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.
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.
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)