09-Feb-2019, 07:00 PM
I hate to throw something away because there is one thing about it that has failed….especially when it is fixable and it works well otherwise. In this case it’s a Runcam Night eagle that is about 2 years old. After numerous crashes (something I know a lot about), continued impact shocks and constantly mounting and dismounting the camera, I finally striped three of the four mounting holes.
![[Image: TWGbLrml.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/TWGbLrml.jpg)
This particular camera model is no longer in production and I could not find a replacement case for it. This case is deeper than most as it has two PCB’s in it. I contacted Runcam and they finally dug up a case and sent it to me (for a small, but reasonable fee). However, by that time I had made up my mind I wanted to fix the old case…..just because. I cannot take credit for the fix as the idea was suggested to me by SnowLeopardFPV. I got some M2x3x3.2 from Amazon thanks to the link provided by Snow (https://www.amazon.com/REFURBISHHOUSE-M2x3mmx3-2mm-Threaded-Knurled-Embedded/dp/B07JGLV2GK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547404303&sr=8-1&keywords=m2+x+3+brass).
![[Image: 08VWDdql.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/08VWDdql.jpg)
3mm is almost double the thickness of the case and there are probably inserts out there that are not as tall, but after some minimal searching I did not see any, so I went ahead and used these. The first step was to enlarge the existing holes in the case to accept the inserts. To do that I used a drill bit slightly smaller than the diameter of the inserts. I used a drill press in order to try and drill the hole as square to the centerline of the case as possible.
![[Image: TUxvj7al.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/TUxvj7al.jpg)
My intent was to press them in the holes allowing the splines on the inserts to “bite” into the case to help hold it in place. Wrong. I failed to take into account that this particular case is made out of metal (magnesium alloy I think) and it’s harder than the brass the inserts are made out of. So, I took my Dremel and enlarged the holes just enough so they provided a snug fit.
![[Image: Nk0bVGVl.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/Nk0bVGVl.jpg)
After placing the inserts and making sure they were flush with the outside of the case, I used epoxy to glue them into place.
![[Image: G1iWYo0l.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/G1iWYo0l.jpg)
After drying overnight, I used a carbide burr to remove the portion of the insert that protruded inside the case.
![[Image: KWJbzH7l.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/KWJbzH7l.jpg)
![[Image: QNMAARml.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/QNMAARml.jpg)
After cleaning the case thoroughly with running water, I reassembled everything and now the camera is back in service AND I have a spare “old style” case.
![[Image: pxIpEULl.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/pxIpEULl.jpg)
![[Image: v2Yu3yKl.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/v2Yu3yKl.jpg)
![[Image: OCk6zRil.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/OCk6zRil.jpg)
The thing I don’t know is what the longevity of the repair will be. I will post back if/when I have any issues with it.
This particular camera model is no longer in production and I could not find a replacement case for it. This case is deeper than most as it has two PCB’s in it. I contacted Runcam and they finally dug up a case and sent it to me (for a small, but reasonable fee). However, by that time I had made up my mind I wanted to fix the old case…..just because. I cannot take credit for the fix as the idea was suggested to me by SnowLeopardFPV. I got some M2x3x3.2 from Amazon thanks to the link provided by Snow (https://www.amazon.com/REFURBISHHOUSE-M2x3mmx3-2mm-Threaded-Knurled-Embedded/dp/B07JGLV2GK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547404303&sr=8-1&keywords=m2+x+3+brass).
3mm is almost double the thickness of the case and there are probably inserts out there that are not as tall, but after some minimal searching I did not see any, so I went ahead and used these. The first step was to enlarge the existing holes in the case to accept the inserts. To do that I used a drill bit slightly smaller than the diameter of the inserts. I used a drill press in order to try and drill the hole as square to the centerline of the case as possible.
My intent was to press them in the holes allowing the splines on the inserts to “bite” into the case to help hold it in place. Wrong. I failed to take into account that this particular case is made out of metal (magnesium alloy I think) and it’s harder than the brass the inserts are made out of. So, I took my Dremel and enlarged the holes just enough so they provided a snug fit.
After placing the inserts and making sure they were flush with the outside of the case, I used epoxy to glue them into place.
After drying overnight, I used a carbide burr to remove the portion of the insert that protruded inside the case.
After cleaning the case thoroughly with running water, I reassembled everything and now the camera is back in service AND I have a spare “old style” case.
The thing I don’t know is what the longevity of the repair will be. I will post back if/when I have any issues with it.
"Damn the torpedoes!!! Full speed ahead!!!"
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