Project MotorPixie - Open Source 2-axis gimbal for P2V

[DKDarkness]

A little heads up: I'm moving my little gimbal project to another platform that I like better DJI Phantom pilots are not the most DIY minded of people so in future I will be building gimbals for other platforms. I am beginning at the ultimate DIY multicopter - the RCExplorer Tricopter V3 (The parts for the frame can be ordered from http://rcexplorer.se). I did some test footage, and even on the first test flight I think it looks better than anything I was able to get out of my P2V on a calm day... [youtube]http://youtu.be/iYaRNgsh2B4[/youtube]

 

[mrorange26]

Hi just made one of these gimbals and I was wondering if you can tilt it still in the vision app or do you have to get the tilt switch?

 

[mrorange26]

Does anybody know?

 

[DKDarkness]

Hi just made one of these gimbals and I was wondering if you can tilt it still in the vision app or do you have to get the tilt switch?

The gimbal takes the same input as the stock camera. Whatever you use to control the stock camera with will also work on the gimbal - provided you did the wiring right.

 

[verbal01]

DK/Terje,

Thanks so much for all the work you put into this, it's an awesome project. Just curious at this point if you'd still recommend somebody building this for the P2v being that you've moved to another platform. Do you consider the final build on thingiverse to be pretty solid or any other words of advice for someone late to the party?

Thanks,

Karl

 

[DKDarkness]

DK/Terje,

Thanks so much for all the work you put into this, it's an awesome project. Just curious at this point if you'd still recommend somebody building this for the P2v being that you've moved to another platform. Do you consider the final build on thingiverse to be pretty solid or any other words of advice for someone late to the party?

Thanks,

Karl

Hi Karl, the final build is rock solid in my opinion. Consider using the STORM 32bit controller http://www.ebay.com/itm/Storm32-BGC...ller-V1-31-DRV8313-Motor-Driver-/361138803152 for the build. Higher learning curve, open source software. If you experience vibrations try adjusting your PID settings on your Phantom to counter the heavier quadcopter.

 

[verbal01]

Thanks, I'll check that controller out. I have this one on order at the moment:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Alexmos-2- ... 3a9ce70989

 

[DKDarkness]

Thanks, I'll check that controller out. I have this one on order at the moment:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Alexmos-2- ... 3a9ce70989

Although only 8 bit it is a great and light weight controller. Some have issues with it coming with a "pirated" bootloader. From basecamelectronics that is not upgradable (2.2b2) meanwhile Basecamelectronics have stopped supporting their own 8 bit boards (which run in the RotorPixel as well) so I don't feel to bad about it. If it works for you - stick with it

Well - off to have fun with my homebuild mini tricopter! :-D
http://youtu.be/QfhiXBhU1WY - oh phantompilots haven't yet embraced the new style youtube format? Too bad.

 

[DKDarkness]

Apperently various versions of the MotorPixie gimbal can now be found on eBay (3D printed parts only).

Just to be clear: I have nothing to do with these sellers and receive no royalties etc. from the selling of the parts.

Example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/3D-Printed-...m-Vision-2-Axis-Brushless-Gimbal/181656521643

 

[verbal01]

Does anybody happen to have a config for the Motorpixie for the Martinez board

Thanks,

Karl

 

[Smegmeister]

Apperently various versions of the MotorPixie gimbal can now be found on eBay (3D printed parts only).

Just to be clear: I have nothing to do with these sellers and receive no royalties etc. from the selling of the parts.

Example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/3D-Printed-...m-Vision-2-Axis-Brushless-Gimbal/181656521643

Hello sir..

I am receiving my controller today from hobby king for your 2d design.. i paid for the proper one ! and will be following your video on youtube..

I would just like to say that I am pretty new to this hobby and your work over the last year has guided me quite a lot.

Buy you a beer some time dude ! as I'm also going to have a go at your 3d one when I have completed this. I actually have a spare frame if anyone else is interested. oh btw the goodluck buy ones still have your logo on the controller case

Regards..

 

[DKDarkness]

Apperently various versions of the MotorPixie gimbal can now be found on eBay (3D printed parts only).

Just to be clear: I have nothing to do with these sellers and receive no royalties etc. from the selling of the parts.

Example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/3D-Printed-...m-Vision-2-Axis-Brushless-Gimbal/181656521643

Hello sir..

I am receiving my controller today from hobby king for your 2d design.. i paid for the proper one ! and will be following your video on youtube..

I would just like to say that I am pretty new to this hobby and your work over the last year has guided me quite a lot.

Buy you a beer some time dude ! as I'm also going to have a go at your 3d one when I have completed this. I actually have a spare frame if anyone else is interested. oh btw the goodluck buy ones still have your logo on the controller case

Regards..

Sounds great - looking forward to see some pictures and footage of the finished product

When you start looking at the 3D version, consider getting a Storm32 3D controller. They are open source, 32 bit, and dirt cheap

 

[howardpin]

I just finished having one of these printed. Does anyone have a Gimbal lock design for this to use storing.

Thanks

 

[grepin]

I have tried this with the china style gimbal motors.
No good all out of balance. Worked ok straight and level but topples with any major manouvers.
Worth a try. I have ordered recommended motors.
Just in case anyone else was considering doing the same.

 

[crash1sttime]

I have tried this with the china style gimbal motors.
No good all out of balance. Worked ok straight and level but topples with any major manouvers.
Worth a try. I have ordered recommended motors.
Just in case anyone else was considering doing the same.

If the camera doesn't stay stable in flight then you will need to tweak the PID settings and increase motor power, bit of a pain but worth it in the end

 

[grepin]

All sorted.
I got in the Turnigy motors which are not as wide.
This in turn helped me to balance the gimbal with no power.
Before if flopped all over the place.
I had to modify the printed pitch arm a little to get the balance right.
Now I dont need to run any near as much power on the motors and it worked perfect.