My solution for phone mount.

[KnifeySpoony]

So I have been searching around for the best option for phone mount (which I also use for laptimer on track) for my newly built 420R. I have an aeroscreen, so no suction cup to windscreen. I was hesitant to put a suction cup on the dash, even though that would probably work. It just feels so flimsy and I was worried about the phone bouncing around and damaging the dash. I also looked in the 3d printed holder available on ebay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293979086187. However this would block gauges.

 

Then I realized there was a tube on the passenger side meant for RHD steering columns I assume. I got a RAM mount clamp (small size): https://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-B-400U. It clamps securely to this small section of tubing, and the system works great, as long as you don't have a passenger (which I rarely will)

 

 

 

 

Edited August 7, 2021 by KnifeySpoony

[kayentaskier]

is there supposed to be a picture attached?

[KnifeySpoony]

Hmmm it shows for me, let me try and fix it

[KnifeySpoony]

Showing now?

Edited August 7, 2021 by KnifeySpoony

[kayentaskier]

Yes Thanks. Am I correct to assume you ordered:

RAM^® Tough-Claw^™ Small Clamp Base with Ball   B SIZE: Part#: RAP-B-400U UPC: 793442943539

RAM^® Double Socket Arm B SIZE B  Part#: RAM-B-201U-A UPC: 793442002649       

RAM^® X-Grip^® Large Phone Holder with Ball B SIZE  Part#: RAM-HOL-UN10BU UPC: 793442940873

[KnifeySpoony]

I think so- I don't recall the part names for the arm and xgrip as I've had them for years. Only the clamp is new for this application.  For those that don't want to intrude too much on passenger space, you could add another arm or two to bring the phone up and/or closer to the driver. I haven't tested the reach to the phone with harnesses on (as in to start my lap timer). If I can't reach it, I may extend with the additional arm(s).

 

I have never read about anyone using this tube to clamp on, so I thought I'd share, as it seems among the most secure ways to secure a phone mount. 

[Croc]

@KnifeySpoony Excellent idea - thanks for posting.  Most people have no idea that mount point is there as they have never enjoyed the 'pleasures' of hanging upside down in a footwell.   Have you tried it on track?  All secure even in high G corners?

[KnifeySpoony]

First trackday is next weekend (just got to 500mi and first oil change). I have no doubts about it being secure. It's on there tight.

[KnifeySpoony]

Holder did great at the track. A (smallish) passenger even rode a long one session and it wasn't in their way.

 

I should mention that this solution only works if you don't have the fuse box cover there, as it blocks this piece of tubing.

[KnifeySpoony]

here's some vid of it in action

 

[Croc]

Phone holder worked great - time for a new camera mount though!

[sf4018]

Great video and excellent driving!

[mdork]

Love that track. Great video!

[John B]

Nice video!

What is the Lap timer App you were using? Does it work off GPS or does it need a beacon?

[KnifeySpoony]

App is RaceChrono. It can use the cellphone GPS, but at 1Hz, the performance is not ideal. I'm using a standalone Garmin 10Hz GPS unit via bluetooth. 

[fastg]

I also use RaceChrono, with a Bluetooth ODB2 and a Bluetooth Garmin GLO external GPS receiver. The GLO made a huge difference, before the mapping looked like it was drawn by a 5 year old with a crayon, with the GLO you can see you actual parking spot in the paddock. I do not chase lap times, I have found that to be  counter productive. I fire it up then switch the screen off.  I email the logs to my tablet so they are easier to review later in the hotel. 

 

Graham