Ball Turret Cameras

BTC-101 Standard

The BTC-101 can be outfitted with 720p HD Sony FCB - EH 3150 or a standard definition digitally stabilized Sony FCB - EX11D Sensor. Additionally the BTC-101 can be fitted with the FLIR TAU 640 Thermal Sensor. This gimbal offers excellent coverage with a pan axis at ±180°, and the tilt axis that ranges from 20° up to 100° down.

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 130°. Full pulse width calibration schedules are provided with respect to degrees of pan rotation and tilt angle.

BTC-101 Retract

The BTC-40 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.

BTC-101 Dual Sensor

The BTC-101 Dual unit features the Tau 640 IR sensor in combination with the Sony IX11A Block Camera. Options include the FCB-EX11 D and several lens configurations on the Tau IR sensor.

BTC-101X

The BTC-101X system is optimized for hand-launched electric UAVs, where it's doors allow for hard landings on any surface with no sensor damage, and it's light weight maximizes flight time and aircraft performance. The BTC-101X is also available without the doors and retraction system for other configurations, such as drones with landing gear or manned aircraft.

As with all BTC products, we are happy to work with the customer to create a customized version of the BTC101X tailored to meet your specific needs.

Lower Profile, Lower Drag

The BTC-101X system has been designed for minimum drag to enable use in the smallest aircraft possible. The positioning of the cameras allows unobstructed, 360 degree vision from horizon to ground while only exposing a hemisphere to airflow, significantly reducing drag when compared to fully exposed gimbals. The spherical shape and recessed lenses provide more consistent drag with respect to sensor orientation, limiting changes in drag.

The patented door system of the BTC-101X have also been designed to minimize drag with their streamlined shape and low profile.

Lightweight Compact Design

Featuring a carbon fiber and precision machined chassis, the BTC-101X system provides strength and durability without excessive weight. The rotary retraction system minimizes occupied space.

Easy Installation

The BTC-101X features multiple, simple mounting options, allowing painless installation. Flush sides of the retraction unit simplify cutout patterns. The unit is attached to the airframe with four fasteners which can be made captive. A mated connector is provided for the sensor connections as well as standard pwm connectors.

Versatile Video

The BTC-101X features two high performance video cameras: The Sony IX-11A optical camera for daylight use, and the FLIR Quark infrared high resolution camera. On the retract version flat field correction is easy with the Quark with no shutter required. Simply cycle the retraction unit. The two cameras are precisely aligned for seamless, instant transition between modes. Both cameras use the standard NTSC format for easy downlink, recording and processing.

Continuous Rotation Available

The BTC-101X has been designed to mitigate the drawbacks of a non-continuous pan drive. It's greater than 360 degree pan range and quick maximum travel speed lessen the need to snap to the other rotation limit and lessen the time taken when snapping is necessary. However, like all finite rotation gimbals, there will be times where snapping is unavoidable and potentially unacceptable to a mission. These situations include tracking a target outside of an aircraft's orbit, or tracking a moving target directly behind the gimbal.

To address these situations, the BTC-101X is available in a continuous pan variant, the BTC-101XC. Featuring a precision pan motor, high quality slip ring and home sensor, the BTC-101XC maintains the weight and reliability of the 101X while adding the benefits of continuous rotation. This configuration is highly recommended for applications that cannot tolerate an interruption of video or are likely to encounter targets at the pan stops, such as when using object tracking software, orbiting surveillance systems, or other critical missions.

The BTC-101XC has a compatible form factor, identical weight and can be controlled identically to the 101X. In addition, there are three more control modes for a wider variety of input options.

BTC-101XC 'Continuous'

The BTC-101XC system is optimized for hand-launched electric UAVs, where it's doors allow for hard landings on any surface with no sensor damage, and it's light weight maximizes flight time and aircraft performance. The BTC-101XC is also available without the doors and retraction system for other configurations, such as drones with landing gear or manned aircraft.

As with all BTC products, we are happy to work with the customer to create a customized version of the BTC-101XC tailored to meet your specific needs.

Seamless Tracking

The BTC-101XC azimuth motion is powered by a dc motor with an optical encoder. Absolute position is determined by a hall effects sensor. This allows the gimbal to stay on target regardless of the direction of flight.

Simple Control Options

The control system of the BTC-101XC is optimized for ease of use and versatility via four different control modes.

1. PWM Position
2. PWM Velocity Mode
3. Serial Position
4. Serial Velocity

PWM Position mode allows the continuous pan axis to function exactly as a standard PWM controlled servo, allowing drop-in replacement of a non-continuous unit.

PWM Velocity mode commands a speed on the pan and tilt axes proportional to the distance of a joystick or thumbstick from neutral, making it ideal for self-centering human interface devices.

Serial Position mode allows an autopilot, microcontroller or computer command the gimbal to a position via serial interface

Serial Velocity modes commands a speed on the pan and tilt axes as commanded by your autopilot, microcontroller, or computer via serial interface.

Homing and Self Test

The BTC-101XC features a quick and precise self-test on startup. This test automatically centers the camera with better than 1/2 degree of accuracy to any user selected orientation, as well as sets internal limits on servo travel to prevent servo stalling and overheating issues.

Versatile Video

The BTC-101XC features two high performance video cameras: The Sony IX-11A optical camera for daylight use, and the FLIR Quark infrared high resolution camera. On the retract version flat field correction is easy with the Quark with no shutter required. Simply cycle the retraction unit. The two cameras are precisely aligned for seamless, instant transition between modes. Both cameras use the standard NTSC format for easy downlink, recording and processing.