul...5/Default.aspx

And I would need to pair it with a mount of my choosing. Have not decided on which one yet. Wish I had them to try out in person
I will shoot RAM an e-mail to see what they suggest.

Last edited by mfanatic325; 06-01-2012 at 06:09 PM..
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2012, 06:21 PM   #10
kcdedric
Captain
kcdedric's Avatar
United_States
741
Rep
647
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Norcal

iTrader: (7)

I like my $30 RAM mount so far as a cheap GoPro alternative. No associated vibrations or noise with it either. http://www.amazon.com/RAM-Mounting-S...8592667&sr=8-6

Here is a screenshot. Unfortunately it's at night because that was the only time I actually had it aimed correctly

__________________

Le Mans Blue '09 BMW M3 Sedan - Current
Polar Silver '04 Porsche GT3 - Gone
Persian Blue '08 Lotus Exige S240 - Gone
Space Gray/Imola '08 BMW M Coupe - Gone
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2012, 06:54 PM   #11
mfanatic325
///M-fanatic
mfanatic325's Avatar
Taiwan
192
Rep
3,885
Posts

Drives: '01 911 Turbo
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA.

iTrader: (23)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kcdedric View Post
...it's at night because that was the only time I actually had it aimed correctly
That's what she said jk, sorry I couldn't help it. Thanks for the input!
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2012, 07:59 PM   #12
renesis
Private
renesis's Avatar
Canada
5
Rep
62
Posts

Drives: 2007 BMW Z4 3.0SI Roadster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Quebec, Canada

iTrader: (0)

After shopping for one, I ended up with the Tetrax X way system it's a vent mount that is both solid and small it's conveniently located in your field of view too, I didn't like the other mounts that were too low down
__________________
2007 Z4 3.0SI Roadster
Sport Package, Premium Package, Bluetooth & BMW Assist
Black Sapphirre Metallic, Dream Red Interior

See it in pictures
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2012, 08:03 PM   #13
sabbanick
Lieutenant
13
Rep
505
Posts

Drives: 08 SBM M coupe
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NY

iTrader: (1)

You have a few options from Ram depending where you want to mount it I have a buch of option that I purchased from them. Off the windshield the suction mount is a no brainier with a small arm. To attach it I use the GoPro tripod mount to one of the articulating arms. If you want to see your driving inputs I use the bulkhead screws under trim piece on top of the bulkhead...you can actually fit two mounts here one front view and one for rear view...they are awesome mounts. I've used my microfourthirds camera with different lens and it's held up just fine on track. I'll try and take a few pics of the ram components I've purchased if your interested.
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2012, 12:04 AM   #14
mfanatic325
///M-fanatic
mfanatic325's Avatar
Taiwan
192
Rep
3,885
Posts

Drives: '01 911 Turbo
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA.

iTrader: (23)

Yes, please do provide me pictures if you can, thanks! Along with the model/part numbers pretty please?

Originally, I had thought of only mounting somewhere I can easily see/access the device since it's my phone, but seeing as how many are using the mounts with success (in the rear window glass?), I might open up to that option as well, since seeing driving input would be nice too at the track.
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2012, 02:45 PM   #15
kcdedric
Captain
kcdedric's Avatar
United_States
741
Rep
647
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Norcal

iTrader: (7)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mfanatic325 View Post
That's what she said jk, sorry I couldn't help it. Thanks for the input!
Guess I had that one coming

^ Ahh, there just isn't a clean way to reply back haha

Quote:
Originally Posted by mfanatic325 View Post
but seeing as how many are using the mounts with success (in the rear window glass?), I might open up to that option as well, since seeing driving input would be nice too at the track.
Yep, mine is mounted right at the very top of the glass. The suction mount wouldn't stick to the bulkhead.
__________________

Le Mans Blue '09 BMW M3 Sedan - Current
Polar Silver '04 Porsche GT3 - Gone
Persian Blue '08 Lotus Exige S240 - Gone
Space Gray/Imola '08 BMW M Coupe - Gone
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2012, 03:48 PM   #16
EenyBear
Accidentally in BMW
EenyBear's Avatar
Canada
15
Rep
221
Posts

