Affordable motorized heads?: at DVinfo.net

Simon Zimmer · November 25th, 2009, 07:50 AM

Hello,

I am looking for an affordable motorized head for my tripod and video camcorder (hmc-150).

Doing a search on google I found some interesting products:

Orion:
Orion TeleTrack Altazimuth Tracking Mount | Orion Telescopes

MP-360
MP-360 360 Degree Continuous Rotation, Pan and Tilt Motorized Head with Remote Control. Everything you need and ready to use. Ready for the customer to take the controls. Everything is complete and is ready for immediate use. At 21best.com.

Anyone have experience with these or other products?

Thanks,

Simon

Don Bloom · November 25th, 2009, 10:55 AM

the MP360 looks very much like the one by Bescor. I think Bescor is actually a bit less money, maybe look at that.
www.bescor.com

Motorized Pan Head Rotates 90 degrees each direction

Model MP-101
Fastens between any tripod head and video camera. Two motors allow independent smooth remote adjustment of vertical and horizontal panning motion. Panning speed adjustable via the handheld remote control. Auto Pan Mode, allows continuous horizontal panning motion. Switch selector for either a 30, 60 or 90 degree movement. Maximum horizontal angle + and -90 degrees. Maximum vertical angle + and -15 degrees. Power Source 4 AA batteries or PS260 power supply. Size 5.75” x 4.5 x 4”. Weight 27 oz. The MP101 can support up to a 6 pound camera.

Model PS-260

A.C. Power Supply

Model RE-20

20’ extension for remote
Model RE-50

50’ extension for remote

Simon Zimmer · November 25th, 2009, 12:28 PM

True but the mp360 turns much further and has more speed controls.

But thanks for the information.

Simon

Philip Howells · January 16th, 2010, 02:33 AM

It's probably impractical for you but Hague in Nottingham UK is the UK seller of the Bescor item and offers a mod which converts it into an unrestricted 360+ pan.

Marty Welk · January 16th, 2010, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Bloom

the MP360 looks very much like the one by Bescor. I think Bescor is actually a bit less money, maybe look at that.
www.bescor.com

it looks like the exact same one, cept the bescor costs about $100-120 and has to be modded to get the 360 going on it. We have used that bescore model and dissasemble it entirely, mod it for the 360, then (long ago) we shredded the internals, put 2 speed controllers and a RC type remote on it, so i could get PWM full joystick throw speed control. added in some servos and motor control for the camera , and had a full remote camera.
not even sure if i could pull it off again, but it was awesome, the simple pan tilt unit has everything one would need for a robocam base, just a matter of talking to it with the right stuff. then somone got the idea of putting in a bit of counterbalance weights that came off the base plate and dangled below it for better counterbalance.

Sean Seah · February 27th, 2010, 07:40 AM

the 360 ver looks cool.

Philip Howells · March 1st, 2010, 03:08 AM

The main problem with the Bescor/Hague model is that the tilt angle is very limited, just +- 15 degrees. We used three with custom-designed and built radio control of head and camera with video sent back to the control box for our "limited space" set up. However, we've now replaced them with another head with much better quality workings and double the tilt angle.

The original Bescor/Hague units are being auctioned (I don't think I can say where, can I?) as is a tilt angle extender which is the only way to overcome the limited angle of the Bescor/Hague tilt.

The other problem with the Bescor/Hague units is that the over-the-top design imposes stricter load limits than other under-slung designs, but it was more than adequate for our Z1s with mics etc.

One other small reminder - all P&T heads have to be levelled off - probably easier and more cheaply done with a simple photo tripod and a levelling ball.

Sean Seah · March 1st, 2010, 06:49 AM

Is there another option of a similar or slightly higher price range that can handle a DSLR?

Philip Howells · March 1st, 2010, 08:25 AM

How heavy's the DSLR? The Bescor handles a Z1+MRC1+radio mic receiver + AT897+two 970 batteries!

