Teleprompter Project Under Way...

Okay, so I have had some progress.  I was able to locate beam splitter glass right here in lovely downtown Gastonia.  (Thank you Dixie Glass!)  I purchased a custom-cut 15X15 plate just a few minutes ago and not it is on to the design.  The project will consist of this 15X15 glass a custom-built frame, an old Dell laptop running Kubuntu Linux and some software.  I will be designing today (which will probably include me picking the brain of my friend Tim - "the idea man") and will start posting info in the next day or so.  I am excited.  There is a new DVD project that I am putting together for the church and this will come in very handy!  Talk to you soon!

Update...

Well, the arm is done (yeah right - there is always a mod in my head) and I will have pictures of the car carrier I built for it soon enough. I am now updating the blog on upcoming projects that are in the works.

* Thrill Cam - A safe housing for waterproof and safety filming in heavy weather situations
* Teleprompter - Using Open Source (= Free or there about) software, fabric and 2 way mirror
* Green Screen Lighting rig - Self explanatory
* Sound Room - For Voice over and maybe even foley work
* Dollies and Rail Cams

These are a few of my favorite things... Talk to you soon!

The Jib in Action

Well, I spent some time on polishing the aluminum tubing and the tail-piece.  The tail-piece is the one with the holes.  (More about those holes later)  

The look is pretty good I think. But the jury is still out.  Here is a couple images of them for you.

The black disc here is for trim weighting.  This shifts up and down the tail to shift the balance for different situations.  

The last image is the crane from the weights.

Also another video for you -
Jib Completed

Jib In Action

Well, at long last, I have completed the jib.  It still needs some cosmetic work, but it works well.  It now has a sliding tailpiece that allows the weight to be shifted for more precise adjustment.

I have made some major changes and will post all of the new images this week.  Here is a video to show just a bit of what has been done.

Jib Movie

MAJOR Redesign underway

I was unhappy with the camera platform, so I have now scrapped the original idea and have come up with a new one. I will have it up ASAP along with the dolly designs. Bear with me... :)

Okay, so it has been a while...

I know I have been a bit lax for the last bit. To be honest the rig is being stored in a building here at the massive studios of media413. It has been a very busy time. I am now redesigning the camera platform after watching an episode of "On The Lot" - great show by the way -

I think by this new design I will be able to have more stability and a better look. I will update as soon as I have something viable...

Also, I am looking (for another project) at building a stable platform for shooting on the water. Til next time!

Okay, I have been promising pictures and so here are some preliminary ones. Thanks to my wife, I am in the process of building. She has been very understanding with my obsessions. :) These are all images of what I have just completed. This is the actual head of the jib arm. I am building the platform for the servos to sit.

This is the heart and soul of the operation. This allows for tilt and pan operation by wireless remote control. It is surprisingly agile.





Another angle showing the side-view of the tilt/pan.












Here is the box for the actual tripod that I have purchased for this. I love this thing. I included this image just to give you the model number.











Here is the tripod. Sorry for the side ways shot - I got in a hurry. I will be building a bunch more tomorrow. :) TTYL

Update...

I have done more engineering on the arm. It has been planned out (for the most part) and will be posting pictures of it as they become available. I am making a much more modular design that will work with both the new arm and the smaller (indoor) arm from before. Both are going to be able to utilize the remote pan and tilt functions and both arms will be wired for video, the Panasonic' s controls (hopefully - easier said than done), LANC for the Sony/Canon breed. I am READY to get this puppy running!

Until next time!

It has begun...

Well, I have the concept down. I have been searching for the perfect base. All of you video people know that you really can't get better than a Bogen/Manfrotto tripod - but at $200, it is just a bit out of my reach. So, in walks Northern Tools and equipment. Did you know that they sell a tripod made by CST/berger that has the same basic design as a Manfrotto, but only costs $69.99. For stability, it will hold my full weight with absolutely no problem. Modifications will be minor to make it exactly what the doctor ordered for the new jib arm's platform. I will keep you posted on progress and will give some pictures soon.

Also, I may try my hand at a "Fig Rig" - not for $650, but more in the range of $35. I will detail it as I get to it. Talk to you later!


Mike

New Ideas Abound!!!

I am now in the process (after viewing a demo reel from Denmark) of designing my new Jib Arm/Dolly assembly. The new idea is completely about portability and automation. I will keep you updated as it comes together.

A little background...

I have ALWAYS been interested in technology, but nothing has pulled me in more than video. Naturally, when the computer industry and the video industry married, I was blown away. I have since worked in the field of video and computers in some way, since I was able to wedge my foot in. My last gig, before becoming a minister for the church of Christ in Gastonia, NC (www.gastoniachurchofChrist.com), was as a DVD producer in Wilmington, NC.

Fast forward, I have now left the Windows world of video (although Sony Vegas Video served me quite well) for a much more stable video environment - the iMac Dual Core 2 Intel. Current (ever changing) equipment list -

Cameras:
Panasonic 3ccd GS-150, GS-29, Canon Optura 20, Elura 40MC
Hopefully soon a Sony HC3 High-Def Camera


Purchased Gear (Mostly ebay):
Glidecam 2000

Software:
Sony Vegas Video 7 (Now very secondary)
Apple Final Cut
Adobe After Effects 7.0

Built So Far:
Camera Stabilizer, Jib Arm

Wants and desires:
Right now I am loving the idea of a Bogen Tripod and a Manfrotto 501 head
so I can finally use my Jib I built.

Up coming:
Boom Mic, Vest Stabilizer, Dolly and Track and others as needed.

These projects will be (hopefully) documented to this blog as they come.

Mike

The Beginning...

Welcome!!! My name is Michael Morton and I am a preacher in Gastonia, NC. I also have a severe problem. I am addicted to technology, but as a preacher I do not have the cash flow to adequately feed this addiction. So, I am forced to create and finagle my equipment to do what I need it to do.

As some of my new projects have been pushing the envelope (mine at least) I figured I would share that with this empty page. If someone reads this page, then that would be just great!