Inspire 2 Tripod Mount for Quick Release

zothar · Oct 21, 2017

So I just wanted to test the waters for interest before I make the investment to build this mounts. I just had a baby and desperately need to make more money on the side, so here goes. This is a prototype so I used the glow in the dark filament already loaded into the 3D Printer. I plan on printing another one using "silver" (grey) filament to more closely match the magnesium shell of the aircraft.

This 3D Printed tripod mount allows the Inspire 2 to be quickly transitioned from aerial flight to tripod or boom arm configurations. It accommodates a ¼-20 standard screw, but alternate configurations and attachment options are in the works. The mount allows for permanent attachment with negligible influence on flight characteristics, minimal added weight, and does not obstruct bottom facing sensors. Quick release options allow for the best implementation of this mount. The mount is secured with two socket head cap screws. Alternate uses may be payload attachments.

Depending on the tripod used, you may need to add an offset adapter to allow the gimbal to clear. The mount is strong enough to support an Inspire 2, batteries, x5s. It is very solid and I am able to hold the tripod base and angle, invert, and shake the whole assembly.

Seeing how these are made individually and I have debt to take care of I plan on making them for $80/each shipped. Anything less and I couldn't justify the time and cost.

Any feedback (good or bad) would be greatly appreciated. I plan on making the silver version tonight.

zothar · Oct 21, 2017

Printed the same mount in Silver PLA.

floatpilot2 · Oct 28, 2017

zothar said:
Printed the same mount in Silver PLA. View attachment 16399 View attachment 16400 View attachment 16401 View attachment 16402

A quick release adaptor with 1/4 20 screw can be directly attached? The small plate you have inserted in the center is threaded to receive the 1/4 20 screw?

If yes, I would be interested. Please ket me know how to buy.

Paul Nordin · Oct 28, 2017

Not sure I understand the desire to put the drone on a tripod. Tripod mounting pretty much negates the need for a gimbal and that being the case, makes the I2 a less than ideal camera for the job.

zothar · Oct 28, 2017

The latest build I made has pictures here.
Inspire 2 - New Mount and 360 Camera

If you're interested send $60 to my paypal: [email protected]. Make sure to include your US address and ill send it USPS flat rate.

zothar · Oct 28, 2017

It's a cost saving measure. Some people, myself included have invested in one drone and lenses. The inspire tends to be stationary on a tripod, but with a mount can also be attached to a boom, hand frame, etc... The I2 gimbal then becomes very usefull. If you have the cash though, I can see investing in dedicated equipment.

Paul Nordin said:
Not sure I understand the desire to put the drone on a tripod. Tripod mounting pretty much negates the need for a gimbal and that being the case, makes the I2 a less than ideal camera for the job.

KohalaKeith · Oct 30, 2017

Zothar, I like the progress you have been making with this mount. I have two questions. How is the weight distribution at the point of the tripod mount - how balanced is it? And, what is your confidence level of the strength of the mount. I am unfamiliar with the materials and am concerned with the weight of the drone and batteries on the end of a jib or crane on a weak mount. Thanks.

zothar · Oct 30, 2017

When attached to the tripod at the mount, the weight distribution is towards the back of the Inspire, this is with the X5S and 15mm lens attached. An offset bar/plate would allow the center of gravity to be moved rearwards. However, I would still recommend the quick release be at the mount so that nothing blocks the downward sensors when the craft is being used for airborne filming.

The mount is very strong, as currently designed. I am able to hold the Inspire 2 with Camera and both batteries upside down and shake it without issue. If the jib were to encounter very high rates of acceleration I would probably print a version out of ABS plastic instead of PLA just to be safe.

More recent pictures of the mount are in this thread:

Inspire 2 - New Mount and 360 Camera

I changed the attachment bracket a little bit, and this is the one I did inversion testing on. If you are interested in buying one at some point, I can do destructive testing by attaching weights on the mount until failure, and give you a more accurate number.

KohalaKeith · Oct 30, 2017

Yes, I think I might be interested in buying it when I feel confident that it is strong enough. Is that a metal insert for the tripod socket? If so, that makes me feel a little better about strength. I noticed based on the profile picture with the tripod head in the shot that the clearance between the tripod head and the back of the gimbal is pretty narrow. It looks like an extension plate might be necessary for clearance. I think making it out of the tougher ABS would be a great sales point. If you could do the weight test and it works out I will definitely buy one. Thanks. I think it fills a need as a DJI handheld unit is probably not going to happen.

zothar · Oct 31, 2017

The insert is a 1/4-20 threaded steel plate. The clearance between the tripod head and gimbal may require an offset plate to get things to your liking. This tradeoff was due to me wanting the downward sensors unobstructed so the mount could be left on the Inspire during flight.

I'll do the destructive weight test after work tonight and let you know how many pounds it supports until failure. I also have some ABS on order to make a version out of that.

KohalaKeith · Oct 31, 2017

Thank you Zothar. I appreciate your continued efforts to make this a solid product. I look forward to your results.

zothar · Oct 31, 2017

So I used my Compound Bow scale that maxes out at 100lbs, and was unable to break it. See attached picture.

This is with PLA. I would need a load cell and a winch to tear it apart, and see how many pounds it can withstand beyond 100.

KohalaKeith · Oct 31, 2017

That's pretty impressive.

KohalaKeith · Dec 3, 2017

Zothar, did you ever get the ABS version made? I'm still interested.

zothar · Dec 3, 2017

I made 6 of them actually. I made them in Black ABS.

If interested I can have one in the mail tomorrow morning.

Just send 65 via paypal to [email protected]

KohalaKeith said:
Zothar, did you ever get the ABS version made? I'm still interested.

KohalaKeith · Dec 3, 2017

Just sent you the $65 and my address. Thanks for doing this. I think it will will great for several uses. I'll keep you posted.

zothar · Dec 3, 2017

Thanks! Just sent you an e-mail with a question confirming address. Getting an error from the online ship tool...

zothar · Jun 13, 2018

Now in Black ABS plastic. Working on an offset adapter for the X7

Vernega · Jul 27, 2019

Hello. I put my INSPIRE 2 on a tripod. When you rotate the camera horizontally, jerking occurs (as if skipping a frame) (once) video in one place of the picture .... What do you think, what could be the reason?