Merlin Settings for HPX170

[sam alcoff]

I bit the bullet and got a merlin. We're still in the figuring out the trim stage (and getting my arm ready). Does anyone have advice, settings, or suggests for balancing the hpx170 (we're using the smallest battery)? We're reading the manual and watching the DVD, but helpful hints will be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Jason Allen]

My trim settings for the HVX200 might put you in the right ballpark... try this and work from there:
-front weight = 1 finish
-bottom weight = 1 starter, 6 fatties, 1 finish
-arc length = fully extended
-cheeseplate = hole "C"
-The front of the camera cheese plate is sitting at -3.25 on the stage
-The gimbal is set to "Z" of -2 (tighten it up all the way, then back it up 2 full turns)

This trim works very well for my shop with a "naked" HVX200 (no mics, no tape) with the stock lens shade, 2x P2 cards and an SD card loaded, and the little battery.

Try this setup with your HPX170, and trim from there (maybe use hole "G" at a stage setting of 0-ish since the HPX doesn't have a tape drive, and may need to have its center of weight shifted right somewhat)! I do recommend using an arm and vest if you're planning on getting more than 15 second long shots... that HPX170 is going to get awful heavy awfully fast!

I hope this helps! Post back with how it worked, please. I'm curious