Gimble Question

[Imran Naqvi]

Hi all,

 

 

I need some help, I recently bought an EFP from Optex. Thanks to a great deal on a weight cage, I've only just recently been able to practice in anger with it.

 

I've been having some weird balancing issues with it. I can happily get it to balance on the stand but as soon as I get it on the arm, the horizon goes and I get a degree of torque in the gimble which puts a small anti-clockwise spin on the gimble. I'm wondering if it's something to do with the way I stand, the vest or even the gimble itself. Any ideas?

[charlesneufeld]

When you say you can balance it on the stand..

Can you rotate the rig in 45 degree increments and does it still stay level?? Or does it balance in one direction and then once you pan it to say 180 degrees (or any other position) , it goes out of balance?

 

Try that first before you think it is the vest/arm adjustments.That vest adjustment deals with where the rig wants to neutrally float in relation to your posture.

 

good luck and let us know!

~C

[RobinThwaites]

Hi Imran

 

It's worth performing the tests that Charles mentioned, it sounds a bit like one of the bearings needs to be centred, when we get together I will show you how.

 

Robin

OpTex

[Imran Naqvi]

Hi Charles and Robin,

 

Thanks for replying. I did a test and panning it through 90 degrees changes the horizon and then it changes again when you get to 180 degrees.

 

Presumably not too big a deal and a simple adjustment? What's the most likely cause of this? I just want to know to make sure it's not something I've done.

[charlesneufeld]

Hey Imran,

 

The most likely suspect for that is your Pan bearing not being centered exactly, which seems to be somwhat common on the efp/3a and earlier gimbles. HMMM, Perhaps because the earlier rigs had the cabling outside of the post and the need for 360 degree panning ability was just not possible because of this design limitation.

 

Anyway, as far as I know it can be fixed and you'll be panning flat in no time! :)

 

Good luck!

~C

[Jeff Muhlstock SOC]

Hi Charles and Robin,

 

Thanks for replying. I did a test and panning it through 90 degrees changes the horizon and then it changes again when you get to 180 degrees.

 

Presumably not too big a deal and a simple adjustment? What's the most likely cause of this? I just want to know to make sure it's not something I've done.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

I had similar problems with my first EFP. I was told at the time (about 13 years ago) that the EFP gimbals had this comon flaw. CP admitted a problem here. CP then sold me, at a huge discount, a 3A gimbal. Eventually, I grew out of that one too, got sticky. Now I fly a PRO gimbal, I have for several years. The point I make is, You get what you pay for, EFP gimbals are very limited in there precision. The gimbal is the most important item on your rig, I would spend the most on this equipment. Trying to repair or overhaul will only take you so far. Do yourself a favor, and buy a high end gimbal. It will be the best move you ever made.

 

Jeff