Picavet for 2 liter bottle aerial photography

thingiverse

Create a picavet suspension system for your pop bottle camera mount using bicycle chain links as low-friction pulleys. The Mark 5 design weighs only 34 grams. Field testing is minimal, so adjust arm length accordingly. Follow these steps to complete the process: 1. Locate a laser cutter, bike chain breaker tool, and scrap bike chain. Most shops offer the chain for free. 2. Choose between Version 5 (lightweight) or Version 7 (more rugged) designs. 3. Cut the design using 6mm plywood for strength. 4. Remove every other pin from your bike chain links; each pulley consists of one set of links with a holding plate. 5. Fold the plates, keeping the bottom roller between inner plates to form a pulley. 6. Thread a zip tie through the bottom hole, not tightening yet. 7. Squeeze the bottom pulley into the square hole on the cross. All pins point the same way. 8. Secure the pulley to the picavet using provided notches and holes. 9. Push the center of the picavet over the threads of a 2-liter bottle. Adjust if necessary. 10. Create loops under two opposite arms of the picavet, thread string or fine wire through these loops and the bottle holes. 11. Attach the camera to the kite using the lashing technique, ensuring it doesn't obstruct the neck of the bottle. 12. Assemble the picavet following the instructions at http://www.kaper.us/basics/BASICS_picavet.html, using a leftover chain bushing as the central washer. 13. Mount your camera on a notch in the picavet instead of the bottle for better stability and safety. Don't forget to thank Celaya for their clever pulley idea and consider using a bottle cap with a hole for the camera mount, securing it with glue or tape. Remember that field testing is limited; adjust arm length accordingly for optimal performance.