Drives: Z4MC & R1200S
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mfanatic325 View Post
RAM on the other hand does have what I'm looking for I think. Looks like this is a good cradle that fits my phone nice and snug: http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResul...5/Default.aspx

iPHONE RAM CLIP and MOUNT
I use
http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResul...5/Default.aspx
RAM Composite Twist Lock Suction Cup Mount with Diamond Adapter
Product Number: RAP-B-166-2U
Your Price: $17.36
with
http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResul...5/Default.aspx
RAM Model Specific Cradle for the Apple iPhone 4 & iPhone 4S WITHOUT CASE, SKIN OR SLEEVE
Product Number: RAM-HOL-AP9U
Your Price: $8.40
The phone clips in securely and the twist-suction cup locks down really tight. The mount swivels in two places for positioning and doesn't move when tightened. Mounted flush under the mirror it's out of the way, the camera has a clear view, and "guage apps" are easily seen.

In general use, it's an alternative to hands-free for the phone as well. Just tap for speaker-phone.

Solid construction and I'm happy with it.

iPHONE ALTERNATIVE LENSES for filming inside the Z4M
P.S. You can stick it between the seats on the rear glass for a "full cockpit view" but then you might want one of these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Olloclip-iPh...item257004f727
The Olloclip (above) is a serious piece of kit whereas you can get this (below) just to test the concept:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Detachab...item2ebdab5dba
I can suction-attach it to the plastic drop-down lid for the center compartment as well but the suction only pasts a hour or so under normal and spirited driving conditions. I wouldn't mount it there for the track. So if you're going to try the rear glass for the cockpit view... get a longer arm (maybe) and a wide angle lens (probably).

Some interesting iPHONE APPS
Track telemetry etc.
http://www.optrixhd.com/applications

Gauges gauges everywhere (need WiFi dongle for the OBD2 port
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rev/id302420711?mt=8

G-force and accelleration and other whimsical fun stuff.
http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicle...9/g_meter.html


Have fun !!!!

Last edited by EenyBear; 06-02-2012 at 05:16 PM..
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2012, 11:37 PM   #17
mfanatic325
///M-fanatic
mfanatic325's Avatar
Taiwan
192
Rep
3,885
Posts

Drives: '01 911 Turbo
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA.

iTrader: (23)

Holy cow! Thanks for the info!
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2012, 11:44 PM   #18
3002 tii
Lieutenant General
3002 tii's Avatar
United_States
2257
Rep
12,546
Posts

Drives: Z4 M, 550i, X3
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (99)

Garage List
Cheap and works well

http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Windshie...8698637&sr=8-2
__________________
Follow for latest mods
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2012, 02:42 AM   #19
mfanatic325
///M-fanatic
mfanatic325's Avatar
Taiwan
192
Rep
3,885
Posts

Drives: '01 911 Turbo
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Cupertino, CA.

iTrader: (23)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubbedown View Post
Thanks, but that would block the phone's camera, which doesn't meet my requirements

I will go with the RAM + lens attachment combo. Thanks all!
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2012, 04:59 AM   #20
beta
Lieutenant Colonel
80
Rep
1,663
Posts

Drives: 2006 M Roadster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: CA

iTrader: (2)

BTW CMS lap timer is pretty cool. A lot of people use Harry's, but what's really nice about CMS is the quickview.



Quote:
QuickViews is an innovative way to visualize the performance of a car as it drives around the track. It combines lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, and speed differences into a single graphic that is easy to grasp.
The width of each block is proportional to lateral acceleration The length (in the direction of travel) of each block is proportional to longitudinal acceleration The inside color is red for braking, blue for accelerating. Intense red is hard braking, intense blue hard acceleration. White means you are neither braking nor accelerating.

The green outline indicates where B is faster than A, orange where it is slower. This coloring only appears when A and B are at approximately the same point on the track.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2012, 07:23 AM   #21
3002 tii
Lieutenant General
3002 tii's Avatar
United_States
2257
Rep
12,546
Posts

Drives: Z4 M, 550i, X3
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (99)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfanatic325 View Post
Thanks, but that would block the phone's camera, which doesn't meet my requirements

I will go with the RAM + lens attachment combo. Thanks all!
Lon u have such little faith!

It does not block the camera if you move the tabs inward.
__________________
Follow for latest mods
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2012, 07:31 AM   #22
3002 tii
Lieutenant General
3002 tii's Avatar
United_States
2257
Rep
12,546
Posts

Drives: Z4 M, 550i, X3
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (99)

Garage List
Btw how much discount u get for being Apex's test mule on the EC 7's???!
__________________
Follow for latest mods
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:29 AM.




zpost
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST