gimbal handle compatiblity

[Nils Valkenborgh]

Hey,

 

Quick question, which gimbal handles are Pro compatible?

 

I know XCS and Artemis have the same standards, but I'm not sure about Baerbel, I saw a Pro gimbal handle on ebay and I'd like to swap it with my BB handle.

 

Seasons greetings

 

Nils

[GregBubb]

Nils

 

I would not say that Artemis and XCS are interchangeable.

I have seen two XCS Ergo handles on an Artemis gimbals and had informed both operators that the fit did not appear correct. Also indicated that further damage could occur to the gimbal fork and the Ergo handles spindle. I had asked both ops to contact Sachtler and request technical details or mechanical drawing of the conical shaft, I too contacted a Sachtler rep with no useful details provided on that spindle interface. However I would not provide those technical details, possibly one might consider them trade secrets.

 

The issue with the fit I see (but more research is needed) is the conical shaft does not have enough contact surface area on the fork and gimbal handles spindle. There are minimum standard requirements. Looking at the two components mated (I have only seen multiple close up photos sent to me) I have come to the conclusion after doing a few calculations off the photos that indeed there is not enough contact area. And the conical hole in the Artemis fork is not deep enough for the XCS Ergo handle to safely operate without possibly damaging the Ergo handle or more likely the gimbal fork. I am not saying the Artemis gimbal fork is not correct for its gimbal and handle design because it is their design.

 

I am saying based on what I have seen, that until I have either a mechanical drawing of the Sachtler gimbal handle spindle or a drawing showing the details of the conical hole depth and angle on the Atremis fork, I do not recommend an XCS gimbal handle on a Sachtler gimbal. I would also say that this goes for any XCS gimbal handle on another gimbal design if its expected to function correctly other then GPI

I have informed the two operators of this and I don’t have confidence that it is not going to cause damage, or balance issues. If anyone has a gimbal handle shaft from another manufacture in question that they can provide I will gladly take and have it measured for the depth & correct tapper angle. The tapper angle (conical) of the Atremis is also in question. Or Sachtler can tell me what that angle they use and I can give operators a yes or no answer on that part of the issue that is in question.

 

An operator may say “its feels fine”, but that is completely different then the correct specifications of a design and it ability to balance and failure points in that design.

 

XCS and Pro tappers are the same and are interchangeable that of course I do know.

 

Any questions email or call .

 

Greg Bubb

[RonBaldwin]

I hope everyone realizes how awesome it is to have someone like Greg speak up about this. Thanks Greg!

[curt o. schaller]

Dear all,

I personal like the idea that our customers mixing Greg's great Ergo Handle with the artemis Gimbal (1.8" or 1.5").

To ensure a perfect fit, we made an adapter axle.

All operators which are using our solution for this great combination are absolute happy.

Nothing more to say :-)

 

For more detail just contact us:

 

artemis_info@me.com

 

cheers Curt

 

I wish you all a happy and great 2015.

 

[RonBaldwin]

Again...thanks Curt for being tuned in here!

[Nils Valkenborgh]

Hi,

 

Greg and Curt, thank you both very much for the very extensive explanations concerning the minimal tolerances and differences between the various manufacturers.

 

In the coming years I'll upgrade to a larger diameter post and gimbal anyway (1.8" or 2"), but for now I was looking for a way to increase the operating comfort of my current rig by just replacing the gimbal handle, not the entire gimbal.

 

Thanks again everybody

 

Nils

[Jon Beattie]

I'm 1 of the 2 operators Gregg mentioned that is using an ergo handle on a sachtler gimbal.

 

When I first put the ergo handle on it'd noticed how much more the axel stuck out from the fork on the gimbal. There was also a teeny tiny bit of play from the bolt holding the axel in place.

 

I figured it would eventually become an issue and reached out to both Gregg and curt about it.

 

Gregg was pretty forward about believing it was an issue that could lead to a big problem.

 

Curt was confident in being able to come up with a solution.

 

Well sure enough after a few months the bolt bent and I was forced to put the stock handle back on.

 

Curt asked me to send him the ergo handle and what he did was made a replacement axel for the ergo that perfectly matches the fork on the sachtler gimbal. It's now a simple kit piece that he sends when you change to the ergo or if your buying a rig you can send him an ergo and he'll put it on the rig.

 

Myself and the other operator who also had an ergo on his sachtler -and who's handle did sheer off I his hands- have been using the ergo with new axel in our sachtler a for over a year without any issues. I've had some very large builds and done lots of vehicle work without an issue since.

 

So there's a solution that works just contact sachtler and they'll get you squared away.

 

I'll add that both Gregg and Curt were emediate to respond to all questions and concerns and acted quickly in working this bit of business out.

[Nils Valkenborgh]

Hi Jon,

 

Thank you for the reply, Curt explained it to me as well, but hearing your reaction about mixing and matching different brands keeps up my hopes for rebuilding my rig with the best components I deem favorable.

 

Greetings

 

Nils