Mo-Sys launches new design for gyro-stabilised remote head

Mo-Sys, the provider of precision camera tracking solutions for virtual studios and augmented reality (AR), has launched a new generation of gyro-stabilised remote head, the G30.

The product’s design, with a compact 45-degree frame, allows it to support virtually any broadcast or digital cinematography camera rig for precise movement and stabilisation.

“In our conversations with the production community, we know that there is a real need for excellent stabilisation and precision camera positioning without the expense and limitations of device-specific and proprietary mounts,” said Michael Geissler, CEO of Mo-Sys.

“Whether it is on a vehicle, a remote mount or a crane, producers and directors want to be unrestricted creatively, with a device that is quick to set up and balance, and will accept whatever camera and accessories they need.”

The G30’s 45˚ frame geometry provides easy access to all the camera connections and accessories, making it simple to install any type of camera quickly and securely. The short, stiff frame provides rigidity for rigs of up to 30kg, and high torque direct drive motors deliver crisp, precise camera movement alongside excellent stabilisation. Open hubs for the three drive motors means cable routing is clear and tidy and avoids the need for sliprings and camera-specific cables.

The unique frame design eliminates a serious limitation with some existing gyro head designs; the issue of gimbal lock, where pan axis movement – including stabilisation – are impossible when the camera is pointing directly down. The G30 has wide pan and tilt movement ranges, along with ±45˚ roll, suitable for most creative productions. Axis encoders are built into each motor assembly for direct input into virtual production systems.

The launch customer for the G30 is Thoroughbred Racing Productions (TRP), based in Melbourne, Australia. It provides comprehensive coverage of more than 525 race meetings a year, including a camera car tracking each race. That car has used an earlier Mo-Sys stabilisation gimbal, and TRP has now used the G30 for several months.

“We took the G30 out of the box, put it on our mount and turned it on,” said Charles Cole, technical operations manager at TRP. “The stabilisation of our picture is significantly better than anything we had seen before; the results have been very, very good.”

Cole pointed to the stabilisation of shots from a fast moving car, including the effective reduction of low frequency disturbances due to potholes on the course-side track. He also praised the simplicity of set-up, particularly as different courses require different zoom settings and therefore different rates of panning to track the action smoothly.

The controlling software of the G30 includes the ability to fine-tune the balance of the camera quickly and largely automatically, significantly reducing the set up time. The rigid frame design and semi-automated balance system ensures that any camera rig up to 30kg can be installed without counterweights and be ready for use very quickly. Users can store pre-sets for frequently used camera combinations to speed set up even more.