User manual VARIZOOM BLACK HAWK

[. . . ] - 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. Once you've adjusted the vest, remove it for easy re-suiting by unclipping the buckles and strap on one side only. Page 2 Complete System Weight Arm Weight Vest Weight Sled Weight Vertical Range of Arm Camera Weight Range LCD Monitor 23 lbs 10. 5 lbs 6. 2 lbs 6. 3 lbs (w/ monitor) 38" 10-25 lbs (w/ free optional weight plate, 15-25 lbs w/o) 7" 16:9 NTSC (16:9/4:3 switchable); PAL version available on request Components List Sled, 11" Dovetail, Monitor, Arm, Vest, Extension Grip, Balancing Plate, Tool kit, Low Mode Cage, DVD, Manual Arm / Sled Dimensions Case Dimensions Packed Weight Black Hawk w/ Vlock 39. 5" x 3. 5" x 2. 75" / 29. 5" x 12. 5" x 4. 5" H 33" W 20. 5" D 17" Approx. [. . . ] 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 Page 10 Low Mode Assembly The Low Mode consists of the camera cage and a few screws. Start by attaching the dovetail plate (upside-down) to the top of the camera cage using the supplied screws (the top of the cage has threaded holes). Then turn the sled upside-down and slide the dovetail plate into the stage. Mount the camera inside the cage using the supplied screw. The stage knobs and multiple cage holes allow for horizontal balance adjustment, and you can adjust the vertical balance using the same adjustments as in normal upright mode. The Sled holds the camera, monitor, and batteries, and it can be adjusted at various points to change its weight distribution, which in turn enables you to accommodate different cameras. The basic principle of sled adjustment is to make the section of the sled below the Gimbal effectively `heavier' than the upper section and to center the camera's mass on the rotating axis. set up the sled using the balancing plate on a sand-bagged cstand. The Sled 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 batteries. 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. Page 8 Exercise caution when handling or adjusting the arm, as it is very hefty and possesses a possibly dangerous amount of potential recoil energy. Now you need to Set the "float point", which is the ideal point of arm spring tension. At the end of each arm section you will find a hex screw for adjusting the spring tension. Use the hex-socket driver to make the tension adjustments. Clockwise turning increases tension while counter-clockwise turning decreases tension. You will want to play with the independent adjustments of each arm section until you get the right cumulative force. There should be some degree of balance between the two sections, but the lower arm section bears more weight, so the amount of adjustment may be different. Set the adjusters until both arm sections are near or above a horizontal level and the arm is compliant but not `mushy'. The float point is not necessarily an exact setting, and you may find that what works for you is slightly different than another person's preferred float point. The important thing is the end result: you have a sled that rises and falls with slight force and absorbs most of the shock imparted by walking. Now you should be able to turn on the monitor and begin practicing, assuming the batteries are charged. You may need to adjust the balance slightly after positioning the monitor and fine tuning may be necessary. Page 5 Once it is securely fastened, slide the dovetail into the stage while making sure the rack on the dovetail lines up with the brass gear in the stage. You may need to push up on the dovetail lock to fully install the plate. [. . . ] ALWAYS exercise caution when leaving the sled/camera assembly unattended ­ ALWAYS secure the c-stand with sandbags or counter weights to prevent the stand from tipping over. We recommend you lock the sled into the docking yoke (the U-shaped end of the balancing plate) while your hands are off the system. The docking yoke fits around the center post of the sled under the gimbal bearing and locks the system in place using a steel quick-release pin on a lanyard. The arm links the sled to the vest, provides vertical support, and allows the camera and sled to float. [. . . ]