The ReadyPod hand made prototype was great while it lasted... It served it's purpose well... but, it is no longer available... However, the professionally designed and more affordable MAXIS 360 is almost here!!!

Check it out on KICKSTARTER.COM

 
So... my very first concern when I started thinking about using magnets to build the ReadyPod was that they might ruin the SD card in my camera.

As I was searching the internet for some reliable data I began to see that there seems to be a fairly common fear out there about magnets and what they might do to just about everything electronic or computer related, especially media storage and display screens. I am amazed at all the false ideas that people are passing off as true facts when it comes to this subject.

So... I set out to find the truth about magnets. Below are some of the facts that I discovered.
  • Digital storage devices such as SD cards and flash drives are not affected by magnets at all... (unless the magnetic force is strong enough to suck the iron right out of your blood cells... Don't worry... You wouldn't be able to get your hands on a magnet that strong.)
  • LCD screens, such as the ones in laptop computers, tablets, cell phones, mp3 players, digital camera displays, flat panel TVs and computer monitors as well as in other electronic devices, are not affected by magnets whatsoever.
  • Computer hard drives cannot be erased or corrupted accidentally by magnets. However, an incredibly strong magnet (many, many times stronger than those used in the ReadyPod) could possibly damage the components of a hard drive if placed directly on the hard drive.
  • Magnetic storage devices such as floppy disks, VHS tapes and the magnetic strip on a credit card can easily be erased or corrupted by a strong magnetic field and should be avoided. (Newer magnetic storage devices such as DV and mini DV tapes have a much higher resistance to erasure).
  • The older CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and TVs are effected by strong magnets and direct contact for an extended period of time should be avoided.
                      (See the links at the bottom of this post to learn more about the affects of magnets)

I didn't find any reliable information about the affects of magnets on cell phones or magnetic camera shutters and I am still looking. So, if you find anything real let me know.

I did do some experiments with my Nikon D40 digital SLR camera by placing the strongest magnet I own (149.9 lbs pull force - 12,600 Gauss) at various positions around the lens while snapping some shots. I noticed no difference in the operation of the camera or in the pictures.

I also tried placing the same magnet on all sides of my cheap LG phone (it's all I have) and it had no noticeable effect.

I'm not an expert and I'm sure there is a lot to learn about the affects of magnetism on different equipment and in different situations. I would love to hear any solid facts that anyone has on this subject that I or anyone who uses the ReadyPod should be aware of.

Thanks,
-Troy

Additional resources :
http://www.pcworld.com/article/116572/busting_the_biggest_pc_myths.html

http://www.trek-tech.com/support/faq.html

http://www.kjmagnetics.com/blog.asp?p=hard-drive-destruction

http://www.ehow.com/list_6310268_effects-magnets-computers.html
 
http://www.tapeonline.com/articles/x-rays-film-videotape
 
Hey! It's me... Troy Tolman, inventor of the ReadyPod and I'm doing my best to get this exciting little tool into the hands of everyone who will find value in it. But... I need your help. I need to get the opinion of as many people as possible so... I'm asking for two small favors...
  1. Take this very quick little survey after checking out the ReadyPod... &
  2. Pass this link on to everyone you know.
With your help we'll make sure that everyone who loves the ReadyPod can get their hands on one.


Click here for the
Very Quick Little Survey


  
 
 
Some people have asked how much weight the ReadyPod will hold.
That's a really good question...Structurally, It could probably handle the weight of any camera... but, the actual functionality would vary depending on how you plan to use it. For example, I am comfortable attaching my Flip Ultra HD camcorder (6oz) to the side of a moving car... no problem. If, however,  I was using it with my old Sony DCR-TRV27 camcorder (1lb 10oz) I wouldn't expect the magnets to hold it firmly in one position while moving around much. I would use it only as a stationary support for that camera (like a tripod). I have not tried the ReadyPod with any camera heavier than 1lb 10oz (745g) and I would not suggest using it with anything heavier. Also, balance would play a role if you had, for example, a DSLR camera with a long heavy lens. The ReadyPod may not be able to hold the lens up without some kind of balancing attachment (like a lens collar). I hope this answers your question. let me know if you have any more.
Thanks,
Troy
 
You know what I love about the ReadyPod? I get to capture unique shots and special moments that I otherwise wouldn't. Because it's so quick and easy to use I'm able capture things and experiences at a moments notice. And, because it's so compact I can take it with me virtually anywhere. I especially like the way it improves the quality of my videos. You can see a world of difference between the shaky hand held shots and the smooth steady shots using the ReadyPod.
 
The "Basic Prototype" which is the only thing available for purchase at this time, is designed to magnetically attach to a variety of other bases which will be made available at some future date.

These bases include a clamp, a suction cup, a beanbag like friction mount (for dashboard), a chest harness, a strap, a base plate (for desk or table top), a wall plate, an adhesive disk and a plain metal disk that can be mounted to anything you can drive a screw into.

Also, the metal ball piece of the current prototype has a 1/4"-20 threaded hole which allows it to be used as a tripod attachment which can be attached to any standard tripod or other equipment with the standard 1/4"-20 thread.

If you have any question, comments or suggestions feel free to submit them here. We're here to create value for you. Tell us what you want.

Shawn from Washington emailed the following:

"Got it today.  Looks great! I do have a quick question.  Do you have a recommendation for a dashboard beanbag type base?  All the ones I can find appear to be for suction type mounts."

I'm working on a friction mount base but it won't be available for a while. Sorry about that.

I suggest gluing a metal plate (sheet metal or something) on the plastic disk that most of those suction cup  friction mounts have. If it's nice and smooth you can still use it with a suction cup as well as the magnetic ball mount.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

 
To be honest... right now the ReadyPod camera mount is so new that I have only tested it with the following cameras:
  • The Flip (Ultra HD) video camera
  • The Kodak EasyShare C310
  • The Nikon Coolpix
  • The Sony Handycam
  • The Nikon D40 digital SLR
It has worked great with all of these cameras and should work well with any camera with a standard 1/4"-20 tripod mount... However, it should be noted that the larger and the heavier the camera the less effective the current version of the ReadyPod becomes (in the future I hope to design a more heavy duty model for use with large cameras).
 
I would love any feedback from anyone who has used the ReadyPod with a variety of cameras... such as Cannon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic Lunix, The Flip, Mino, DSLR, video cameras, still cameras, ... You name it.

The ReadyPod is designed to use with digital cameras... I do not recommend using it with cameras that use
 magnetic film storage... although I haven't noticed any problems with my Sony Handycam which uses mini DV tapes.

 
Hi!

I'm Troy Tolman inventor of the ReadyPod.

What's a ReadyPod?...

...Only the most simple and versatile camera mounting device ever!...

What sets the ReadyPod apart from tripods and all other devices, aside from it's compact pocket sized design, is the instant and easy, one hand operation that it offers...

With the ReadyPod you can instantly and easily attach your camera to almost any surface, position it to every possible angle and then detach it... all with just one hand... effortlessly...

The simple and innovative design of the magnetic ball mount together with the magnetic camera attachment are what make the ReadyPod so darn effective and easy to use...

They call me "The Tool-Man" because I love to discover and create new and exciting tools to solve problems. If I can't find a tool that meets my needs I'll often create one...

Such was the case with the ReadyPod...



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    Troy Tolman

    They call me "The Tool-Man" because I love to discover and create New and Exciting tools...

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