Document to record notes about the hardware design of Decapod
Camera Mounts and Accessories
Rather than come up with a prescriptive list of tripods, we should give a short guide in making a proper selection based on our minimum requirements.
Requirements:
- 3/8" male thread size (for supports of Manfrotto 131DD double-head bar)
- Capable of holding 2 cameras simultaneously (weight varies depending on selection of camera models).
- Reasonably compact (~20") to fit into briefcase
Double Camera Mount
Since the Manfrotto 131DD is the mounting bar we are using for the cameras, this restricts the choice of tripods to those with 3/8" threads.
- Tripods with heads are typically 1/4" (which are not compatible with the 131DD), but there are a few with 3/8". Careful research must be taken to find these tripods.
- Tripod legs (without heads) are typically 3/8" which is compatible with the 131DD. However using just the legs without a head may be inconvenient to use for tilt/pan adjustments.
Tripod Heads with 3/8" threads
- Manfrotto 486 / 488 Ball Head
- Manfrotto 468MGRC4 / 468MG
Notes:
- the above tripod heads have a 3/8" male thread at top to mount the Manfrotto 131DD.
- the above tripod heads have 3/8" female tripod mount at base. Therefore selection of tripod legs needs to have a male 3/8" head mount.
Tripod Legs
- Induro A013 Alloy (20.2" folded, 5.5 lb. load, weight 2.7 lb.)
- Induro A014 Alloy (18" folded, 5.5 lb. load, weight 2.4 lb.)
- Manfrotto 190XDB (21.1" folded, 11 lb. load, weight 3.5 lb.)
*Note the above tripod legs have 3/8" tripod head mount thread size.
Other Double Camera Mounts (not recommended)
Cradle Design
- NA
Alternative Input Devices
Foot Pedals
- Fentek USB pedal with keyboard emulation: http://www.fentek-ind.com/FootPedal.htm#afs1usb
- X-Keys Foot Pedal: http://www.xkeys.com/xkeys/xkfoot.php (Generic product name is "Infinity" foot pedal)
- Logitech Wingman Wheel and pedal http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/wheels/devices/320&cl=ca,en (may not be open or programmable)
- PedalPax pedal. Small and cheaper. http://www.pedalpax.com/Pedalpax_Foot_Pedal_Products.htm
Foot Pedal Software
- Linux pseudo-driver for X-Keys foot pedal: http://code.google.com/p/footpedal/ (GPL-3)
- Using Pedable and AutoHotkey allows for mapping Inifity pedals to emulate keystrokes: http://www.autohotkey.com/forum/topic29157.html
Basic Large Switches
- Large USB button: http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/General-Switches/Buddy-Buttons
Switch Circuits
Circuit boards for wiring basic switches as a keyboard: