EEVblog #493 - DIY Video Camera Dolly For Workbenches - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 11, 2013, 11:31:13 pm
content: Dave makes a DIY camera dolly system that mounts under his work bench.It's not complete yet, it possibly needs a 2nd rail platform and better tripod mount, but otherwise works fairly well.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2013, 11:47:30 pm
content: Put some grease on it already!Try mounting the tripod using pipe clamps. You can probably 3D print some spacers to suit the different size tubes!When you put a second rail on, mount the drawer runners the way they're meant to be used, and it'll be smoother and more stable, also far less likely to be broken accidentally.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2013, 11:51:37 pm
content: A jib crane with a counterweight might have been a little easier to build.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 11, 2013, 11:53:49 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on July 11, 2013, 11:47:30 pmYes, yes, and yes.I need some suitable angled aluminium and some suitable spacers first.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 11, 2013, 11:55:11 pm
content: Quote from: DrGeoff on July 11, 2013, 11:51:37 pmWhere is it going to mount?

author: marinedalek
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 12:04:09 am
content: Yeah, an extra pair of bearings would make sense, then you attach a plate (wood, aluminium?) across the front of the two black angle pieces to eliminate the side-to-side wobble. As for holding the tripod, how about a pair of something like this?http://www.xump.com/science/Burette-Clamp-Single-Coated-Jaws.cfmThe screw thread on the rear of the jaws looks like it has potential for mounting through the centre of the plate between the angle irons.EDIT: Something like this:

author: Hewball
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 12:29:49 am
content: Maybe this will give you more idea'shttp://openbuildspartstore.com/v-slot/

author: Postal666
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 12:30:42 am
content: You'd have to hack up your tripod (maybe find an el-cheapo one), but if you reverse the way the leg is mounted, i.e. largest tube mounted to the angle bracket and the "foot" attached at the top, it would solve your up-down telescoping problem.

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 12:47:12 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on July 11, 2013, 11:55:11 pmOn the tripod.Something like this, with the camera plate able to be mounted in vertical and horizontal positions.Made one recently with a few lengths of steel tubing (mop handles I think) and a couple of weights from the local sports store. Less that $20 in materials.

author: Short Circuit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 12:48:31 am
content: A monopod like this might make things a lot easierhttp://www.officesupplies-b2b.com/b2b/shredders_and_cutters/2/tabletop_monopod_94.html

author: Nextor
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 12:50:58 am
content: I would at least try to use these.I would even try to get the battery out of the camera and use external power supply to reduce the wobble.Another great project for the future ?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 01:33:10 am
content: mount the rail on the ceiling. have a stepper motor to roll it along the desk.have a worm drive telescope arm that can lower / raise camera ..now that would be fun.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 01:36:13 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on July 12, 2013, 01:33:10 amThe ceiling moves.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 02:01:39 am
content: Quote from: Monkeh on July 12, 2013, 01:36:13 amThat can be solved (horizontal rail on vertical pipes poking through the ceiling tiles in a couple of places and affixed to the slab above. A lot more work of course.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 02:03:10 am
content: Quote from: David_AVD on July 12, 2013, 02:01:39 amAn excellent way to piss off the neighbours upstairs, too.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 02:06:11 am
content: Quote from: Monkeh on July 12, 2013, 02:03:10 amDo the construction at night - they'll never know! lolI'm sure the transmitted noise of the camera rig running along the rail will be muffled by the corporate type upstairs going about their work taking over the world.

author: Yaksaredabomb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 03:04:52 am
content: I put this in the video comments but the forum topic is probably a better place:QuoteSeems like a pretty good way to do it, at least based on what you've already built. Cheap, easy, convenient. The biggest concern is probably wobble, but if it's too bad you could use a set screw (or equivalent alternative) to "lock" the tripod leg in place in the tube.

author: gardner
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 03:20:38 am
content: The drawer slides are strong and reasonably rigid, but they have no torsional rigidity, and are a bit bendy on the thin axis. To get enough torsional rigidity you will need two running in parallel. If you go to the local DIY to the section where they keep the aluminium extrusions for windows and shower doors and such, you should find a 5x5cm U-channel that would be suitable for mounting a drawer slide on each side of. You could then mount them vertically, as they are a good bit more rigid in that direction.

