Pole Configuration
The most recent configuration for the Reconfigurable Rig is the portrait pole configuration. It utilizes components found in the Reconfigurable Rig kit, including 1/4" wooden dowels and nylon cable clamps.
Pole Testing
Yesterday, @mathew and I had the chance to take the rig out into the field and try it out.
Pole Panorama Method
While testing the rig, @mathew developed a method for keeping the pole steady while rotating the camera for a panorama. By resting the pole on the toes of your shoes and using that foot as a pivot point, it is easy to give the pole a consistent turn without causing too much movement.
Reconfigurable Rig GitHub Repository
The Reconfigurable Rig project, including files for CAD and assembly instructions is now live as a GitHub repository, located here. All files are currently up to date including the pole rig configuration.
What would you like to improve?
Are there any other configurations or improvements you'd like to make to the Reconfigurable Rig? I'd encourage those with interest in the Reconfigurable Rig project to create their own versions in the GitHub repository!
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@Ecta64 that's interesting, and it makes sense that the panorama would turn out that way since the bend at the top of the pole is rotating along with the camera. I guess the trick would be figuring out where the "bagel hole" overlaps with the edges of the next bagel if you're trying to map a large area. We haven't had a chance to stitch the photos from the park, so I'm not sure if @mathew and I guessed right on the spacing from that mapping.
One precaution to prevent crushing the pole is to attach only to the double-thick area at the top of the tube. Right where the pole sections stack, they've added as second layer of carbon fiber wrapping and an extra coat of polyester resin:
That said, @cfastie is right it--it would be great to plug the end to prevent the pole from being crushed. It would have to be tapered to match the taper of the pole and inserted from the bottom. It should probably be locked in place with a screw & washer on top. carbon fiber is great in tension, so pulling the plug very snug to the top of the pole would provide the best re-enforcement, essentially pre-stressing the pole outward in tension before compressing it with the cable clamp. Screwing a screw in to pull the plug upwards is an easy way to do this.
But what shape should the plug be? Each pole section is a regular cone, so by measuring the outside diameter of the cone at multiple points, we can determine its angle. Starting from a measurement of the inside diameter of the top of the pole and using the cone's angle to extrapolate downwards, a conical plug could be designed.
It would probably be a quick 3D print, although allowing for the shrinkage of the plastic will be a bit tough. I imagine for people wanting to lift micro 4/3rds and other larger cameras this would be a real helpful addition.
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While we were hacking away on this, I tried two landscape mounts for the camera.
Adding a small ball head to the top was pretty successful:
This layout looks promising:
But while it photographs well, it won't hold nearly still enough to be used for photography. The wood twists and it wiggles everywhere:
I think the basic idea is sound but it needs better right angle turns. l may revisit it with some cut wood panels instead of entirely cable clamp construction.
](//i.publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/017/584/original/P_20160812_094400_HDR.png)
That said, [@cfastie](/profile/cfastie) is right it--it would be great to plug the end to prevent the pole from being crushed. It would have to be tapered to match the taper of the pole and inserted from the bottom. It should probably be locked in place with a screw & washer on top. carbon fiber is great in tension, so pulling the plug very snug to the top of the pole would provide the best re-enforcement, essentially pre-stressing the pole outward in tension before compressing it with the cable clamp. Screwing a screw in to pull the plug upwards is an easy way to do this.
But what shape should the plug be? Each pole section is a regular cone, so by measuring the outside diameter of the cone at multiple points, we can determine its angle. Starting from a measurement of the inside diameter of the top of the pole and using the cone's angle to extrapolate downwards, a conical plug could be designed.
It would probably be a quick 3D print, although allowing for the shrinkage of the plastic will be a bit tough. I imagine for people wanting to lift micro 4/3rds and other larger cameras this would be a real helpful addition.
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This looks like nicely elegant and simple solution. I might add two things: 1) a lanyard that connects the camera to the second smallest pole section (it can be duct taped to the pole), and 2) a plug inserted into the end of the pole to prevent crushing. The plug might not be critical, but it's so easy to do that it might be worthwhile.
Very cool,
Chris
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That's good thinking Chris, I'll be adding a note in the instructions about the lanyard. I'll have to experiment with some plugs that might work, the pole cracking under pressure is definitely a concern when tightening down the clamps.
Thanks, Ranon
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