Aerotech launch high precision pan & tilt camera positioner complete with built-in motion controls

30th October 2009

Source: Aerotech Limited

Aerotech launch high precision pan & tilt camera positioner complete with built-in motion controls

Aerotech has launched a new pan & tilt positioner with integrated drives and motion controls for high-end camera security, surveillance and defence applications. The APT series was developed through Aerotech’s extensive design and manufacturing expertise in gimbals, optical mounts and motion simulators for military, aerospace and government research. The high precision rotary stage mechanics and sophisticated motion controls fulfil a market niche for camera positioning mounts with much higher levels of resolution, accuracy and repeatability than traditional pan & tilt mechanisms.

The APT series includes built-in electronics, using Aerotech’s Ensemble MP series motion controls and brushless servomotor drives for a completely integrated design with top or side mount camera bracket and housing mounted connectors for camera, 24-80 VDC power and Ethernet control. A slip ring mounted in the base of the unit transfers power, motor signal and camera connections through the assembly, enabling a continuous 360º rotation of the pan-axis and a tilt axis travel range of +/- 95º.

The overall specification for the standard APT-100 model is position resolution of 7.6 arc sec and accuracy to 120 arc sec. Repeatability is 30 arc sec for bi-directional positioning and 10 arc-sec for unidirectional. Maximum speed in both axes is up to 180 º/sec.

The APT-100 has a 625 mm diametrical footprint clearance and an overall height of less than 352 mm. With a payload rating of 35 kg, the complete assembly is built for high reliability and low maintenance with a black anodised finish and optional sealing to IP66 ratings for harsh environments. The worm wheel drive mechanism includes a unique self-adjusting gear preload feature that ensures consistent positioning performance over the life of the product.

The standard unit may be application customised for increased tilt stage travel, increased payload or alternative camera mounting. Additionally, Aerotech can provide an inertial stabilisation option, fitting gyroscopes and sensors to maintain ‘line of sight’ when the unit is operated on moving platforms such as aircraft, ships and land vehicles.

The version of Aerotech’s Ensemble MP multi-axis motion controller built into the APT-100 has a standard 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port to communicate to a PC or other Ethernet device. The Windows based Integrated Development Environment software package takes care of set-up, programming upload/download, diagnostics and auto-tuning. The Ensemble may be programmed with Aerotech’s own AeroBASIC or using Microsoft .NET tools for C#, VB.NET and managed C++, or with LabVIEW VI’s. The Ensemble may be permanently connected to a main control system via Ethernet or operate in stand-alone mode using its complement of digital and analogue I/O for control interfacing.

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