Tuesday, January 31, 2012

GoLapse: How to make a GoPro panning unit part 4



After years of building egg timer time lapse thing-a-ma-jigs, kitchen timers, panning units
ect ect ect,  I finally have a model I like and carry in my run bag everyday.
I call it the GoLapse.
When I first built these things I had a Canon Elph, then I found the original GoPro Hero.
Since then I have been almost exclusively using GoPros for work and play timelapses.
The problem with my original and even the Ikea timers was the size, too big to put in a
camera bag.  The two new modifications save size by using the GoPro mounting shoe.
The models differ in how they mount to your tripod.  The model below uses the mounting
design from my original timer, a !/2 inch metal screw to 1/4 20 coupling nut.  I have used this
design mounted to clamps and suction cups on vehicles traveling up to 70 mph for extended
periods of time with no problem.  So I would use this one in extreme circumstances.


The other version below is not as sturdy, but is so small it will fit into the smallest
go bag.  This GoLapse mounts to the tripod using a 1/4 20 nut super-glued to the
bottom of the timer unit.  If you over tighten or put excessive strain on this joint it will
break.  Most users can make this model easily and not run into any problems. 





Any cheap egg or kitchen timer can be modified into one of these GoLapses.
The two models here were made from Ikea Stam kitchen timers for $1.99.






Below are a few shots of the GoLapse in action at the Sarasota Chalk Festival.




9 comments:

  1. Great! I've been looking for something smaller for soon long!
    But how do you strip the ikea timer without damaging the fragile inside?
    And how did you get the more sturdy version together? The nut comes from top?I'd there room?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh an where did you glue the go pro foot on? Does it sit straight on a cogwheel?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, you glue the GoPro shoe onto the cogwheel.
    How do you get the Ikea timer open?
    Watch this video at :41 seconds to see how.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhYjD-stgMY

    The sturdy version base is covered in my original video at :23 seconds in.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJOx7wtt62Q&feature=plcp
    Any other questions?
    Fire away.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Can I buy one of these from you?

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm not selling these right now, I have a new version in the works that I may sell in the future. Its not hard to build one, you should give it a try. Stay tuned, I'm always trying
    to figure out hw to make a better mouse trap.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for the informative videos. Can this version support the weight of a DSLR camera? If it doesn't, hopefully your next version will be able to do so, and allow people with DSLRs make panning time lapse videos without having to buy the GoPro.

    ReplyDelete
  7. No, these timers are not strong enough to use a DSLR safely, your camera might get damaged.
    I originally built these timers for my Canon Elph not the GoPro. They will work with any
    small camera that has the ability to shoot time-lapse. Check part 1 and 2 for build instructions, part five will be on the way soon. I am still looking for a cheap design for DSLRs, stay tuned, there are many higher dollar products on the market if you have the cash.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Is there any option to slow down the timer? You know for eg. to take longer timlapse in a 180° of view? Have a more than 60minutes to take 360° panorama? Thanks a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Irrigation timers. I have a prototype, I just have not made the DIY yet, someday I will get around to making it.
    Stay tuned!

    ReplyDelete

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