Introduction: Cheap Handheld 3-axis Camera Gimbal

This is a cheap ( under $30) handheld camera gimbal that can pivot in three axes with three degrees of freedom- pitch, yaw, and roll.

Most camera gimbals are extremely expensive but if you just need a small gimbal for your action camera this is the perfect solution for you!

Step 1: BoM

  • 3 Servo Motors
  • 3 Potentiometers
  • Jumper Wires
  • Arduino

Tools

  • Hot Glue Gun

Step 2: Circuitry

Follow the table below for the most straightforward guide on how to wire it.

I/OPin #ESP32 Pin #
Pot1 13.3V
A0

3GND
Pot213.3V

A1
GND
Pot313.3V

A2

GND
Servo1BrownGND

Red5V

White
Servo2BrownGND
Red5V
White
Servo3BrownGND
Red5V
White

Step 3: Code

#include <Servo.h>
Servo servo1;
Servo servo2;
Servo servo3;
int pot1;
int pot2;
int pot3
void setup() {
  servo1.attach(5)
  servo2.attach(6);
  servo3.attach(9);
}
void loop() {
  pot1 = analogRead(A0);
  pot2 = analogRead(A1);
  pot3 = analogRead(A2);
  pot1 = map(pot1, 0, 1024, 0, 180);
  pot2 = map(pot2, 0, 1024, 0, 180);
  pot3 = map(pot3, 0, 1024, 0, 180);
  servo1.write (pot1);
  servo2.write (pot2);
  servo3.write (pot3);
  delay(50);
}

Step 4: Glue Servo

Glue the servo horn onto the body of the other servo so that they are facing two different axes to make a two axis servo gimbal.

Then, glue the last servo onto the two axis servo gimbal to another perpendicular axes (aka cross product of the two axes). Glue this servo onto the mount of an action camera box.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Enjoy you're 3 axis camera gimbal without breaking the bank!

Now you can take awesome shots with this nice gimbal!

Outside Contest 2017

Participated in the
Outside Contest 2017

Automation Contest 2017

Participated in the
Automation Contest 2017

Makerspace Contest 2017

Participated in the
Makerspace Contest 2017