Generic action camera adapter for 3DR Solo gimbal

thingiverse

This is a customizable mounting adapter that lets you mount a standard action camera about the same size as a GoPro on the 3DR Solo gimbal. There are four parts in this design: the actual adapter, a retaining clip to attach the adapter to the gimbal, a counterbalance weight for the back of the gimbal, and another weight for the side. The adapter is pretty straightforward. You push your camera into the front of it and it clicks in. To take out your camera, just pull on it. The retaining clip gets installed in place of the green clip that comes pre-installed on the gimbal. Just unscrew the single screw holding the green clip, install the printed retaining clip in the same spot, and use the screw you took off to secure the clip. The weights are meant to balance your camera in the gimbal. Depending on how heavy your camera is, they may not be necessary. However, if you do print them out, make sure to use 100% infill or else they won't be heavy enough to work right. The back weight screws into the gimbal with three M2x6mm screws. There are screw holes in the back of the gimbal that line up with the holes in the weight. You'll definitely want to customize the adapter so it's an exact fit for your camera, as not all GoPro type clones are the same size and it won't work well if it's not a snug fit. For example, the defaults are set up for a GitUp Git2P, which has these dimensions: * Length: 59.4mm * Width: 41.1mm * Height: 19.6mm My no-name SJ4000 clone has these dimensions: * Length: 59.8mm * Width: 40.8mm * Height: 25.6mm <--- big difference in height (thickness) Also, if you're going to use the weights, you'll need to adjust their size for your camera. The defaults are again for a Git2P. If you're using a different camera, you'll just have to try out different sizes until you get it right. All of the parts can be printed without supports. They will work in ABS or PLA. However, as PLA is a little stiffer than ABS, you may want to make the retaining clips a little smaller so they don't get stuck when inserting and removing your camera. It's also important to use a wall thickness that makes sure the clips are solid and not hollow, as otherwise they'll be too fragile. The clips are 3.2mm thick at the bottom so a 1.6mm wall thickness is good to use (and works well with the commonly used 0.4mm nozzle size). Also, given the orientation of the layers in the clips, your print will need good layer bonding / adhesion. Higher temperatures help with that - I printed my ABS at 240C, and PLA at 210C. Make sure to print the weights with 100% infill or they'll be too light weight to work properly. The latest version of this model is available at https://github.com/hugheaves/SoloGimbalAdapter