Steadicam Merlin X-RAY

Coldblackice

Coldblackice

Member
heyo,

does anyone have a steadicam merlin? if so, could you take some close up pictures of the gimbal handle?

im in the process of completing a DIY steadicam. I've been using a manfrotta 484rc2 tripod head, however, I'm concerned with the friction present as it's a simple ball and socket. I know the merlin uses a 6-bearing gimbal, but I'm not sure how it's constructed.

from the pictures I can find on the web, it looks like the gimbal is simple a ball and socket joint, however, I doubt this is so.

so I'm not sure if the gimbal is detachable and someone could take "xray" pictures that way. if not, even just some close up pictures from underneath and beside the gimbal with light pointed into it would be great.

thanks guys
 
Coldblackice said:
heyo,

does anyone have a steadicam merlin? if so, could you take some close up pictures of the gimbal handle?

im in the process of completing a DIY steadicam. I've been using a manfrotta 484rc2 tripod head, however, I'm concerned with the friction present as it's a simple ball and socket. I know the merlin uses a 6-bearing gimbal, but I'm not sure how it's constructed.

from the pictures I can find on the web, it looks like the gimbal is simple a ball and socket joint, however, I doubt this is so.

so I'm not sure if the gimbal is detachable and someone could take "xray" pictures that way. if not, even just some close up pictures from underneath and beside the gimbal with light pointed into it would be great.

thanks guys
Click to expand...

My Hypercam uses a Subaru clutch throw out bearing for the 'X axis. I welded a large washer on the top and the bottom, previously drilling out a hole on the top bearing for lubricating the bearing with oil. I then bent a 'U' shaped plate and put precision skateboard bearings on tightly fitted pins on either side of the clutch bearing for my 'Y' axis. At the bottom/back of the 'U' plate I put another single bearing on the gimbal arm for the 'Z' motion. Works well and smoothly for all movement. I'm afraid I can't give you photos, sorry. Hopefully this description explains it. Best to you! :grin:
 
The merlin is certainly not just a ball and socket joint, it has rings with bearings inside each other, its quite a nice bit of engineering.

Im good freinds with the world merlin expert man, hes the guy that teaches the merlin workshops. He would know for sure, I can find out for you....
 
hoarp001 said:
The merlin is certainly not just a ball and socket joint, it has rings with bearings inside each other, its quite a nice bit of engineering.

Im good freinds with the world merlin expert man, hes the guy that teaches the merlin workshops. He would know for sure, I can find out for you....
Click to expand...

I would appreciate that! I'd love to see some kind of diagram or at least know what type of bearings.

Also, thanks for the info of your design (above). I'd love to see a pic!!! :)
 
Coldblackice said:
I would appreciate that! I'd love to see some kind of diagram or at least know what type of bearings.

Also, thanks for the info of your design (above). I'd love to see a pic!!! :)
Click to expand...

Would this type of bearing work like the 6-bearing merlin joint? Or would this still have too much friction?

SELF%20ALIGNING%20BALL%20BEARINGS.gif
 
No thats just a normal ball bearing with the middle bit spun round so you can see the ball arrangement, no actual bearings can really do that. The merlin gimbal is unique, steaidcam have a patent on it you cant really do the same thing with the same level of quality without buying a merlin gimbal. You could hand machine one but very few people could manually machine a merlin gimbal and it would take hours anyway... Your best bet would proably either be a ball and socket, or even better, a conical spike that rests in a similar conical dish shape, so only the tip of the cones are touching, that would be a pretty good alternative to the gimbal you really need...
 
Oo just had a clever idea...

What about a universal joint:

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=4924073

That thing would provide all the tilty action you need, apart from the rotation. You could attach one end to the handle and the other end to the stage via a standard bearing. That would give you all the actions that the merlin gimbal has. You can find higher quality joints on RS, ones that have proper bearings and thers no reason why that system shouldn't be as good as the merlin gimbal, it would just have a little bit of a limited range of motion..
 
hoarp001 said:
Oo just had a clever idea...

What about a universal joint:

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=4924073

That thing would provide all the tilty action you need, apart from the rotation. You could attach one end to the handle and the other end to the stage via a standard bearing. That would give you all the actions that the merlin gimbal has. You can find higher quality joints on RS, ones that have proper bearings and thers no reason why that system shouldn't be as good as the merlin gimbal, it would just have a little bit of a limited range of motion..
Click to expand...

ooh that is a good idea. too bad it's out of stock! :(

it appears that that joint is a modified ball-and socket joint. are there no bearings in it? is it like touchingi your index fingers to your thumbs, and then locking those loops?
 
In my post above you will find a cheap and easy way to get sealed X, Y, and Z stabilization with no ball and sockets or conical thingies. It was cheap and works perfectly. I think I spent $3 on the pins that tightly fit my skateboard wheel bearings because I already had the bearings, washers and plate steel to bend. :smile:

I am using the Hypercam on the last shoot for Netherborn tomorrow night. It performs wonderfully. :thumbsup:

You can buy a clutch throwout bearing at any auto parts store. I used a 1991 Subaru Loyale 1.8L version as it was encased already and had extensions for the two side posts welds that hold the 'Y' direction gimbal bearings. :grin: Good luck! :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top