Balancing a Steadicam and drop times

[John Munroe]

Hi

 

I see that the 2-3s drop time is widely accepted to be the optimal balance. But what adverse results would there be if the drop time was much shorter (e.g., 1s) or much longer (5s)? Would a short drop time create a pendulum - but better stability?

 

Any thought appreciated.

Edited November 23, 2016 by John Munroe

[Andrew Bradley]

Hey John, I am selling a second copy I have of the Steadicam Operators Handbook, in new condition, I highly recommend it and it will answer many of your questions, also it will help clear my pile of various...

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steadicam%C2%AE-Operators-Handbook-Jerry-Holway/dp/024082380X/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=ACWANWB7BRFBG

 

Andrew

Edited November 23, 2016 by Andrew Bradley

[Victor Lazaro]

I would highly recommend the handbook. To answer your question, well you answered it yourself. Shorter drop you get pendulum effect when you change your speed (start and stop a move) I make it more bottom heavy for really slow moves or standing still moments. But then tilts are incredibly painful. slow drop is great for car mount since it is less prone to the acceleration pendulum and tilts in the turns.

[James Valasco]

I s there any videos out there that really show how to balance a pilot? Most of the videos on youtube should be taken off.

[Tom Wills]

Here's the best one I've ever seen. Wonderful video.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTIzOZJemc0

[James Valasco]

Question: During Static balance. Fore and aft and side to side it seems like my pilot takes forever to come to rest. Steadily rocking.

Is that normal and controlled through the use of the hand when you fly the unit or is there a way to make it come to rest faster?

[Jerry Holway]

James- it sounds like you have a good gimbal with minimal friction, as it should be.

 

Here's how to balance faster: Instead of waiting for it to come to rest, put it level with your operating hand, make it still, and then release it gently. If the sled moves off level, then tweak the balance. The faster it moves, the more out of balance you are.

[James Valasco]

Are there any good videos out there that can help me dynamically balance a Steadicam pilot other then the cartoon that tiffen puts out?

[Lisa Sene]

Hi James,

 

Check out this video by Chris Fawcett:

 

 

While Chris isn't using a Pilot specifically, all the concepts are the same; once you understand dynamic balance conceptually, you can apply it to any rig.

 

Happy flying!

 

Lisa

Edited January 10, 2017 by Lisa Sene