Apple Warning Re: iPhone Camera Damage on Motorcycles

[exgman]

I've been looking at some recent Forum posts regarding mounting a cellphones on a motorcycle. I've also seen some discussions about using an iPhone in place of the Garmin units (particularly the problem-prone Nav VI). Some posts have mentioned concerns about the iPhone cameras. I just found a fairly recent URL in which Apple warns about that very problem: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212803

 

[riderr1150gsadv]

That's why you should use a vibration dampener on your phone mount... I use this.. https://hondogarage.com/products/buzz-kill-vibration-isolator YMMV

 

[cajunrider]

Anyone use a cell phone without "service" to do this??

I have 3 old cell phones without SIMs that I want to try to set up specifically for this. Using what would otherwise be worthless, is still cheaper than buying any GPS unit... Even if it gets rained on and destroyed...

- Remove the SIM
- Activate Airplane Mode, THEN turn WiFi back on
- Load maps over WiFi before leaving the hotel in the morning
- Let the built in GPS receiver follow where you are on the road and give you directions

 

[rogerc60]

Anyone use a cell phone without "service" to do this??

I have 3 old cell phones without SIMs that I want to try to set up specifically for this. Using what would otherwise be worthless, is still cheaper than buying any GPS unit... Even if it gets rained on and destroyed...

- Remove the SIM
- Activate Airplane Mode, THEN turn WiFi back on
- Load maps over WiFi before leaving the hotel in the morning
- Let the built in GPS receiver follow where you are on the road and give you directions

I do essentially this whenever I travel to Canada and don't want to pay $10/day for mobile service. Except that I leave the SIM in the phone. Pre-load the map, turn off mobile data in the phone's settings, and get all the goodness of Google navigation without a mobile connection. It works well.

 

[cajunrider]

Good to know!!

I think I'm gonna set up a couple old phones just like that and keep them on hand for trips.
They can even double as a music player.

 

[crna59]

Anyone use a cell phone without "service" to do this??

I use an iPhone XR in my "Connect Ride" cradle... works perfectly!

 

[robbw]

I toasted the camera in my iPhone 12 last year most likely due to vibration. Let Quad Lock know that it happened even though I MOSTLY used the vibration dampener while riding (not on my F700GS). Not blaming anyone and now no-one asks me to take pictures! Bu yes it happens.

 

[Omega Man]

I did a little research on this and the part affected is what I figured.

"Apple says that "high amplitude vibrations within certain frequency ranges" can permanently affect your iPhone camera system by damaging the gyroscope sensor that the iPhone's optical image stabilization (OIS) feature relies on to reduce blurry shots in motion".

Personally, I wouldn't consider strapping an iPhone to anything that would transmit excessive vibration to the iPhone. I realize that while the name is iPhone, what it really is a computer that happens to make phone calls. Panasonic realized that computers needed more protection from harsh environments when they came out with the Tough Book line of rugged computers.

For me, having a phone strapped to the handlebars on my bike would be rather hazardous. The time to take my eyes off the road to see the info on the phone in the traffic wouldn't work out worth the risk. Of course, YMMV.

OM

 

[SteveAikens]

For me, having a phone strapped to the handlebars on my bike would be rather hazardous. The time to take my eyes off the road to see the info on the phone in the traffic wouldn't work out worth the risk. Of course, YMMV.

OM

Personally, I have trouble understanding the need for a phone being readily available so you can take calls and use it for other distractions while riding.

I get using it to route, but that's about it. Taking calls etc. just doesn't work for me. Maybe it's just the old fart in me but my cell phone stays in my tank bag while riding. ¯\_(?)_/¯

 

[mikegalbicka]

my cell phone stays in my tank bag while riding.

In NM heat that could adversely affect the battery.

 

[52184]

Personally, I have trouble understanding the need for a phone being readily available so you can take calls and use it for other distractions while riding.

I get using it to route, but that's about it. Taking calls etc. just doesn't work for me. Maybe it's just the old fart in me but my cell phone stays in my tank bag while riding. ¯\_(?)_/¯

Mine stays in a sealed jacket pocket. Calls are sent/received through the Nav VI that is linked to the phone. I’ll call you next time I’m on the road, which may be June what with all the cold and snow we’ve been having.


Best,
DeVern

 

[SteveAikens]

Mine stays in a sealed jacket pocket. Calls are sent/received through the Nav VI that is linked to the phone. I’ll call you next time I’m on the road, which may be June what with all the cold and snow we’ve been having.


Best,
DeVern

Call me anytime DeVern, if I recall correctly, you should still have my number. I would call you a lightweight about the weather but even here, it's been well below freezing and a lot of ice. Not so much snow but a light drizzle freezes enough that I don't even take the car out of the garage, and stick with "The Beast" my 2000 Silverado 4X4 to get around. Bikes just sit in the garage shivering....

 

[Zwniana]

That's why you should use a vibration dampener on your phone mount... I use this.. https://hondogarage.com/products/buzz-kill-vibration-isolator YMMV

This is what I use too

 

[tinygsa]

New guy here, and sorry for the micro necro....

I use an iPhone 14 Pro Max with the connected ride cradle in the navigation mount and in over 6000 miles, no issue with the camera. My understanding is that there is inherent damping in the GPS mount, but not sure. Regardless, no issues with my camera.