MikroKopter Hexakopter & Octokopter Camera Gimbal
The MikroKopter Hexakopter and Octokopter are fast becoming the aircraft of choice for aerial photographers and videographers. We have designed direct bolt on a 2 axis gimbal for these multi-rotor aircraft known as the mkTR.
The mkTR camera tray is large enough to accommodate a Canon T2i/550D. The tilt axis is gear driven with a 4:1 ratio. Typically gear driven gimbal systems are not proportional control. However, the mkTR has an integrated external potentiometer. This allows for precise position feedback of the gimbal allowing for smooth control and the ability to utilize one of MikroKopter's best features, the Camera Stabilizer.
The roll axis on the mkTR is also proportional control compatible with the Camera Stabilizer via a direct drive servo arm mechanism. The roll axis allows for 36 degrees of total travel. (18 degrees on either side of horizontal).
For smooth roll motion the camera tray rides in eight flange ball bearings.
For smooth roll motion the camera tray rides in eight flange ball bearings.
Vibration can be of major concern with multi-rotor helicopters. Multiple motors and propellers can cause vibrations that wreak havoc on CMOS sensor cameras with rolling shutter scanning. We considered this problem very carefully when designing the mkTR. After much research and flight trials we designed an effective and consistent vibration reduction attachment bracket that utilizes neoprene ball mount isolators found in use in the aerospace industry to isolate delicate avionics boards on military and civilian rotorwing aircraft. By filling the ball mounts with silicone glue heavier load ratings for cameras between 500-900g can be used.
Using triaxial accelerometers mounted to the camera tray we have measured a 95% reduction in vibration in comparison to vibration emitted from the airframe in hover.
Popular CMOS sensor cameras such as the ContourHD, GoPro, T2i/550D, Panosonic TM300, etc. are not likely to exhibit rolling shutter artifacts on the mkTR camera gimbal.
Popular CMOS sensor cameras such as the ContourHD, GoPro, T2i/550D, Panosonic TM300, etc. are not likely to exhibit rolling shutter artifacts on the mkTR camera gimbal.
The mkTR comes complete with servos and everything you will need to install onto a MikroKopter Hexakopter or Octokopter. Installation is simple and uses existing holes in the plates of the MK frames.
The vibration reduction bracket plates also serve as battery mounts. Velcro straps slots are milled into the bracket plates making battery changing a simple task that takes seconds. There are two bracket plates which will allow for installation of two batteries wires in parallel for long duration flights. For single battery installations the entire mkTR gimbal can be slide fore/aft on carbon fiber tubes up to 50mm to allow for center of gravity adjustment. The carbon fiber tubes slide through rubber grommets which further enhance vibration reduction on the mkTR.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Weight: 340g. (complete with landing skids and mounting plates)
Width: 300mm (at skids)
Height: 200mm
Camera Tray Dimensions: 134mm wide x 100mm tall
Roll Travel: 36 degrees total
Tilt Travel: 110 degrees total
Tilt Gear Reduction: 4:1 ratio
Camera Weight Max: 1kg
Servos: Hyperion DS16 Digital Programmable (via Atlas USB programmer)
PRICE:
$699.95 plus shipping
Weight: 340g. (complete with landing skids and mounting plates)
Width: 300mm (at skids)
Height: 200mm
Camera Tray Dimensions: 134mm wide x 100mm tall
Roll Travel: 36 degrees total
Tilt Travel: 110 degrees total
Tilt Gear Reduction: 4:1 ratio
Camera Weight Max: 1kg
Servos: Hyperion DS16 Digital Programmable (via Atlas USB programmer)
PRICE:
$699.95 plus shipping
