A cooperation agreement between the Wroclaw University of Technology and the Audiovisual Technology Centre (CETA) was signed last year. Thanks to the agreement, students have access to modern technology. The first results of this cooperation are already visible. A WUT student, Jan Gajos, built innovative gimbals for the CETA.
Gimbals are devices which facilitate the work of camera operators and photographers thanks to image stabilization. They buffer all types of vibration related to e.g. the operator's movements, so that the image becomes smooth and stable.
Jan Gajos is a student of Automation and Control at the Department of Electronics. He constructed the gimbals as a part of compulsory student internship.
'We had classes in the Centre during the semester and when I saw all the technical background, I thought it would be fun to come here. I submitted an application for admission to the internship. I am very happy because working here provides big opportunities,' says the student of the Faculty of Electronics.
Originally, he had to make one gimbal, but it turned out that after all, two models will be needed. The first, smaller one is designed for cameras weighing up to 5 kg. To the second, much larger one, cameras weighing up to 8 kg can be mounted.
'Gimbals are made of carbon fiber, of which not only the 25 mm tubes, but also the assembling elements, were made. All metal parts are aluminum. The whole thing is light, but when engines are mounted, the weight of the device significantly increases. This is why we fit them to special racks - a vest with stabilizers, which greatly facilitates the work of the operator,' explains Gajos.
The devices are versatile enough to be used both by film and television cameramen. Each user can customize it to their needs by using a special, 32-bit driver.
'For example, you can adjust the camera's delay and rotation speed. There is also a button that makes the camera look down and return to the starting position. A joystick can also be mounted, to control the camera without the need of moving,' adds the young designer.
Currently, the gimbals are still in the testing phase. Works on them should be completed by the end of August.
'Let's not forget that the purchase of professional film equipment is always associated with considerable expense. If you built it yourself, you can save a lot and also achieve the desired effect,' adds Gajos.
