HVX200 and Steadicam Merlin
- Thread starter kevinM
- Start date
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
Kevin,
It is possible. Garrett has done it and says it works beautifully.
Have you looked at the settings in the cookbook? www.merlincookbook.com
And what all are you trying to balnace? There isn't any room for accesories on the HVX on the Merlin. Try stripping it down best you can, loose the mic if you have it on there, etc.
As it's at the limit, start by opening the caliper hinge (arc size) all the way to it's maximum and put all the weights at the bottom. (except the one finish weight on the front). Then it's down to fine-tuning "Z" and the stage position.
According to the cookbook: Z should be about -2 ans the stage mark should be +1. - Presuming you are mounted in hole "H".
How close are you getting? what is it doing?
Keep us posted on how you do, I (and others) would love to hear more. How do you like the FX1 on the Merlin?
- Mikko
It is possible. Garrett has done it and says it works beautifully.
Have you looked at the settings in the cookbook? www.merlincookbook.com
And what all are you trying to balnace? There isn't any room for accesories on the HVX on the Merlin. Try stripping it down best you can, loose the mic if you have it on there, etc.
As it's at the limit, start by opening the caliper hinge (arc size) all the way to it's maximum and put all the weights at the bottom. (except the one finish weight on the front). Then it's down to fine-tuning "Z" and the stage position.
According to the cookbook: Z should be about -2 ans the stage mark should be +1. - Presuming you are mounted in hole "H".
How close are you getting? what is it doing?
Keep us posted on how you do, I (and others) would love to hear more. How do you like the FX1 on the Merlin?
- Mikko
I have the HVX and a battery only when I try to balance. I did go to the Merlin Cookbook and followed the specs but the drop test takes about 3 to 4 seconds - like it is too top heavy.
The one thing that I can see is that the arc adjustment dosen't quite go out to the last tic mark before it gets difficult to extend any more. Maybe the arc isn't large enough but I don't want to force it.
The one thing that I can see is that the arc adjustment dosen't quite go out to the last tic mark before it gets difficult to extend any more. Maybe the arc isn't large enough but I don't want to force it.
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
I don't ahve a Merlin handy here to check with, but if it's putting a little resistance you can gentally try a little more. But if it's giving you that "I don't wanna go" feeling then stop. - Try measuring and see if you can match the cookbook's measurements.
If it's only a case of drop time, try moving Z a little closer to move the gimble up higher, just a *hair*. A turn or two should be enough.
3-4 sec drop is really close (very workable actually) 2.5-3sec would be ideal though.
Also a little tip, if it's really *that* close, try adding just a little weight to the bottom, it won't take much. - to the tune of taping a quater onto the top of the weights might be too much! Give it a try and see if it helps!
- Mikko
If it's only a case of drop time, try moving Z a little closer to move the gimble up higher, just a *hair*. A turn or two should be enough.
3-4 sec drop is really close (very workable actually) 2.5-3sec would be ideal though.
Also a little tip, if it's really *that* close, try adding just a little weight to the bottom, it won't take much. - to the tune of taping a quater onto the top of the weights might be too much! Give it a try and see if it helps!
- Mikko
Thanks for the tip. I'll try it again tonight.
By the way, I loved the Merlin with the FX1. It is really amazing what this little thing can do. Garrett Brown is one cool dude.
Obviously, the lighter the camera, the easier it is but it handled the FX1 with no problem. I just sold the FX1 on eBay so I cant wait to get the HVX working well too. Practice Practice!
By the way, I loved the Merlin with the FX1. It is really amazing what this little thing can do. Garrett Brown is one cool dude.
Obviously, the lighter the camera, the easier it is but it handled the FX1 with no problem. I just sold the FX1 on eBay so I cant wait to get the HVX working well too. Practice Practice!
mikkowilson said:
I stopped on my way home and bought a package of metal washers the same diameter as the weights - put two of them between the weights and TA DA! It's perfect!
The drop time is now about 2 seconds maybe a little more and it flys smooth as butter!
Thanks Mikko and thank you Mr. Brown.
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
GREAT! 
..Now post some video damnit! :happy:
Glad to know the washers worked for you. Very good thinking. :thumbsup:
Amazing what such a small amount of weight can do isn't it? - Just try to keep that added weight to a minimum, and be slightly more gental on the rig when flying too (not that you should be shaking it apart anyway). Though it should be fine (it's rated to 1.5 G's, so 150% of what you have now, if you arn't moving it vertically).
I'm glad you got it working, I can't wait to hear of (and see) some results.
Also, could you give us your view on what seems to be an eternal question from many here: How does it feel to operate? and does it get heavy/how long can you fly for?
Happy to be of help.
- Mikko
..Now post some video damnit! :happy:
Glad to know the washers worked for you. Very good thinking. :thumbsup:
Amazing what such a small amount of weight can do isn't it? - Just try to keep that added weight to a minimum, and be slightly more gental on the rig when flying too (not that you should be shaking it apart anyway). Though it should be fine (it's rated to 1.5 G's, so 150% of what you have now, if you arn't moving it vertically).
I'm glad you got it working, I can't wait to hear of (and see) some results.
Also, could you give us your view on what seems to be an eternal question from many here: How does it feel to operate? and does it get heavy/how long can you fly for?
Happy to be of help.
- Mikko