gimbal for spot trace GPS tracker

grabcad

This is a gimbal for a Spot Trace GPS tracker made at NK Labs for a high-altitude balloon launch, printed in SLA Formlabs Grey Resin on a Form 2 printer. There are two versions available, with the second designed to reduce weight and remain untested. Some photos show assembly using Formlabs Clear Resin. The gimbal features three concentric circular frames that can rotate about two axes, with hexagonal recesses for M3 nuts. The GPS mount is screwed into the center frame, ensuring proper orientation by gravity. A clamping plate aids in attaching to payloads, and an optional battery frame allows for tight integration, improving balance. Clamping plates measure 40mm x 50mm x 6mm, with loose 3.75mm diameter holes spaced 15mm x 30mm apart, featuring a 90-degree countersink. Mounting faces without clamps are 156mm apart, while the outer ring's diameter is 152mm. The gimbal weighs approximately 280 grams with GPS installed and screws, and adds 60 grams when using the battery frame. Assembly involves inspecting and cleaning 3D printed parts, drilling holes, super-gluing nuts into hexagonal recesses, cutting steel rod sections, pushing on push-on nuts, sliding rods through rings, screwing in GPS mounts, charging and turning on GPS devices, snapping in GPS units, and mounting the assembly onto payloads. A lighter-weight version is also available, with smaller parts and a reduced height clearance requirement of approximately 130mm without the battery frame, weighing around 180 grams with GPS installed.