Are helmet cameras legal?

[anonymous-user]

Hi All,

Quick question. When racing in MSA events, such as 750MC, is it allowed to have a camera such as a GoPro mounted to your helmet using adhesive stickers?

If you go on YouTube, there are many videos of drivers racing in Le Mans, ALMS, Nordschleife GT races etc with GoPro's attached to their helmets. There is also helmet cam footage from some UK club meetings as well.

Does anybody know if you would fail scrutineering or be punished for having a GoPro mounted?

Thanks,

Rich.

[tapkaJohnD]

I quote the safety secretary of the MSA, in response to my asking exactly the same question, except I opted for velcro.
"Under no circumstances!"

John

[anonymous-user]

That clears that one up, thanks very much mate.

[tristancliffe]

The guidelines (is it in the blue book, or was it in one of their myriad of magazines and e-zines?) is that they are not allowed unless the helmet is designed for them specifically, which means them being mounted inside the helmet shell. That isn't "under no circumstances".

Fortunately, the MSA never get it wrong or contradict themselves. It's because they publish an easily understandable and logical set of rules, with no ambiguity. For instance, it's really easy to know exactly what fire extinguisher capacity is required at any level within seconds of looking......................

[woof]

richiespeed13 said:

That clears that one up, thanks very much mate.

I was only looking at it the other week. Answer is a 100% no. But you could attached one somehow inside the helmet (sans casing) then that would probably be allowed. Attaching anything to the outside is a no no.

But in testing you can do whatever you like

[spyderman8]

I did actually see a mini driver (not the actress) with a helmet-mounted camera at Silverstone yesterday.

Chris.

[Renny]

spyderman8 said:

I did actually see a mini driver (not the actress) with a helmet-mounted camera at Silverstone yesterday.

Chris.

Shouldn't have been allowed out if an MSA permitted event.

[spyderman8]

Renny said:

Shouldn't have been allowed out if an MSA permitted event.

Which it was. Interesting.

[RESSE]

Taken from MSA Mews 10/04/2014

"Competitors are reminded of the requirements of MSA Yearbook Regulation K (10).3.3.(d) which states:
Fitment of cameras to helmets by whatever means is not permitted unless an integral camera is provided by the helmet manufacturer and that model of helmet is approved under one of the accepted standards.

Helmet cameras that do not comply with this regulation will be rejected at scrutineering and cannot be used in competition".

[tapkaJohnD]

tristancliffe said:

The guidelines (is it in the blue book, or was it in one of their myriad of magazines and e-zines?) is that they are not allowed unless the helmet is designed for them specifically, which means them being mounted inside the helmet shell. That isn't "under no circumstances".

Fortunately, the MSA never get it wrong or contradict themselves. It's because they publish an easily understandable and logical set of rules, with no ambiguity. For instance, it's really easy to know exactly what fire extinguisher capacity is required at any level within seconds of looking......................

If the MSA is asked can someone mount a camera on their helmet the correct answer, clever clogs, is "under no circumstances". They could have said read the Blue Book: K.10.3.3.d "Fitment of cameras to helmets by whatever means is not permitted unless an integral camera is provided by the helmet manufacturer."
JOhn

[Stevemcmaster]

I had a look at this at the start of this season and indeed, the answer was no.

So, as an alternative, I had a look at the option of wearing camera glasses (1080p versions are around £40 on ebay). You can take the fake lenses out to avoid the risk of fogging.

Downside is if you are a glasses wearer and race with them. Options there are either get prescription lenses fitted (specsavers - £60), but make sure that the frames you buy can take prescription lenses. Otherwise, go for contacts.

Ta
Steve

[Mr_Thyroid]

Has anyone stuck a camera to their helmet and then removed it? How easy is it to remove? Is the helmet forever knackered once a camera has been stuck?

[Charger500]

I've been using these for dirt biking and Skidooin for a couple of years now, I was wondering about trying them out in the car last year... they fit pretty comfortably to my Stilo full face rally helmet... frame is solid and lenses are interchangeable so cant' see why you couldn't use them without lenses... just an idea - http://www.liquidimageco.com/collections/all-sport...

[010010011010]

Look up Pivothead camera glasses, might be worth a shot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyqA0T2XCw0

I have no affiliation with them, but i was looking to get some for the same reason

[woof]

010010011010 said:

Look up Pivothead camera glasses, might be worth a shot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyqA0T2XCw0

I have no affiliation with them, but i was looking to get some for the same reason

These look perfect - but can't find a UK outlet ?

[tristancliffe]

First result in Google for "pivothead glasses uk".

http://www.pivotheadshop.co.uk/

Company called Acuity Intelligence are the distributor behind that URL. Not bought anything from them, and don't yet own any Pivotheads as they are a bit too expensive for how much use I'd give them. Not a lot of room in helmets between temples (the weak bit of the skull) and the padding, so suspect comfort is a problem for motorsport.

[woof]

tristancliffe said:

First result in Google for "pivothead glasses uk".

http://www.pivotheadshop.co.uk/

Company called Acuity Intelligence are the distributor behind that URL. Not bought anything from them, and don't yet own any Pivotheads as they are a bit too expensive for how much use I'd give them. Not a lot of room in helmets between temples (the weak bit of the skull) and the padding, so suspect comfort is a problem for motorsport.

doh - thanks
I might give them a go and see how they feel

[tristancliffe]

Let me know how you get on. Maybe a small review on here too. Am tempted to get them firstly for the "ooooh, that's novel" view, but I think they could be useful for driver training in a way as you see what the driver sees (roughly).

[woof]

tristancliffe said:

Let me know how you get on. Maybe a small review on here too. Am tempted to get them firstly for the "ooooh, that's novel" view, but I think they could be useful for driver training in a way as you see what the driver sees (roughly).

just waiting on them to respond to my email
and will do

[woof]

Got the pivotheads and used them for the first time on Monday's 750MC race.
Unfortunately the race ends 30mins too soon with a trip into the barriers but the footage is good !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejKYIx8-o8A