BrainRightThis video shows a CNC controller based on the DDCSV1.1 control panel, designed to run a variety of machines including a CNC router and milling machine. More details are available at http://BrainRight.com/Projects/CNCController
Modular CNC Controller DDCSV1.1BrainRight2017-03-14 | This video shows a CNC controller based on the DDCSV1.1 control panel, designed to run a variety of machines including a CNC router and milling machine. More details are available at http://BrainRight.com/Projects/CNCControllerAlpine Black Swallowtail Butterfly Wing Scales #butterfly #insects #macro #microscopeBrainRight2024-01-03 | Wing scales of an Alpine Black Swallowtail butterfly, Papilio maackii, extreme closeup focus-stacked macro/micro videography.Northern Paper WaspBrainRight2023-12-30 | A Northern Paper Wasp seen up close using focus-stacked macro/micro videography. #shorts #macroMacro in Motion: A Tiny World of LichensBrainRight2023-11-16 | Lichens and bryophytes grow on practically every tree, but you've probably never seen them like this! Up close they look like a beautiful alien landscape. This video shows several lichen species and some surprisingly colorful tiny moss that I found growing together on the bark of a maple tree that fell in my backyard.
An Alien Egg? At one point you'll see what looks like a round black alien egg with tentacles coming out of it. What the heck is that??? If you have any idea, leave me a comment.
Photobombed by a Mite! See if you can spot the little mite that crawls into the field of view near the end. Orbatid mites are common, harmless residents of environments like this, and this one was about 0.3 mm long.
Technical Details I recorded this video with a Panasonic GH6 camera using an Olympus 60mm macro lens and Mitutoyo 5X, 10X and 20X microscope objectives. The field of view ranges from about 12mm down to 1mm wide, and the illumination was ordinary white light showing the subjects' natural colors. My focus-stacking software combines hundreds of images for each video frame in order to achieve a large depth of focus at high magnification, and this video was generated from about two million individual images taken from 32 terabytes of raw footage.
Music: A Short Tale by Roger Stark, licensed through audiio.com.
Check my channel @BrainRight for more of my microscopic videos, and also the CNC motion-controlled microvideography system that I built in order to create videos like this.Macro in Motion: Wing Scales of an Alpine Black Swallowtail ButterflyBrainRight2023-10-16 | Here's an up-close look at the wings of an Alpine Black Swallowtail, Papilio maackii, as motion reveals their 3-dimensional beauty. This video uses a focus-stacking technique to achieve a large depth of focus at high magnification.
This was created using a Panasonic GH6 camera and my own homebuilt CNC motion control system. I used a macro lens for the wider shots, and Mitutoyo 5X, 10X and 20X microscope objectives for the higher-magnification shots. I recorded over 27 terabytes of raw footage and processed it using custom image-processing software that I developed for this purpose. The final 3-minute video is a combination of about two million individual images.
Music: _Self Portrait_ by SLPSTRM, licensed through audiio.comMacro in Motion: Northern Paper Wasp, Polistes fuscatusBrainRight2023-08-17 | This is my first video using a process I'm developing for creating high-definition macro and microscopic videos combining high magnification, a large depth of focus, and smooth motion. To record this video I used my homebuilt CNC motion control system and a Panasonic GH6 camera with several different microscope objectives having an optical magnification up to 10X. At that magnification the depth of focus is only about 7 micrometers, so focus-stacking combines hundreds of images at different focal points to get a usable depth of focus in each resulting video frame. The final video was generated from about 500,000 individual images totaling over 8 terapixels -- and before editing, the raw volume of acquired and processed images was over 4 times that.
I developed my own focus-stacking software that, unlike the software typically used for macro photography, is specifically designed to process video and maintain smooth motion and consistency from one frame to the next, although it's certainly not perfect. Some parts of this video were recorded during my early experiments with this approach, and others were taken later on after hardware and software improvements yielded higher image quality. I'm still developing this process and improving my technique.CNC Motion Control for Macro VideographyBrainRight2023-08-14 | My CNC motion control system uses THK linear stages with Vexta 5-phase stepper motors, and a Thor Labs rotation stage to provide 5-axis motion for macro and microscopic photography and videography. I show the motion stages, CNC controller using a Raspberry PI and BigTreeTech Octopus control board, and the Klipper and Mainsail software used to control it. I also show how I create a simple G-code file for moving the subject during a video shot.