author: mswhin63
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 03:48:59 am
content: Hi Dave,I have used these conduit clamps for a couple of project, really cheap at Bunnings. Take the tripod down and see if they fit.http://martybugs.net/wireless/images/collinear_conduit_clamps.jpgIt may be difficult for 3 sizes but maybe something similar.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 04:56:03 am
content: 2 vertical rails to get it out of shot height above the bench then you can do a drop down tripod to the bench. The ends will just screw to the desk, and can be out of the way, using some aluminium square tubing to make the frame to hold the rails above so that the dolly runs smooth. Look to what Todd Harrison did in his garage, just a little smaller. His is quite smooth, and was made very cheaply.

author: einstein
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 08:21:35 am
content: It might be better to use plain bearings, they don't make so much noise!

author: Simon Weel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 10:06:09 am
content: One of these telephone swing arms mounted on the back or wall of the bench would be much easier? The space in front of you will be completely free, in contrary to the stuff you made up so far...Simon

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 10:09:41 am
content: Anyone know a source for these flexible monitor arms in Oz?http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/202684-REG/Delvcam_DELV_FLEX_Delv_Flex_Flex_Arm_and.html

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 10:14:47 am
content: Well at least your not tearing down another bloody multimeter

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 10:16:10 am
content: Do we need to club together and buy you a directors chair now "Action"

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 10:43:25 am
content: Dave search on goodluckbuy.com, there is tons of cam goodness in the electronic category

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 11:37:03 am
content: Quote from: Monkeh on July 11, 2013, 11:47:30 pmOMFG!I just "listened" to this video. I say listened because the video was playing on the monitor behind me while I was soddering.Takes on a whole different visual when Dave uses phrases such as "Velcro on the tripod shaft".And at one point, when mentioning how easy it is to slide in and out, I was too frightened to turn around and look.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 12:08:54 pm
content: Is mounting a camera dolly at the bench where you're working a good idea? I mean any vibration caused by working at the bench would hit the camera too, even more if it's mounted on a long arm.

author: Radio Tech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 12:53:44 pm
content: I like this.I also noticed that it will always be a problem where it can be in the way sort of. Even the tripod gets bumped around some. You said in the video that you cannot attach to the roof since it is just a lay in type structure. A solution is conduit. By using 2 vertical rigid conduit at either end on the bench with 2 pieces running horizontal to make a trolley system, this would keep it up and out of the way when not in use and out of the way when you are actually shooting.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 01:04:27 pm
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on July 12, 2013, 11:37:03 amI was soldering at the time and I agree sounded a bit to hot for me, may he's branching out.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 01:05:21 pm
content: Hey, at the risk of getting yelled at, why not do the videos wearing the gopro? Switch in and out between camera angles in post editing.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 01:08:45 pm
content: Quote from: Telequipment on July 12, 2013, 01:04:27 pmHe's a good lookin' guy. When this electronics caper fizzes out there's still one way to make some dough on the internet.

author: Things
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 01:22:37 pm
content: Hey Dave - one idea I used for a laser cutter where I needed an adjustable lens, was to get a couple more of those linear ball bearings you have (But maybe the closed ones), and some tubing the right diameter. That way you can easily slide the tripod legs up and down, and use a simple screw to clamp the rod to stop it falling down.

author: jazz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 01:30:25 pm
content: Hey Dave, I probably would have tried to put it overhead as well, just to have it completely out of the way.The ceiling apparently can't be used, but what about mounting something on the wall above the shelves? One of those sat dish wall mounts (mounted upside down) might work quite well for that. They're available in different lengths, and the ones out of aluminium aren't all too heavy.Then attach some kind of camera arm to it, or just use the tripod upside down. You could even put your rails onto the wall then, and be able to slide the whole thing left and right without anything being in the way.BTW, that whole thing basically screams for a spindle and a stepper motor (and some electronics) to turn it into some kind of CNC camera dolly

author: John Coloccia
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 02:00:34 pm
content: Why don't you just hire Francis Ford Coppola to shoot it? I think it would also bring a certain feel to the blog that's been missing."My Tekway!! Look what they did to my Tekway....all full of jitter. I didn't know until this day it was Rigol all along. Hey, leave the Weller...take the Vegemite."Hmmm....yeah, maybe not.

