3 axis rotation mount with goniometric tilt
Moderators: rjlittlefield, ChrisR, Chris S., Pau
3 axis rotation mount with goniometric tilt
Personally I don't like threads once they get over 3 or 4 pages so I've started a new one for my creation. Chris' is much more elegant but I can't stretch to a 2 axis goniometer
This is partly to show what a goniometric setup can do.
For the following images imagine your stacking camera is at stage right looking the fly face on in the first picture. Squared paper with arrows is fixed to the base the mounting stage is taped to.
Hardware (starting from the bottom):
1) Goniometer giving tilt, axis of rotation is x (straight in/out of the image) with a centre of rotation 50mm above the base.
2) Rotation base. rotates around z-axis (straight up). They are stacked in this order simply because that is the only way they will physically connect.
3) Bolt threaded through bulkhead with a 0.5mm hole in the end holding mounting pin. Axis of rotation Y - along stacking axis. Thread is 1mm per turn so it lets me adjust the specimen forwards/backwards in 1mm steps.
Zero position:
Tilt down (to look at the top of the head)
Tilt up (to get "face on")
Rotate in Z to look at right cheek
Rotate in Z and Y to look at bottom of head ?
Rotate in Z to look at left cheek
It's not 100% perfect but it beats the pants off my previous methods of bending pins and sliding around on magnets and hunting for the subject with linear adjustments. Some linear correction is needed, unless you luck out and your area of interest is at the xyz axis intersection.
This is partly to show what a goniometric setup can do.
For the following images imagine your stacking camera is at stage right looking the fly face on in the first picture. Squared paper with arrows is fixed to the base the mounting stage is taped to.
Hardware (starting from the bottom):
1) Goniometer giving tilt, axis of rotation is x (straight in/out of the image) with a centre of rotation 50mm above the base.
2) Rotation base. rotates around z-axis (straight up). They are stacked in this order simply because that is the only way they will physically connect.
3) Bolt threaded through bulkhead with a 0.5mm hole in the end holding mounting pin. Axis of rotation Y - along stacking axis. Thread is 1mm per turn so it lets me adjust the specimen forwards/backwards in 1mm steps.
Zero position:
Tilt down (to look at the top of the head)
Tilt up (to get "face on")
Rotate in Z to look at right cheek
Rotate in Z and Y to look at bottom of head ?
Rotate in Z to look at left cheek
It's not 100% perfect but it beats the pants off my previous methods of bending pins and sliding around on magnets and hunting for the subject with linear adjustments. Some linear correction is needed, unless you luck out and your area of interest is at the xyz axis intersection.
rgds, Andrew
"Is that an accurate dictionary ? Charlie Eppes
"Is that an accurate dictionary ? Charlie Eppes
Brilliant, Andrew! (Sorry I'm so late I'm commenting, but was suddently and violently beset by work). Yours is an elegant way of getting all the axes at less expense. If I hadn't lucked out and found an inexpensive set of matched goniometers, I'd copy your approach. Doubt I'd have thought of it on my own.
As discussed, my bet is that once more folks discover the joys of a goniometric stage, they'll wonder how they did without it.
Also, on your use of lined graph paper and arrows to illustrate how the specimen remains largely in place while being rotated in various axes--well done!
--Chris
As discussed, my bet is that once more folks discover the joys of a goniometric stage, they'll wonder how they did without it.
Also, on your use of lined graph paper and arrows to illustrate how the specimen remains largely in place while being rotated in various axes--well done!
--Chris
- PaulFurman
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- Location: SF, CA, USA
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Very nice setup. What is the exact model of the rotation stage above the goniometer?
