Sideways torch helment mount for GoPro system

aricooperdavis

Moderator
Does anyone know of a commercially available mount for a right-angled torch that uses the GoPro system? The only one I've found that might be suitable is plastic and 3D printed on demand from the US, so might be a bit fragile and costs more to ship than the item costs itself!

I'd also be interested in good DIY versions, but my current DIY approach relies too much on araldite for me to be happy with it:

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This uses an aluminium picture rail/moulding hook (green) that I've cut to size and bent the corners over to capture a firm elastic band. I've glued this to a GoPro 90° extender piece (red) that I've cut two of the legs off and heated the third leg to bend it out.

The GoPro style screw mount itself is non-negotiable as it's what I use for my main light (the elspeleo terra), so I'd like my backup light to use the same mount.
 

aricooperdavis

Moderator
It looks like there aren't many other options! I will attempt a different DIY approach at some point and update the thread with progress.

For anyone trying a similar thing, the black plastic GoPro fittings seem to become malleable at about 190°C. If you go much above this then they start to melt and deform. A £1 coin fits nicely between the "legs" to stop them bending whilst you're working other parts of the fitting.
 
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Rob

Well-known member
It looks like there aren't many other options! I will attempt a different DIY approach at some point and update the thread with progress.

For anyone trying a similar thing, the black plastic GoPro fittings seem to become malleable at about 190°C. If you go much above this then they start to melt and deform. A £1 coin fits nicely between the "legs" to stop them bending whilst you're working other parts of the fitting.
I've got a 3D printer that doesn't get used enough, so would be happy to print something if that is helpful.
 

aricooperdavis

Moderator
Thanks Rob, I may well take you up on that offer! I'm a novice when it comes to 3D printing, though, so I'll exhaust the more manual options first (y)
 

aricooperdavis

Moderator
Here's my DIY approach take 2, that I'm much happier with!

It comprises the original GoPro 90° extender piece which I've heated in the oven until the legs are soft enough to bend apart. I've then taken a PVC pipe coupling of the appropriate diameter and cut a third out of it so that it can just bend open enough to allow the torch to be pushed into it and hold it tight (which it does with a very satisfying snap!). I've then just used PVC cement (with a primer first) to weld the PVC together. I'm much happier with this than glue, because it literally welds the plastic together rather than just gluing the surfaces.

The resulting bracket feels very robust, holds the torch firmly, but still just allows it to be rotated (y)

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