Ball Turret Cameras

BTC-88 Standard

The BTC-88 is configurable with a motion stabilized Sony FCB-EX11D Sensor or a FLIR TAU 640 Thermal Sensor. The BTC-88 offers excellent coverage with a full subject FOV range. Pan axis is ±180°, Tilt axis ranges from 10° to 90° down. With a total installed weight of 7 oz, the BTC-88 can fit the weight constraints of small electric vehicles.

Construction is composed of molded and machined polymers and carbon fiber. The ball is molded high impact thermoplastic and internally reinforced with a composite laminate. Chassis is fabricated from a combination of light weight polymer and a rigid carbon fiber main mounting plate. All pivoting points use precision ball bearings.

Control is by standard servo inputs (PWM) for the pan and tilt. Easy manual hookup can be done with an R/C transmitter. Most autopilots in use today can output inertial stability parameters in order to take full advantage of the high 1.25 sec for a full 360° rotation capability. The elevation function is equally fast at 0.45 sec with a maximum deflection of 80°. Full pulse width calibration schedules are provided with respect to degrees of pan rotation and tilt angle. (Patented 7955006)

BTC-88 Retract

The BTC-88 Retract is a fully retractable sensor option that does not require additional skids for protection. The retracting mechanism has an over center lock in the up position that is reliable and robust.

Optional Beetle Wing Doors

Optional Beetle Wing doors seal the sensor when they are not in use protecting the gimbal, but add very little additional drag when in the open position during a flight.