He smartphone It has become a regular companion for many motorcyclists. Navigator, real-time traffic, music, calls or routes are available on a device that we already carry, so placing a mount on the handlebar seems the simplest solution to have everything in view. However, there is a drawback that we do not always take into account: the vibrations of the motorcycle can be harmful to the mechanical systems that incorporate the cameras of the smartphone modern.
But, be careful. It’s not a theory. Apple It has been officially warning about this problem for years and specifically points out the “high amplitude vibrations” generated by certain motorcycle propellers. According to the American company, prolonged exposure to certain frequencies can degrade the operation of systems such as optical image stabilization (OIS) and autofocus.
The problem is inside the camera. smartphone
Today’s phone cameras are not just electronic sensors. On certain models, the system OIS uses extremely small moving elements that move to compensate for movements detected by the phone’s sensors and keep the image stable. The autofocus can also incorporate moving mechanisms. In the case of the iPhone compatible, Apple It also uses a closed-loop focusing system designed to compensate for the effects of gravity and vibrations. Be careful, numerous brands use the system OISnot just Apple. Above all, high-end mobile phones.
The problem appears when these components are subjected for a long time to vibrations of an intensity and frequency for which they have not been designed. own Apple recommends avoiding prolonged exposure to high amplitude vibrations and advises against mounting certain iPhone directly on motorcycles with large displacement or high power engines. That doesn’t mean that mounting your phone on a motorcycle will immediately cause damage. The risk depends on numerous factors: the type of engine, the vibration frequencies, the exposure time, the type of support, the condition of the motorcycle and, of course, the vehicle itself. smartphone.
That is why one motorcyclist can use his mobile phone for months without noticing any problems while another can find himself with a defective camera after a relatively small number of km.
An anti-vibration smartphone mount reduces the risk
The simplest solution for those who need to carry the phone on the handlebars is to use a mount that incorporates a “specific system to absorb or reduce vibrations.” These elements are placed between the support and the smartphone and are designed to filter part of the vibrations that come from the handlebars. They are especially interesting on motorcycles that transmit more vibrations and for those who use the phone during long routes or very frequently.
But it must be clear that a shock absorber does not offer absolute protection. Its function is to reduce the amount of vibrations your phone receives, not eliminate them completely. In fact, Apple also recommends using a vibration damping mount when mounting the iPhone in smaller displacement vehicles, such as scooters and mopeds, and advises avoiding prolonged use to further reduce the risk.
The safest alternative: leave your Smartphone in your pocket
For those who regularly use the smartphone As a navigator, there is another option that avoids the problem at its source: not placing the phone on the handlebars. There are more and more specific screens for motorcycles that allow you to use navigation, music, calls and other functions of the motorcycle. smartphone without having to expose the phone directly to vibrations.
The operation is simple: the mobile phone remains stored and connects to a screen installed on the motorcycle via Bluetooth and other wireless connections. In this way, the biker can consult the directions without having the phone continually subjected to vibrations, in addition to protecting it from water, dust, sun or wind. In addition to protecting the smartphonethese types of systems can be more convenient for traveling, since they allow you to keep your phone stored and control the main functions from a screen designed specifically for use on two wheels.
How to know if the camera is already damaged?
If, after using your phone for a while as a navigator on your motorcycle, certain symptoms begin to appear, you should pay attention. One of the most obvious is that the “camera stops focusing correctly”, especially when trying to photograph close objects. Images can also appear blurry even in good lighting or stabilization that works strangely.
Another quite characteristic symptom is that the image shakes or vibrates when opening the camera application, even when the phone remains completely stable. In some cases, abnormal behavior of the camera module may also be heard or seen.
Of course, these symptoms alone do not prove that the cause is the vibrations of the motorcycle. A module failure, a blow or other internal problem can cause similar behaviors, so it is advisable to compare the different cameras of the smartphone and go to technical service if the problem persists.
Thus, using your cell phone as a navigator on the motorcycle is perfectly understandable, but holding it directly to the handlebars is not a completely harmless decision. If he smartphone has a camera with OISespecially on a motorcycle that transmits a lot of vibrations, a good damping system or, better yet, an independent screen that allows the phone to be stored can save us a much more expensive repair than the support itself.
