Car mount questions?

[Siren]

Does anybody have a mount in hand that might be able to describe some of the physical features of it? I am interested in using the Droid's very good video recording capabilities to film a racing event that I am taking my car to @ Laguna Seca in a few weeks.

Specifically, I am looking for information on whether or not the mount blocks the camera, and if it does, whether or not the mount can easily be modified to allow access to the camera?

Further: due to the magnetic sensors in the Droid that activate the in-car nav program, is it possible, when mounted, to actually launch the camera app and record video?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[KoukiFC3S]

It does block the camera. There's a video I saw on youtube that shows it.

 

[JediJesus]

You dont need the magnets to start car mode. So you could get any mount and cut it up for the camera hole. Then you can just turn car mode on. I dont know if the camera works with car mode on.

 

[Siren]

I dont know if the camera works with car mode on.

Thanks - that's my concern. This would be a killer application for those of us who film driving videos - for race track events, and so on - having the phone do it with decent high quality video with a clear line of sight through the windshield would greatly simplify this type of recording.

There are few good car mount options for proper cameras...

 

[JRSly]

The last video here is of him using Google Nav while recording a video with the Droid, not mounted, but I don't think we've any reason to suspect that being in mounted Car Home would disable the recording capabilities. It seems to be there only for quick convenience, and not to restrict any of the functions.

EDIT: Someone in the comments section even says that the phone behaves exactly the same in or out of the dock regarding incoming calls, so there seems to be no change in functionality with the dock, it simply helps you easily and quickly get to Car Home.

 

[chris.h]

EDIT: Someone in the comments section even says that the phone behaves exactly the same in or out of the dock regarding incoming calls, so there seems to be no change in functionality with the dock, it simply helps you easily and quickly get to Car Home.

Correct.

The car dock does block the camera but you can probably just snap off the piece in the upper left corner to give you access. You'll also likely need to move the arm that connects to the phone down as far as possible otherwise that knob at the elbow joint will be in the frame.

(camera goes at the upper right, covered up)

 

[oldlostcory]

Dang Laguna Seca, lucky you. There is only one small track anywhere close to me.

Something you may want to consider though, I have a feeling the droid car mount might not be sturdy enough to get a good picture. I would be worried that it would be bouncing around a lot especially when you're pushing your car around there.

 

[scorrpio]

I have the car mount. To begin with, it's rock-solid, no bounce. Camera is blocked, but a little bit of dremeling should correct that. The dock is very configurable - the 'elbow' has about 180 degrees of swing, and locks in place with a thumbscrew. The phone holder connects to arm with a ball mount that gives it full 360 degree rotation, and then can be fixed with a retainer nut - setting up the dock in a way that arm is not in the picture should be pretty easy, especially if you mount to dashboard rather than windshield.

 

[Siren]

Dang Laguna Seca, lucky you. There is only one small track anywhere close to me.

Oh indeed, I'm almost giddy about this. Got an invite to join in a Porsche Club event there. I don't have a Porsche, but it's a great opportunity to run with them and see what's what!

I have the car mount. To begin with, it's rock-solid, no bounce. Camera is blocked, but a little bit of dremeling should correct that. The dock is very configurable - the 'elbow' has about 180 degrees of swing, and locks in place with a thumbscrew. The phone holder connects to arm with a ball mount that gives it full 360 degree rotation, and then can be fixed with a retainer nut - setting up the dock in a way that arm is not in the picture should be pretty easy, especially if you mount to dashboard rather than windshield.

Thank you for the info - this is exactly what I was looking for. I think I'm going to go ahead and buy the mount and report my results back here...

 

[judgeholden999]

Quick question for someone with the motorola car mount. Does the mount come with a rapid charger? On the Motorola website it says it does, but no pictures i've seen confirm this. I already have 1 charger for me, but I want to get the mount and give my girl my regular charger. Hoping to not have to buy another.

Thanks,

 

[danioro]

the astonishing thing is that the car mounts and bedside mounts are generallly unavailable in any of the Verizon stores that I have visited.

the agents have been lukewarm about the Droid, basically because they have not been educated in any way about the phone, the OS or its capabilities.

Very poor marketing if you ask me. The phone and the OS, in conjunction with Verizon's network, have the potential to be iPhone killers, but there is no hype or excitement.

 

[chris.h]

Mine did not come with a charger.

 

[judgeholden999]

Mine did not come with a charger.

Thanks for the heads up, guess i'll be shelling out another 40 bucks for the mount and another charger. Atleast i get a 33% discount on accessories

 

[GeorgeH]

Thanks for the heads up, guess i'll be shelling out another 40 bucks for the mount and another charger. Atleast i get a 33% discount on accessories

Going to be ordering my phone and accessories too. Is anyone eligible for this type of discount?

 

[judgeholden999]

Going to be ordering my phone and accessories too. Is anyone eligible for this type of discount?

Sorry its a corporate discount through my job. I pay ENOUGH each month, so its a small small condolence.

 

[GeorgeH]

Sorry its a corporate discount through my job. I pay ENOUGH each month, so its a small small condolence.

Ah, I didn't know corporate discounts can be used on accessories. Guess I'll just have to "settle" for my 22%...better than nothing.