Slider Motion Quality

G

ggrantly

Veteran
I have had a Kessler PD for some time, and as handy as it is, I am always slightly disappointed with the smoothness of the motion. This is true whether I just push it or crank it. Call me unsteady. Also, if you have any panning, zoom, or focusing to do while sliding, it really is a two person job. I suppose this is true of any small igus style slider.

Has anyone used the Kessler motorized kit for the PD? How well does it work? It would be a bit of a luxury to purchase, but if it performed really well, it would improve the PD function and allow for some cam adjustment during a slide.

TIA,
Grant
 
To me small sliders are not really man enough to operate the camera (pan focus pull etc)

A camera on a dolly has much much much more inertia (having more mass) and tend to be smoother

Even a dolly in the price bracket of a slider

And yes operating is art - I guess an electric motor wont really help in terms of that art becuase (if you are relating to talent) the dolly speed needs operation not a consistent move.. the human touch.. IMO

S
 
For focus on the PD, I use a manfrotto 521PFI which has adjustable min-max stops. With careful use and a trial run or two (not unlike a manual follow-focus), you can do a pretty controlled focus pull. The trick is to have the smallest possible range which reduces sensitivity on the dial. That makes for smoother stops and starts.

I have a speed-rail tube setup for my Kessler K-Pod, and that works great.....on a flat surface. Sliders are quick, portable and are better suited for work in the bush. I can pack a tripod, light stand, PD, and some other stuff in one medium tripod case. Packing a K-pod and track around is another issue entirely. I find that using smaller cams, with good support under the slider, the pocket dolly is a capable tool for minimalist moves YMMV. My issue is getting silky smooth movement, the rest of it, I have pretty well worked out. Also, as I stated, I often work solo, so any dolly work is problematic, thus my interest in the ElektraDrive.

The Kessler control can ramp speed, has soft start and stop, and has a host of other control features. And that is the point, pushing a trolly isn't art, is is something that can be mechanized while the operator attends to other more important things like framing, focus, etc. No, I haven't used the ElektraDrive and that was the point of my post, to solicit opinions on how well it works.

Grant
 
I was one of the first Igus slider wonks, having contributed the Portadolly XLDL improvement. The friction bearing suck since they invariably bind. Either we use some nanotech to engineer a new generation of bearings or we use my fav assist- Vaseline on the rails! I also developed the first friction brake pad for the Igus. The brake pad forces the operator to exert more pressure on the rig to move it along. Turns out that with friction bearing systems that actually smoother than taking the brake off. Further, the push or pull needs to be exerted on the platform, NOT on the camera. In fact, as close to the same level as the bearing itself is ideal. I use a pull rope or fingers to do this. Add it all up = smoother slider moves. Pulling or pushing the camera exerts unequal force on the bearing, causing it to bind, slide, bind, slide - hence the common hiccups ;)
 
I was never able to get consistent speed and smoothness with my Igus slider until I motorized it. http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...Slider&p=1986095291&highlight=#post1986095291
Servocity has much better components available now (controller and reversible gear motors) compared to when I bought my parts from them. This motor would have no problem going vertical with a heavy load.
http://servocity.com/html/digital_manual_speed_controlle.html
http://servocity.com/html/robotzone_gear_motors.html
 
Hey Mark. I do like that Igus motor. I've given up DIY for a year but if I send you the slider would you build the motor for pay?
Further. While the motorization is no-doubt a smoother slide, it's not variable. I use a semi fluid pano base under the camera and enjoy panning WHILE sliding, particularly in 'DogLeg' configuration.
eventually we can make a CNC multi-axis slider that will allow that.
 
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