DIY Steadicam Gimbal Using Off The Shelf Parts

[usasikh1]

where did the second pipe fiiting come from ? any detailed instructions?

[usasikh1]

where did the second pipe fiiting come from ?

[barbarianatgate]

This is great, except for one thing: When I think of building something using "off the shelf" parts, I think of things ready to go as they are purchased. This plan requires quite a bit of modification to many of the pieces.

[smichelsen]

The gimbal worked out great, but I skimped on the camera mount - bolted the gimbal direct to the same plate as the 1/4-20 screw...had to set it back an inch . Now it's tough to balance. I am working out a way to use the same 1/4-20 bolt for securing the gimbal AND the camera. More later.

[smichelsen]

Great video! I built a gimbal as you describe, but found a couple of tiny differences:

- I used a #10 sheet metal screw to hold the assembly against the bearing. The #8 didn't grip the inside of the traxxis.

- I found that the traxxis didn't need to get pressed into the bearing. I shaved enough to slip in.

- The most unnerving part of the whole thing was connecting the two halves of the gimbal - worried that the u-shaped universal joint holder would break. Mercifully it didn't

[patespinosacom]

@smichelsen How Cool is that, I have been wondering if ANYONE had actually built one. I am thinking of re-doing thing video in the future, and I will be sure to credit you with the changes. Thanks

[JonDeth]

A piece of rope can do that too lol

[mycompasstv]

Very clear instructions, thank you for the post. And thanks to WSWalter.

[cartoonkeith1]

How much of the female do u cut for the spacer on the male end?

[gcstorm1]

the 5151 come with 2 universal joint's and each has a male and female half,

do you use both of the male halves?

[patespinosacom]

@gcstorm1

yes use both male ends.

[youwiko]

Thank You very good see also: Youtupe or Google Video B5FMTjcF2Ng or KOSyOxP0FE4 or oAYRvOst7LQ or T97353qAd5U

[zinnfilms]

THATS WAS THE SAME WAY I PUT MINE TOGETHER HAHA!!! good thinking mate!

[11danzizzle11]

Very nice

[nztitirangi]

Brilliant stuff! Good to see the development of WSCLATER design into more generic parts that are available globally. this might be a good collaboration project for google wave: want me to set up a wave for it?

[patespinosacom]

Thank you so much for your comment, without your video this would not have been possible.

The block of wood is just a standard 2x4 scrap I had laying around. I drilled recesses in the wood to keep from crushing the u-joint.

Megrahi release.... Big government seems to never listen to the people!

[WSCLATER]

Good work. It's interesting to see just how many ways this basic design can be implemented. Your setup seems to be working well.

That looks like a nice big piece of timber on your bench.

Regards from Scotland. Sorry about the Megrahi release...we did not all agree with it.

[ccbravo78]

Very good prototype, show us more. :)

[patespinosacom]

I am working on it as I type this, I'm having trouble finding the proper materials that don't cost an arm and a leg. I have some aluminum from an old ladder, but I'm trying to put something together that others can easily duplicate

Thank you for your comment. And sorry again for the crappy sound, I had my camera set to auto sound levels. Sort of defeats the point of spending $300 on a good shotgun mic.