See my website for more details, parts lists, and links to software and other helpful resources: brainright.com/macro-videography-systemVibration-reducing Platform for Macro VideographyBrainRight2023-07-17 | Here's my setup for macro and micro photography and videography, including a 5-axis CNC motion control system for making macro/microscopic videos. In Part 1 I'll show you the robust mechanical design that helps minimize vibration while allowing easy adjustment of camera position and angles.
See brainright.com/macro-videography-system for a parts list and more info.Turning our Inflatable Kayak into a SailboatBrainRight2023-05-17 | See how we convert our inflatable kayak into a very portable sailboat, and join us for some fun sailing. Sea Eagle FastTrack 385ft kayak: seaeagle.com/FastTrackKayaks/385ft Sailboats To Go Any Kayak Sail Kit: sailboatstogo.com/catalog/product/6004Diamond Drag Engraving with a CNC RouterBrainRight2022-10-30 | Watch how I use a diamond drag engraving bit to engrave anodized aluminum with my CNC router. See http://BrainRight.com/diamond-engraving for more info including feeds and speeds, tools and supplies that I used, and a downloadable project file for VCarve Pro.
0:00 Intro 1:51 VCarve Pro 3:34 Vacuum Fixture 6:08 Running the CNC 6:38 OutroThor Sanctuary Cabinet FAIL!BrainRight2021-12-13 | Our Thor Tranquility / Sanctuary 19P camper van cabinets fell off while driving! It's a clear example of faulty workmanship in this van, and I've heard this is not an isolated case but a problem that has happened to others too. Fortunately no one was riding in back at the time. Sometimes the only way to know it's done right is to do it yourself, so I'll show you how I fixed the problem to make sure this never happens again. Bonus - how to relocate the Truma heat and DHW control panel to the front.Van Compass Suspension Upgrades, Owl Vans Hammerhead Winch Bumper and Expedition Box CarrierBrainRight2021-11-26 | We went to EV Detroit to get our Sprinter van upgraded with new suspension, skid plates, a winch bumper and 12,000-lb winch, and an expedition box carrier on the back.
EV Detroit: http://evdetroit.com Van Compass: http://vancompass.com Stage 4.3 Suspension System Skid plates Owl Vans: http://owlvans.com Hammerhead Bumper Tire Carrier B2 Cargo Carrier Large Expedition Box Warn Industries: http://warn.com VR EVO 12-S Winch Factor 55: http://factor55.com FlatLink Winch ShackleVan Roof Branch DeflectorsBrainRight2021-10-21 | Here's how I made branch deflectors for the roof of my Thor Sanctuary 4x4 sprinter camper van. These keep branches from damaging stuff on the roof when we drive it on overgrown trails.Off-road Trails in Our Sanctuary 4x4 Camper VanBrainRight2021-09-02 | Our first off-road trip on the trails of Michigan's upper peninsula in our Thor Tranquility / Sanctuary 19P camper van, based on the Mercedes-Benz 4x4 Sprinter chassis. 0:00 Intro 0:59 Mackinac Bridge 1:32 Shuttling Hikers 2:19 Hitting the Trails 2:52 Stuck in Mud! 3:55 Trees Over the Road 5:18 Sandy Trails 7:29 Fly Fishing 7:35 Logging Road 8:05 Soldier Lake Campground 8:22 Gorgeous Lake Campsite 9:34 Branches on the Roof 10:10 Mud Puddles and Tight Spots 12:52 Whack! 13:25 End of the Road 13:56 What Worked, What Broke? 14:12 👍 Generator 14:53 👎 Trailer Connector 15:23 👍 New Dump Valve 15:52 👍 Ham Antenna Guard 16:14 👎 Winegard Dome 16:51 👎 Awning Gap 17:39 👍 Light Bar 18:08 Wrap upThor Sanctuary 19P Camper Van ImprovementsBrainRight2021-07-29 | Here are some improvements I made to our Thor Tranquility / Sanctuary 19P Camper van:
0:00 Intro 0:24 Folding Shelf 1:08 Soap Dispenser 1:16 Drawer Latches 1:34 Paper Towel Holder 1:46 Microwave on Inverter 2:07 Bathroom Doors Off 2:17 Pole Saw 3:00 Bathroom Tiedowns 3:25 CPAP Shelf 3:41 Television 4:12 Trekking Pole Holder 4:34 Smaller Dump Valve 5:09 Spare Tire Carrier 5:40 Rain Deflector 6:17 Rain Gutters 6:49 Ham Radio 7:49 Wire Shelves 8:02 Wrap-up
Initial walkthrough video: youtu.be/W4QPncvFZPkThor Tranquility / Sanctuary 19P 4x4 Off-Road Class B Motorhome WalkthroughBrainRight2021-07-11 | Here's a walkthrough of our new Tranquility / Sanctuary 19P adventure van! 0:00 Introduction 0:53 Roof-mounted components 2:03 Exterior features 4:09 Entry area 5:07 Control panel 5:37 Kitchen sink, stove 7:05 Microwave 8:00 Refrigerator 9:08 Water system 10:13 Bathroom doors (fail!) 11:53 Bathroom 13:39 Living area 14:48 Storage cabinets 16:06 Television 16:45 Sound system 17:11 Bed 17:51 Air conditioner 18:24 Heating, electrical 18:47 Rear storage area 19:32 Driving 20:19 Wrap-upCNC Epoxy Inlay Backgammon-Cribbage Board, Part 4BrainRight2021-02-19 | I'm using my CNC router to make a travel-sized backgammon and cribbage board, inlaid with epoxy and colored mica powder. In this fourth and final installment I dye the wooden playing pieces and build the finished boxes with splined miter joints. See brainright.com/2021/01/07/cnc-epoxy-inlay-backgammon-and-cribbage-board for more info and links to the tools, materials and software I used.CNC Epoxy Inlay Backgammon-Cribbage Board, Part 3BrainRight2021-01-25 | I'm using my CNC router to make a travel-sized backgammon and cribbage board, inlaid with epoxy and colored mica powder. In this third installment I add a gold outline to the backgammon points and make the cribbage board. See brainright.com/2021/01/07/cnc-epoxy-inlay-backgammon-and-cribbage-board for more info and links to the tools, materials and software I used.CNC Epoxy Inlay Backgammon-Cribbage Board, Part 2BrainRight2021-01-13 | I'm using my CNC router to make a travel-sized backgammon and cribbage board, inlaid with epoxy and colored mica powder. In this second installment I mix the mica and epoxy, and pour the inlays. See brainright.com/2021/01/07/cnc-epoxy-inlay-backgammon-and-cribbage-board for more info and links to the tools, materials and software I used.CNC Epoxy Inlay Backgammon-Cribbage Board, Part 1BrainRight2021-01-07 | I'm using my CNC router to make a travel-sized backgammon and cribbage board, inlaid with epoxy and colored mica powder. In this first installment I introduce the project, mill the wood to size, and set up the CNC router to cut the inlay pockets on the backgammon board. See brainright.com/2021/01/07/cnc-epoxy-inlay-backgammon-and-cribbage-board for more info and links to the tools, materials and software I used.3D Printed OrnamentsBrainRight2020-12-24 | This short video shows how I use my 3D printer to make unique ornaments to give away to family and friends. See brainright.com/2020/12/24/3d-printed-ornaments to download the 3D model files that I created for this set of ornaments.Quick Mount Camera BoomBrainRight2020-12-23 | I made a quick-release mount for this 7-foot camera boom to shoot videos from various locations in my workshop. See brainright.com/quick-mount-camera-boom for more details and links to the parts I used.Cooking with FireBrainRight2020-10-26 | In this outdoor cook-off we challenged folks to cook something amazing using only a wood fire as the heat source. No fossil fuels, no alcohol stoves, no electric appliances. It was an opportunity to learn new outdoor cooking techniques while enjoying some amazing food and good company.
