Introducing the GS2
The GS2 under development is a breakthrough in handheld (or body vest and articulated arm) video camera stabilization combining standard inertial stabilization and gimbal isolation with state of the art gyro dynamic stabilization. The gyro dynamic stabilization greatly reduces tilt and roll swaying common to passive inertial stabilizers during motion shots. With the GS2 a skilled stabilizer operator can achieve new levels of motion videography performance, and even the least experienced operator can produce remarkable sway free ambulatory shots.
The GS2 gyromotors are custom designed high efficiency three phase brushless direct current motors with integral flywheels. The gyromotors are individually balanced for low vibration and are contained in a sealed magnesium case filled with helium.
Each gyromotor is controlled by a dedicated 16 bit microprocessor to insure fast startup, maximum running efficiency and fast dynamic braking during shutdown. Start up time is less than 1 minute and the gyromotors are stopped in about 30 seconds using controlled dynamic braking. Gyromotor speed can be switched between Hi and Lo to conserve battery life and reduce startup time to about 30 seconds. The electronics provide battery protection shutdown, low battery warning, and correct gyro speed indication through a simple user control interface consisting of 1 pushbutton and 4 LEDs.
The GS2 is powered with 6 standard AA NiMh rechargeable batteries. Ordinary alkaline AA batteries can also be used in a pinch. Using NiMh batteries rated at 2700 maH the operating time is over 100 minutes.
A rack and pinion x-y stage for camera positioning combined with separate bubble levels for horizon and tilt allow easy stabilizer adjustment. The camera attaches to the stabilizer with a quick release dovetail plate. Correct z-axis balance for cameras from between 2 and 6 pounds weight is achieved with different camera mounting plates and weights attached to the gyro pod. Fine z-axis adjustment is obtained with the threaded gimbal mount and locking ring.
The six ball bearing gimbal provides consistent smooth isolation. A pan lock on the operator handle provides an additional useful control mode.
While the gyromotors make up nearly half of the GS2 weight, die cast magnesium and aluminum structural parts are used to provide a rigid, rugged and lowest possible weight platform.
The GS2 is a precision instrument (some critical gyromotor dimensions are toleranced to +-0.0001 in., and there are 14 ball bearings in the GS2), but it is designed for the same environmental and handling practices used with today’s video cameras.
Gyro dynamic stabilization restricts the rate of operator control of camera tilt or roll to about 15 degrees per second. Pan control is generally not restricted.
Preliminary Specifications:
- Supported camera weight range: 2 to 6 lbs with camera mount extender and gryo pod weights
- Stabilizer weight: 4 lbs for cameras up to 3.5 lbs. (total weight 7.5 lbs), increasing to 5 lbs. for cameras up to 6 lbs. (total weight 11 lbs.)
- Dimensions: 19 in. tall, 10 in. long, 4 in. wide
- Batteries: 6 AA NiMh rechargeable
- Operating time: Over 100 minutes
- Gyromotors: Outer rotor integral flywheel three phase BLDC
- Construction: Structural parts are magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy and steel
- Ambient Operating temperature: 40 F to 100 F
