Universal Camera Tilt/Rotate Mount

STORY

This project showcases how to make your DIY waterproof servo actuated pan/tilt camera holder. We designed this project for those looking to test outdoor camera’s capabilities mounted on mobile platforms (like for ex. Turtle Rover). Project is simple and low-cost thanks to 3d-printed parts and usage of hobby servos.

HOW IT WORKS

Rotation of camera holder is provided by standard sized D3015 waterproof servo. Force created by the weight of camera and second servo is working along the axis of rotation so additional bearing is not required – metal servo horn with threads will make it. Tilt of camera is actuated by the same D3015 waterproof servo but to make image more stable we decided to use small ball bearing (606ZZ) on the other side of servo. Place for camera is universal so it is possible to mount any camera – but feel free to make some custom mount for your camera. Wide-angle servos gives us ~300 degrees of rotation and ~45 degrees of tilt which is more than enough according to wide-angle of view in outdoor cameras.

ASSEMBLING

First step is to assemble servos to rotation base.

Use screws to make sure that servo won’t move. Assemble M5 threaded inserts with servo cover. You can do it by screwing long M5 bolt and then pressing it on press (or on chuck).

Hint: take big washer and put it on the second side to make sure that insert will fit properly.

Then use M3x4 bolts to attach servo horn to servo cover and M3x6 bolt to connect servo cover with servo.

Next step is to fit ball bearing into housing and press pin into ball bearing.

Then assemble servo (use the same screws as in the first servo) and attach horn into it servo (don’t use any bolts – just press it in). Bolt together both servo parts.

Last step is to attach camera mount – start from the pin side but be careful not to break the mount and then assemble it with servo horn.

SUMMARY

And that’s all! Simple, right? Now You have servo camera rotator with tilt that can operate under water. Case of steering servo’s I’m leaving for You but I suppose it won’t give You any trouble.

The camera rotator mount is designed to fit Turtle Rover upper platform.

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