Vibration Camera Mount V2

by ycopter | January 29, 2013 | (17) Posted in Tips

Introducing Version 2 of my 'Vibration Free' Camera Mount.

I am constantly looking for ways to improve aerial video from my multi-rotor craft.  The camera mount is a key component in the quest for perfect video.  Securing the camera firmly while isolating it from motor and propeller vibration is a real challenge.

This design is implemented on my new quadcopter.  I wanted sharp 1080p video at a variety of speeds and throttle settings. 

The following factors are fundamental to a successful design:

  • Use of a variety of materials that absorb different frequencies of vibration
  • Firm mechanical design of the camera support (wide base provides stability)
  • Mass to dampen vibration (flight battery is located on the camera / flight controller frame)

 

Above you can see the red silicone rubber tube.  This is the key to this new design.  It isolates vibration from the motor frame and camera mount. 

The silicone tube can be sourced from eBay and is a car accessory described as:

Silicone / silicon Vacuum Hose RED 10mm

Make sure you get the type that has a wall thickness of 3mm.

Cut a 10mm piece from the silicone tube and drill a 2mm hole through it. Use 2 X 2mm bolts and washers to secure it to the frame. Make sure you use a washer against the silicone tube and bolt head to ensure the bolt can't be pulled through.  Use four of these to mount the frame carrying the camera, flight controller and flight battery.  This simple design is extremely strong in compression and tension.
 

 

A sandwich of Velcro is used to attached the camera mount to the frame.  This filters out any remaining vibration that has not been suppressed by the silicone tubing.



The mass of the battery absorbs any remaining vibration that manages to pass through the red silicone tube.


Enjoy vibration free video!


Further tips:

All materials resonate at certain frequencies.  At some frequencies they 'resonate' or transmit vibration extremely well, this is called the 'harmonic frequency'.  By adjusting the lengths of the motor arms, or the material the arms are made of you can de-tune the harmonic frequency and thus reduce overall vibration.  Changing propeller size (or pitch) and consequently motor speed can also de-tune the harmonic frequency.


 

- Find this article & others like it at www.FliteTest.com -

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COMMENTS

Kotze101 on January 31, 2013
I am a HUGE fan of your designs and articles and for this one I can only say... LOVELY!!!

Any chance of perhaps sharing the plans for your frame design in CAD form if available? ;-)
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Kotze101 on January 31, 2013
Any sample footage perhaps and specs or the full setup?
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ycopter on January 31, 2013
Hello Andre, thanks for your positive comments, they are really appreciated. When I get time there will be an article on the new quad design. I am really pleased with it; it is very fast and stable. It is designed in Sketchup http://www.sketchup.com/intl/en/ I might publish the plans or I might look into getting some frames CNC cut for a really easy and cheap DIY build.
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Kotze101 on January 31, 2013
Sounds good, can't wait... Regards,
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SepolP on January 31, 2013
Do you have good results?
I made mine with hearplugs, check on my new facebook page, and click like if you do :)
facebook.com/dronescreation
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jamiedco on February 6, 2013
Hello Ycopter
i see you have the new gps osd from hk . i have got the same onee and was wondering if you reflashed yours for a home arrow or if you are using it standard . im busy with my new quad build and the osd is going on that .


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ycopter on February 6, 2013
Hello jamiedco, yes it is reflashed to provide the home arrow. It is identical to the older G-OSD from Hobbyking but half the price! The GPS module looks a bit different but it works just as well if not better than the older and more expensive unit.
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jamiedco on February 6, 2013
ok thanks . i will then flash mine tonight and use the home arrow . thanks alot .
i like the new design . but i see it does not fold .

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ycopter on February 6, 2013
Suggest you use "cl-osd-joern", in my view this provides the best home arrow and layout. Having the new Quad foldable was not a design requirement for me; I wanted a rigid frame with very little torsional flex. The wooden motor arms simply plug in, there is no bolt through them which allows fast and easy repair.
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jamiedco on February 6, 2013
ok cool . im building a quad same as my other with just a few upgrades reagring layout and mounting of hardware . and its still foldable .

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austntexan on October 4, 2013
Would it be possible to add a top view picture of the front area (the GoPro mount) and how it connects to the mid/rear part of the frame? Is the top GoPro plate hard mounted at the rear of itself to the top frame plate or is it placed on the silicone tube element, like the front GoPro plate?
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ycopter on October 5, 2013
Yes I will add a photo when I have time, but its quite easy to explain. The GoPro camera mount plate hangs below the front top frame, it is attached via a sandwich of Velcro at two points at the front and one point at the rear. I know you were thinking of adapting this design for your existing quad, you could try it just with the red silicone vibration isolators, this works with well balanced props. If you need more vibration isolation then attach a plate with a GoPro mount with Velcro (Velcro on top will works nearly as well as suspended underneath). In my design by suspending underneath the overall height is reduced which helps a little with stability of the mount.
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hornerj99 on December 13, 2013
Have you noticed a difference in the cold weather with your setup? Just wondering if tube hardening in the cold messes with the efficiency.
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ycopter on December 13, 2013
Hello, no I have not noticed any difference in performance in cold or hot conditions, the silicone tube appears to be stable over a wide temperature range.
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hoggdoc on June 8, 2014
It would be nice if you provided a list of possible sources for the Silicon Tubing used in your isolation system.

Also did you ever get any of the FG parts cut and ready for sale?
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ycopter on June 8, 2014
The tubing is widely available from eBay and local car maintenance stores, try searching for - Silicone / silicon Vacuum Hose RED 10mm / 12mm

I would still like to get frames cut to sell as kits but have not found a company that will cut them at a reasonable cost. I am still looking and will post here if they become available.
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Vibration Camera Mount V2