See https://BrainRight.com/cooking-with-fire/ for more info!Portable Campfire Pizza Oven BuildBrainRight2020-10-09 | This video shows how I built a portable wood-fired pizza oven that's inexpensive, easy to build, weighs only 7.5 pounds, and can be carried easily in a backpack. And it makes fantastic pizza too! See http://brainright.com/Projects/PizzaOven for a list of all the materials and tools I used.CNC Guitar Inlay Part 2 - Cutting Shell MaterialBrainRight2020-03-11 | Learn how to cut shell inlay material and a matching pocket using a CNC router. See brainright.com/2020/10/10/cnc-guitar-inlay for more info, and to download my Fusion 360 project file. Watch the Part 1 video here: youtu.be/-pyLSGf-tpkCNC Guitar Inlay Part 1 - Design in Fusion 360BrainRight2020-02-27 | Learn how to design a shell inlay using Fusion 360, and create toolpaths for cutting it out with a CNC router. See brainright.com/2020/10/10/cnc-guitar-inlay for more info, and to download my Fusion 360 project file. Watch the Part 2 video here: youtu.be/e5Wao5huZnACNC Controller Wiring & Setup DDCSV1.1BrainRight2017-08-27 | In this video I show how my DDCSV1.1 CNC controller is wired and configured. You can find more info and download my Fusion 360 post-processor at http://www.brainright.com/Projects/CNCController/.
Here's an index so you can click these links to jump to a section of interest:
0:00 Introduction 1:30 Power Interface 2:24 USB Interface 2:56 MPG Port 7:13 Stepper/Servo Control 11:00 Spindle Control 14:26 ESTOP / Limit / Probe 18:41 Forget the wiring, just play some music!Brewing Raspberry Amber AleBrainRight2017-08-12 | This video shows how I grow my own hops and brew beer using an all-grain brewing process. It focuses mainly on a Raspberry Amber Ale but also shows a Vanilla Porter that I brewed at the same time. See http://BrainRight.com/Beer/RaspberryAmber for the recipes.Machining a T Slot Faceplate, Part 2BrainRight2017-08-07 | I'm making a steel faceplate for my 4th axis and my metal lathe, with T slots like those on my milling machine so I can use the same clamping hardware. In this video Part 2, I use the milling machine to cut the T slots.
Here's the full playlist for this project: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL87zHuZbC0ec7DQ-YQjLNBppGahbjjEx2Machining a T Slot Faceplate, Part 1BrainRight2017-07-31 | I'm making a steel faceplate for my 4th axis and my metal lathe, with T slots like those on my milling machine so I can use the same clamping hardware. In Part 1, I go from a rough block of steel to a faceplate with all surfaces machined on the lathe. In Part 2, I'll cut the T slots on the milling machine.
This video shows the process of turning graphics, starting with an SVG file, into a custom-made printed circuit board. As an example I show a circuit board badge that I made for the members of my local ham radio club.CNC Router Improvements & Spindle ConversionBrainRight2017-07-15 | See http://www.brainright.com/Projects/CNCRouter for more info and a printable 3D model of my dust hood.
This video shows some improvements I've made to my CNC router, including the base and enclosure, an inexpensive micro-adjustable leveling system, beefing up the structure of the bed and gantry, improved dust collection, and conversion from the original router motor to a water-cooled spindle with a VFD controlled by the CNC controller I built.Build a Drone Part 4 - New flight controller & FPV cameraBrainRight2017-07-09 | See http://BrainRight.com/Projects/Drone for more info and a parts list, plus the STL model files for the 3D printed camera cover and baseplates.
