User manual VARIZOOM NAVIGATOR

[. . . ] Although it is fairly easy to set up the Navigator, you must know how to use the handheld stabilizer before you get started, so read the instructions for the handheld unit first, if necessary. Operating the full system smoothly will require practice. Included with your Navigator are the Arm, Vest, and Glidecam® adapter post with screw and washer for attaching the post to the arm or for directly attaching the FlowPod to the arm. NAVIGATOR Navigator can also be upgraded to a full professional system by adding a GT sled in place of the FlowPod or GlideCam® handheld units. Page 2 Page 7 The Vest The purpose of the vest is to comfortably distribute the weight of the camera and stabilizing system on your body. [. . . ] -The way you walk will affect the quality of stabilization, so you will need to develop a lightfooted rhythmic pattern, and you may find that a sideways step works better. -Practice before attempting to acquire usable footage. -Seriously - practice, practice, practice. Page 6 Start by fixing the Glidecam® handle adapter post to the arm platform. You can use a coin to tighten the screw. Make sure the post is secure by twisting it in the opposite direction of the screw as you tighten it. Attach the Glidecam® to the arm by sliding the handle over the adapter post. Page 3 The Handheld Stabilizer, or "Sled" On a professional stabilizer, the "sled" is the subsystem that holds the camera, viewing monitor, and battery. With the Navigator, things are a bit more simplified, as your handheld stabilizer will become the sled, and your camera probably has an onboard monitor and battery power. In tandem with the spring arm, the sled creates a stabilizing or floating effect by keeping the camera level, absorbing shock, and allowing smooth panning action. The basic principles of sled adjustment are that you want the section of the sled below the pivot point to be effectively heavier (slightly) than the upper section, and you want the camera's mass to be centered on the rotating axis. The vertical and horizontal balance you need to achieve with the sled should be explained in the instruction manual of your handheld stabilizer. Following the instructions in your handheld stabilizer manual, balance the unit with the camera mounted before proceeding. Adjusting the Arm The next step is to set the "float point". This is essentially the ideal point of spring tension, the state in which the sled rises and falls with slight force. At the front end of the arm you will find a tee-head knob for adjusting the spring tension. Clockwise turning increases tension while counterclockwise turning decreases tension. You should adjust the tension until the camera base floats at a level below your collarbone, but the arm should not feel "mushy". Typically, the arm should be at or above the horizontal position, and you should adjust the tension to a point that minimizes bounce. [. . . ] A1 ­ Start by opening the arm (see below) Once you've removed the two screws, you will be able to swing the top half of the arm out and have access to the inside of the arm. Page 5 Connecting the `Sled' to the Arm If you are using the FlowPod, attach it to the arm by following these steps: Remove knurled knobs from the base of the FlowPod handle by completely unscrewing them. Rest FlowPod handle over hole on mounting platform and carefully thread screw with washer into handle. Remove two hex screws, one from each side at the top of the arm, as pictured (5/64" key, not included) Next, remove ONLY the spring attached to the stationary bar ­ NEVER remove the spring on the adjuster assembly. Remove the spring from the stationary bar by grabbing it along its length and pulling it up and over the bar. When screwing the handle to the arm, support the weight of the FlowPod and thread carefully to avoid damaging the threads in the handle. [. . . ]