Introduction: How to Modify a Motorola DROID OEM Window Mount So the Camera Lens Shows
This tutorial shows that it only takes about 30 minutes of time to take a regular OEM Window Mount and drill a proper-sized hole so that the lens will be exposed when driving. This way you can take full advantage of free Android apps like the Daily Roads Voyager to record videos while driving.
Step 1: List of Tools
I used five drill bits to complete this project, starting from left to right in the order in which they were used. Not pictured is a cordless drill.
- Wood Drill Bit (used only for the sharp point on the end to make an indent
- 1/16th inch drill bit (you could use any small sized bit to start)
The largest drill bit I used for actual drilling was a 7/64th inch, but the hole that was drilled is a bit bigger in size). You could probably go up to a 1/8th inch drill bit or a bit bigger
- Wood Drill Bit (used only for the sharp point on the end to make an indent
- 1/16th inch drill bit (you could use any small sized bit to start)
The largest drill bit I used for actual drilling was a 7/64th inch, but the hole that was drilled is a bit bigger in size). You could probably go up to a 1/8th inch drill bit or a bit bigger
Step 2: Mark Where the Lens Will Be Positioned Over the Back Plate
I used a large wood drill bit to mark the position where the lens is located over the back plate. You could use any sharp object to make an indent. If you do not make a proper indent, when you try to drill in Step 2, the drill bit would “walk” and it would be hard to drill to get the proper location for the lens location.
I did use use the drill to make a small indent into the back plate...and yes, I had the Droid connected to the back plate when I did it. I put enough pressure on the drill to make the indent, but not enough pressure that I would drill through the back plate and hit the Droid’s lens.
Just make sure the indent is big enough to use the smallest drill bit you have without allowing the small drill bit to “walk”.
I did use use the drill to make a small indent into the back plate...and yes, I had the Droid connected to the back plate when I did it. I put enough pressure on the drill to make the indent, but not enough pressure that I would drill through the back plate and hit the Droid’s lens.
Just make sure the indent is big enough to use the smallest drill bit you have without allowing the small drill bit to “walk”.
Step 3: Start Drilling the Hole With the Smallest Sized Drill Bit You Have
Check to make sure the hole is aligned with the center of where the Droid's lens will be. And make sure that the Droid is not connected to the back plate when you drill through it!Step 4: Test the Position of the Hole
After drilling the hole, connect the Droid to the back plate and see how it looks by running a camera or video app. This will give you an idea of which direction you need to scrape away from the inside of the hole when you use the next largest size drill bit.
Step 5: Use the Next Larger Drill Bit to Make the Hole Larger
After drilling the hole with the smallest size drill bit, switch to a larger sized drill bit and make the hole bigger. Above is a picture that shows what it looks like after the next largest drill bit was used. You can see that I need to scrape away more plastic towards the left and right side, as well as scrape a little more across the top, and just scrape a tiny amount away from the bottom area.
You can repeat Steps 3 and 4 if you started with very small sized drill bits.
You can repeat Steps 3 and 4 if you started with very small sized drill bits.
Step 6: Tip on How to Use the Drill Bits to Expand the Hole Horizontally
To expand the hole horizontally (and vertically, if needed) without making the entire size of the hole bigger, just tilt the drill w/bit at an angle against the back plate. This puts enough pressure on the sides of the hole to expand the width. It took me about 30 minutes to make a hole big enough for the lens to show, but not too big that it would weaken the back plate structure.
GOOD LUCK and be sure to try out the DailyRoads Voyager Android App and capture video and/or photos while you drive. http://www.dailyroads.com/voyager.php
GOOD LUCK and be sure to try out the DailyRoads Voyager Android App and capture video and/or photos while you drive. http://www.dailyroads.com/voyager.php
