Troubleshooting; Maintenance - Steadicam Merlin Setup And Operation Manual

Troubleshooting


16. Troubleshooting
TROUBLE OPERATING
If things don't feel right, if your Merlin doesn't
seem to behave like the ones in the video, check
out these possibilities.
Yawing (rolling).
Merlin is probably
excessively bottom-heavy, a too-rapid pendulum.
Try counter clocking the Guide Ring until the
'drop-time' approaches one full second. Once
trimmed, side-to-side, don't let the camera
'swing' – use a light touch on guide to keep the
camera level.
Erratic, unsmooth.
Excessive finger
pressure on the guide—use a lighter touch, and
almost let go if the shot needs no correction.
Off-level.
Trim side-to-side, and pay more
attention to the bubble level until level shooting
becomes second nature (if that doesn't work, see
'WON"T STAY TRIMMED below)
MECHANICAL TROUBLE
Won't stay trimmed.
This may indicate that
your Merlin isn't bottom heavy enough—screw
the Guide Ring in clockwise a turn or two and
check the drop time. Note: trim is not a cure-
all, nor is it necessarily permanent, after folding
and unfolding—your guide hand must ultimately
keep your camera level.
Inadvertent pan/tilt shake or drag.
1. Check that Upper and Lower Caliper
Locking Knobs are tightened.
2. Possible dirt in Gimbal bearings—unscrew
the Guide Ring fully to remove, and blow
dry the Gimbal with "Dust-off" dry gas.
Reinstall. If this doesn't work, pack the
Gimbal handle assembly carefully and
send back to Tiffen for service (see contact
information on page one). (Use of Merlin
in sandstorms, etc. not recommended).
3. Possible bent gimbal components – return
handle assembly to Tiffen for replacement
Avoid violent panning moves
–
above 1.5 "G"!
Guide won't lock (rotates freely).
detent on guide – tape with electrical tape to
temporarily prevent inadvertent rotation of
guide during panning. Return to Tiffen for
replacement.
Avoid ultra violent panning moves.

17. Maintenance

During normal operation your Merlin should
require minimal maintenance.
Hinge and Dovetail Lock
tightness should be
checked occasionally, and can be tightened with
standard US allen-wrenches.
Broken
Spar, Stage,