Sean Seah · March 17th, 2010, 07:34 PM

ooh that sounds ok. a 5D2 with a L lens is about 2.5kg max i guess.

Philippe Chau · April 3rd, 2010, 02:54 PM

Hello,
Where can I get the instructions to modify my MP-101 bescor ?
Thanks
Philippe

November 25th, 2009, 07:50 AM	#1
Simon Zimmer Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Easton, Maryland Posts: 497	Affordable motorized heads?: Hello, I am looking for an affordable motorized head for my tripod and video camcorder (hmc-150). Doing a search on google I found some interesting products: Orion: Orion TeleTrack Altazimuth Tracking Mount \| Orion Telescopes MP-360 MP-360 360 Degree Continuous Rotation, Pan and Tilt Motorized Head with Remote Control. Everything you need and ready to use. Ready for the customer to take the controls. Everything is complete and is ready for immediate use. At 21best.com. Anyone have experience with these or other products? Thanks, Simon

November 25th, 2009, 10:55 AM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	the MP360 looks very much like the one by Bescor. I think Bescor is actually a bit less money, maybe look at that. www.bescor.com Motorized Pan Head Rotates 90 degrees each direction Model MP-101 Fastens between any tripod head and video camera. Two motors allow independent smooth remote adjustment of vertical and horizontal panning motion. Panning speed adjustable via the handheld remote control. Auto Pan Mode, allows continuous horizontal panning motion. Switch selector for either a 30, 60 or 90 degree movement. Maximum horizontal angle + and -90 degrees. Maximum vertical angle + and -15 degrees. Power Source 4 AA batteries or PS260 power supply. Size 5.75” x 4.5 x 4”. Weight 27 oz. The MP101 can support up to a 6 pound camera. Model PS-260 A.C. Power Supply Model RE-20 20’ extension for remote Model RE-50 50’ extension for remote __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

March 17th, 2010, 07:34 PM	#10
Sean Seah Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,498	ooh that sounds ok. a 5D2 with a L lens is about 2.5kg max i guess. __________________ Firewerkz Films SGP

April 3rd, 2010, 02:54 PM	#11
Philippe Chau Tourist Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: France Posts: 2	How can I modify my MP-101 in 360° ? Hello, Where can I get the instructions to modify my MP-101 bescor ? Thanks Philippe

November 25th, 2009, 12:28 PM	#3
Simon Zimmer Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Easton, Maryland Posts: 497	True but the mp360 turns much further and has more speed controls. But thanks for the information. Simon

January 16th, 2010, 02:33 AM	#4
Philip Howells Trustee Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 1,212	It's probably impractical for you but Hague in Nottingham UK is the UK seller of the Bescor item and offers a mod which converts it into an unrestricted 360+ pan.

February 27th, 2010, 07:40 AM	#6
Sean Seah Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,498	the 360 ver looks cool.

March 1st, 2010, 03:08 AM	#7
Philip Howells Trustee Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 1,212	The main problem with the Bescor/Hague model is that the tilt angle is very limited, just +- 15 degrees. We used three with custom-designed and built radio control of head and camera with video sent back to the control box for our "limited space" set up. However, we've now replaced them with another head with much better quality workings and double the tilt angle. The original Bescor/Hague units are being auctioned (I don't think I can say where, can I?) as is a tilt angle extender which is the only way to overcome the limited angle of the Bescor/Hague tilt. The other problem with the Bescor/Hague units is that the over-the-top design imposes stricter load limits than other under-slung designs, but it was more than adequate for our Z1s with mics etc. One other small reminder - all P&T heads have to be levelled off - probably easier and more cheaply done with a simple photo tripod and a levelling ball.

March 1st, 2010, 06:49 AM	#8
Sean Seah Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,498	Is there another option of a similar or slightly higher price range that can handle a DSLR?

March 1st, 2010, 08:25 AM	#9
Philip Howells Trustee Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 1,212	How heavy's the DSLR? The Bescor handles a Z1+MRC1+radio mic receiver + AT897+two 970 batteries!