VariZoom VZBLACKHAWKVL - Manual (Page 5)

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. Mount the balanced
sled to the arm. 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. Adjust the dovetail so
that the camera stays fairly level. When properly installed,
the locking release pin should prevent the plate from sliding
out, but you should go ahead
and secure your camera by
tightening the dovetail lock.
Plug your video cable from
the camera to the video
output on the back of the
stage. You are now ready to
learn the balancing
procedure. Now you can check the vertical balance of the
sled. Make sure the dovetail is locked. Using your free
hand, turn the sled 90 degrees so that it is horizontally
oriented and let it drop back to the vertical position. Keep
your free hand close to the center post of the sled in order
to maintain control of the swinging action.
Ideal vertical balance is reflected by a “drop time” of 2-3
seconds, meaning it should take 2-3 seconds for the sled to
swing down 90 degrees to the vertical plane (it will swing
past that point, but count only until it reaches the vertical
plane). If the system is top heavy (more than 3 sec), adjust
the