Solo Gimbal - Handheld conversion

Jesse · Oct 7, 2015

What would be involved to take a Solo gimbal and make a hand held unit? It has a HDMI out as well as is 3 axis. What a great start. I have basic electronic knowledge.

Wish list...
Charge GoPro 4 Silver from power source
Wired HDMI to onboard monitor
Possibility to control pan and tilt. Wired and/or wirelessly
Possible control from wired buttons like start/stop record

Thank you for all your help. And please excuse any ignorance to the tech of this project. That is why I am seeking help before I toast something.

Materials I have
Various Rods and connectors for mounting
GoPro 4 Silver
HDMI Monitor
8 axis thumb joystick from radio shack. Game controller replacement type
Complete solo iris plus for parts including controller

jbh1126 · Oct 7, 2015

Why ruin this gimbal that we've all waited so long for? Just buy one already built.

Jesse · Oct 7, 2015

Not ruining it. Besides, I have 3.

jbh1126 · Oct 7, 2015

Jesse said:
Not ruining it. Besides, I have 3.

I don't imagine a way to make it handheld without tearing it down a bit. Other than mounting it to some kind of board or pole and just using the controller's tilt controls.

Jesse · Oct 7, 2015

jbh1126 said:
I don't imagine a way to make it handheld without tearing it down a bit. Other than mounting it to some kind of board or pole and just using the controller's tilt controls.

I want to use what I have available. I like projects, and challenges.

Adimuzio513 · Oct 7, 2015

Jesse said:
I want to use what I have available. I like projects, and challenges.

Did you see the video of the solo rig, it looks easily doable and may look kinda funny but that's the only route I see without making it unusable for solo.

Adimuzio513 · Oct 7, 2015

Guy makes some funny vids normally totally joking, but this one he says is working and I see no reason it would be hard to do something similar with what you have. He's a member here as well if you have any questions he posts in that thread a few times.

Adimuzio513 · Oct 7, 2015

Welcome to the forum as well, great place to start for projects, questions or anything solo related.

Good luck and post what you come up with if ya don't mind.

Jesse · Oct 7, 2015

Adimuzio513 said:
Welcome to the forum as well, great place to start for projects, questions or anything solo related.

Good luck and post what you come up with if ya don't mind.

Absolutely, thank you.

Jesse · Oct 8, 2015

Adimuzio513 said:
Did you see the video of the solo rig, it looks easily doable and may look kinda funny but that's the only route I see without making it unusable for solo.

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Wow, that is crazy. Im actually wanting to make it small as possible. Thanks though. Very interesting.

Jesse · Oct 8, 2015

I know there are some smart people reading this...

SteveReno · Oct 8, 2015

DJI just came out with a new hand held Gimbal with or with out camera. with camera about $700!

DJI's Pricey Osmo Stabilizes Your 4K Shots For You | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

DJI Official - Osmo | DJI

emulsiondown · Oct 8, 2015

I just got the email from DJI and their latest from the lab. Gotta say it's cool and from the video I saw looks like it's works well. Great if you're a DJI nut... But as we're all GoPro nuts (I am) I want something like our SOLO gimbal that works already with the GoPro in mind.

My choice after quite a bit of research is this wee thing http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TQ442BY/ref=s9_dcbhz_bw_d0_g421_i1_sh $299 great companion when you've got a dedicated GoPro on the SOLO and another for ground work and views!

What do you think?

JonW · Oct 9, 2015

SteveReno said:
DJI just came out with a new hand held Gimbal with or with out camera. with camera about $700!

DJI's Pricey Osmo Stabilizes Your 4K Shots For You | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

DJI Official - Osmo | DJI

Interesting that the headline of the story is that it's "pricey." When I saw the promos I expected $1000-1500. And it's actually $649. 4k camera included. I think it's a steal!

Bernardo Camarena · Oct 10, 2015

I love it!

VideoArch · Oct 10, 2015

emulsiondown said:
I just got the email from DJI and their latest from the lab. Gotta say it's cool and from the video I saw looks like it's works well. Great if you're a DJI nut... But as we're all GoPro nuts (I am) I want something like our SOLO gimbal that works already with the GoPro in mind.

My choice after quite a bit of research is this wee thing http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TQ442BY/ref=s9_dcbhz_bw_d0_g421_i1_sh $299 great companion when you've got a dedicated GoPro on the SOLO and another for ground work and views!

What do you think?

Been using an earlier version of this for almost a year now. Just love this thing. I use it it situations were I can't fly a Drone by mounting it on 1 inch PVC pipe and putting it 15 feet in the air. Will be using it in downtown DC next month in a shoot. This baby rules!!

emulsiondown · Oct 10, 2015

I think it's a great deal if you don't already own two hero 4 blacks. I pretty much sold on the model I linked above.

VideoArch · Oct 10, 2015

I have ordered from these folks in China for years with no problems. If you want to experiment with the latest gimbals and stabilization alternatives and want stuff super cheap. Here ya go ..........

DJI Phantom Brushless Gimbal Camera Mount w/ Motor & Controller for Gopro3 FPV Aerial Photography $46.71 Free Shipping @GoodLuckBuy.com

Jesse · Oct 10, 2015

SO how should I direct wire the solo gimbal with a battery. This is the wiring from within the solo itself.
I at least want it to power on a separate battery to get started.

Jesse · Oct 10, 2015

So here is a photo I snapped of the on board connector for the Solo Gimbal. I also have some custom milled parts for the handles I an working on. It has ball mounts for Mic, monitor and light if needed.