Vinten Radamec HS-102P Pan & Tilt Head - Manual (Page 23)

HS-102P pan and tilt head
22
Mounting and balancing the payload
For proper operation it is very important that the load is properly balanced mechanically with the
centre of gravity (C of G) set exactly on the tilt axis.
1. Start with the camera cradle level.
2. Position the camera on the camera cradle and attach using bolts through the camera cradle
into the base of the camera. Leave the bolts just loose enough to be able to slide the
camera backwards and forwards.
3. Mount the lens (with the lens drive assembly installed) on the camera (if it was not already
installed).
4. Mount any other ancillary equipment such as tally lights etc.
5. Slide the camera back and forth until the overall payload feels balanced horizontally about
the tilt axis of the head. Tighten the bolts in the base of the camera and recheck the
horizontal balance. Readjust if necessary.
6. Tilt the camera approximately 30° upward and release it. If the camera stays in the same
position when released, the payload is properly balanced with the C of G on the tilt axis.
However, if the camera continues to move upwards after releasing the camera cradle, the
payload is mounted too high - lower the camera cradle. If the camera moves back towards
the horizontal position when released, the payload is mounted too low - raise the camera
cradle.
7. Mark the fore and aft position of the camera on the camera cradle so that it can be re-
installed in the same position. Remove the camera from the camera cradle.
8. Note or mark the vertical position of the camera cradle to make sure that you move it in the
desired direction. Loosen the two camera cradle screws and raise or lower the cradle as
necessary. Tighten the screws securely.
9. Remount the payload and repeat step 6 to check the balance. Move the camera cradle
again if necessary until balance is achieved.