Simple idea to mitigate roll and pitch shake of my binoculars while I stare at the neighbors staring at me watch nature and inspect the quality of the ice on the lake for skating.
Some unusually annoying challenges: (read my upcoming ‘traveling and making’ post for more gripes)
3D printed screws: I prefer metric but the truth is that most Binoculars (and camera gear) like to take 1/4-20 threaded screws. Considering European hardware stores stock exclusively metric [even metric lumber!], I improvise with a 3D printed 1/4-20 thread. An M3 bolt is inserted into the core to reinforce. The 3D printed portion is to mount the entire mechanism onto the binocular.
A lathe is a luxury: A gyroscopic disc would be delight on a lathe… A 3D printed disc is not perfectly balanced so I am using screw features to modulate the balance on each side.
The first iteration of this disc instantly launched a screw when it spun as it tore through the plastic edge. I’ve reinforced the edge, turned down the spin speed and using much smaller screws for balancing.
Operational Status: Surprisingly good helping to maintain target, it does pull a little but definitely soaks up any shake. It rumbles a little. Needs a little time balancing the weight of the gyroscope. Will update when something notable happens with my neighbors.