Motor Balancing

[RENOV8R]

I've spent quite a bit on video components for my U580 build so would like it to be as vibration-free as possible including balancing the motors. I'm one of the few people on the planet that doesn't have an IPhone so I don't have anything to download the vibration app to. I've done lots of research, but all videos involve the use of this app, so I'm wondering if there's another method or device to balance motors or am I stuck with just trying to get them as close as I can by feel and sound? Or with stabilization mode in the camera and 3-axis gimbal is balancing even necessary?

 

[Jackson]

First 3 at least.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lazer+balance+brushless+motors

 

[tylorwashere]

I've spent quite a bit on video components for my U580 build so would like it to be as vibration-free as possible including balancing the motors. I'm one of the few people on the planet that doesn't have an IPhone so I don't have anything to download the vibration app to. I've done lots of research, but all videos involve the use of this app, so I'm wondering if there's another method or device to balance motors or am I stuck with just trying to get them as close as I can by feel and sound? Or with stabilization mode in the camera and 3-axis gimbal is balancing even necessary?

I bought the cheapest board camera I could buy, and didn't balance anything and my fpv transmission is free of any jello. Maybe I just got lucky idk but I don't feel like it's as big an issue as people think, unless something is seriously out of whack

 

[Jackson]

I don't feel like it's as big an issue as people think

If you get new tires will you not balance them?

Or with stabilization mode in the camera and 3-axis gimbal is balancing even necessary?

Everything in the chain benefits from having the least vibration possible.

 

[Michael Fenimore]

I've spent quite a bit on video components for my U580 build so would like it to be as vibration-free as possible including balancing the motors. I'm one of the few people on the planet that doesn't have an IPhone so I don't have anything to download the vibration app to. I've done lots of research, but all videos involve the use of this app, so I'm wondering if there's another method or device to balance motors or am I stuck with just trying to get them as close as I can by feel and sound? Or with stabilization mode in the camera and 3-axis gimbal is balancing even necessary?

If you have an Android style phone, the vibration app I use is:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gamma.vibrationmeter&hl=en
It does the job. I found that using a "small" phone is best. Larger phones seem to absorb a lot of the vibration or are too large for the smaller iterations.

But for balancing, I use the laser method for motors and props. Seems to be more accurate.

 

[Jackson]

If you have an Android style phone, the vibration app I use is:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gamma.vibrationmeter&hl=en
It does the job.

I prefer this one as it shows the min and max values.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.sira.vibration&hl=en

 

[RENOV8R]

Thanks for the replies, I'll give the laser method a try

 

[RENOV8R]

I bought the cheapest board camera I could buy, and didn't balance anything and my fpv transmission is free of any jello. Maybe I just got lucky idk but I don't feel like it's as big an issue as people think, unless something is seriously out of whack

Just because you have no jello doesn't mean you don't have vibration. And besides video, anything that will increase runtime and life of my motors, I'm all for it. Besides, I like tweaking stuff and this seems like a pretty interesting process.

 

[RENOV8R]

Ok, just an irrelevant question for you scientific minded engineer types. Why is it that the laser has to be bounced off a mirror?? Can't you just strap it onto the arm and point it at the wall?

 

[Michael Fenimore]

Ok, just an irrelevant question for you scientific minded engineer types. Why is it that the laser has to be bounced off a mirror?? Can't you just strap it onto the arm and point it at the wall?

I've done it both ways. The mirror will give you more "play" in the reflected dot. Plus you can move the mirror or laser to get the dot where you want it on the surface you're watching. With the laser mounted to the motor assembly/arm, it won't oscillate as much, therefore detracting from actual movement.
Both methods work. The mirror works best though. It gives you a better representation of movement/vibration.
That's been my experience anyway.

 

[RENOV8R]

Ah, I see. Basically it's multiplying the movement of the beam. Thanks!

 

[Michael Fenimore]

Ah, I see. Basically it's multiplying the movement of the beam. Thanks!

Yeah. Pretty much.

 

[RENOV8R]

Geez, I've got a Staples right around the corner so I thought I'd grab a lazer pointer. They start at like 50 bucks!! Time to hit up the dollar store

 

[Michael Fenimore]

Geez, I've got a Staples right around the corner so I thought I'd grab a lazer pointer. They start at like 50 bucks!! Time to hit up the dollar store

LOL, yeah. Or corner gas station.
Use a chunk of old CD/DVD for your mirror.