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Gimbal Motor

Gimbal motors are a type of brushless DC (BLDC) motor specifically designed for smooth and precise control, making them ideal for applications like camera stabilization and robotics.

Pros​

  • Smooth operation: Provides very smooth motion, ideal for applications requiring high precision.
  • High torque at low speeds: Capable of delivering significant torque even at low speeds, which is essential for stabilization tasks.
  • Cost-effective motor driver: Generally requires a less expensive motor driver compared to high-performance motors.

Cons​

  • Expensive: Gimbal motors can be more costly than other types of motors, especially if purchased new.
  • Not easy to find: They are less commonly available than other motor types, making sourcing them more challenging.

Use Cases​

  • Robotics: Used in robotic arms and mobile robots for precise movement and control.
  • Automation: Employed in automated systems requiring smooth and accurate motion.
  • Gimbal cameras: Commonly used in camera stabilization systems to ensure smooth video capture.

Direct Drive Motor​

A gimbal motor is a type of direct drive motor, meaning it can be directly connected to the load without the need for a gearbox. This allows for more efficient power transfer and reduces mechanical complexity.

In contrast, a high-performance motor typically requires a gearbox to reduce speed and increase torque, making them unsuitable for direct drive setups without additional components.

A direct drive motor has many advantages over a geared motor, such as:

  • Higher efficiency: Direct drive motors typically have higher efficiency than geared motors, as they eliminate the energy losses associated with gear friction.
  • Reduced backlash: Without gears, direct drive systems can achieve lower backlash, resulting in more precise control.
  • Simplified design: Fewer components mean a simpler design, which can lead to lower manufacturing costs and easier maintenance.
  • Potential cost savings: While direct drive motors can be costly upfront, they may prove more economical over time due to reduced maintenance, improved reliability, and fewer moving parts compared to high-performance motors with gearboxes.

🔗 Want to dive deeper? Check out this video from Yaskawa America: Direct Drive Servos

Motor Examples​

BE4108 75T Gimbal Motor​

Drone motor vs DIY gimbal motor

  • Winding Configuration: 24n22p (24 slots, 22 poles)
  • KV Rating: 70KV
  • Max Current: 4.5A
  • Max Voltage: 24V
  • Continuous Torque: 0.15Nm at 0.8A
  • Weight: 92g/0.2lbs
  • Application: Commonly used in camera gimbals and small robotic applications.

GBM5208 75T​

Gimbal motor

  • Winding Configuration: 24n22p (24 slots, 22 poles)
  • KV Rating: 50KV
  • Continuous Torque: 0.22Nm at 0.8A
  • Weight: 180g/0.4lbs
  • Application: Suitable for larger gimbal systems and robotic applications requiring higher torque.

References​