author: jahonen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 04:51:08 pm
content: I thought some time ago that an industrial robot might make a nice and sturdy camera stand over a bench, plus that it could make nice camera pans along programmed path in automated fashionRegards,Janne

author: Winston
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 05:02:42 pm
content: You might benefit from combining your idea with this, using a four bearing sled with two drawer slides under your bench, perhaps giving the drawer slides much better stability by mounting them as they are intended to operate on the sides of something configured like an upside down drawer upon which the articulating lamp/magnifier is mounted. Might be getting to be too heavy of a load for those upside down operated linear bearings, though:YouTube DIY (Bench) Camera BoomYouTube DIY (Bench) Camera Boom - Part 2

author: Dongulus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 05:15:49 pm
content: Some strong neodymium magnets could work. If you apoxy a group of magnets to the right angle bracket on the dolly then you could fix some more groups of magnets along the tripod leg at various locations to achieve the desired heights. This way you could easily snap on and off the tripod to different lengths quickly.

author: victor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 09:06:45 pm
content: Quote from: Winston on July 12, 2013, 05:02:42 pmI was going to suggest something similar, some kind of arm or crane jib. I suspect that mounting it on the table would certainly pick any vibrations.maybe would be easier to mount it on top of a tripod.http://www.amazon.com/Dino-Lite-MS52B-Articulating-Stand-C-Clamp/dp/B006YCW434/ref=pd_sim_sbs_p_18http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Photo-Studio-Light-Kit-Boom-Arm-Stand-Tripod-no-bulb-/250692239924

author: lilshawn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 11:47:55 pm
content: C'mon man, we are engineers! We don't buy things, WE BUILD THEM. (and make it damned complicated too)

author: warp_foo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 13, 2013, 12:57:32 am
content: Since everyone is submitting their ideas, I'll submit mine:Near infinite adjustability and coolness points.m

author: mickpah
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2013, 04:19:48 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on July 12, 2013, 10:09:41 amHi Dave,think this is what you are looking forhttp://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod9328.htm, Australian store used them about 2 years ago before seemed ok

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 13, 2013, 04:35:17 am
content: Quote from: Winston on July 12, 2013, 05:02:42 pmYes, I have though about something like that. I even have an articulating magnifying arm I can try.But as Martin found out, getting a square shot is important.And a big artciulating arm like that looks messy on the bench, that's why I wanted to try an under bench solution first and see what it was like.

author: elektronicks
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2013, 06:10:05 am
content: guys, one question:next to the very inteligent sollution found byyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy DAVEEEEEEEEEE (and many neanderthal men), there is a +10k 3d microscope whatever that is and next to it an agilent +10k also .. so now..what is this rant about:a. dave building a dolly system (showing us nothing is impossible if you do it with your own two hands) ?b. dave performing on a stage (like the actors do) guiding audience towards expresing ideeas which then benefit somebody not defined, so he reports his chiefs on "building confidence", "beeing an enthusiastic leader". (founded by the industry of course)c. dave performing on a stage (actors too) but not getting the ideas from others. instead they meassure active-ness, creativity so that the industry knows the resources to build upon looking at the graphs per topic / subjecti know i'll get heat from everybody. i can't care less. truth is still the truth even in minority of one.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 13, 2013, 06:24:07 am
content: Quote from: elektronicks on July 13, 2013, 06:10:05 amDid anyone understand a word he just said?

