Open Source Pan/Tilt: Part Three - Camera Bracket
Mechanically, the bracket that holds the camera to the shaft of the tilt axis is simple. The challenge I found was trying to integrate the standard of the Actobotics parts to that of (what I eventually chose to be) SmallRig 15mm rods and rod clamps. I realized this would work only after a non-trivial amount of measuring and comparing parts, looking up spec sheets, and eventually ordering a few items to test the fit.
Luckily, it works surprisingly well.
The rails add a few important functions:
The ability to balance the camera on the tilt axis with different bodies or lenses
The ability to center the sensor on the pan axis to neutralize any ‘pulling’ or ‘pushing’ of the image when turning the camera
The ability to mount the head upside down (as if ceiling mounted) and flip the camera to match
Almost by chance, one of the hole patterns on a SmallRig 942 rod clamp matched up to a few holes on a ServoCity 80T gear. The holes in the aluminum gear needed to be drilled out to accommodate 1/4”-20 screws, but this was the key between getting between one platform and another without having to drill additional holes.
The rods clamped to the gear can be adjusted vertically which moves the camera up or down, which centers the camera’s center of gravity and/or sensor on the tilt axis. Then a pair of rod clamps turn the rods 90 degrees.
A final rod clamp mounts to the bottom of an inexpensive QR plate. Sliding the plate on the rods adjusts the sensor position over the pan axis. Sliding the QR plate forward or backward, or changing its position mounted on the camera, provides a final way to balance the assembly.