User manual VARIZOOM AVIATOR

[. . . ] - Adjust the vertical fit by adjusting the straps, pulling the chrome release pin and sliding the chest plate up or down until you find the right position. - Adjust the tightness of the vest around your waist using the Velcro strap, drawing it around evenly on both sides of the lower vest pad. - Adjust the tightness around your torso by positioning the Velcro straps across the back of the vest and securing the buckles to the chest plate. Make the vest as tight as possible to maximize operational quality and comfort. [. . . ] -With the other hand, lightly grasp the center post of the sled just below the gimbal, holding it close to the gimbal for optimal control. -Delicately grasp the center post with your fingertips, like a flute ­ do not grab it like a handlebar. -Practice good posture and hold the sled close to your body. -Fine-tuning of the balance adjustments may be necessary a few times during operation. -The way you walk will affect the quality of stabilization, so you need to develop a light-footed rhythmic pattern. -Practice for at least 20 hours before attempting to acquire usable footage. The DVD contains detailed, clear instructions and tips on operation, and if you have any general questions, visit the website ­ www. varizoom. com. If you've watched the video and practiced and still have technical questions, call 310-545-0466. The Sled The Sled is the subsystem that holds the camera, viewing monitor, and battery. The Sled mounts to the arm, and in tandem they create a stabilizing effect. The Sled can be adjusted at various points to change its weight distribution, which in turn enables you to accommodate cameras of different sizes, shapes and weights. The basic principles of sled adjustment are that you want the section of the sled below the pivot point (Gimbal) to be effectively heavier than the upper section, and you want the camera's mass to be centered on the rotating axis. It is easier to balance the sled with the aid of a c-stand, but it can also be done while it is mounted to the arm. Page 3 The Stage enables you to adjust the horizontal balance of the system and houses the video and power connectors. The Post and Gimbal provide smooth pan and tilt action, a mounting socket for the spring arm, and a grip handle. This section also features one of several vertical balance adjustment points. The Lower Sled holds the LCD monitor and battery. To fix the monitor to the swivel mount, line up the flat edges of the screw with the slot so it will slide on, tighten the knob, and plug in the video and power cables. loaded camera weighs less than 10 lbs, you will have to attach the supplied weight plate. P1 - Weight Plate Attachment - If your fully Page 6 - Start by mounting the weight plate to the camera (above) ­ The weight plate comes with several screws, and you will use the shorter hex socket head screw to attach the weight plate to the camera. This screw will go into one of the counter-bored holes. You should try to position the weight plate so that the camera's CG lines up with the centermost hole of the weight plate. Use the supplied 3/16" hex wrench to tighten the screw. - Next, attach the dovetail to the weight plate using the two slot-head screws (see pictures below). Slide the assembly into the stage and you're ready to continue. You are now ready to learn the balancing procedure. Pick up the sled/camera assembly and place the gimbal handle onto the steel post at the top of the vest-mounted arm (or onto the c-stand adapter post). The post should slide up into the socket of the gimbal handle, securing the sled in place. Now you can check the vertical balance of the sled. [. . . ] loosen the dovetail lock and adjust the knob at the front of the stage until the camera is level. If the sled leans to one side, you can adjust the stage laterally by using the second knob. Both knobs adjust in very fine increments, so you will find it is best to turn them slowly until you hit the "sweet spot" (where the camera stays totally level). The arm is the link between your body and the sled. [. . . ]