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2013, 06:31:22 am
content: Overhead slide with a drop down camera dolly will probably work out best, you can put it up high enough that it does not come into shot easily, and then it will be easy to work with as well for both seeing the viewfinder and working on the bench under it as well.

author: FrankT
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2013, 07:09:27 am
content: My 2 cents...I would have chosen square linear rails as they bear the load better in both directions. In your application, you could probably get away with one rail as long as the load isn't too great.The second hand square rails I have aren't very noisy, but the are name-brand parts. Another quiet option is to use v-groove rails which can be used with plastic wheels.As for mounting, I think having it up and out of the way is more convenient. I would have tried to mount them underneath the top shelf, then use an articulated arm to hold the camera above the bench.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 13, 2013, 07:14:41 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on July 13, 2013, 06:24:07 amNO, but I've always been confused

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2013, 07:50:39 am
content: The easiest mount I could see would just be to use some spring clamps.Use the Velcro to set the height and clamp this over the leg to the L shaped metal.http://www.harborfreight.com/2-12-nylon-spring-clamp-69290.html

author: mickpah
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2013, 08:10:49 am
content: the meccano set like features of this appeals to me

author: FrankT
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2013, 08:27:33 am
content: Quote from: mickpah on July 13, 2013, 08:10:49 amThat is very cool. And supports a 4kg payload, unlike the snake which was only 0.5kg.

author: lilshawn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2013, 04:02:46 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on July 13, 2013, 06:24:07 amuhhhhm... i think it's the smiley faces throwing things off.edit, edit, edit.... nope, still doesn't make sense.

author: KuchateK
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2013, 02:12:42 am
content: I'll repost a little what I've written in the comments.First, reduce wobble on that aluminum angle. Add cheap and commonly available shelving support as a corner brace.http://www.mgxmetal.com/products/metal%20bracket/metal%20bracket%20for%20furniture/02%20metal%20bracket/OFFS0002.jpgHowever I would drop that drawer slide. They are wobbly. I think tripod will give you sufficient travel. After all you can always move something on your desk a little for a perfect shot.As for the clamp. Photography/lighting guys already figured out how to hold something solidly on tripods. Get something like Impact Super Clamp. It has threaded holes (unfortunately imperial) on the flat part, so you can screw it to your vertical aluminum piece. It is designed for quick mounting and adjustment onto various sizes of tubes. Photographic handles on tripods and clamps have spring mechanism, when you pull it out it will rotate freely around to move out of a way, so it won't stick out.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/824360-REG/impact_cc_106r_super_clamp_with_ratchet.htmlFrom my experience lighting stand with boom arm is great solution for lights or cameras above the desk. Stand can be equipped with casters to move around. It is separated from the desk, so it won't transfer noise to your mic and camera won't shake. They typically hold flash lamp worth couple kilos together with some lighting modifiers, so small camera is nothing even for the smallest stand. They make them huge if you need.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/331723-REG/Interfit_COR754_Boom_Arm_Stand.htmlhttp://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272945-REG/Impact_3218_Multiboom_Light_Stand_Reflector_Holder.htmlI know buying ready made solution won't be a great hack, but it worksWe want videos about electronics, not camera standsThere are other blogs for that.

author: Involute
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2013, 06:09:41 am
content: Tripod dolly:http://tinyurl.com/c8ju5euTripod extender:http://tinyurl.com/36js6pg

author: DrGeoff
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2013, 06:56:32 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on July 13, 2013, 04:35:17 amThat's where a jib comes in handy. The shot is always square irrespective of the height you move it to. However I'd recommend using manual focus as those handycam autofocus things are a pain when working with moving camera, as they are alwyas trying to readjust. Just set it to manual and pull the focus for the shot first and it will look crystal clear without any hunting.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 14, 2013, 10:14:04 am
content: Quote from: FrankT on July 13, 2013, 08:27:33 amSeems a bit limiting though because it seems the curved sections are actually fixed?I'm leaning toward trying a Manfrotto 196 3 section arm on a swivel plate from the sliding trolly instead of the draw mechanism:http://www.manfrotto.com/single-arm-3-section-with-camera-bracket

author: BrianMason
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 14, 2013, 08:49:29 pm
content: Take a look a "Benbo" Tripod It will reach over your bench easily and has a ball head. They are incredibley? versatile.Mount your subjecton the rail, this way the camera remains stationary and rock solid and the subject is easily moved on your rails, also rock solid.With the rails laid (unfixed) on top of your bench there will be no bearing noise and your subject will appear to move smoothly in both planes and remain in focus. Placing a board? over the rails will hide them successfully, and give the illusion the camera is moving. I think you will be very pleased with the resulting images. You could also mount a turntable on top of the rails then you will have left and right; back and forward and the ability to revolve smoothly too.(anyone got a record deck?)You may be able to adapt your current tripod to a configuration similar to the Benbo.This would be a lot easier to achieve and you already have all the bits needed. Hope this helps.Great you tube channel and forum by the way...keep up the good work.(I,ve even started saying "Tah Darrr" again)

