Aerotech has launched a pan-and-tilt positioner with integrated drives and motion controls for high-end camera security, surveillance and defence applications.
The APT series includes built-in electronics using the company's Ensemble MP series of motion controls and brushless servomotor drives for a completely integrated design with top- or side-mount camera bracket and housing mounted connectors for camera, 24-80VDC power and Ethernet control.
A slip ring mounted in the base of the unit transfers power, motor signal and camera connections through the assembly, enabling a continuous 360 rotation of the pan axis and a tilt-axis travel range of +/-95.
The overall specification for the standard APT-100 model is position resolution of 7.6 arc seconds and accuracy to 120 arc seconds.
Repeatability is 30 arc seconds for bidirectional positioning and 10 arc seconds for unidirectional positioning.
Maximum speed in both axes is up to 180 per second.
The APT-100 has a 625mm diametrical footprint clearance and an overall height of less than 352mm.
With a payload rating of 35kg, the complete assembly is built for high reliability and low maintenance with a black anodised finish and optional sealing to IP66 ratings for harsh environments.
The worm wheel drive mechanism includes a self-adjusting gear preload feature that ensures consistent positioning performance over the life of the product.
The standard unit may be application customised for increased tilt-stage travel, increased payload or alternative camera mounting.
Aerotech can provide an inertial stabilisation option, fitting gyroscopes and sensors to maintain 'line of sight' when the unit is operated on moving platforms such as aircraft, ships and land vehicles.
The version of the company's Ensemble MP multi-axis motion controller built into the APT-100 has a standard 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port to communicate to a PC or other Ethernet device.
The Windows-based Integrated Development Environment software package takes care of setup, programming upload/download, diagnostics and auto-tuning.
The Ensemble may be programmed with Aerotech's Aerobasic or using Microsoft .Net tools for C#, VB.Net and managed C++ or with Labview VIs.
The Ensemble may be permanently connected to a main control system via Ethernet or operate in standalone mode using its complement of digital and analogue I/O for control interfacing.
