2010Brackets/Widgets forum
Gyro mounting configurations and power considerations for vehicle-mounted camera rigs
16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Gyros require approximately 10 minutes to reach full operating speed and considerably longer to wind down completely
- Gyro power consumption is highest during spin-up; once at operating speed around 20,000 RPM, they draw only a fraction of that power to maintain speed
- A gyro mounted on top of the rig with a second one below the gimbal provides balanced weight distribution and easier rebalancing compared to bottom-heavy configurations
- Gyros can maintain speed for up to 15 minutes after power disconnection due to tungsten ring momentum, allowing brief unpowering during rig preparation
- PRO post clamps are a different diameter size than custom-made post clamps from other manufacturers
- Gyros generate significant heat during operation which is normal and does not damage them unless excessive, but physical shock or impact can quickly cause failure
- Mount gyros to solid structures like camera plates or post clamps rather than plastic Anton Bauer plates, as gyros exert considerable pulling forces in multiple directions
- Gyro rental kits typically include mounting options for camera plates, Anton Bauer plates, or manufacturer-specific posts
- Gyro power can be sourced from block batteries connected to an inverter with XLR connectors, allowing the system to remain powered during vehicle operations
Depends on
- Most examples refer to rigs using PRO or custom XCS posts; compatibility varies by post diameter and clamp type
- Power consumption figures and spin-up times are stated without specification of gyro model or wattage
- Heat tolerance thresholds described as relative terms without specific temperature limits
- Mounting advice on plastic plates lacks quantified data on long-term durability
- Gyro shock vulnerability is stated but specific impact thresholds are not provided