Gimbal clamp snapped

[David M. Aronson]

It's on it's way to California right now. I got the gimbal off, but I don't want to do much more than that myself. It does look a lot nicer with the Ultra sleeve and I probably wont have to wrap it in tennis racket tape. And you're pictures helped a lot Andrew. Is that your sled or another op's sled?

 

Now on to the next problem.

I've been trying to get in contact with Peter for a few weeks now about the ratchet straps on my vest since one of them broke. Can you buy them outside of Tiffen? I can do the repair myself on the vest.

[Andrew Ansnick]

Glad they helped. The photo's I posted were of another op's sled. I used to own a Master Elite but fortunately never had issues with my gimbal or top stage locking mechanisms. I hope Peter has gotten back to you by now. If not, perhaps try talking directly to Dan Ikeda or Michael Craigs here in Los Angeles at the factory 818-843-4600. They should be able to help you out.

[David M. Aronson]

Okay, I figure I should give an update for those who have a similar problem in the future.

 

I was given a cost estimate of $1500-$2300 including 2-4 hours of work.

 

Apparently some bearings need to be replaced as well. I haven't have any problems with the bearings, only the clamp. They're the experts though.

 

Also, Peter has not gotten back to me. I ended it calling and sending it into LA.

[Afton Grant]

Hmm... Did you send them the whole gimbal, or did you just order the new parts? Your cost estimate must include replacement of whatever bearings they claim are bad. The sleeve alone DOES NOT cost that much. Also, it's a repair you're fully capable of doing yourself, especially if you've already gotten your gimbal off of your sled. No need to pay someone else to do it.

[David M. Aronson]

I sent the whole gimbal off. I was worried about it not being true if I did it myself. Should I have them send it back with a new sleeve?

[David M. Aronson]

Okay, I got the gimbal back and filmed a live concert on Sunday. The first hing I noticed was a clunking sound when I tilted on one side. Not a huge problem I thought. Then I tried it out. On the side that it clunks on, there's a huge amount of friction when you tilt. Almost like the bearings disengage and it's just metal on metal.

What do I do now?

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Send it back. Sorry, but its the best thing to do.

[RonBaldwin]

You should bill them for your time wasted.

[James Davis]

Send it back. Sorry, but its the best thing to do.

 

 

You should bill them for your time wasted.

 

Both of the above, an issue like that could have really screwed up your job and your reputation.

[David M. Aronson]

Is NAB over yet? I think they had to do it quickly because they were getting ready for NAB

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

David, as they say "sh*t happens." That said, if it was that obvious the moment you tried it, they did not test it before sending it back. That kind of thing dives me nuts. You now have more down time. At least get them to pick up shipping charges.

[David M. Aronson]

They sent me instructions how how to balance the gimbal.

Two issues though. I don't think the gimbal needs to be balanced and I don't understand half of the instructions. Will someone tell me what a gimbal ring, gimbal cap, and adjustment pin screws are?

[Anthony Graham]

It would have been usefull if pics had been included with the manual. Maybe the main full manual has part numbers and pics? wouldn't know as I have never owned a master!

 

Anyway hope this helps

 

Anthony

[David M. Aronson]

Thanks Anthony! My lizard like brain was having trouble figuring this all out. I'll try balancing the gimbal tomorrow to see if that works. I'll let you all know what happens.

[David M. Aronson]

Okay. Micheal Craigs called me this afternoon and helped me understand what to do. He even offered to cover overnight shipping. I ended up fiddling with it for an hour and a half and I think I fixed the clunk and balanced the gimbal. I'm about to go fly it now to test it out.