Preston MDR3 and Heden m26VE problem

[Aaron Medick SOC]

Hello All,

I just received my new Preston. I already own 3 Heden M26VE motors. Today at the check out, the motors didn't seem up to the task. It was responsive and precise on normal racks say 10 to 60 feet or 2 to 30 feet, but when we did a fast rack from 10 inches to infinity there was about 1/2 a second from the time you stopped moving the hand unit until the motor reach infinity.

 

When we adjusted the speed on the MDR it had no effect. The torque spec of the m26VE is 1.8nm. The DM1x is 2nm. There is no max speed rating on the Heden website. The max speed of the DM1x is 4.1 revolutions per second.

 

I spoke with Preston, Able Cine Tech, and ARRI CSC. I tried to call Magnus at Heden but it was after-hours. The opinion ranged from it should work perfectly to it's a limitation of the motor to it's not the motor.

 

I did't have any other motor to test. We will monday. I was able to observe an Arri UNIT do the long rack with no noticeable lag.

 

So my questions are;

 

Does anyone have experience with heden M26ve motors and Prestons?

Does the speed of the motor change when your change the speed on the MDR?

Does any one know the max speed of the M26VE?

 

I don't want this to turn into a flame tread. The set up will work well on 99% of shots. I'm not in anyway trying imply any of these pieces are flawed or bad. If you don't have anything of use to add don't reply.

 

Thanks for your time and Help,

Aaron

 

 

[MagnusBalte]

Hi Aaron,

 

Could you please let me know the serialnr:s of the motors you are using?

 

Best regards,

 

Magnus

Heden Engineering Co.

[Aaron Medick SOC]

HI Magnus,

I can't seem to find my records with the serial numbers. The motors are currently at CSC. I'll send you and email with the numbers on monday.

 

thanks,

Aaron

[Aaron Medick SOC]

Magnus,

I just sent you an email at the heden sales address.

 

Aaron

[Jens Piotrowski SOC]

the actual motor in the DM2 and the 26VE are identical parts from Faulhaber, so the motor spins at a certain speed when a voltage is applied. the difference is in the gearbox (transmission) the faster it turns the less torque it will have, just like on a bicycle....

 

the fastest & strongest motor is the DM1X, the 26VE compares to the DM2

 

having said that, i love my Heden motors 26 and 21 but my main focus motor is the dm1x

[Richard W. Davis]

I just worked with a well respected AC who swears MDR3's do not have as much strength as MDR 2's... Not sure as to the validity of the claim but it is a possibility.

 

Best,

 

Rich Davis

LA

[Aaron Medick SOC]

Jens that makes sense. I figured they are about the same from memory.

 

Richard,

what was not as powerful? the communication? Does the MDR dictate speed and torque other than the 3 setting? With my motors, there is no noticable change in the movement of the motor when the setting move from green to blue to red on the MDR. is that normal with the M26VE?

 

Thanks,

Aaron

[Walter F. Rodriguez]

DM1X, M26VE and M21VE are the best combination for my MDR3!

[Aaron Medick SOC]

Anybody know a person or place selling a DM1x? :)

[Walter F. Rodriguez]

Anybody know a person or place selling a DM1x?

[Stewart Smith]

Hey Aaron, I'm not experienced with the MDR3 or the DM1X, but I can tell you that on my MDR2 with Heden M26Ve motors, there is a considerable delay, on par with what you've mentioned. I am now using Preston DM2 motors with my system with far improved results. I also know that there are various ways to measure torque that differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. I also agree with the transmission (gearbox) statements made above, on which the Preston design does significantly improve on.

[Richard W. Davis]

Jens that makes sense. I figured they are about the same from memory.

 

Richard,

what was not as powerful? the communication? Does the MDR dictate speed and torque other than the 3 setting? With my motors, there is no noticable change in the movement of the motor when the setting move from green to blue to red on the MDR. is that normal with the M26VE?

 

Thanks,

Aaron

I was told torque and speed especially for Large heavy Primes.... Again second hand but may shine a light..

 

Rich

[RonBaldwin]

DM1X is the way to go for focus. Though I haven't bought one because every show I get on has them...I have a DM-1 (since '99) which is slower but very strong and a newer DM-4 (very slow, but small and light for zooms or iris).

[Aaron Medick SOC]

quick update

 

Magnus informed me that my two older M26VE motors need an update to play nice with the Preston MDR. He also said my newer M26VE can be retrofitted to be nearly as fast as a DM1x. So I'll be shipping them out to him in the near future. I'll report back when I receive the motors.

 

I also want to send a big thank you to Ron Baldwin for lending me a DM1 for a few days.

 

If anyone has a motor or two they want to rent me for a couple months PM me. I know Monster and CSC are all out of motors. I'll be calling around in the morning. I'm in NYC.

 

Thanks for everyone help,

Best,

Aaron

[Walter F. Rodriguez]

How much is the upgrade to make the M26VE ad fast as DM1X?