Zipline

B

benbixby

Active member
Machining should be done today... I'll make a list of all the parts I used to make it. Have a lot of video/testing to do this weekend with it, so I'll be back with footage. The pictures make it look pretty basic, but a lot of planning has gone into adding onto it - especially bigger cameras and counterbalancing weights.

front.jpg
back.jpg
 
my friend is in the process of buliding one. hes using two ziplines so it can ballance a pan tilt head easier
 
sorry it's been awhile

sorry it's been awhile

We are still under development... but it is coming along. I did quite a few tests with it.

Here are some videos:

- http://vimeo.com/15761851
- http://vimeo.com/15761886
- http://vimeo.com/15761916

Still:

zipline.JPG


Things I have learned:
- the motor I bought was wayyy too fast for the setup. I'm guessing I can hit 50mph no problem with the current setup, possibly faster.
- the part of the drive gear that pinches the line to the other pulley to drive the system back and forth on the line is made of nylon... it wasn't strong enough and whittled away after only a few passes causing the entire camera shuttle to shake on the line - we are now machining an aluminum drive gear that has a knurled contact point with the line, so it should drive the zipline better
- doing this costs a good amount of money
- so buy used RC motor / ECU to start
- PROGRAM PROGRAM PROGRAM!!! Program the ECU and the R/C Controller on an exponential power curve, slow to fast!
- still learning...

Next development
- create pan tilt system

I'll put together a list of the parts I used, but will probably offer advice as to what stuff you should buy as you can do it much cheaper than I did. Live and learn I guess.
 

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Instead of a second cable, what about putting a counter weight sticking out above, like a steadycam upside down?
 
Man, if you can kill all the shake, that could be an awesome tool.

Would dual cables pulled really taught cut down the shake & sway?
 
Im currently building one with two cable set up, and Yes It really does help with the shake! AND Speed.

I agree with you michael, this is probably the coolest tool to use!...for some shots
 
Looks like you are on the right path...definitely a two cable setup is needed, and I would definitely pull the cables very tight so it doesn't dip in the center. I'd like to do something like this at some point!
 
Yes, figuring out how your going to tighten the cables is kind of tricky itself too, especially since i dont want it just a fixed length. So far I came up with a crank system with wire tensioners on the end. Now i just need to make it electric!
 
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