Gimbal Damping Board Mount Modification

[MarkusAtHome]

After experiencing vibration issues in my video footage, I took a deep dive on the issue. It turned out to be a known problem and I found various solutions on the internet. However, none of the solutions could convince me.

As I was investigating the problem, I have noticed two things: The problem was more dominant in cold air but also with the original DJI 8331 low noise propellers.

Therefore, I had a closer look at the four gimbal damping elements. These seemed somewhat flimsy to me. I figured, that changing their damping characteristics could cure the problem. Under each damper I placed a small piece of soft foam material. After this simple modification, all image vibration problems disappeared and since then I have been flying many hours at temperatures between -5°C and 20°C.

It is possible to perform the modification without removing the gimbal mounting unit. A pair of cranked tweezers will work perfect.

 

[RadioFlyerMan]

After experiencing vibration issues in my video footage, I took a deep dive on the issue. It turned out to be a known problem and I found various solutions on the internet. However, none of the solutions could convince me.

As I was investigating the problem, I have noticed two things: The problem was more dominant in cold air but also with the original DJI 8331 low noise propellers.

Therefore, I had a closer look at the four gimbal damping elements. These seemed somewhat flimsy to me. I figured, that changing their damping characteristics could cure the problem. Under each damper I placed a small piece of foam material. After this simple modification, all image vibration problems disappeared and since then I have been flying many hours at temperatures between -5°C and 20°C.

It is possible to perform the modification without removing the gimbal mounting unit. A pair of cranked tweezers will work perfect.View attachment 127833

Brilliant!

 

[JamieB]

Great idea!! I had a similar issue a few years back and ended up replacing the gimbal plate myself, which worked fine, but I've always been worried that the problem would develop again with use. This seems like a great, less-invasive solution! I'll have to keep it in mind. Thanks for sharing!

 

[SkyeHigh]

Rubber hardens with age but also with low temperatures. Replacing the board would, as you found, resolve the issue but placing soft foam under the dampeners looks like a way of extended their use.

 

[HeadShake]

I tried this foam strategy today. I had two foam densities to work with. One was some 1/4" round weather stripping. I felt like it was too stiff. I also had some very soft foam that a projector bulb was delivered in. I used that. My jello problem still exists. OP, can you take a shot at describing the density of the foam you used? Has anyone had success solving this with the replacement of the gimbal absorbtion plate?

 

[MarkusAtHome]

It is not easy to describe a materials behavior. However, the material I used was from a bicycle handlebar and has the stiffness of a marshmallow. Foam made ear plugs would have been my backup source since the material is similar. A friend successfully applied the modification by using a sponge (yellow part) like the one below.

 

[BossBob]

While I applaud the efforts of the OP to help people with jello in their video I’m wondering if there is something else going on. My drone is an original and over 4 years old and flys most weekends, but it hasn’t suffered the degradation to the rubber dampeners and jello that others have. I fly with DJI “low noise” or MAS propellers and adjust the gain to suit the propellers in use. If I don’t do that I have seen the camera bouncing when hovering.

 

[MarkusAtHome]

Adjusting the gains to suit/match the propellers sounds interesting. Can you provide / suggest well working settings for the 8331 props? I do believe that a modification that reduces or eliminates vibrations is better than curing them with a “sponge” ?.