A bit more than pan tilt head for BMMSC

Thanks Casper.

The gimbal is currently working well for this application and we have accurate encoders for reading the Zoom and Focus/Iris position as needed.

IMG_2467.jpg (92.83 KiB) Viewed 180 times

However we are still working with lens control and could use some advice. Any suggestions for lens control system that could be controlled externally would be most welcome. We would rather integrate them to our system with serial etc. low level interface and of-course would need documentation for the interface.

Currently we are using just a cheap servo. It works but is noisy, and this one is not quite powerful enough, so it does not provide smooth low speed zooming. We have also some better servos that overcome most of the problems, but still somewhat noisy.

IMG_2468.jpg (84.24 KiB) Viewed 180 times

The reason we use separate encoders is that after calibration they provide very accurate readings and fast update rates. So even now that the control is not that good, the virtual environment follows very well the Zoom movements. Also some lenses have inbuilt Zoom motors.

There is still many things to overcome, but already at this time I am sure the end result will be very good, not existing at the price point this system will be.

Ps. As obvious, the above pictures are from 3D printed prototypes.

Take a look into the motors of Tilta.. The Nucleus motors are quite "cheap" ($300) Are able to control on a bus structure and also wireless..

https://tilta.com/shop/nucleus-m-brushless-wireless-follow-focus-motor/


I do have a redrock follow focus motor with control.. Was about to rebuild the control interface of that one.. And buy some more motors.. But with $695 they are quite expensive..
https://shop.redrockmicro.com/product/torque-motor-for-movi-pro/

Thanks Daniel, They both look good and Tilta is also affordable. I contacted both to request if they would be interested to provide them for this kind of solution, and provide the interface definition.

There will be a control SW that allows the user to control Pitch, Roll, Yaw, Zoom, Aperture, Focus and the can be also preprogrammed to repeat accurately the movements and lens parameters.

We have been lately working with lens control. It is really not something we would like to do at this time, but have not found suitable solution, that would provide smooth control at slow speeds, accurate control and real time feedback of the position. Tomorrow visiting IBC so mybe this widens the perspective and there is a solution.

This is what we have for now, it does the job, only problem realy is the noise, ok for custom builds. (these are just demonstrating the servo, it will be computer controlled.)



Slow speed demo

Looking good Kim.
Cheers