Stability with Steadicam Pilot

[Dave Gish]

OK I got it now. I think the key is to move the carbon post along the bottom post until you get dynamic balance. It took me about an afternoon to find the best setting, but it works great now. Thanks again.

 

Hi Steven,

 

I'm also a newbie with a Pilot, and I found the same thing. The 8 minute Pilot "How To" video actually steered me wrong here. They didn't mention anything about moving the bottom crossbar.

 

My current method for balancing is:

1) Position CG of the camera about 1/2" behind the center of the top post

2) Position battery pack pretty far back, not all the way but close

3) Position gimbal for 2-3 seconds drop time

4) Position bottom crossbar to get pretty close to static balance (requires yellow handle wrench)

5) Fine tune static balance in both axis using the stage knobs

6) Spin it (check for dynamic balance)

7) Adjust battery pack position & camera stage knob

8) Go back to step 6, repeat until it spins well

 

Also, I made a custom weight that goes right under the camera to get the stage weight up to 6 pounds. Then I used most of the supplied screw-in weights at the ends of the bottom crossbar. This seems to make things a lot more stable. It's also heavier (obviously), but not hard to handle once you get used to it.

 

In addition, I've started to practice positioning the sled relative to my body without touching it at all. In other words, I just keep my right hand very close to the gimbal and my left hand free (not touching anything), then I walk around trying to keep the sled where I want it without touching it. Obviously, you're not going to get a good shot like this, but the idea of this practice is to position the sled more with your upper body and hips, so that your right hand touch becomes really light. I'm still trying to figure out my left hand touch (suggestions welcome).

 

Hope this helps.