author: 99tito99
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2013, 10:42:37 pm
content: Dave you have it completely bass ackwards, you should be on aDave Boom.Cheers, Science-Mark

author: TheEPROM9
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2013, 11:02:09 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on July 11, 2013, 11:55:11 pmOnly yesterday, I used a pipe clamp to hold a power supply for my VFD clock together =-)Something worth keeping in the tool box, good for when the Epoxy fails.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 15, 2013, 12:19:01 am
content: this new dolly arrangement defo needs some motorization!

author: BrianMason
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 15, 2013, 12:46:56 am
content: Quote from: elektronicks on July 13, 2013, 06:10:05 amTrying to resort to ridicule can be symptomatic of jealousy

author: moemoe
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2013, 10:46:40 am
content: That's the way I would build it, apologize the bad quality of the drawing, I'm an EE student, not an arts studentUsing two drawers and two pairs of sliding blocks should make it much more immune to tilting and rolling.For attaching the tripod's leg onto the big angle use a pair of laboratory clamps likehttp://www.descolab.com/laboratory-hardware/Images/03.jpgI don't know if they are available with threadings on the long pole, but I'm sure you know a mechanic who will cut you threadings on them for some dollars into the coffee cash box (is there a better english term for that, in germany that's the regular term for paying a favour, 'Einen Euro in die Kaffeekasse schmeißen'). Then just use one nut in front and behind the angle.Ah, and the construction is upside down as you can clearly figure out, was just easier to draw this way.

author: Orpheus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2013, 10:21:44 pm
content: Quote from: Nextor on July 12, 2013, 12:50:58 amI actually designed/built a webcam video system very similar to that (but with a 3MPxl webcam) for an Industrial Design course earlier this year, and will be offering it online soon as a donation premium (and a seed project) for a Kickstarter for new kind of online hardware hacker community (which I will probably be pitching here for critiques and suggestions in the coming month)The Tertial is not sold online and most of their 36 US B&M stores are clustered in few regions, but I've found it to be far and away the most promising and versatile base unit I've found and tested My first thought on seeing the video was to send Dave one of my prototypes (plus attachments), because I'm sure he'd love the versatility [e.g. mounted under the shelf over his workbench, its head would have 30" of reach and two degrees of rotational freedom, to do standard videos, closeups and even inspection microscopy without ever getting in his way, in use or stored, as a tripod or front-rail inevitably must] -- but then I remembered his Mail Bag Embargo.I really can't overstate how versatile this system is proving to be for me, especially with a few laser-cut attachments. I'm completely shocked that there isn't an affordable device like this already on the market for web-project photos, video presentations, etc.

author: m12lrpv
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2013, 05:03:50 am
content: Quote from: mswhin63 on July 12, 2013, 03:48:59 amI've only just gotten around to watching the video and the conduit clips immediately jumped to mind too.A simple solution and any sizing issues would be handled by a bit of tape around the leg of the tripod.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2013, 11:33:11 am
content: I resisted commenting here untill I could put my money where my mouth is.This threadis my video response to what I think would be the ideal camera mount for Dave's lab. I designed and built it for what I though would work well for my video and still camera use in my shop.

author: phaseform
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2014, 06:17:51 pm
content: Bit late to the party but just thought I'd add my take on a bench camera dolly. I thought of a rail beneath the bench, which just connects to a spring arm as previously mentioned to move the camera around and has the camera on the end of that.Only problem with this design is that the center of mass of the rig needs to be off the bench, otherwise the bearings running along the underside of the bench wont be in contact making the spring arm mount rub against the bench. Solvable by having another bearing for this purpose but regardless was just siting in my memory so I thought I'd write it downI built it with no welding in mind, just made of flat aluminum bar or steel or whatever.. and the moving rig is easily removable, like modern kitchen draws!