In this video series I show the design and construction of a quadcopter drone that will carry a stabilized camera platform for shooting aerial video, or a minimalist First Person Video transmitter shown here. Part 4 shows an upgrade to use the SP Racing F3 flight controller with CleanFlight software, communicating live flight data to the On Screen Display, and a new lightweight FPV payload section.Build a Drone Part 3 - Add a Camera Gimbal and FPV TransmitterBrainRight2017-06-30 | See http://BrainRight.com/Projects/Drone for more info and a parts list, plus the STL model file for the 3D printed camera cover and baseplate.
In this video series I show the design and construction of a quadcopter drone that will carry a stabilized camera platform for shooting aerial video. Part 3 shows construction of the stabilized camera platform, and aerial video from the first test flight.Build a Drone Part 2 - Make it Fly!BrainRight2017-06-23 | See http://BrainRight.com/Projects/Drone for more info and a parts list, plus the STL model file for the 3D printed receiver cover.
In this video series I show the design and construction of a quadcopter drone that will carry a stabilized camera platform for shooting aerial video. Part 2 shows the construction of the drone, setup of the CC3D flight controller using LibrePilot software, and first flight tests.Build a Drone Part 1 - Select ComponentsBrainRight2017-06-16 | See http://BrainRight.com/Projects/Drone for more info and a parts list.
In this video series I show the design and construction of a quadcopter drone that will carry a stabilized camera platform for shooting aerial video. Part 1 covers all the main components and shows how I calculated the expected performance in order to optimize the design.DIY Powder Coating a Steel 4th Axis HousingBrainRight2017-06-08 | See http://BrainRight.com/Projects/PowderCoating for more info and links. In this video I finish up the 4th axis assembly that I built, by applying and baking a powder coat finish. I show the relatively inexpensive equipment that I use to apply the coating, and the PID-controlled kiln that I use for curing it.
Here's the full playlist for this project: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL87zHuZbC0ec7DQ-YQjLNBppGahbjjEx2Plasma Cutting & Welding a Steel Dinosaur Dragon SculptureBrainRight2017-06-01 | See http://brainright.com/Projects/Dragon for more info and free downloadable plans. This plasma-cut and welded steel dragon sculpture is based on a Tyrannosaurus Rex model with added wings and horns.Welding Cart BuildBrainRight2017-05-26 | Building a cart to hold my MIG welder plus my new TIG welder and plasma cutter with lots of storage, hitch-style attachment points for accessories, and a large work surface on top. See http://BrainRight.com/Projects/WeldingCart for more info and to download the Sketchup model that I created for this project.Quick and Simple Plasma Cutting TableBrainRight2017-05-11 | Easy modification of a cheap Harbor Freight portable welding table to work for both plasma cutting and welding.4th Axis Engraving a Micrometer Dial Part 2, CNC RoutingBrainRight2017-04-18 | See http://www.brainright.com/Projects/CNC/MicrometerDial for more info. In this video I use the toolpaths I generated with Fusion 360 in Part 1 to engrave the micrometer dial using the 4th axis on my CNC router.4th Axis Engraving a Micrometer Dial Part 1, Fusion 360 CAD/CAMBrainRight2017-04-18 | See http://BrainRight.com/Projects/CNC/MicrometerDial for more info. This video shows how I created the CAD model and CAM toolpaths for a 4th axis cylindrical engraving project in Fusion 360. I model the cylindrical part unwrapped onto a planar surface, which I will machine onto the cylinder by driving the 4th axis from the X axis output of my CNC controller.
Watch Part 2 here: youtube.com/watch?v=3g9IFnVDOTo4th Axis Harmonic Drive Build Part 2BrainRight2017-04-08 | See http://BrainRight.com/Projects/FourthAxis for more details. In this video I weld and machine the steel enclosure of a 4th axis assembly for my CNC machines, install the harmonic drive system, and try it out.
Here's the full playlist for this project: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL87zHuZbC0ec7DQ-YQjLNBppGahbjjEx24th Axis Harmonic Drive Build Part 1BrainRight2017-03-23 | See http://BrainRight.com/Projects/FourthAxis for more details. In this video I build the main drivetrain components of a 4th axis assembly for my CNC machines, using a harmonic drive gearbox to get precise angular positioning and high torque with low backlash.