Trex Front Mount 3-axis CCD cam gimbal?

[qb7ops]

I would like to build a small 3 axis gimbal for mounting on the friont of my trex. I will only use a small CCD camera, therefore very light weight.

Can anyone help by directing me to where I should start; maybe a "build" link, plans, or provide direction for construction?

Alternatively, a location where I can purchase such a gimbal would be a nice easy way out! :wink:

[Dakine]

Alternatively, a location where I can purchase such a gimbal would be a nice easy way out!

Have you tried contacting the front mount guru, 'DJ the front mount genius'?

:)

[askman]

biggest issue may be shipping to iraq. I don't know if there is any shipping issues or limitation. even if it is allowed, I would not ship anything like AP gear to iraq unless it is APO, but that is my own personal view.

are you talking about CCD board camera?

[qb7ops]

Dakine - Thanks.....I shall climb the mountain and consult with the guru! :D

I assume "DJ" is his member callsign?

[AZ ChopperCam]

I'm DJ. I have nothing for a Trex but if someone were to send me one I'd whip something up. Askman already has Trex mounts though. Although I don't think they are front mounts. Why do you need the 3rd axis (roll?)

[qb7ops]

biggest issue may be shipping to iraq. I don't know if there is any shipping issues or limitation. even if it is allowed, I would not ship anything like AP gear to iraq unless it is APO, but that is my own personal view.

are you talking about CCD board camera?

I am over here playing in the "sandbox". You are absolutely right Askman. And I sure hope others would not ship to anything other than an APO address. Both your equipment and integrity are top notch. An alternative to the front mount I am pursuing is what you offer; quality central mounts.

Yes, just a small CCD camera to play with. Will most likely be adding either an AP200i or Carvec, so have to keep the weight down. No "hellfires" at this juncture!

[qb7ops]

I'm DJ. I have nothing for a Trex but if someone were to send me one I'd whip something up. Askman already has Trex mounts though. Although I don't think they are front mounts. Why do you need the 3rd axis (roll?)

DJ, you must be an all seeing guru; thanks for hooking up. With respect to the 3rd axis, I figured I could maintain superior subject acquisition. I would certain pursue a 2-axis gimbal if you think that would work. The last I looked, Askman does not have minature front mounts, but what he has is very good quality. I will take another look just in case.

[askman]

with board camera, you can easily do 3axis using 3 servos, but unless you use some form of auto stabilizer, it is not easy to maintain level. simple gravity leveling is what most uses, which can be done as two axis pan/tilt.

lynxmotion.com has some servo mounting hardware for robotics that could be easily adapted for board camera for 3axis though (or two axis).

with bigger camera, the biggest issue is the balancing the nose mount. trex is pretty small, so when you add 200gm+ to the nose, it gets hard to balance.

[qb7ops]

with board camera, you can easily do 3axis using 3 servos, but unless you use some form of auto stabilizer, it is not easy to maintain level. simple gravity leveling is what most uses, which can be done as two axis pan/tilt.

lynxmotion.com has some servo mounting hardware for robotics that could be easily adapted for board camera for 3axis though (or two axis).

with bigger camera, the biggest issue is the balancing the nose mount. trex is pretty small, so when you add 200gm+ to the nose, it gets hard to balance.

Askman, thank you for the advise. I understand what you mean by gravity leveling, and sounds like a much easier way to go for my application. And yes, it will take somewhat of a balancing act on the nose. Thanks for the link; I will check it out and hopefully figure out what I will need. Much appreciated!