GoPro Protective Housing User Manual

1. Overview

The GoPro Protective Housing is an official accessory designed to provide enhanced protection for your GoPro HERO9, HERO10, HERO11, HERO12, and HERO13 Black cameras. This housing safeguards your camera from harsh elements such as mud, dirt, and flying debris during extreme activities. It also extends the camera's waterproof capabilities, allowing for deep-water diving.

Figure 1.1: Front view of the GoPro Protective Housing.

Key Features:

• Robust Protection: Shields your GoPro camera from mud, dirt, and debris in demanding environments.
• Deep Waterproofing: Waterproof down to 196ft (60m), suitable for deep-water diving and extreme aquatic conditions.
• Accessible Front LCD: Designed to keep the front LCD screen visible and accessible for framing shots and monitoring camera status.
• Skeleton Backdoor: Includes a skeleton backdoor for improved audio capture in dry environments and easy access to the camera's back touch screen.
• Flat Glass Lens: Features a flat glass lens cover for sharp, high-quality images and videos both above and below water.

2. What's in the Box

Upon unboxing, you should find the following components:

• GoPro Protective Housing
• Skeleton Backdoor
• Mounting Buckle
• Thumb Screw

3. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps to properly install your GoPro camera into the Protective Housing:

1. Open the Housing: Locate the latch mechanism on the top of the Protective Housing. Lift the latch to open the back door of the housing.
2. Insert the Camera: Carefully slide your GoPro HERO9/10/11/12/13 Black camera into the housing. Ensure the camera is oriented correctly, with the lens facing the front of the housing.
3. Close the Housing: Close the back door of the housing firmly until you hear a click, indicating the latch is securely engaged. Verify that the housing is completely sealed around all edges.
4. Attach Mounting Accessories: Use the included mounting buckle and thumb screw to attach the housing to compatible GoPro mounts.

Figure 3.1: GoPro camera securely installed in the Protective Housing.

Figure 3.2: Side view of the GoPro camera within the Protective Housing.

Using the Skeleton Backdoor:

For situations where maximum waterproofing is not required, but improved audio capture or direct touchscreen access is desired, you can swap the standard backdoor with the included skeleton backdoor. This backdoor features openings that allow sound to pass through more freely and enable direct interaction with the camera's rear touch screen.

4. Operating the Housing

Once your GoPro is secured in the Protective Housing, you can operate it as usual. The housing is designed to allow access to all necessary camera buttons and maintain visibility of the front LCD screen.

Figure 4.1: GoPro Protective Housing in use during an underwater activity.

Waterproof Use:

Before submerging the housing, always double-check that the back door is securely latched and sealed. The housing is rated waterproof down to 196ft (60m). After use in saltwater, rinse the housing thoroughly with fresh water and allow it to dry before opening to prevent corrosion and salt buildup.

Button Access:

The housing features external buttons that align with your GoPro's controls, allowing you to power on/off, change modes, and start/stop recording without removing the camera from the housing.

5. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and performance of your Protective Housing:

• Cleaning: After each use, especially in saltwater or dirty conditions, rinse the housing with fresh water. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the lens and housing body. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
• Seal Inspection: Regularly inspect the rubber seal (gasket) around the back door for any signs of dirt, sand, hair, or damage. A compromised seal can lead to water leakage. Clean the seal gently if necessary.
• Storage: Store the housing in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. It is recommended to store the housing with the back door slightly ajar to prevent compression of the rubber seal over long periods.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Protective Housing, consider the following:

• Water Leakage: If water enters the housing, immediately remove the camera and dry both the camera and housing thoroughly. Inspect the rubber seal for debris or damage. Ensure the back door is fully closed and latched before subsequent use.
• Fogging: Fogging inside the housing can occur due to temperature differences. Use anti-fog inserts (sold separately) to absorb moisture and prevent fogging.
• Unclear Footage: Ensure the flat glass lens is clean and free of smudges or scratches. If the lens is scratched, it may need replacement.
• Buttons Not Responding: Verify that the camera is correctly seated within the housing and that the housing's external buttons align properly with the camera's buttons.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official GoPro website or contact GoPro customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

GoPro Official Website: gopro.com