Balancing The Head - Vinten vector 750 Operating Instructions Manual

Balancing the head

NOTE: It is important that the pan bar(s) and all camera accessories (lens, zoom and focus
controls, viewfinder, prompter etc.) are fitted in their operational position before
balancing the head. Any equipment fitted or adjusted later will unbalance the head.
Balancing the head consists of positioning the payload fore and aft on the head so that its C of G is
immediately above the platform pivot, then compensating for the payload C of G height using the balance
adjustment knob.
Position the payload fore and aft as follows:
Ensure that the centre lock is engaged (see Locking the platform on page 10) and that the
camera and all accessories are fitted.
Turn the tilt drag adjustment knob (11) to its minimum setting.
WARNING!
Holding the pan bar to steady the platform, disengage the centre lock (see Locking the platform
on page 10).
Push the clamp lever (12) downward to release the slide plate clamp and pull out the slide plate
adjustment knob (13) until it engages with the platform drive. Turn the knob to move the slide plate
fore and aft to achieve horizontal balance.
The horizontal balance is correct when no perceptible tilting force can be felt on the pan bar with
the platform level. Apply the slide plate clamp (12) by pulling the clamp lever upward.
If there is insufficient movement in the slide plate to achieve balance, reposition the wedge adaptor
(see Servicing on page 11), refit the load and repeat the horizontal balancing procedure.
When fore and aft balance has been achieved, adjust the payload C of G height as follows:
Using the pan bar, tilt the platform forward and backward. When correctly balanced, there should
be no perceptible tilting force on the pan bar at any angle of tilt and the head should remain in any
tilt position to which it is set.
If the head tends to fall away when the platform is tilted, push in and turn the balance adjustment
knob (15) clockwise to increase the C of G height setting. If the head tends to spring back to centre,
push in and turn the balance adjustment knob (15) counter-clockwise to decrease the C of G height
setting.
NOTE: The balance adjustment knob is a multi-turn control. To enable the knob to be turned
more easily, slightly tilt the platform using the pan bar whilst turning the knob.
When the payload C of G height adjustment is complete, check that the fore and aft balance
remains satisfactory. Re-adjust the position of the slide plate if necessary.
After balancing, release the brakes and exercise the head through both axes to confirm that it operates
smoothly.
Increase the balance setting (15) for a heavy out-of-balance payload
BEFORE disengaging the centre lock (16), to prevent the platform
tipping violently.
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