I just finished making a tutorial on how to build a Arduino gamepad-based controller for any of the AlexMos-based gimbals out there with Bluetooth. The build itself is super-easy to do, probably taking about an hour or so, and the parts can be had for under $100, so I think it's a great option when you want to have one person control the camera while another controls the gimbal. The bluetooth transmitter claims 100ft range which I'm dubious of, but I've had no problem using it in the 30-40ft range, which is typically about as far away as I get from the gimbal when I still want to control it.
I also added a couple cool features to the gamepad, like the ability to set multiple camera positions, and then quickly switch through them - which is great for the whole camera-automation side of things. You can also easily control the speed and range of each of the analog joysticks, so it's a bit easier to get smooth movement when you want them.
Hopefully everyone enjoys it as much as I do! :)
Comments
Is it possible to use a 433mhz module instead of BT ? Serial is serial...
Yeah, this isn't really useful for FPV at all, but if you're using your drone to shoot video close to where you are (which is typically my case), then the range is more than enough. In those cases, toss another RX and hobby remote in someones hands, and go that way - but it will cost more and have less features (point record, etc). And you won't have the satisfaction of building it yourself. ;)
It also works great with the DSLR rigs and other handhelds... Or put your gimbal on a pole, and you have a DIY jib! :)
cool but the range is small.