School me on Cable Cam Systems - DIY, Cheap Ready to go systems, RC controlled etc

[Alexander1310]

Alright so I'm looking to incorporate a cable cam system into my filming. I'll be using a Sony HDR-FX7 and GoPro HD Hero as my cams for now (hoping to upgrade to the Panasonic HMC150 eventually).

I've seen plenty of DIY gravity fed systems, those with adjustable pan and tilt capabilities, static carrier models, etc. I haven't seen much in the way of DIY with RC cervos and motors or inexpensive systems.

Just looking for some input, URLs, or bit of helpful info on this matter. I know kidwoo has done some work with them so hopefully he chimes in.

[kidwoo]

I just built a trolly out of some aluminum bar stock and some clothesline wheels and send it down a 200' climbing rope.

I can fit the whole thing in a backpack and hike it around (plus an extension ladder) so I don't really have any interest in any remote control stuff.

Just do some searching on zip lines and see how to make a bungee brake. Don't ever forget the brake.

[Alexander1310]

Alright sounds good. And portability is a good thing. Did you have to do any counterweight work to balance the cam out, or did you just offset the mount to compensate for weight?

[kidwoo]

I just made a sideways "U" out of two steel L brackets. That allows me to spin and tilt the camera.

Here's the general idea. I replaced the pulleys with two bigger clothesline wheels with bearings.





From this thread via trackhead (see his rig too)

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ight=neckbeard

[Alexander1310]

That's pretty much what I've envisioned to far. I'm thinking about starting out simplistically and then maybe upgrading to RC components later on. I was going to run cable but after reading everything that's been talked about I'll probably just go with a static line.

[kidwoo]

Yeah I'd definitely do a static line or a climbing rope. Cable is friggin heavy.


A buddy of mine uses 300ft of static line for his MANNED cable setup.

[Alexander1310]

I have thought of doing the manned cable setup, but I question tension properties versus available tree strength, sway, time in resetting the rig, etc. Do you have any pics of his rig? What do you think of his rig?

[kidwoo]

I don't have any pics. To be honest it wasn't that different than setting up my rig. You just have to go A LOT higher since you get way more line sag. So you need a bigger ladder. Plus his rope was heavier and kind of a pain in the ass to carry up hill.

I just don't really have any desire to carry around a bigger ladder, send myself down the thing, and be more anal about keeping my rope off the ground and in good shape. The benefits in my opinion aren't worth it over a stationary angle.

[XtrPickels]

The best part of this thread is that Woo searched for the pic of his setup with the term "neck beard".

[kidwoo]

The best part of this thread is that Woo searched for the pic of his setup with the term "neck beard".

I was hoping someone would catch that


That scarred me deeply.

[Alexander1310]

The best part of this thread is that Woo searched for the pic of his setup with the term "neck beard".

Oh my gosh. I totally didn't notice that even after reading the entire trackhead post. Well done kidwoo, you've brought it to another level and made us proud. (but honestly that's probably the most precise keyword to find that specific thread.)