Enhanced Rotary table for ramped time lapse pans See also: Standard rotary table for time lapse pans and: A low cost track and dolly system
Section 1, the Lead-In, does not move the rotary table, and allows you to have a number of static frames at the start of the shot. Section 2, the Ramp-Up, begins to move the table, taking it incrementally from zero to full speed for a given timing you set. Section 3 is the constant speed portion of the pan. Section 4, the Ramp-Down, does the reverse of Section 2, gradually slowing the table from full speed to a complete stop. Section 5, the Lead-Out, like Section 1, does not move the table, and allows you to have a number of static frames at the end of the shot. Each program is stored in the Time Machine. You can store 40 programs, and for more complex shots, you can link one program to another so another programmed pan will begin as soon as the previous one ends. You can download an instruction sheet for the enahanced rotary table system here: Click on the following image to display a ramped time lapse pan shot with the Time Machine by Wade Fairley in Antarctica. Wade reports that the Time Machine worked flawlessly for 50 days in the field at minus 20 to minus 30 degrees C.
The enhanced rotary table system is sturdy and able to move cameras horizontally or vertically. Shown here is the tripod head and rotary table rotated 90 degrees, with the Manfrotto mount adjusted so the panning motion is vertical instead of horizontal. The following link will display a sample ramped time lapse pan shot in vertical format (7.5 MB): The rotary table can be programmed to move in increments as small as .001 degrees or as large as 360 degrees between exposures. It comes with an AC adaptor for 120 volts, or it can be run on 12 volt batteries (or a car battery). The table is industrial strength and solid steel. The weight of the table with tripod mounting plate and Manfrotto 3025 camera head is 10 pounds. The Enhanced Rotary Table kit consists the fine resolution rotary table, an aluminum plate to mount it on a tripod, a computerized Motion Controller that drives the rotary table, an AC adaptor, an extension cable for the motor, and an interface cable for the Time Machine. Your camera plugs into the shutter jack of the Time Machine. You may also want to add a Manfrotto 3025 camera head with parts for mounting your camera on top of the rotary table. These additional items are shown in the pictures. You can order the CNC Rotary Table on the Time Machine order form. Go back to the Time Machine page
The Time Machine and enhanced rotary table on the job in Antarctica |
An enhanced rotary table system is available for ramped time lapse panning similar to effects seen in the movie "Baraka". The enhanced system moves in increments as small as .001 degrees, allowing you to create time lapse sequences that start with no motion, gradually increase to a constant speed, then gradually decrease to a full stop. The ramped pan is comprised of five sections, all of which can be adjusted to achieve the exact shot you have in mind.
