Ultra 2 top stage - side to side adjustment

[Rupert Nel]

Hi guys,

 

So I am working on a Ultra 2 rig this week.

 

I have not worked with the motorized stage before. This might be a stupid question but I am having trouble adjusting the side to side on the stage.

 

I have switched the rig on, then I had the s/s setting on the stage motor set to "L", then I tapped the lever to centre the stage, the stage then went all the way to the left. Then I switched the s/s setting to "R", then I tapped the centre lever again, the knob then did turn but the stage did not move. It stays on the left side.

 

Most likely I am doing something wrong, I did not had much time with the rig yet as I am shooting today but will sit with the rig again this evening.

 

If there is an issue with the stage, can I manually adjust side to side on the stage? I don't mind adjusting it manually just need to know if there is anything I need to do to be able to adjust it manually.

 

Any info will be much appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Rupert

[Jerry Holway]

The "C" for center is programmed like the remote buttons are programmed. This accounts for "centering" L/R (and F/A) when the nominal center with a particular camera is slightly offset to one side or another. It was designed this way so that if you changed lenses, for instance, you could re-center the fore/aft travel without messing with the particular side to side offset. The other setting on that switch matches the first button on the remote. Both are programmable.

[Rupert Nel]

Hi Jerry,

 

Thanks for sharing the info.

 

This rig's remote is not on the gimbal and is actually not with the rig at all. I have the rig with the gimbal's normal handle, so there is no remote connected.

 

Can I centre this stage with just using the nosebox, without having the remote?

 

If I turn the side to side knobs manually nothing happens.

 

Rupert

[Jerry Holway]

Turning the stage manually and nothing happens is really odd. I suspect (now that I re-read your post), that something has come loose between the stage and the knobs - the fact that the knob turns and nothing happens is very strange.

 

1st: check that the knobs are engaging the shaft. Pry off the little covers and you will see a nut - be sure all is tight.

 

If that does not work:

 

2nd:Try to remove the top plate or plates (under the dovetail "grabber"). Several small screws hold them in place. Do the rear one first; hopeful you will not have to do the forward one.

 

Let me know what happens; what you find.

 

Jerry

[Rupert Nel]

Thanks Jerry,

 

Will have a look asap. Only wrapping today's shoot in about 4hours. But will revert back once I had a look.

 

I also find it very strange, because when I first switched it on and tapped the centre switch on the nosebox the stage did move left when the knobs turned,it was in the centre. So it's as if the stage was programmed to go all the way to the left.

 

Now I can't get the tape to move toward the right.

 

But I will have a look and see what's happening.

 

Thanks Jerry

 

Rupert

[Rupert Nel]

Just a side note, when I turn the knobs manually, it feels like it is suppose to adjust, it sounds the same as when the motor adjusts the stage.

[axel ebermann]

If you turn the know manually and the stage is not moving something is broken.

If the motors are engaged and you turn it manually you should feel some resistance and it makes a little 'whirring'

sound.

 

If it turns super easy without resistance and you don't hear anything the know might be loose.

[Rupert Nel]

Hi Axel,

 

The motors are definitely engaged. When I turn it manually I feel the resistance and I hear the whirring sound but it's not moving. I am almost heading home now then I will check it out again.

 

Thanks Axel

[Rupert Nel]

Hi guys,

 

So when I got home last night I took the rig out.

 

Before I added the batteries to the sled I manually adjusted the stage and it worked.

 

I then added the batteries and turned on the sled, still fine.

 

But I am weary of playing with any switches on the nosebox. I wonder if the stage was programmed to sit to the left, in other words when I tapped the Centre switch and the the stage moved to the left, maybe the programmed preset prevented me to move the stage to the right.

 

Not sure what I did wrong, but at least it's all working now, I just have to manually adjust the stage which is not a problem at all.

 

I wonder if there would be any issues related to the fact that the stage remote is not with the rig.

[Jerry Holway]

I would try programming the center switch - With the stage manually centered, just hold the switch for a few seconds to the C position until the nose box light blinks. That programs it... You might as well also program the other direction of the switch (N?? can't remember) for the same position of the stage.

[Alfeo Dixon SOC]

C & L... Centered & Leveled