In today’s culture we all love recording video and capturing the moments, especially when you are a content creator like me, you sure have faced the issue of such shaky videos from time to time. So in this blog we will make a DIY version of motorized Gimbal under $30, which will help you achieve stable videos on action camera’s, so let’s get started!
Step 1: Watch Video
Gather Required Parts for the Gimbal
A camera stabilizer, or camera–stabilizing mount, is a device designed to hold a camera in a manner that prevents or compensates for unwanted camera movement, which is more commonly known as camera shake. we will make a 2 axis gimbal for our Gopro / Action camera.
we will the following parts:
- 2 axis FPV BGC Gimbal assembly.
- 3 Lithium Ion Cells.
- Arduino Nano.
- Joystick Module.
- Custom PCB.
- 3s JST connector Cable.
- Enclosure ( to be followed up in later stages).
Connections
We are using a 2 Axis BGC Gimbal Assembly which out of the box is functional as a Gimbal. But it is not exactly like a Commercial Gimbal since we need Pan Tilt motions. We need Services, we need to get input from user to get more creative. we can use RX- Roll and RX-Pitch pins to give Additional inputs to Mother Board of BGC, which would be done with the help of PWM / PPM signal. To generate PWM/PPM signal, we will use Arduino Nano as Controller and we will take Input from Joystick, which basically will be the controller interface hardware for our Gimbal. connections are basically 2 signal pins to Arduino and 2 Output pins to RX Roll and RX Pitch.
To simplify our work, i designed and ordered a PCB for the following circuit, of which Gerber Files can be found here.
Upload the Code to Arduino
Code for Generating PWM signal with Arduino is absolutely Easy task!
First we will define the Pinouts for PWM output as Servo 1 and Servo 2
at last, we will Map our Output in Correspondence to Input from Joystick.
You can find the Code here!
Software
Since we are using a 2 Axis BGC gimbal that comes with Motherboard and developers at basecam have did a wonderful job in developing a Software interface for this Hardware, you can download the software from this link!
We need out Gimbal to be very smooth since it is a Hand Held Gimbal so we adjust the PID and Motor Power in Basics Tab of our Software.
set the Potential (P) to 10
then set the Integral (I) to 0.03
set the Derivative(P) to 5.
and Set Power to 60 Units and No of Poles to 15 Poles.
Next we need to Check ” SKIP GYRO CALIBRATION AT STARTUP” since it basically wastes 5-10 seconds in configuring and adjusting the algorithm with calibration step, we will skip it since we will have added PPM/ PWM inputs for our Gimbal using Arduino. According to the Arduino PWM Signals, we will fine tune our Speed in RC Control Tab and set it to 2 units.
you can find the Screen Shots of Setting to get better visuals of placement of settings so that you can easily replicate this project!
Additional Functions
Won’t it be amazing to add services like switching the Gimbal ONN and OFF, adjusting the Gimbal Position by hand. To achieve this task we can use the Switch from BGC motherboard, which can be replaced by the switch on joystick module by soldering extra wires to the pad, and connect it to joystick module.
Also we will need to Open our Software, Under Services Tab, “Select 1 Click – Motor ONN / OFF”, “2 Click Set Tilt Angles By Hands”.
Enclosure
Since I don’t have a 3D printer. Many of us don’t have it so we will use PVC pipe along with few Joints and hot glue gun. I wish to make a handle like a selfie stick, which will enclose batteries and circuits inside.
we will need the Following Parts.
- 1.5 inch diameter pipe with 6.0 inch Length.
- 2.0 inch diameter pipe with 4.5 inch Length.
- 1.5 inch to 2 inch Joint.
- 1.5 inch diameter end cap.
- 2.0 inch diameter end cap.
- M4 15mm long Self Treading Screws.
you can find the above parts in local hardware shop.
At last, use few self threading bolts and mount base plate of Gimbal to PVC surface and finally stuff everything inside
Conclusion
Our 2 axis DIY gimbal looks and works just awesome, here is the side by side footage taken with and without a Gimbal from my Action Camera, and clearly the results are 100 times better! So guys I hope you enjoyed this simple yet effective DIY Gimbal build for under 30$ Do comment and share your thoughts on this build. If you like this diy device, do like, share with your friends and Follow us on Social media for more awesome content!
27 Comments
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the internet.
I’m going to highly recommend this site!
thanks a lot Mate!
Pingback: Homepage
Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website needs much more
attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the info!
I am sure this piece of writing has touched all the internet users, its
really really good paragraph on building up new website.
This is my first time go to see at here and i am truly pleasant to read everything at
alone place.
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much me pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you
hire out a designer to create your theme? Fantastic work!
Excellent article. Keep posting such kind of info on your page.
I’m really impressed by your blog.
Hey there, You’ve performed a great job.
I will definitely dig it and personally recommend to my
friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.
Hello, always i used to check blog posts here early
in the morning, for the reason that i enjoy to find out more and more.
I really like what you guys are usually up too. This kind of clever work and exposure!
Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.
Thanks for the auspicious write up. It if truth be told was once a entertainment account it.
Glance advanced to more delivered agreeable from you!
By the way, how could we keep in touch?
Thank you for some other informative web site.
Where else may I am getting that type of information written in such an ideal way?
I’ve a mission that I am just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.
Quando for ao mercado, tente evitar os corredores de guloseimas e foque em adquirir alimentos saudáveis.
I’m curious to find out what blog system you are utilizing?
I’m experiencing some minor security issues with my latest site
and I’d like to find something more secure. Do
you have any suggestions?
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem.
You’re incredible! Thanks!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing
this article plus the rest of the website is very good.
Its like you learn my thoughts! You seem to understand a lot approximately
this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something. I feel that you simply could do with
a few percent to pressure the message house a bit, but other than that,
this is excellent blog. A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.
Hello mates, its great paragraph about culture and completely defined, keep it up all the time.
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or
if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
WOW just what I was looking for.
Hi there, You’ve done a great job. I’ll certainly digg it and
personally suggest to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited
from this website.
What’s up everyone, it’s my first visit at this website, and piece of writing is in fact fruitful designed for
me, keep up posting such articles or reviews.
These are actually fantastic ideas in on the topic of blogging.
You have touched some pleasant factors here. Any way keep up writing.
Don’t have servers in Canada. No servers in Canada though.
That is a great tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
Brief but very accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read post!
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a
amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from
you! By the way, how could we communicate?
I’m curious to find out what blog platform you happen to be utilizing?
I’m experiencing some small security problems with my latest site and I’d like to find
something more secure. Do you have any recommendations?