I have a larger goniometer & xyz stage which were originally acquired for a home made tilt/shift view camera. I've rearranged the components into an optical bench with PB4 bellows but it lacks rotation. This is the best item I could find:
40mm rotation stage part number 124-0030 $200.00
http://www.optosigma.com/miva/merchant. ... ion+Stages
Here's my original rig:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/edgehill/2 ... 231101723/
And the new setup:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/edgehill/3 ... 231101723/
I have a larger goniometer & xyz stage which were originally acquired for a home made tilt/shift view camera. I've rearranged the components into an optical bench with PB4 bellows but it lacks rotation. This is the best item I could find:
40mm rotation stage part number 124-0030 $200.00
http://www.optosigma.com/miva/merchant. ... ion+Stages
Here's my original rig:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/edgehill/2 ... 231101723/
And the new setup:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/edgehill/3 ... 231101723/
It's a Melles Griot 07 TRT 508 http://www.mellesgriot.com/pdf/0022.9.pdfPaulFurman wrote:Very nice setup. What is the exact model of the rotation stage above the goniometer?
I have a larger goniometer & xyz stage which were originally acquired for a home made tilt/shift view camera. I've rearranged the components into an optical bench with PB4 bellows but it lacks rotation. This is the best item I could find:
40mm rotation stage part number 124-0030 $200.00
http://www.optosigma.com/miva/merchant. ... ion+Stages
Here's my original rig:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/edgehill/2 ... 231101723/
And the new setup:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/edgehill/3 ... 231101723/
Depending how big everything else is you can pick up Newport RSP rotation stages quite cheaply.
Have fun
Andrew
- PaulFurman
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- Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2009 3:14 pm
- Location: SF, CA, USA
- Contact:
Thanks, it looks similar to the one I was looking at. I found a review & comparison of different models HERE.
Ah wow, $23 new. I saw some larger versions of those used but it looks like your fingers would be in the way when adjusting, depending on the size of the subject:
http://www.newport.com/RSP-Series-Stand ... talog.aspx
(Admin edit: to fix broken url causing blank post)
Ah wow, $23 new. I saw some larger versions of those used but it looks like your fingers would be in the way when adjusting, depending on the size of the subject:
http://www.newport.com/RSP-Series-Stand ... talog.aspx
(Admin edit: to fix broken url causing blank post)
- PaulFurman
- Posts: 595
- Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2009 3:14 pm
- Location: SF, CA, USA
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Andrew, I found one for a good price used but I'm wondering if it's broken. Your pic doesn't show the micrometer knob and perhaps you don't have that part... ultimately it's probably not necessary but... the knob on mine slips into a hole behind this view and if you give it a firm push, it sticks fairly well but pops out pretty easily too. I'm wondering if it's supposed to be that way or was originally glued in?AndrewC wrote:It's a Melles Griot 07 TRT 508 http://www.mellesgriot.com/pdf/0022.9.pdfPaulFurman wrote:Very nice setup. What is the exact model of the rotation stage above the goniometer?
I have a larger goniometer & xyz stage which were originally acquired for a home made tilt/shift view camera. I've rearranged the components into an optical bench with PB4 bellows but it lacks rotation. This is the best item I could find:
40mm rotation stage part number 124-0030 $200.00
Depending how big everything else is you can pick up Newport RSP rotation stages quite cheaply.
It is just the right size for my needs and came with some mounting plates & brackets that will be useful. Seems like overkill now that I have it but I'm not sure what else could be used that could be mounted firmly, locked in place, etc. Other models I looked at did not make sense for the application. However it would've been nice to have one where a knob adjusts it 360 degrees rather than just 50 degrees of rotation but most of these devices have limited range for fine control. It does have quick release and moves smoothly manually. I looked at a novoflex panorama plate for rotation of the camera before but it's a ridiculous price.
- PaulFurman
- Posts: 595
- Joined: Sat Oct 24, 2009 3:14 pm
- Location: SF, CA, USA
- Contact:
No worry Andrew, I don't want you to break it trying. I think mine is alright, it just needs a very firm push and holds rather well. The vast majority of the time I don't think I'll need the fine control of the micrometer anyways if people want to save money, then skip it. With a little drilling, sawing & rearranging of the aluminum brackets, I've got a perfect stage. Well, the center of the goniometer doesn't match like yours... I can move things around and make it match but other problems emerge. These things really take thought and planning, I admire the elegance of your solution.