DIYP Reviews The Revolve Motorized Slider

The revolve RAM (Revolve Automated Motion) is a simple motor for adding motion to a slider. It sits right there in the middle of the price range at $400, right between the $200 DIY solution and the higher end motors like the $600 Rhino motion or the $800 Syrp Genie.

How It Works?

The idea behind the slider is simple, you connect a arm to your cart using an arm, and then you connect a timing belt to your slider and the motor can push or pull on the belt. This means that the motor is working when the camera is shooting and you have to take that into account when planning your shot.

There are two levels of speed selections, a rough one and a fine one. You select the rough speed by selecting a motor and once a motor is selected you can control the speed of the motor. You would probably want fast for live moves and slow for time lapses

In The Box

• A motor (you can buy additional motors)
• Timing Belt
• Cart Mount and Side brackets for the timing belt
• Controller units
• Case
• 2 Allen keys, a small screwdriver and electrical cable.

Our Tweaks

We made two tweaks to the unit, to eliminate the many tools needed to set it up. The first one was using a different set of battery holder so we don’t have to open and close the battery chamber on the field. The second one was to 3D print knobs to replace the Allen screws on the side bars.

Test

We tested the RAM unit on a Rhino slider and my big take is that this is a good budget option if you take the time to familiarize yourself with the tool. We aimed at taking a time lapse in Eilat and our first test went pretty well. When we wet up for the sunset, we wanted to take a slower move and we changed the knob position almost all the way to the left. Sadly that did not leave enough power in the motor to push the cart and we ended up with a stationary shot.

I like the fact that the controls are very simple, but you really REALLY need to know how it works before taking it out on the field.

Pros:

• A cheap reliable option for adding movement to slider shots ($400)
• Small
• Easy to operate, only one setting
• Works with every slider via two small brackets
• Love the case

Cons

• The unit lacks feedback
• You need to REALLY REALLY know it before taking it out on the field. We missed our sunset….
• Too many small tools (you can overcome this though )

Conclusion

The revolve RAM is a nice budget option, just make sure you run some tests and get to know the unit before taking it out.

[RAM, $400 @Revolve Camera]