Vertical Z Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

Here’s a design for all you amateur and professional videographers out there!

The handheld gimbal stabilizer has been one of the most significant game changers for independent filmmakers allowing professional results whilst removing the need for tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

But they still lack one vital ingredient, they don’t stabilize for up and down motion and rely on the filmmakers skill to minimise this motion with their arm.

This up and down vertical motion or Z axis motion isn’t always possible to reduce by hand especially with fast action or walking backwards.

That’s when I decided to build a Z axis stabilizer for handheld gimbals and after a number of design iterations I’m really happy with my Z Axis Gimbal Stabilizer with Fluid Dampening. It takes Gimbal cinematography to that next level!

Check out the showcase video here:

Check out the Assembly video here:

Note:This Z axis stabilizer will handle light to heavy rigs. The only thing you need to change is the springs – Links to springs are in the ‘Post Printing’ section.

The full list of parts is found in the Post Printing section below.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Prusa

Printer:

Prusa Mk2

Rafts:

No

Supports:

Yes

Resolution:

0.15

Infill:

15

Notes:

Most pieces were printed in PLA with 3 perimeters and with supports. Since the holder takes the most stress I’d suggest 4 perimeters and 25% fill.

There’s 3 different central gimbal holders in the file. These 3 are sized for gimbals with the sized handle diameter as follows;- under 28mm (1 in), under 34mm(1 1/3 in) [fits my Zhiyun Crane], under 40mm (1.58 in). (If your gimbal can’t fit any of these then let me know the size?)

I’ve only included one side of the arms and handles so you’ll need to mirror a copy of each of these for the full set.
The Fluid Dampening insert will need a total of 4 printed and the knobs need 2.

List of non-printing parts

10 x 1/4 in by 60mm (2.36 in) fully threaded mushroom head bolts
1 x 1/4 in by 25mm (1 in) fully threaded mushroom or round head bolts for upright gimbal screw
1 x 1/4 in by 35mm (1.38 in) fully threaded mushroom or round head bolts for inverted gimbal screw
10 x 1/4 in nuts
2 x 1/4 in wingnuts
2 x extension springs –
For Camera/Gimbal weight of 1.3kg to 3Kg use http://www.centuryspring.com/extension-spring-651.html
For Camera/Gimbal weight of 800gm to 1.2Kg use http://www.centuryspring.com/extension-spring-651.html

For very light rigs (around 500-800 grams) like the Feiyu G4 Plus & iPhone you could trial lighter springs as I’m sure there’s a spring that will work. Otherwise, next week I’m coming up with a single handed version that will use the same support arms and fluid dampening but have a purpose built handle and gimbal holder

Tube of thick grease – (see DIY video)
two part epoxy glue (Araldite)

Credits:

ScottyMakesStuff