Acrobat Cable Cam

by Mrballeng

30K64615

Intro: Acrobat Cable Cam

As I've been making instructables, I've had a good time making videos for my projects. This creation gives me a chance to flex my creative license. It's an all angles cable trolley for your camera. It gives a way to film rolling or panning shots from both a bird's eye or worm's eye view. You can use it on a zip line, pull it along, or hold in your hands. It's powered by me or gravity. No servos, gyros, or motors.

I made it to fit all my cameras which are 5" wide and smaller. This includes cameras like the GoPro and iPhone as long as you have a tripod mount.

You can find the CAD file in Step 1. You can also support a project for it on Kickstarter.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/699604098/acrobat-cable-cam-an-all-angles-camera-trolley

STEP 1: Prototyping and AutoCAD

The very first prototype was made from aluminum flat bar and screen door wheels. After playing around with it a model in real life I turned to AutoCAD. A few hundred mouse clicks later. I had this design. I like to make paper models before getting it cut. Since it looked good I went to the the laser cutter.

STEP 2: Forming the Parts

I added holes to help me form the parts. With two holes at each bend I was able to line them up in my vise by sticking hobby files through them. From there I used a rubber hammer to fold the part over. This kind of aluminum is not very good for 90 degree angles so I would use more of a radius next time around.

STEP 3: Smoothing the Edges

Right off the laser cutter, the parts have a sharp edge. I used my trusty little tumbler to knock the edges down. If you're not familiar with a tumbler it's basically a vibrating container filled with an abrasive. In this case I tumbled the parts over night.

STEP 4: Putting It All Together

After all the angles were formed in I picked up a whole bunch of hardware. It's all labeled in the first image. My original wheels weren't precision made by any means. That was a problem because it caused a lot of vibration in the filming. I upgraded to a larger better made wheel and that helped a lot.

STEP 5: String It Up

I found that if you put too much tension in the line it acts like a violin string. With a little wind it vibrates and actually puts out a pitch. I had a good time with it. People who saw it in passing also thought it was fun. Thanks for reading.

16 Comments

horus_m 4 years ago

hello balleng,one thing i am posting often is that many videos has music meanwhile someone is expalining something, that is not good for a good understanding and concentrating in the speach. but just a comment, now i gues ... what happen if a spring on a little slider pull up the central bearing, could it control the speed of the rig, i appreciate your opinion and comments, excellent project of course!.

feffendi 7 years ago

As a young senior high school student, i found this idea soo good. It's just perfect for people without lots of income, just like students.

cristoph 8 years ago

Is there an alternate material I could make this from

Lukuky 9 years ago

Amazing! If you attached a gimble to it it would go even smother.

and7barton 9 years ago

I have only one thing to say about this - A very long wire, and a trip to Cheddar Gorge.

YaënD 9 years ago

when a thing is genius, people says "oh why I didn't think about it ? it so simple !" that's what I said. :D

MikeFromOlney 9 years ago

Ummm...new school idsea....make it a 3d printable. Lighter, no sharp edges. :)

askjerry 9 years ago

I think that adding a servo to the idler wheel (center) and one to either the pan or tilt... would allow you to have it travel the path at a smooth rate... and pan an object as it passed. Wouldn't take much to add that as an option.

Nice design.

nextpt 9 years ago

Very nice work, i think you can easily sell this idea.

NathanSellers 9 years ago

That is so cool. Way to take it to the next level.

Robokidd_00 9 years ago

this is very very cool! good use of your skills. would be sweet if u uploaded a sample video from it in action!

Mrballeng 9 years ago

There is a video in the intro. Here is the link just incase. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMOvBf_7TlU&list=UUuQYLUgUkv_IGLW2OFQVhSA

fruitvalien 9 years ago

Really cool ! I might try this!

arlod2 9 years ago

I am totally impressed!
* Everybody should model in paper first.
* The locating holes are genius!
* The design itself is very well thought out.
* Your exploded view photo is very informative.
* The finish on the parts after a night in the tumbler looks very professional.

Anyone with a small camera and a regular income should invest in this.