We recently worked with Carleton University’s Stephan Gruber, Associate Professor within the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, to build a custom gimbal camera mount designed for use in climate change research. This one-off device was designed, prototyped, and ultimately built in-house at the Science Technology Centre (STC), based on the needs of our client.
Using CAD software, we provided Stephan with a complete 3D model to ensure his requirements were being met, before commencing production. Manufacturing was done using our in-house waterjet cutter, 3 axis CNC machine, and other machine shop equipment.
The gimbal allows the mounted camera to be positioned at practically any angle, with a compass showing the direction.
Stephan describes what makes this device so unique:
“This gimbal supports the capturing of horizon lines in steep bedrock. This is done at locations where temperatures are recorded with permanently installed data loggers. It allows us to keep a fisheye camera horizontal when mounted into a rock face. Once levelled, a picture is taken and the compass direction of a reference pin visible in the picture is recorded. Only one snapshot is needed. Later in the lab, the image is analysed with customized software. The resulting array of horizon elevation is important for computer models predicting the temperature of the rock. These measurements are a very effective way of testing computer simulations of permafrost in areas with steep topography.”
If you’re interested in learning more about this project, or have your own project you’d like to discuss, then contact us!