7 Meter ultra light camera crane

ROCKMORE

ROCKMORE

Veteran
I needed a very long and light crane for a project and designed this crane. I needed something to get over the formula cars from a safe distance.
Right now I'm using a Canon 60D on it and controlling the camera with canon utilities from my notebook mounted at the crane pivot point.
This is the first test unit. It was planned to be 6 meters, but ended up 7. I have more sections so it will go to 8 meters and designed for 5 to 10 pound camera load. Knocks down to fit in my 4 foot Tanba bag and weighs in at 15 pounds for baggage check in. Has camera pan and tilt controlled with stainless steel cables. I needed something that can operate in changing bad weather conditions so electronics may not be the best. Also one of the biggest problems is keeping batteries charged so a cable system is better for remote locations. I'm going to mount a Gopro on it next so with a water proof camera I can use it just about anywhere.
Just wondering if anyone here is looking for a rig like this. I'm already casting the parts in epoxy in my shop for my personal units.
I'm working on some test footage from this shoot last weekend and should have some uploaded in a week or so.
Thanks for looking
 

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I'd love to see the footage but I'm surprised that they let you dangle a camera above the track like that. One slip up and you could send a lot of cars into the wall. What are the regulations concerning trackside videography?

BillWojo
 
BillWojo said:
I'd love to see the footage but I'm surprised that they let you dangle a camera above the track like that. One slip up and you could send a lot of cars into the wall. What are the regulations concerning trackside videography?

BillWojo
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The restrictions are tight but mostly for where "humans" can and can't be. As long as my crane doesn't enter over track space it's OK. Pit lane is another story. I'm able to walk it up where the cars come in and hang the arm out over the cars. I work with the teams so they let me do what ever I want within reason. This was my first test with the crane so I need to refine the camera movements, but it worked well for the test shoot.
 
Here is the first test of the Airlite 7. There are details to be worked out but it actually worked pretty well since I finished it the night before 3 hours before I left for the airport at 2:30am. The camera head will have full tilt control and both pan and tilt will be dampened action manual cable controlled. One thing I like is I can stand way back but still able to shoot the cars from the other side pointing toward the building.
I'm also able to keep the camera out over the pit area at a low angle and it doesn't seem to get much attention. This was set up and running so fast i didn't have time to put a hood over the laptop, but once i get it more refined it will be easy to operate. I'm getting a GoPro so I can try using the wifi with a tablet. Looking forward to shooting in bad weather or in the water.
http://youtu.be/x3xQW1SV5iE
 
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damn! I'm blown away they let you in there with that. the footage looks good though but the rig looks pretty whispy and not overly heavy duty. don't get me wrong I'm not criticizing you and your crane just that you are able to get in the pits like that. more power to you though!! seems like such a liability if you ask me. are you officially working for that particular racing organization? do they get the footage or do you own it?

cool gig at any rate!

david
 
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