"The Sphere" 3-Axis Panorama Focus Stacking & Photogrammetry system improvements
During the use of "The Sphere" systems, a few points were noticed that make optimal use more inconvenient or even more difficult:
- Vibrations during panning;
- Missing limit switch for the swivel arm;
- Imprecise handling of the two dome lights and
- Weak holding arm;
- Light output too low and color temperature not optimal;
- Automatic light control;
- Object holders in need of improvement;
- Uncomfortable magnification setting on the DSLR \ DSML camera;
- Raspberry Pi Camera and Controller as a separate unit;
- Improved cable mangement;
Here are the improvements in detail without any order:
Raspberry Pi and the HQ camera module are combined in a single housing:
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
There is a mechanical endstop combined with an microswitch added to the motor stand. The cabling looks more nicer and safer. The microswitch helbs to calibrate the system. A corresponding lever arm controls the switch in the forward movement.
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
A magnet holder and an handel is added to each half dome. The diffuser rings are attached to the half dome via a metal insert with a M3 screw hole.
Furthermore the LED lightsystem is improved with more LED'S and higher CRI. The color temperature is now 6000K.
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
The illumination dome stand is now more stable and stiffer. The dome support platform has been enlarged.
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
A relay box was added to the system. It is now firmly mounted on the base plate. It is controlled directly by the controller, so the light can be controlled manually as well as depending on the program (i.e. automatically).
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
The swivel arm motor has been supplemented with a 5.18:1 planetary gear to reduce vibrations while handing and to stabilize the position in power-saving mode.
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
The rigid intermediate rings between the front lens and the camera were replaced by a Ring Mount Focusing Helicoid Ring Adapter 35mm - 90mm. This enables the enlargement factor to be continuously adjusted to the subject\object
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
The specimen holder is now available in two more solid and precise versions. A rigid motor coupling made of aluminum in connection with a 3mm precision steel shaft guarantee maximum positioning accuracy. A miniature clamping system allows different object holders to be attached
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
Here you can see the version with a plastic head in action:
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
... and here the version with the mini clamping system:
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
Standard Wemacro slide is replaced with stonemaster Revolution precisision macro slide system:
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs
... and here with tube lense system and Mitutoyo lens:
Photography & Project by panoplace.com & Stefan Dungs