New Zephyr Owner, Upgrades?

[Luke Ogden]

Hi all,

I'm new-ish to steadicam, done the bronze workshop and a few shoots with a hired rig. Recently I picked up my first rig, an ex-rental Zephyr. Generally the package is in good order.

The monitor is a bit intermittent with the SDI signal, predominantly it just drops out briefly but sometimes the colour go a funky two tone. I've bypassed the post to eliminate that as a cause. Would be grateful for some advice on the following. 

1.  Is it worth repairing the standard Zephyr monitor or do most people upgrade it eventually?
2. If no, what monitor should I be considering? I have a Small HD 503 which I love but It's probably too small for the sled
3. What other upgrades to the sled should I consider? got my eye on a monitor yoke and a 24v battery option. 

Many thanks

 

[Daniel Saint-Hill-Pearse]

Hi Luke, 

 

Have you had any advancement with upgrading your monitor? I also have just purchased a Zephyr and looking to change out the monitor as it is only a SD monitor. I have a smallHD 702 touch which I am debating to use on the rig until a better option comes about.

 

As for upgrades a lot of people seem to go for the monitor yoke and also the gimbal wrap grip from sky magic:

https://www.skymagic.com/cineparts

 

3 Pin Male Steadicam Zephyr to 4 Port Female D Tap Multiple Tap Output can be useful:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alvins-Cables-steadicam-multiple-splitter/dp/B06XWTBV7R/ref=pd_rhf_sc_p_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Q8K8KE779KP0MN5D8MFG

 

I'm not sure where you can purchase the extra battery plate though.

 

All the best,

 

Dan

 

[Ilya Gittelson]

Ebay has those monitors selling for cheap all the time. Hopefully with fully upgraded firmware so you can use digital level if you have the attachment.