Ball Turret Gimbal for small Cameras
Here are some photos and a short video of a 80mm diameter fully articulated turret Ball, currently fitted with the FLIR TAU-2 IR video camera.
Camera and lens is approx 100grams. Complete assembly is 220grams. Camera line of sight view is from 15deg below horizontal, full 360deg coverage. The Ball can be fitted with the smaller Sony Block cameras as well. Ball is 78mm OD - see the dimensions added to the one image right at the end.
The complete structure is made from composite. Male and female molds were machined from Polypropylene for the two half-domes. Timing gears and belts all from RS Components in South Africa.
From start of 3d CAD model to this prototype was 2 weeks.
The Gimbal is currently fitted to our SurVoyeur Aircraft, ready for Night Flight trials with the Ministry of Nature Conservation here in Namibia.
Here is a YouTube video of it working:
all Underside Assembly Side View
FLIR TAU-2 camera
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Comment by Daniel Allen on February 5, 2013 at 2:39pm -
Excellent craftsmanship The use of the internal belt drive is very impressive. Since you aren't turning move than 180 degrees, you won't need special cable wrangling.
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Comment by tycinis on February 5, 2013 at 2:46pm -
how much with no camera ?
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Comment by nardev on February 5, 2013 at 8:20pm -
This is what i'm looking for to become available on the market. I believe any company can make it better than i :D
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Comment by Christiaan van Vollenstee on February 6, 2013 at 12:10am -
Love it, do you have cad file for it? would love to print it for myself.
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Developer Comment by leonardthall on February 6, 2013 at 12:38am -
This is a fantastic job!!
Did RS supply the servo timing gears capable of being fitted to the servo or did you have to machine that up?
Could you give us some part numbers?
Thanks for showing such a great job!!!
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Comment by OuBen on February 6, 2013 at 2:22am
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cute
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Comment by OlivierD. on February 6, 2013 at 5:02am -
Superb work. You make this available as a kit and it will sell like hot-cakes! Outstanding.
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Developer Comment by Mark Colwell on February 6, 2013 at 5:07am -
Well designed unit, any plans for lens cover for landing in dirt?
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Developer Comment by Sandro Benigno on February 6, 2013 at 9:49am -
Superb!!!
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Developer Comment by Doug Weibel on February 6, 2013 at 10:43am -
What is the instrument mounted ahead (or maybe behind) of the gimbal in the fuselage?
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