Getting suction cups to stick better

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Artimas

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Artimas
Any ideas?
I cleaned the window and suction cups well. Water and saliva didn't do it. I've heard vaseline can be used. Was also considering trying chap stick.

I wonder if the cold OAT has something to do with it, stiffen the plastic in the suction cup.

Anyone have other ideas?

Thanks.
 
Spray with windex or equiv. and stick on while still wet. Let it dry a bit. Problem solved.
 
images
 
Make sure there is No ammonia (it is ammonia free) in the "windex" window cleaner if you have plexi glass windows.
 
If you haven't already, make sure it's on a really flat part of the window...and if you have, maybe try it on a nice smooth flat surface or a window at home to make sure there isn't a crack, pinhole, or something wrong with the actual suction cup.
 
Hairspray
 
What altitudes are you flying at? They don't work well up high... 11K or more.
 
Hi.
Any thing wet will make it worse, as it dries up it will release. Unfortunately there is nothing that will guarantee that tape, glue or suction will keep your device secure for very long. Look for a way to mount with a mechanical connection, clamps. screws.. if you value you devices.
 
The Garmin GPS mount for my car windshield says to wipe down the glass area as well as the suction cup itself with rubbing alcohol and let air dry.
 
Skyrys62 said:
If you haven't already, make sure it's on a really flat part of the window..
Click to expand...
That was exactly my question. Is the window in question curved? That tends to be the biggest problem I encounter.

Second is the cleanliness of the cup. You don't want it particularly wet, but you do want it clean. I carry some spray and a lintless rag for my glasses and use it on the suction cup.
 
Same problem here, I ended up getting a yoke mount.
 
Thanks all.
It is a flat part of the window. I will try >some< of the suggestions!
 
Artimas said:
Any ideas?
I cleaned the window and suction cups well. Water and saliva didn't do it. I've heard vaseline can be used. Was also considering trying chap stick.

I wonder if the cold OAT has something to do with it, stiffen the plastic in the suction cup.

Anyone have other ideas?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
I use two of them and have never had a problem when hot or cold and they've seen both. The iPad uses the RAM single suction and the GoPro uses a single suction from NFlite I got from Spruce. Not sure if you've tried different suctions or not?
 
We just hung 500+ lb glass in the cabin we're building. The glass was lifted by 2 heavy duty vacuum suction cups. 6PC might have the best idea of getting better suction cups.
 
SixPapaCharlie said:
First. Make sure you get good suction cups.
I tried a few cheapo ones before buying ones that work.

These actually arent bad and work damn well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O8R79T6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Click to expand...
Good point. The RAM ones are decent, but the best I've come across are made by Panavise. Pre-tablet, I had a mount for my Garmin 396 from G-Force, which uses the Panavise. Years attached to the Comanche I flew in Colorado and it never let go, not even once, even in pretty decent lee side mountain turbulence crossing ridges.

Unfortunately, the Panavise is not compatible with the RAM ball size, but I have been using it for my camera (it has a tripod adapter) but...

I now have access to a DA40 so have become reinterested in a suction mount. I found a tablet to tripod cradle on Amazon and am going to give it a try.
 
I have theory...just ramblings in my mind really. I think applying a suction cup in cold weather leads to release, because, as the air temperature rises in the aircraft, it expands. The tiny bit of air under the suction cup expands and pushes it away from the glass. I have been experimenting with this "theory", so I applied a suction cup in my plane in August as my plane sat on the ramp (very hot). It is now getting to the end of November and it is still holding. Just a thought.
 
Look into these new suction cups that are like gummy almost material, feels sticky but its not adhesive, they stick to anything and hard! I have an iphone mount with one in the 140 damn near like its welded to the dash til you flip the suction lever off.. will suction off poorly adheared paint, dont ask me how i know, theres a reason its on the dash not the door post!
 
Huckster79 said:
Look into these new suction cups that are like gummy almost material, feels sticky but its not adhesive, they stick to anything and hard! I have an iphone mount with one in the 140 damn near like its welded to the dash til you flip the suction lever off.. will suction off poorly adheared paint, dont ask me how i know, theres a reason its on the dash not the door post!
Click to expand...
Link?
 
Fly up high, and apply the suction cup there. You're trapping fewer air molecules under the cup, so it will be "stickier" at lower altitudes (bigger pressure gradient holding the cup in place).

Any suction cups you apply at ground level will only be getting looser as you gain altitude.

Combine this technique with other (useful) suggestions from this thread for best possible results (flat surface, high quality cups, etc.).
 
Just spread a thin layer of silicone sealant to the backside and put it in place...it won't come off. Even when you want it to. :D
 
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