Hi there,
I have just received my Smooth Shooter and 4000 sled.
I have decided to reconfigure the system to improve performance and fix a problem.
I have reconfigured the arm so that the sprung section now attaches to the vest and the static arm connects to the sled.
My reconfiguration only requires undoing some allen screws and swapping the sections around and takes about 5 minutes.
the advantages are:
1) The static section is no longer subject to a twisting force. It has been reported that with heavy sleds this section can twist by as much as 10-15 degrees.This must cause metal fatigue over time. The twisting force applied to the arm overall is now applied to the sprung section which is much more capable of dealing with it.
The static section, an "I beam" structure, is now only subject to vertical forces which it is more able to cope with.
2) The sprung mass is increased by that of the static arm. More mass equals more resistance to movement.
3) You can now mount a monitor where you can easily see it, directly in front of you on the static arm, and not down at the bottom of the sled where you have to keep twisting your head to see. As the monitor moves around less and your angle of view doesnt change if you pan the camera, it will be easier to use.
The mass of the monitor will still contribute to the vertical stability of the system but not the roll and pitch of the sled.
You will have to mount a lead to the camera and the battery but shouldn't cause a problem.
4) the weight of the sprung section is now closer to the body reducing the strain on your back.
5) With no sled mounted the arm does not flail about quite so dangerously.
The disadvantages.
1) You could knock the arm with your elbow as the vertical movement is closer to your body. This is dependent on the setup of the vest.
2) it doesn't look as cool.
I only received the rig last night so have only had a few hours to test the setup and it seems to work just fine.
I haven't had time to give a detailed explanation and arrange pictures.
If you would like pictures and a more detailed explanation of how to do it just let me know and ill pop them up tonight.
I would be iterested to hear a comparison between the normal and my new configuration if any users out there change.
So far the only problem i can see with the setup is that the sled post is very close to the handle and could cause the two to colide during manouvers.
Could anyone out there come up with one more like the steadicam setup that avoids this.
If you do let me know coz i want one.
Does anyone out there know of a more comprehensive setup guide for the smooth shooter or 4000/2000 as the one included is a bit on the light side.
DOes anyone know how much glidecam charge for a replacement sprung section as i am wondering if it would be a cheaper path to a stabiliser capable of coping with running than purchasing a Steadicam.
looking forward to your views
steve
on the top of the world
I have just received my Smooth Shooter and 4000 sled.
I have decided to reconfigure the system to improve performance and fix a problem.
I have reconfigured the arm so that the sprung section now attaches to the vest and the static arm connects to the sled.
My reconfiguration only requires undoing some allen screws and swapping the sections around and takes about 5 minutes.
the advantages are:
1) The static section is no longer subject to a twisting force. It has been reported that with heavy sleds this section can twist by as much as 10-15 degrees.This must cause metal fatigue over time. The twisting force applied to the arm overall is now applied to the sprung section which is much more capable of dealing with it.
The static section, an "I beam" structure, is now only subject to vertical forces which it is more able to cope with.
2) The sprung mass is increased by that of the static arm. More mass equals more resistance to movement.
3) You can now mount a monitor where you can easily see it, directly in front of you on the static arm, and not down at the bottom of the sled where you have to keep twisting your head to see. As the monitor moves around less and your angle of view doesnt change if you pan the camera, it will be easier to use.
The mass of the monitor will still contribute to the vertical stability of the system but not the roll and pitch of the sled.
You will have to mount a lead to the camera and the battery but shouldn't cause a problem.
4) the weight of the sprung section is now closer to the body reducing the strain on your back.
5) With no sled mounted the arm does not flail about quite so dangerously.
The disadvantages.
1) You could knock the arm with your elbow as the vertical movement is closer to your body. This is dependent on the setup of the vest.
2) it doesn't look as cool.
I only received the rig last night so have only had a few hours to test the setup and it seems to work just fine.
I haven't had time to give a detailed explanation and arrange pictures.
If you would like pictures and a more detailed explanation of how to do it just let me know and ill pop them up tonight.
I would be iterested to hear a comparison between the normal and my new configuration if any users out there change.
So far the only problem i can see with the setup is that the sled post is very close to the handle and could cause the two to colide during manouvers.
Could anyone out there come up with one more like the steadicam setup that avoids this.
If you do let me know coz i want one.
Does anyone out there know of a more comprehensive setup guide for the smooth shooter or 4000/2000 as the one included is a bit on the light side.
DOes anyone know how much glidecam charge for a replacement sprung section as i am wondering if it would be a cheaper path to a stabiliser capable of coping with running than purchasing a Steadicam.
looking forward to your views
steve
on the top of the world
