Build your own 3-axis gimbal

As we wrote earlier, GoPro introduced their new Karma grip and made it available for purchase. While it really seems to do a marvelous job for stabilizing your videos, not everyone can afford it. And when you’re tight on budget, you can always get creative. In this tutorial, you will see step by step instructions for making your own 3-axis gimbal. And considering it’s DIY, the results it gives are fantastic.

You will need:

• Gimbal
• 12v battery
• Joystick (optional)
• Gopro mounts
• Waterproof Box
• Stainless steel round tube rod
• Bicycle handlebar end grips
• 3D printer
• Epoxy glue

Building steps

Step 1: Start by drilling holes in the box and mounting the gimbal onto it using the screws you’ll get with it.

Step 2: Use bicycle handlebar end grips and attach one on each end of the steel rod. Measure the rod and mark the center, and then cut it in half. After this, hone the rods to make them smooth and even.

Step 3: You’ll need to 3D print the mounts for attaching the steel rods. After this is done, run the epoxy along the rim of the rod and the 3d printed mount, and then stuff the mount inside the rod.

Step 4: Next, peel the back of the flat GoPro mount off and stick it to the sides of the plastic box. Pay attention to mount them evenly. Attach the 3d printed mount into its slot, and screw in the threaded rod.

Step 5: Add the battery inside the box and attach it to the gimbal. And this is basically it. The gimbal is all set and ready for testing.

Step 6: If you want to upgrade the gimbal and make it really fancy, you can add the joystick, too. You’ll need to detach the gimbal from the plastic box first and flip it over to find the connectors. Then, connect these to the joystick. Plug a micro USB connector into the gimbal and connect the board to your computer (you can use Storm 32 configuration tool).

For the additional details about drilling, attaching and making things permanent, make sure to watch the video. You can also find detailed and comprehensive instructions here. And don’t forget to send us some example videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0EJydIysNQ

[Homemade 3 Axis Gimbal via Instructables]