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Post by JohnC on Jul 27, 2013 10:23:25 GMT
This thread is to hold news of the upcoming BLD-Driver add-on module for direct-drive brushless motors.
This module will connect directly to the G-Lock modules and will come in a 2-channel and single channel model. It will allow full 3-axis stabilisation by simply connecting the G-Lock HSL output to a 2-axis unit (for tilt and roll) then daisychaining this to a single axis module which will drive the PAN. All features etc of the G-Lock will be retained.
With the Signal-Master module, it will also be possible to combine servo-motors and brushless motors on the same gimbal if desired, which will allow an upgrade in stages.
The module should be available in the late summer of 2013. The price is TBD at this time.
This is a clip from the module on a simple Go-Pro 2-axis mount. The rubber isolators are a bit too soft and it has a little wobble on the unstabilised pan-axis which can be ignored.
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Post by JohnC on Aug 8, 2013 11:05:20 GMT
Here's another clip with a bit of tuning on the brushless motor drive module and a firmer mounting for the camera:
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Post by birdseyeproductions on Sept 4, 2013 15:48:33 GMT
Really interested in this. Great to see you are still around!  Josh |
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Post by Shooting High on Sept 16, 2013 19:48:15 GMT
Any news on progress John? Updates are always appreciated. I am waiting for the BM Controller and Signal Master to be ready before placing an order.
Thanks
Andrew
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Post by JohnC on Sept 17, 2013 12:24:49 GMT
Hey Andrew,
Things are busy with the BLD modules to implement the Steady-Shoot mode (similar to majestic mode on movi). It has needed a couple of mods to the hardware to enable the CARVEC HSL (High Speed Link) to work with multiple devices on one bus but all that side is working now and it's a case of finishing the software and testing. The good part is that it will allow more device to be daisychained (eg thumb controller etc) without any extra wires to the G-Lock.
We've had a bit of bad luck with postal services - BLD modules going missing in the post and some unforeseen delays so the field testing of the BLD modules is ongoing. Things look pretty good as far as the hardware goes now so it's a case of making sure it all works reliably before having them made in quantity.
I'm hoping for a test gimbal to arrive here soon in the UK (a special item from Fabien at E-Copter) as the I used for the above videos is in Thailand keeping warm.
JohnC
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Post by Shooting High on Sept 18, 2013 21:50:05 GMT
Excellent. Thanks for the update John. What you are doing with the BLD sounds amazing. This will give a massive amount of flexibility to how we are able to set up a gimbal. Right now I am working on reconfiguring my CS3 gimbal with a different drive for each axis. Radian with servo for pan, brushless via pulley and belt for roll and direct brushless for tilt. I need to keep two receivers for pilot and camera operator (handled nicely by a full Radian setup) and to be able also to control camera remotely. This would be so much easier to do with your BLD and Signal Master. :-)
Andrew
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Post by ovdt on Sept 25, 2013 6:16:19 GMT
Greet to see you are in action, John.
The current BLD controller offerings lack of several features:
* They can't handle powerful motors because of the current limitation passing over the controllers.
* Software and firmware setup is kind of pain. Alexmos gas reolved this with the recent upgrades though.
I am wondering how much current and voltage will your controller will be able handle? I am sure if the controller can drive powerful motors required for 10lbs range cameras without issues, your controller will be a killer.
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Post by JohnC on Sept 26, 2013 19:26:42 GMT
Hi 'ovdt',
Thanks ! - though I've been in action constantly with one thing and another.
The design of the G-Lock means that the BLD modules will simply daisychain to the main G-Lock module. The idea is that you can mix-and-match BLD modules to match motors and for easy upgrading in the future to bigger motors.
The initial BLD module is 3-5A - though once the software is finished we will look at paralleling the two channels in each module to give one channel with double the current. Others can be daisychained from this for the other motors. When the first BLD is finished, higher-power modules will be relatively easy as the majority of the R&D is already done. We will certainly be making bigger ones to match some of the new motor types becoming available.
As far as voltage goes, all components are designed for at least 6S packs - though we have some test to do to check the regulators don't get hot. If they do, it is fixed easily with a low-power 5V BEC.
JohnC
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Post by JohnC on Oct 9, 2013 6:52:16 GMT
Quick update:
The hardware and software design for the brushless module is now almost complete and is working very well.
The modules have now been put out for manufacture and we will get back with pricing information and availability as soon as we have information.
The modules will be available in 2 versions : a 5A dual channel module (for tilt+roll) and a 10A single channel module for bigger motors. The modules simply daisychain - so you could use 3 10A modules if required.
Fabien from E-Copter will be making some tutorials and we hope to get some demo videos from the beta testers online soon.
The Signal-Master also dasiychains with the BLD modules - so you can have any combination of servos and/or brushless motors in a gimbal driven using a single G-Lock :-).
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Post by ovdt on Oct 10, 2013 10:14:30 GMT
Very exciting news John! Quick update: The hardware and software design for the brushless module is now almost complete and is working very well. The modules have now been put out for manufacture and we will get back with pricing information and availability as soon as we have information. The modules will be available in 2 versions : a 5A dual channel module (for tilt+roll) and a 10A single channel module for bigger motors. The modules simply daisychain - so you could use 3 10A modules if required. Fabien from E-Copter will be making some tutorials and we hope to get some demo videos from the beta testers online soon. The Signal-Master also dasiychains with the BLD modules - so you can have any combination of servos and/or brushless motors in a gimbal driven using a single G-Lock :-). |
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jochen
Gimbal Cleaner
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Post by jochen on Oct 27, 2013 18:44:06 GMT
Hi
Is the GLock with a BL Motor Controller what is used in the freefly Movi ?
Or did they programm something else on their own ?
Regards Jochen
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Post by JohnC on Oct 28, 2013 7:38:00 GMT
Jochen,
The G-Lock brushless motor system is a brand new product and completely independent from anything Freefly have.
Other than licensing the original Radian software to Freefly, CARVEC is not involved with Freefly at all and all our products are developed & owned by us.
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Post by JohnC on Nov 17, 2013 10:08:11 GMT
Update:
The first production modules will be arriving this week (I hope) for initial testing. They will be given a final test to be sure everything is OK the main batch will follow 10 days after the green light is given.
I've started another thread which will show the upgrade of a cinestar mount and also some flight videos from the final tests later this week. As soon as everything looks OK we will publish pricing and availability. We might even have some special offers for the launch ;-).
Stay tuned ...
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