User Manual

Figure 49
To test the balance of the vertical axis, perform what
is called the SLED ARC TEST. To perform the “Sled
Art Test” simply hold the XR-SERIES by it’s handle
and grab hold of the back end of the XR-SERIES
BASE PLATFORM and pull the base up and back
until the XR-SERIES CENTRAL POST is horizontal
(see Figure 47). Now carefully let go of the BASE
PLATFORM and count how many seconds it takes
for the XR-SERIES to then rst swing to vertical (see
Figures 48 and 49).
If the XR-SERIES is properly vertically balanced
then it should take about TWO to THREE seconds
for this to happen. Count your seconds with the
words “ one thousand one, one thousand two” etc for
accuracy. Adjust the amount of COUNTER WEIGHT
DISCS used or the length of the telescoping BASE
PLATFORM until it takes only TWO to THREE
seconds for the XR-SERIES CENTRAL POST to
swing in an arc from horizontal to vertical.
NOTE: The sled arc test “drop time” is operator preference.
The XR-SERIES will pendulum past vertical when the
sled arc test is performed, and one should count only the
time it takes to go from horizontal until it passes vertical
once. Swinging time not counted.
Another way to check for correct vertical balance
is to walk briskly forward with the XR-SERIES, and
then stop suddenly. If the XR-SERIES swings or
pendulums away from the upright vertical position
it was just in at the moment you stopped, then the
XR-SERIES is not balanced correctly. This type of
“movement test” applies also to running, or turning
around quickly with the XR-SERIES. Again, if the
XR-SERIES is balanced properly, then any body
movement like running or turning will not effect the
basic upright and vertical position of the XR-SERIES.
This photo shows the Glidecam XR-SERIES
swinging past an illustrated vertical line. The XR-
SERIES will pendulum or swing past this line
during the “Sled Arc Test”, and the XR-SERIES
will swing back and forth over a dozen times if left
to keep swinging, but it is only the time the XR-
SERIES rst swings in an arc from horizontal to
vertical that you need to analyze. After you have
counted the time it takes for it to go from horizontal
until it passes vertical once, then simply stop the
XR-SERIES from swinging, then either put the XR-
SERIES down or make adjustments and do the
test again.
22 23
#6 HANDLING YOUR GLIDECAM XR-SERIES
Figure 50
When handling your Glidecam XR-SERIES you will
be using one hand to hold onto the handle and the
other hand to gently guide the camera in the direction
you wish to shoot. We shall call the hand that holds
the handle, the holding hand (see Figure 50) and the
hand that aims the camera for tilting and panning etc,
the guiding hand.(see Figure 51)
When holding the handle of your Glidecam XR-
SERIES you will need to: 1) hold it rmly, and 2) hold
it either in the middle or at the bottom of the handle.
Which position you choose will depend on the kind of
shots you are shooting. For normal shooting hold the
handle in the middle. For shots that require aiming
the camera either up of down or sideways, hold the
handle rmly at the bottom. This will allow the yoke
to twist around without hitting your hand or knuckles.
When you handle your Glidecam XR-SERIES you
will want to use your guiding hand to gently hold
onto either, the point just below the yoke and bearing
assembly, (see Figure 51) or an area down by the
weight disks (see Figure 57) etc. These two areas
allow for easy control of the Glidecam XR-SERIES
when in use. Which position you choose will depend
on the kind of shots you are shooting.
Figure 51
For normal shooting hold the Glidecam XR-SERIES at the point just below the yoke and bearing
assembly. (see Figure 51) This will allow you to subtly aim the camera without disturbing the
camera’s upright position. It is this position which will allow you the smoothest shots, when walking
or running with the unit during normal shooting. NOTE: Make sure that your guiding hand and
holding hand do not touch either, the bearing assembly, or the yoke during shooting, for doing so
can cause unstable shooting. For unconventional shots, like one that require aiming the camera
either up or down, or sideways, hold the Glidecam XR-SERIES down or near the weight disks.
(Figure 57) This will allow your guiding hand to have a greater degree of control over the Glidecam
XR-SERIES while shooting very erratic shots.