PVC Cable Cam

Instructions on building a Cable Cam for a small camera. A cable cam (or cablecam) allows you to take smooth moving shots, similar to dolly shots, but over uneven terrain. Professional cable cams are remote-controlled, can weigh hundreds (or thousands) of pounds, cost tons, and take hours or days to set up. This design fits in a backpack, was made of stuff I had laying around my house, and takes 15 minutes to set up.

Before you begin, here are a few disclaimers. I have tested this design with a compact point-and-shoot camera. You may need to modify the design or materials to fit your particular model. A small difference in weight or size could disrupt the entire balance, rendering my design unusable. Also, note that the cablecam causes your camera to fly down a rope at relatively high speeds with a jolting stop at the end. I am not responsible for any damage that may occur. I have tested mine for over 75 shots with no mishaps so far, but no guarantees.

Okay, now onto the materials. All PVC and fittings are 3/4

PVC Pipe
4 x 3
2 x 8
1 x 6
1 x 2.25

Fittings
4 x T-fittings
4 x 90 degree elbows
1 x end cap

Hardware
1 x 1/4 by 1 bolt
10 x 1/4 by 1.25 fender washers
2 x pulleys (sorry, no clue what size they are)

Cord/Rope
2 x 18 paracord
2 x 10-foot cords (paracord works here as well)
2 x 50-100 feet cable. Most of the video shot was done using paracord as the cable, but it stretches and is difficult to get taut. I have now replaced it with 5mm static climbing rope. Wire cable may work as well, but I have no experience with that.

Last but not least
2 x bandannas
1 x PVC Camera Mount
1 x camera (obviously)


Knots used in my setup*
Cow Hitch (or Lark's Head)
Reef Knot (commonly called the Square Knot)
Positive Knot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oRZjkKdSt4
Lapp Knot
Alpine Butterfly
Versatackle Knot

*I encourage you to look these up separately as I don't spend much time showing how to tie them. Other knots could easily be substituted if you have other favorites.

Because of the complexity of this video, I rushed through quite a bit. But if you have any questions, I'll be glad to answer them.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Cable
• Cam
• Cablecam
• PVC
• Camera
• Mount
• DIY
• Filmmaking
• Ana
• Carolina
• Holst
• Offenbach
• Tarkan
• Paco

[TheCatsa]

It took you 3 weeks to build that?

[PacoWarabi]

@TheCatsa

Now, was that a compliment or an insult?

[galenmcdaniel]

that rei.com seem kinda high on price might want to look in to paracord i can get 100 feet from $8-$12.

[PacoWarabi]

@galenmcdaniel

I use paracord for almost everything. It's great stuff. Unfortunately, when it comes to the cable for the cablecam, paracord has too much stretch to it. In half of my video, I'm using paracord, but after working with it for a while, I realized that I needed a static rope instead.

[dcaramia]

nice job man, the design is great for small camera like yours. i have a dslr and plan on making a cable cam for it but i think i might make this one for my gopro. im not familiar with the types of cable to use. what would you recomend? i want something that wont create too much friction with the pulleys. thanks.

[PacoWarabi]

@dcaramia

For the GoPro, anything should work. As for a heavier camera, you could probably still use a thin climbing rope (actually, accessory cord, since it's not meant for climbing). They're rated for thousands of pounds, so shouldn't cause too many problems. Try going to a climbing store and look at the really thin stuff. You'll be surprised how much it can hold. Even 5 mm cord (check REI.com for accessory cord) would be strong enough for what you'd be using it for.

[PacoWarabi]

@MagsterMagic

I'm sorry I didn't use music to your liking. Next time I'll try some Britney Spears or Rebecca Black.

[MagsterMagic]

worst music ever heard!!

[ersalanni]

turkish music

[TheAnubis222]

turkish song

[vv97vv]

You are really good actor ;D

[dcaramia]

@PacoWarabi ok thanks for your help! im probably gonna buy one cord for both purposes.