Vol. 15: Time-Lapse Panning

Make ultraslow motion-control camera mounts, on a budget.

By Jay Burlage

Photos by Jay Burlage



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Materials for Autostar mount

Wood used (light and strong): 2-3/4" x 1/2" x 4'-0" Poplar board

Lower section
This is a 3-1/2" x 4" box

  • 3/32" x 4" flathead stove bolts (4x - washer, locknut, and caphead at each corner)
  • 3/8" threaded brass wood sleeve (for tripod connection)

Middle section

  • 51108 Thrust Bearing 40x60x13” (I found this at vxb.com)

Upper section
This is a 2-1/2" x 3-1/4" U-shape

  • 3/32" x 3" flathead stove bolts (4x - washer, locknut and caphead at each corner)
  • 1-3/8" x 14" centered arm with 1/4" routed slots and 1/4" threaded brass wood sleeve and 1/4" knob (lock for drive shaft) with copper pipe hangers (2x)
  • 1-3/8" x 12" extension arm with 1/4" threaded brass wood sleeve and 1/4" knob - 1/4" holes spaced at 1" OC
  • 1/4" threaded rod and 1/4" tapped and capped 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" pipe filled with lead wool (counterweight - not air travel friendly!)
  • Drive shafts - M10 bolts 4" horizontal and 3" horizontal
  • M10 thin washers - Lots of them
  • M10 shim nuts and M10 lock nuts - to lock the Meade kit gear onto the drive Shaft

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