UAV tutorials and Guides

GoPro Gimbal Assembly Guide

11/3/2013

There are 3 main versions of the gopro gimbal, the standard verson that you can mount onto your frame, a version that can be attached to your DJI Phantom frame, and a gopro gimbal with 155mm landing legs. Assembly instructions are similar for all three with the exception of the top adaptor plates.

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Assembly Video

Pitch Axis Assembly

Join together the bottom camera plate using the M2.5 screws and self locking nuts.

Once complete attach the velcro strip to the horizontal camera plate.

Main Part Assembly

Now you need to install the pitch servo.
Its important to use the spring washers to stop the servo from vibrating loose.
Also take note of the location of the servo as shown in the image.

Now mount the main part of the gimbal using m3x10 screws and the 20mm nylon standoffs

Take the two side pieces and slide them into the main part that you attached the nylon spacers too.
The spacers and side pieces need to point in the same direction
Take note of the side the servo is in (right)

Now you need to attach the back part onto the assembly as shown.

Now you need to attach the ball bearings onto the the gimbal as shown.
You might need to use some pliers if you cant get them in by hand.
The flange of the bearing needs to be on the outside of the gimbal.

Now you will attach the pan axis assembly to the main assembly using the M3x10 screws and self locking nuts.
You need to also use the black ball bearing spacers. Take note of the orientation as there is a small groove for the bearings.

You will need to make the nuts tight, but don't over-tighten them as the pitch axis of the gimbal needs to be able to move freely.

Depending on the type of gimbal you are using, (standard, DJI Phantom, or Landing legs version these steps will be slightly different. The landing legs version instructions are shown towards the end of this guide.

Roll Axis Assembly (Standard/DJI Phantom Version)

You will not need to attach the roll axis servo as shown.
Take note of the orientation of the servo on the plate.
Its important to use the spring washers to stop the servo from vibrating loose.

Using the M2.5 screws and lock nuts, attach the plates to the top part as shown.

Repeat this again for the plate with the roll servo attached to it

Now you will need to attach the roll axis ball bearings onto the main part of the gimbal
This time the flanges on the bearings are on the inside of the main assembly.

Now you will need to put the two assemblies together using the remaining screws and lock nuts. You will also need to use the last 2 ball bearing spacers.

ROLL AXIS ASSEMBLY (Landing Legs VERSION)

You will first need to attach the four rubber washers onto the plates as shown.

Now you need to attach the roll servo onto the plate.
Take note of the orientation of the servo on the plate - the servo horn attachment is closes to the one side, not the middle of the plate.
Its important to use the spring washers to stop the servo from vibrating loose.

Using the M3x10 screws and black nylon spacers, connect teh two plates together as shown

Now you will need to connect the two assemblies together
This is the same as the standard version, so for attaching this see the standard version above
When you have finished building the gimbal, it simply slides onto the tubes of the landing leg.

Connecting the Servo Horns

Before you connect the servo horns, you need to put your servos into their neutral position
This is done by connecting a servo tester, or connecting them to your receiver(that is powered)
You will also need to connect the ball snaps onto the servo horns.
Connect the blue push rods to the gimbal as shown in the images.

Now you need to connect your gimbal to your frame and flight controller and attach your gopro style camera! Happy Flying!

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