ULF DIY Camera Cart

[Tin Can]

I could but they are too expensive to hack and NOT work very long

The 1/2-13 SS thread allows very accurate leveling with wing nuts

and camera tilt

It is too low for easy GG usage, so I will be raising the camera

perhaps with new purchased XL HD milk crates

as it is a 4 leg cart, I will carry a few plastic trailer levelers, I already have

I have a hiking stool like this to put in the misc box

...could you use adjustable length hiking poles, with their quick release locks?

[sharktooth]

I'm wondering if you could make some wooden wheel ramps, like the steel ramps used for doing car repairs. You could store the ramps like fenders on your cart, so that they could be removed when necessary to raise the unit. Your adjustable poles at the handle ends could keep the unit level at the new height.

[Tin Can]

Thank you for your input!

I am now making stage 2, which is storage and a second level camera perch

I am adding 17" sides with a strong top

No front or back, a tunnel

Cameras can be on top, sides and lower level

I can sit and use top level GG way easier

However my giant Pinhole Boxes are truly P&S

I'm wondering if you could make some wooden wheel ramps, like the steel ramps used for doing car repairs. You could store the ramps like fenders on your cart, so that they could be removed when necessary to raise the unit. Your adjustable poles at the handle ends could keep the unit level at the new height.

[Duolab123]

I have an Ebike. Like all it adds power when you pedal, levels 1 to 5. It also has a twist grip throttle for "flank speed" in a hurry.

I wonder if 1 powered wheel, not used all the time but as a helper in difficult situations. Put a thumb throttle on one of your handles, use a small light battery.

Now days I stay off road, ride the trails. Let my phone guide me.

Keep updating us, just thought I had.

[Tin Can]

I know other members are DIY a scissors jack

Just found my old enemy. AKA Transmission Jack

But this might be a good purchase for me

It lifts 450 lbs 17" with a screw

I need to think more, I will never? change out a transmission

again

[Duolab123]

I know other members are DIY a scissors jack

Just found my old enemy. AKA Transmission Jack

But this might be a good purchase for me

It lifts 450 lbs 17" with a screw

I need to think more, I will never? change out a transmission

again

Air bag? Maybe get some cheapo air shocks. Then there's the problem of where do you get air. CO2 cylinders???
Not much help here

[John Layton]

I was also thinking a transmission jack...the mechanical (non hydraulic) scissors jack type like the "basic" model from Harbor Freight. The gear ratio on this might be a bit high though...so lots of turns to get the camera lifted.

There was another post here recently which featured a scissors - type arrangement, where the platform gets lifted and fixed to adjustable heights via aligning holes in the scissors arms and inserting pegs through these holes. Problem here is that if the camera is mounted you'd need to hold it up in exact position with one hand while inserting pegs. So a crank handle arrangement would be much better.

But maybe with that HF unit...you could bring along a (battery operated) variable speed drill? I'd think with the camera being a quite a bit lighter in weight than most transmissions, the torque necessary to raise it should be minimal. You could even create a harness for this drill to fix it in place and run the switch wiring out to a couple of momentary switches on the handles of your cart - how cool would that be?

[Tin Can]

John

After sleeping on it

Not buying and trying the jack

My cart second level will solve the problem

My design for 14X36" camera is settled with all materials to proceed

When that one is made and tested, I will have more to share with our worldwide audience

Then make at least two, perhaps up to six 1/2 scale

as I have the bits

Sooner or later 14X16/17/18/19"

[Vaughn]

Fun project. I like the idea of reversing the camera so that one can sit with a stool and stare at the GG without the handles around me to accidentally bump into. But it has its own cons.
Will the 14x36 be mounted 'face-forward' or facing sideways on the cart?

[Tin Can]

Vaughn

The cart is easily modified and customized for me

Any camera on the new second level may be rotated 360 degrees

It is multipurpose

Load big tripods, lighting, tarp in the lower level, a real chair, lunch and signage on sides

The new cameras will take a while, but I sure want them ready by Labor Day

I anticipate multiple ULF, LF, tiny format 3X4, 2X3 sheet film cameras on board

Fun project. I like the idea of reversing the camera so that one can sit with a stool and stare at the GG without the handles around me to accidentally bump into. But it has its own cons.
Will the 14x36 be mounted 'face-forward' or facing sideways on the cart?