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TLP Ball Head Mount

The TLP ball head mount was developed as an adjustable support for the Harbortronics Time-Lapse Package. It is a very rigid, high capacity mount designed for long term camera system positioning. While it has a smooth operation, it is not intended for frequent movement, such as manipulating a camera on a tripod.

The TLP Ball Head Mount is made in the USA from 6061 aluminum, stainless steel hardware and nylon spacers. 6061 aluminum is very corrosion resistant and should provide years of trouble free service in the field. The surfaces may tarnish in the weather, but this will not reduce its utility.

The design is such that it could be applied in any number of other applications. It is NOT designed, tested, qualified, or certified for ANY application that has safety concerns. This includes supporting humans, animals, vehicles, or overhead objects. Please do not use for these applications. For all uses, please use common sense!

Specs

Size:	Base mounting plate: 2.0in x 3.0in Side mounting plate: 2.9in x 3.0in Total length without screws: 4.4in
Weight:	290 grams / 10.25 oz / 0.64 lb
Tilt Range:	+/- 18 degrees horizontal (between plates) +/- 26 degrees vertical, with all screws +/ 26 / -108 degrees vertical, with one screw removed

Holding Capacity

This number is a difficult one to specify! In a simple static environment, the ball will not slip while holding 200 lbs... it might even hold quite a bit more.

In outdoor service, holding the Time-Lapse Package in a windy location with an large solar panel, there are lots of extra forces involved. When considering the effect of weather (salt spray corrosion), sitting for years in one position, and the need to have absolutely minimum movement when positioning a high resolution camera, we can conservatively rate the system for a 35 lb load. Note that the standard Time-Lapse Package is only 12.5lbs. This rating is given in the absence of long term evaluation, and may change in the future. Rest assured however, this is a very solid mount!

The mount is normally installed with all 4 clamp screws in place, providing the greatest resistance to movement. In applications where the housing is pointed downward at an angle between 26 and 75 degrees, the lower front screw may be removed, providing a much greater range of orientation. This of course reduces the capacity somewhat, but the remaining clamp screws will still provide sufficient rigidity for all but the most extreme applications (i.e., on a windswept glacier). The static load capacity is still more than 100 lbs!

Vertical Adjustment Angle

The above pics (Vertical ##) show the vertical adjustment angles with the mount. #1 and #2 show the normal range of adjustment. #3 shows how to increase the angle a bit further, by removing one of the clamp screws. #4 shows an extreme vertical angle, by removing a clamp screw, moving the ball farther, and then re-assembling.

Mounting

The ball head mount can be attached to a structure using a variety of fasteners. This picture shows several different screw types. The hole is about 0.265" diameter, allowing use of 1/4" machine screws or lag bolts. Drywall screws and wood screws will work as well. There is a larger center hole, 0.39" diameter, allowing mounting with a single bolt.

Please make sure that your mounting hardware is sufficient to hold the weight of the system over long periods without movement. When using the center hole as shown, you may need to disassemble the ball mount in order to get enough room to insert a bolt. You could also have a bolt from behind, and use a nut and washer.

The other surface can also be used to attach to a structure. The ball does stick out a bit from the plate, so you may need spacers (thick washers) to stand the plate away from the structure.

The end of the shaft has a 3/8-16 threaded hole, on a 1" diameter flat. A bolt comes with the mount, making it very easy to install the Time-Lapse Package. You may need help to hold the housing while attaching the screw. Make sure to tighten the bolt firmly!

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