How to properly dock the Pilot

[Elliot Gabor]

Ok, I've been hearing mixed things and I just want to confirm what i've been doing. I know that most streadicam's get docked below the stage and not under the gimbal as to not damage it. When I look at the pilot and the docking bracket, the fit seems to make more sense under the gimbal (there are little pins that would scratch the area below the stage.) Please confirm I'm not damaging my gimbal by docking it below it. Thanks.

Edited January 29, 2013 by Elliot Gabor

[Victor Lazaro]

The problem with docking under the gimbal is not about damaging your gimbal and your post (which could happen) but also that you are docking it under the center of gravity, so your rig will always be unstable and risk to flip or fall. The zephyr is the same deal and I would love to have a docking ring sometimes... Oh well

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

The problem with docking under the gimbal is not about damaging your gimbal and your post (which could happen) but also that you are docking it under the center of gravity, so your rig will always be unstable and risk to flip or fall.

 

You mean the way we docked rigs for 20 years?

[James Elias]

Hi Elliot,

 

The Pilot was designed to be docked under the stage and, from memory, the pins on the bracket shouldn't scratch anything under the stage. It's mentioned in the manual.

 

Best,

James

[Elliot Gabor]

OK, I think I figured it out. The pilot does in fact get docked under the stage. The two pins on the docking bracket are there to avoid the sled from sliding off the bracket. You do have to be careful though because if you don't dock the sled far back enough on the bracket the two pins do scratch the underside of the stage as I've experienced.