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Some questions of my DIY project

Started Aug 8, 2015 | Discussions thread
drh681
drh681 Forum Pro • Posts: 20,742
I'm not an engineer, but...
1

AlehCemy wrote:

Hey all,

I'm currently designing a DIY project involving a portable track for time lapse and dollies and a pan-tilt head. However, I live in a weather that can be a little tricky, because of humidity and heat. So I'm obviously worried about the materials I'm going to use. I know I'll probably use carbon fiber as the rail (I'll use a system of "snap" connections with shock cords) because of its portability and resistance.

Now, I don't know if I do a closed case for the platform that is going on rail (which will have the motor and controller), because I don't know how much heat will be generated inside. Is there any way I can do a estimative of how hot will be inside? And which material would be best for the case? Aluminum may have the problem of heat after a time shooting.

I have no idea of what I can use as legs for the rail, since I want it to be extendible to a certain height, portable and easy to mount. Any ideas? I have some ideas for the mounting, but not for the portable and extendable part.

And about the pan-tilt head, I don't know if I should use 3D printing (carbon fiber or ABS) or aluminum to do the case. The cost will be more or less the same. What do you guys think? Anyone has a good material to understand better the differences on harmony drives, DC motors, stepper motors and so on? I thought about using a DC motor with a belt drive system but I don't know if it will allow a smoother operation, slower pans and high precision.

Sorry for the many questions, I'm still learning things along the way. And sorry for any writing mistake

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