Equip Fitlet With A Mini-Monitor & Camera Accessory Mount
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 6:40 am
Overview
This project began as an effort to mount a Mini-HDMI monitor onto fitlet for use in portable applications. The 5" mini-monitor I have is designed for photographic applications, so it is configured for the industry standard 1/4 inch - 20 threads per inch mount.
As work progressed on designing a mount which uses the 14 inch - 20 TPI system, it became apparent that there was no reason to limit the mount to simply attaching a monitor to fitlet. In actuality such a mount allows attaching any type of 1/4" - 20 TPI photographic/video device to fitlet. Such items include:
- Mini-monitors
- Action cameras
- Still Cameras
- Lights
- Light meters
- Camera flash units (using hotshoe adapter)
- many more
Some items listed above may not really complement or interface with fitlet, but you can mount them if you wish.
Required Materials
The materials required for the mount are:
- Aluminum flat bar (1" x 1/4" x 2')
- One 1/4" 20 TPI bolt - 3/4" long
- Two M3 flat head machine screws - 16 mm long
- Ball swivel camera mount adapter
- Metalic spray paint (Krylon Metalic closely matches fitlet's color)
- Rubber equipment feet (peel and stick, greater than 1/4" thick)
Form Factor
The form factor I arrived at was a very simple "U" or "Horseshoe" shape. This shape greatly simplified fabrication and proved to be relatively easy to make. The dimensions of the mounting bracket were chosen so as to provide ample clearance both above and behind fitlet. The goal was to not adversely affect fitlet's heat dissipation and to allow plenty of room for cables connecting to the back of fitlet.
This project began as an effort to mount a Mini-HDMI monitor onto fitlet for use in portable applications. The 5" mini-monitor I have is designed for photographic applications, so it is configured for the industry standard 1/4 inch - 20 threads per inch mount.
As work progressed on designing a mount which uses the 14 inch - 20 TPI system, it became apparent that there was no reason to limit the mount to simply attaching a monitor to fitlet. In actuality such a mount allows attaching any type of 1/4" - 20 TPI photographic/video device to fitlet. Such items include:
- Mini-monitors
- Action cameras
- Still Cameras
- Lights
- Light meters
- Camera flash units (using hotshoe adapter)
- many more
Some items listed above may not really complement or interface with fitlet, but you can mount them if you wish.
Required Materials
The materials required for the mount are:
- Aluminum flat bar (1" x 1/4" x 2')
- One 1/4" 20 TPI bolt - 3/4" long
- Two M3 flat head machine screws - 16 mm long
- Ball swivel camera mount adapter
- Metalic spray paint (Krylon Metalic closely matches fitlet's color)
- Rubber equipment feet (peel and stick, greater than 1/4" thick)
Form Factor
The form factor I arrived at was a very simple "U" or "Horseshoe" shape. This shape greatly simplified fabrication and proved to be relatively easy to make. The dimensions of the mounting bracket were chosen so as to provide ample clearance both above and behind fitlet. The goal was to not adversely affect fitlet's heat dissipation and to allow plenty of room for cables connecting to the back of fitlet.