Old parts new Ideas

[Cryofix]

Started brainstorming the other day; I had bought a SPT-200 mount from servo city a few weeks back and I needed a way to mount it on my 600, I first went with a low mout and had the camera ontop as the SPT-200 Dictates in its design but it was not responsive to the machines movement and of course I have no way of fabricating from materials I dont have, so I went MacGyver on the new design.

This is all crap I had in my garage and the way I understand things this looks like it will work. as you can see in the pictures there is enough free movement (about 9 degrees +) that I will end up being limited by shocks travel.

This is a stock non serial numbered Trex 450 swash with a main shaft, there is a skid nut at the top of the swash to further isolate vibrate and dampen movement, under the swash is a soft rubber dampener that fell off my generator, and I use that as overall vibration dampening, the whole mount is attached to the main shaft with the collar that comes with the 450, I used the groves in the center of the shaft to tighten down the grub screws to, this is attached to the SPT-200 which has 2 serveros int at 144 oz @6volt, and thats beiong clamped together to an askman cradle.

I would appreciate feedback and or some ideas from anyone, the only thing not pictured but will be implemented is a 4 way shock system for stabilization.

[bullaculla]

I dont know man. It looks a little long. With the pivot point that high, it looks like it will throw your balance off when the weight shifts.

[Cryofix]

thats the only thing I was worried about, but I think the shocks should dampen the overall movement and not casue adverse effects on the heli.

[DKTek]

Cryofix, You are into ground pounders as well. What about a universal joint instead of the swash? There are some heavy duty CVD's available. Just a thought.... We call it a Cardan joint on the Wescam.

[Windbreaker]

Cryofix, You are into ground pounders as well. What about a universal joint instead of the swash? There are some heavy duty CVD's available. Just a thought.... We call it a Cardan joint on the Wescam.

"Universal Joint". Is that something that anyone can smoke? :lol:

Seriously, does anyone have reference photos for the mechanicals of Wescam and FLIR mounts? It would be a valuable reference for those who are rolling their own.

I have a rough idea for a mount that could handle 4 axis: Pan, tilt, pitch and roll. But I'm certain greater minds than mine have come up with much more elegant solutions.

I was also thinking about the possibility of using a small brushless motor to make a lightweight gyro. The Ken Labs gyro is a great design but it's heavy.

Dean.

[Cryofix]

Universal joints tend to bind if it can not spin freely, they are good when the angle is static like on an axle, but when entered into a dynamic environment there is a chance the joint will bind before it spins or slightly bind and release casuing a larger amount of inertia.