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EFP Gimbal wear / Repair


Bryan Fowler

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I had a couple of questions about my EFP gimbal.

 

After playing with the new Ultra2, Clippers, and even the flyer, i think there is something odd with my gimbal. But it's hard for me to know if the issues i'm having are gimbal related, or weight distribution related.

 

The first thing i'm noticing, is panning. It seems whippy. Easy to pan, even with fingertips.

Since I have an EFP, i don't have dynamic bal. and most of the weight is near the post, which is probably what is making it feel like that.

 

I have tried walking around the post, and I notice the sled starts to pan the direction i'm walking.

 

Second, if i'm in missionary position, horizon is easy to move, while pan is harder. I think it's the difference in drag between the yoke, and where the "Y" meets the "O". if that makes sense.

 

My gimbal is i think..10 years old.

 

I know I can get it redone, and when I can afford it, I will.

I'm wondering how much improvement I can expect? I know it won't be like a Ultra2, or clippers, but It would be great if it was close. I've noticed I'm a better operator when I'm on one of those gimbals. =)

 

any thoughts?

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Bryan, Invest in a new Gimbal. It will be the best money ever spent. That's where the magic happens. Your EFP Gimble will only take you so far, if your noticing some problems, its an idication that you have out grown that gimbal. Look at Tiffen, PRO, XCS, MKV. try them if you can, and get the one that feels the best to you. Go for it, your operating will improve.

 

Good luck,

Jeff

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Bryan--

 

Yes, go for a new gimbal. If you can't afford one, a rebuild will help tide you over until the cash is there.

 

Chances are that your EFP unit is in it's original state and has possibly never been cleaned, much less trimmed and shimmed to make it actually pan flat.

 

As you may know, I have been rebuilding CP gimbals for some ten years now. Ask anyone who has sent one in for service. Drop me a line if you are interested in discussing this.

 

Make sure you choose a gimbal based on your needs, not someone else's. Take all the advice and choose what makes you happy.

 

Best,

 

Brant S. Fagan, SOC

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 3 months later...
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So.. to update this thread, 5 months later... =)

 

I need to remove my current gimbal to have it repaired.

I was told once how to, and took notes, then lost them.

 

 

Anyone have instructions handy? Or even some photos of a gimbal swap for an EFP?

 

I'm just nervous about ripping things apart willy nilly.

 

Thanks

 

Bryan

 

UPDATE

So, I got the wiring out of the bottom of the rig, but now I can't seem to get the bottom of the top stage off. The part with the Kipp handle that you can adjust the height with. Anyone?

 

thanks

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