Astro: Time Lapse + Motion Control by Oscar Ramirez

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So you know I love me some time-lapse videos, especially ones that involve planets and stars and stuff. One of the factors that make a time-lapse video more interesting is the camera movement. The guys from Kessler Crane and Dynamic Perception have figured out ways to add motion along the x-axis and y-axis. Check out this new product that’s being asked to be funded on Kickstarter called Astro. When installed, this little “hockey puck” looking device is going to sit under your camera and give it a spin, literally. The device is designed by Oscar Ramirez, who got his Industrial Engineering degree from Tecnologico de Monterrey University in Mexico in 1999

Technical details

Measurements:  3.15 x 1.18”
Weight: 0.55 lb / 250 g
Load: The motor can hold up to 11.02 lb / 5 Kg of equipment
Maximum Speed: 30° per second
Power source: 2 AA batteries

Compatibility

Astro is compatible with Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Pentax, Minolta and basically any camera with a remote input. A cable will be included to plug Astro into your camera and allow communication.

Smartphone App

They are currently developing a smartphone app for Astro to run more advanced programs. Features like ramping, continuous movement, presets and HDR will be possible through this App. You will be able to send the complete program to Astro so you don’t have to keep your smartphone next to your camera.  Developing for iPhone and Android.

The most intuitive, compact and simple intervalometer + motion control for time lapse photography. Astro adds panning movement to your camera, and it allows you to set up time lapse programs by defining the duration, the range of movement; which goes from 0 to 360°, and the interval in degrees or seconds in which you want the photos to be taken. The possibilities are endless!

[...] Astro will be manufactured in 3 different countries: PCB, electronics and mechanical components will be produced in China by two different manufacturers. Aluminum and plastic parts will be manufactured in Mexico where Carlos will monitor their production to ensure quality. Finally all the parts will be sent to Minnesota to be tested, assembled, packaged and shipped!  We are ready to start production as soon as we reach our goal.

The project funding campaign ends on August 25th, so make sure you head over to Oscar’s Astro Kickstarter page and pledge!

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