so after reading for months and never been able to save up the money to buy one, i decided i would invest 100 dollars and make one myself.

everything is made from aluminum.

for now, it has a few flaws:
1. the jib is not very stable (i dunno if it is the nature of these devices, but i find it to be very jerky) i believe the issue can be resolved by getting a thiker base plate and square tubing posts for the pivoting point.
2. not as smooth as i would like it to be, this could be fixed perhaps with bearings? or something similar
3. the head cannot be remotely moved, i will fix this once i can figure out how to motorize it.

the current movements allowed on the jib are:
a. jib TILT (from having the camera touching the floor, to being as high as possible, i have not measdured it but it seems to be able to go about 10' in the air)
b. jib pan (with the help of the tripod head (503HDV) i get very smooth pans.

at the head:
a. pan (possible 300 degrees rotation (guestimate)
b. tilt from about 20 degrees to 180 degrees)

other than that, pretty cool, huh? lol

the tv monitor i used is a totevision LCD-703HD

ayways, here are the pictures:
DIY Jib: Pictures RadonElement.com (http://radonelement.com/?p=1623)

Please be very careful with your jib. It looks like it's constructed out of household aluminum, which is too soft for a safe jib. That is why you're experiencing unwanted flex. The total weight you have on your boom could eventually cause it to buckle at the pivot point, resulting in a collapse on someone.

i did notice that.

i will research some better boom materials.

thanks

Hello Alejandro,

Bob Jones here from "Skycrane Jibs"...

Alejandro, I make it a practice not offer up advice or suggestions... That being said and viewing the photos of the jib you've constructed, also reading another dvinfo members comment... I'm willing to make an exception... I felt the need to offer up some advice before something tragic happens to you, your equipment or God forbid... a spectator.

If you would still like to pursue building your own jib please take a look at the one I produce and perhaps emulate the design... If you need the proper types of material as well as dimensions please feel free to give me a call or drop me a line.

"I do not sell the materials needed", you'll have to investigate where to purchase.

This is the site with some fairly good close-ups... http://web.me.com/skycrane

Skycrane Booms - the mini DV camera Boom (http://www.bob@skycrane.com) / (949) 205-9451

Hope I can help.

Regards...
Bob Jones

Alejandro,

Sorry, this is the URL you'll need to see the Skycrane Junior.


SKYCRANE (http://web.me.com/skycrane/Camera_Support_Systems/SKYCRANE.html)

Regards...
Bob