GoPro vibration eliminator

by apache64 | February 26, 2013 | (7) Posted in Tips

 

 

I was browsing the forum on RCGroups when i came across this thread, where they were discussing a ISO wire vibration isolation method for a GoPro. I had recently built my TriCopter and the video i got from my GoPro mounted on it showed signs of rolling shutter, or Jello.


 Looking at the design i thought i could not be to difficult to reproduce, and i had a better idea of anchoring the wire to the camera mount and model.

 

This is what it looks like once built.

 

What i used was some 2mm steel wire available form most DIY stores, at 1euro per metre, and some electrical connectors. The connectors shown were not the best so i used the brass insert ones.

 

 

 These were better to use as they were more solid and i could drill them easier and gave me a more solid feeling.

 I drilled one hole through, which will be used to secure it to the board.

 

 I attached the brass connectors to the board with a 2mm hex bolt as shown on all corners and across.

 

 I then cut a 70mm length of 2mm steel rope, using a Dremmel, as shown.

 

 Screwing in the steel rope into the brass connectors , the length of the rope will make the vibration properties better or worse depending on the harmonics of the vibration your trying to isolate.

 

 

 The final assembly with GoPro attached, it seem quite higher than i thought, but i can shorten this once i have tried it and seen if it is effective or not.

 

 

 

 Showing the mount attached to the Tricopter, like i said it is quite tall, but i will try it and adjust it accordingly.

 

 

Here is a short video showing the effect of Jello, and after the wire frame is added.

 

Link to my blog http://yusuf-pirgali.blogspot.de/

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COMMENTS

ipetepete on February 27, 2013
Your link to video only links to the play button png
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cloud9photos on February 27, 2013
Interesting concept. Please fix link to the video so we can view how this works.

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apache64 on February 27, 2013
Hi, sorry video now works, please retry. :-)
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apache64 on February 27, 2013
I did not mention but the video is shot at 1080 30fps, so with 720 60fps it should look even better..
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flyingAce on February 27, 2013
Good job on this. The problem I am having (with my tricopter) is the hard vibration in the "roll" from the motors and props. Stabilizing it helps in post, but still can't quite get rid of it.
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apache64 on February 27, 2013
I have just ordered some moongel which is like a silicon gel that Drummers use to reduce a certain note, but is excellent vibration dampener. This might be a good additional vibration remover for your camera, i want to add this too. i will post the results once i have them.
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x3mperformance on March 2, 2013
I have no idea what tri you have. But There's some basics that needs your attention, Building a Tri or any multirotor for that mater.
Balancing. Props, obvious, but stay away from tape, use CA glue in stead on the light end. It's a bad idea to sand Down, since the cheap plastic props, are flexing before weakening them more by sanding.
But also balance the motors and spinners.
Do use spinners, and not prop savers with rubber O-rings, they tend to keeps things out of balance.
Materials for your arms.
I preferr Wood, due to the surpressing in a broard veriaty of vibrations.

Also use low KV motors, not like 1200 and up, better use 800 or less.
They have better tourqe and can drive a bigger prop.
They also spins slower and not working as hard in the range of rpm's which generates vibrations as well.
So Theres a lot to look for in a proper balance job.
Mine actually do with a very simple camera Mount og Balsa and rubbertubing added with a few cableties. Not a fraction af vibrations or jellow in sight at the GoPro shots.

Hope this helps a bit.
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flyingAce on March 4, 2013
Thank s for the information. Someone has also told me to use props that don't require drilling, rather use a prop (APC) with a larger opening and use the spacer that came with it. This avoids drilling the hole off center which will cause uneven balance.
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Mirabile Visu on February 27, 2013
Very good, much better with your mount. Also, there seems to be much less noise picked up when the mount is in use - you weren't using a different GoPro housing were you?
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apache64 on February 28, 2013
Hi Mirabile, no the housing was the same in both video's, I had not noticed the sound levels being quieter in the with video. So maybe it is not pickingup noise through the mount now, and hence the reduction?
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Mirabile Visu on February 28, 2013
Seems quite likely that the unmounted GpOro was picking up vibration noise, and the mounting reduces that.
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apache64 on February 28, 2013
I have tried a shorter length of cable, from 70mm to 50mm, and the video was worse. It would seem 70mm is optimal, but i have not gone longer yet, but maybe i might try that.
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Sonicg on March 2, 2013
Great, this is exactly what i had in mind. Only for the 2.6 version rcexplorer tricopter. David uses steel wire there but they tend to bend with hard landings. I didn't have a proper way to attach the wires yet. Your way seems and good idea, thanks for that!
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Adib Vahedi on March 3, 2013
Wkw big difference And that was a great idea to do that!

Keep up the great work!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
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apache64 on March 3, 2013
Hi, thanks for all the positive comments, it is good to give back what i have learnt from others. I have updated the post with a newer video taken today as we had sunnier weather and the contrast is even greater. It shows the lack of jello even more, and i am so happy with it, as i know in 720 60fps it will be even better, enjoy :-)
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coombs on March 4, 2013
Where did you get the electrical connector? And what is it called? i can't find anything that looks like that at Home Depot.
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apache64 on March 5, 2013
Hi Coombs, the connector is called "termination block" here is a link to amazon showing it in more detail http://www.amazon.com/Connector-Point-Screw-Terminal-Block/dp/B0053WRTQ8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1362464404&sr=8-3&keywords=terminal+block I hope this helps.
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charlies on May 14, 2013
Radio Shack $3.50. BTW: it's the METAL part inside the plastic 'casing'.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103986

Very Cool! Thanks.
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charlies on May 14, 2013
Gonna build one.

Planning: aluminum pop rivits for connector 'permanent' connections (lighter than nut/bolt) and velcro for bottom pate to airframe (making more than 1, so I can swap cameras).

Again: way cool. Thanks.
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GoPro vibration eliminator