DIY Merlin Steadicam stabilizer gimbal

Version 4 of my Steadicam design uses a brand new, extremely compact gimbal design that I got from user WSCLATER. This is by far the best gimbal I've seen so far, and not too difficult to build

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• DIY
• Merlin
• Steadicam
• stabilizer
• gimbal

[TraceurNL]

Why the skate bearing? Smooth pan ? Because if you dont use it you can better turn the merlin...

[yb2normal]

@TraceurNL All the small stabilizer designs benefit from decoupling all axis of rotation from the user, to avoid introducing "wobble" while walking. It means that you have to constantly "fly" the stabilizer with your free hand to keep it pointed where you want.

[NuCreativeHIcinema]

if you would like a bigger size for more stability... go to sears in the automotive department and ask for a universal socket...you would want to go to a bearing shop to fit the size of the universal socket... comes in 1/4 5/8 and 1/2 inch size

[yb2normal]

@NuCreativeHIcinema I tried the universal sockets and they are not as precise or friction-free as the U joints designed specifically for drive shafts. I'm sure there are some larger u-joints out their, so your point is taken :)

[DaTux91]

To press fit the bearing into the pvc, you say you heated up the pvc to about 200 degrees. Would that be 200 degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit?

Thanks for posting.

[yb2normal]

@DaTux91 That is a great question... I heat it to the point of boiling water... 200F or 100C

[yb2normal]

camera stablizers serve a specific purpose and are not intended to suit all filming needs.

[nadzTube]

Hi

Thanks so much for the video. Could you please tell me where you found all the parts? Would Home Depot have them all, especially the two-axis pivot? Thanks

[bestamerica]

'

u-joint is from hobby model R/C car or truck part

[yb2normal]

@inanc03 The u-joint is plastic... it is 'ok', not perfect, but it is fairly cheap. I found an all metal version made by OFNA Racing which is a beautiful piece of engineering, no slop at all... but it cost $17!

[yangfilo]

@Ubookz These stabilizers are used to take the jolt out of walking , running, or climbing steps while filming

[boatboi007]

anybody who's wondering where you can get these parts look at amazon. Notice the combination of items that people usually get with the u-joints! Apparently alot of ppl have been buying these parts together to make a DIY steadicam. =)

[OttoBelden]

Clever gimbal design, very cool! Otto