Panoramic time lapse rig using "Orbit" two-hour mechanical hose watering timer

Quite a while ago I watched several YouTube videos that demonstrated how to make panoramic time lapse videos using an inexpensive "Orbit" two-hour mechanical hose watering timer. (See "Related Resources," below.)

I mounted the "Orbit" timer using parts made of PVC, as shown in the following annotated photos. The red numbers superimposed on the photos correspond to the item numbers in the section entitled "Parts List," below.

PVC mounted "Orbit" rig (annotated).

The PVC pipe is two (2) feet long and acts like a counterweight for the timer/camera rig. All of the PVC parts fit together snugly and securely without using PVC glue.

PVC mounted "Orbit" rig (annotated).

The next photo shows the dial face of the "Orbit" timer.

"Orbit" timer, showing dial face.

The following photo shows a GoPro flat adhesive mount that I placed temporarily on the dial face of the "Orbit" timer. Notice the adhesive mount covers the dial face. I'm hoping to find a better solution (less permanent) for mounting my GoPro action camera on the "Orbit" timer. (Please comment on this blog post if you have suggestions.)

PVC mounted "Orbit" rig (annotated).

The last photo shows the back of a GoPro flat adhesive mount that uses "3M VHB" peel-and-stick two-sided tape.

GoPro flat adhesive mount (back side). 

Parts List

1. Orbit 1 Output Port Adjustable Mechanical hose end timer
2. Charlotte Pipe 3/4-in PVC Schedule 40 Riser Extender [I strongly recommend you go to a hardware store to be sure this part actually fits the "Orbit" timer.]
3. 3/4-in x 2-ft 480 PSI Schedule 40 PVC Pipe [~3/4" inner diameter, ~1" outer diameter]
4. Charlotte Pipe 3/4-in Schedule 40 PVC Socket Cap - White - NSF Safety Listed  [~1" inner diameter]
5. Essentia water bottle cap [fits screw threads on male end of "Orbit" timer]
6. GoPro Flat Adhesive Mount
7. SmallRig Super Clamp with 1/4" and 3/8" Thread
8. Manfrotto 323 RC2 System Quick Release Adapter with 200PL-14 Plate
9. Alta Pro SBH 100 ball head and 263AT tripod (The same ball head and a similar tripod are available on Amazon.)

Related Resources

• DIY GoPro 2h Panning device - GoPro DIY#16 (4:15) by SoarPix 3D
• How to make a 2 Hour Panning Timer for the GoPro HERO - HD Hero, Hero2, HERO3 or HERO3+ (6:40) by Brynmag
• GoPro Time lapse using a mechanical water timer (5:09) by Tom's Test Kitchen
• How to Operate an Orbit Mechanical Timer (0:51) by Orbit Lawn Garden Life
• Orbit Mechanical Watering Hose Timer 62034 (3:02) by MACH 1 TIPS
• First field test: "Orbit" panoramic time lapse timer - a blog post by Walter Sanford
• Post update: Minor modifications of "Orbit" panoramic time lapse rig - another blog post by Walter Sanford

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