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Thumb controller blues...

Discussion in 'MōVI M15' started by Eric Ulbrich, Jan 6, 2015.

  1. Eric Ulbrich

    Eric Ulbrich Member

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    Hey guys,
    Was thumb ring thru dji's CES announcements when I came across this:
    http://instagram.com/p/xiMgmrtf9-/

    It's been a long time since I brought this up again, but does Freefly have any plans to keep up with the competition and make a thumb stick for the m15/10 or 5?

    Last time I asked this I was told no. but there was talk of people making aftermarket controllers but alas nothing has come out.

    Freefly, Tabb, anyone Please. Could a Movi thumb stick become a reality? If there was enough interest?
     
  2. jim mundell

    jim mundell Member

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    I agree with Eric. Could be very useful.
     
  3. Wolf Schiebel

    Wolf Schiebel Active Member

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    Hi Eric,

    i´m still in the developing phase of a thumbstick. I have a working prototype and am currently in the process of designing a case. Unfortunately i had so much work with the M-10 in the last 4 months, that the project was stuck. I hope to present you some pictures this week and start the order process, mainly to the people already on my list.

    Best,

    Wolf
     
  4. Neil Horsman

    Neil Horsman New Member

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  5. Jason Comparetto

    Jason Comparetto Active Member

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    This piece of gear would make me excited. Bonus points if they can integrate it into an ergonomic handle
     
  6. Wolf Schiebel

    Wolf Schiebel Active Member

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    Hi folks,
    finally i finished testing my thumbstick. It's actually a thumb controller, since it has similar features as the Spektrum DX7/8 remote, pan speed, tilt speed, roll trim and mode switch. It works wireless with the Spektrum satellite receiver, just bind and tweak a few parameters, save as a preset and go. You even can use it parallell to an s-bus or the Mōvi controller, just change the controller type in the gui. More details, a video and order options will follow till end of the week. The final version will get some small cosmetical changes, ie. one can decide between left or righthand, and i'm looking for some nicer potiknobs ;-)....



    Pictures show the prototype...

    Best,
    Wolf




    Thumb_1.jpg Thumb_2.jpg Thumb_3.jpg
     
  7. Jason Comparetto

    Jason Comparetto Active Member

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    Nice work. Looking forward to the video
     
  8. jim mundell

    jim mundell Member

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    Hey Wolf, could you get it to the size of the Aerial Pixel one?
    Anyone know the price of the aerial pixel? Didnt show on the link.
     
  9. Jason Comparetto

    Jason Comparetto Active Member

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    Jim, this is probably just a proof-of-concept, if this goes into production he'll probably reduce the profile significantly.
     
  10. mark Berry

    mark Berry New Member

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    All sounds great but why isn't Freefly doing this?
     
    frank mckeown likes this.
  11. Wolf Schiebel

    Wolf Schiebel Active Member

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    Hi,

    since i am using pots and switches for a direct access to all parameters i most likely won't be able to get it to the size of arial pixel's. My concept is different, since my controller is wireless and doesn't need a cable to the electronic box like the ronin or others. So one cable less from handle to gimbal.

    But the design will change and will get a bit smaller...


    Cheers and good night,

    Wolf
     
  12. Wolf Schiebel

    Wolf Schiebel Active Member

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    Here a short clip. sorry just iPhone quick´n dirty. The housing will be redesigned and most likely square, similar to the other ones available.
    I might need to put the controls for pan/tilt speed, roll trim, mode switch on the back then….


    Best,

    Wolf

    Clip:

    Password:thumb
     
  13. Jason Comparetto

    Jason Comparetto Active Member

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    Nice! The size doesn't look too bad to me. I'd much rather the controls be all in front then behind it. That could get annoying. Even if you managed to squeeze it down another 1/2" or so, that will probably make most people happy. Most of the stuff that gets mounted to the roll bar is closer to the center for me, I hardly ever put stuff off that far to the side anyhow, so it shouldn't be in the way of anything.
     
  14. frank mckeown

    frank mckeown New Member

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    Good question.
     
  15. Jason Comparetto

    Jason Comparetto Active Member

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    Just a guess and mere speculation, but perhaps Freefly is more geared for higher-end production, so they figure alot of crews already have a separate operator for this task?
     
  16. Wolf Schiebel

    Wolf Schiebel Active Member

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    Thanks Jason.

    I will try two different options in the next days.
    Be back with new pics then.


    Best,

    Wolf
     
  17. Wolf Schiebel

    Wolf Schiebel Active Member

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    Hi all,


    so, finally, the "production" version of the thumbcontroller is ready. The size was reduced nearly to half compared to the prototype (s. above) and the housing is powder-coated rugged aluminum (extruded). The controller has the option to change pan speed, tilt speed and roll trim via pots and has a 3-way mode switch.
    To bind to spektrum satellite just press the stick while powering up. Regarding power: It takes 9 - 24 volts and has a BEC-plug (mōVI battery). There will be other options like p-tap or Lemo on the order sheet.

    First pictures:
    Thumb_4.jpg Thumb_3.jpg Thumb_2.jpg Thumb_1.jpg



    If you are interested in buying one, shoot me a message, and i will send you an order sheet.


    Thanks and best,


    Wolf
     
  18. Eric Ulbrich

    Eric Ulbrich Member

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    Looks awesome wolf. What's the cost and estimated delivery time?
     
  19. Wolf Schiebel

    Wolf Schiebel Active Member

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    I will happily answer all questions regarding costs and how to order, but just in private messages...

    Sorry for that!

    Thanks,

    Wolf
     
  20. Kurt Wallrath

    Kurt Wallrath Member

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    I think Jason has the best answer as to why Freefly isn't developing a thumb controller: Freefly is more geared for high-end productions...

    I'd also like to note NAB is just around the corner...
     

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