Manual pan and tilt

[themanwhoknows]

Im going crazy over trying to figure out if theres such thing as a manual pan and tilt head that i can use with a crane. I found some website where you can buy one, but i want to be able to make one myself. And no website will tell me how to do it. !!!!!

HELP!

[evinsky]

That is because it is not as easy as it looks. you will need precice milling and metal working equipment as well as time and a good design. Unless you already have a shop you could eaisily buy one for less than the amount it would cost to make one.

[24pshooter]

Keep an eye on this site.

www.dykortech.com

This fellow has designed a jib with pan and tilt capabilities (wire wheel for pan, hydraulic line for tilt). At DVExpo, he was demonstrating a version of his design called the "Advanta-Jib Lite". I tried it out and was pretty impressed. The motion of the tilt is controlled via a hydraulic system and will take some practice to master--but I think it is the best solution to this problem I have seen yet.

It also looked like it was well thought out with solid machining, collapsible/portable and rugged enough for real production use. Very exciting product IMO.

I ordered one and eagerly await it's arrival after the first production run is finished. I assume he will be updating his website before long to showcase the new jib. The present website would benefit from a web designer--but focus on the video of the shots. It looks real good.

I will post an in-depth review once I receive it and put it through some real paces (supposed to be shipped towards end of January).

--

Regarding building your own, it may be possible to buy a CobraCrane and design your own motorized remote head to add panning. But I think you would have to be well versed in engineering and small servos to make anything that would prove usable and durable.

Mechanical only, maybe you could add another cable control. Keeping a responsive tension in the wire across 10 feet of jib might be a real challenge. Interested in hearing any solutions you may come up with.

[evinsky]

You should check this head out.
http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CB74800.html?ac.cat.CatTree.detail=y&type=PRDINDEX

[tomthemacman]

In terms of simplicity, here's a very, very nice one on HBS which uses hydraulics. I think there was another one too.

http://homebuiltstabilizers.com/MembersRigs/Jibsncranes/jasonhunspergersjib/index.htm

[Ernest_Acosta]

The Home Built Stabilizer site is pack with info regarding building cranes, dollies, steadicams. Those guys are the best.

[themanwhoknows]

Wow the marvels of 'just asking someone' you guys have no idea how long ive been looking for just one site to explain how to do this. Thanks so much, and please MORE SUGGESTIONS!!

[JimtheJib]

ask jason.

[themanwhoknows]

oh, by the way would anyone know where to get a couple of hydraulic tubes, i mean the home built stabilizers version looks pretty easy and good, but i would have no idea where to get hydraulic tubes...

[johnc]

oh, by the way would anyone know where to get a couple of hydraulic tubes, i mean the home built stabilizers version looks pretty easy and good, but i would have no idea where to get hydraulic tubes...


Damn, and I was just about to ask you that question since you are 'themanwhoknows'. :grin:

johnc

[themanwhoknows]

lol, well actually i found the perfect website, they actually sell everything you'll ever need INCLUDING HYDRAULIC PUMPS http://www.mcmaster.com/ just search for 'hydraulic' they have everything including the little rubber tubes you need to connect stuff together. so there im still the man who knows... :laugh:

[johnc]

Kool, and yes you are.

johnc