User Manual

Operators Guide
14
Setting fore and aft balance
1. When positioning the payload, it is important to be aware of the potential danger that an
unbalanced payload will fall away suddenly. Always be prepared for this by maintaining
a firm hold on the payload until the balance is set correctly.
2. Make sure that the camera and all accessories are installed in their operating positions.
3. Before disengaging the tilt lock pin, press the Display actuator button and press and turn
the Counterbalance crank to set the counterbalance to 50%. Depending on the payload
weight, it may be necessary to increase or decrease this setting to enable the payload
to be correctly balanced fore and aft.
4. Make sure that the tilt lock pin is engaged.
5. Set the tilt fluid drag adjustment knob to 0.
6. Holding the handle to steady the platform, disengage the tilt lock pin.
7. Tilt the platform forwards and backwards and determine if camera package is front or
back heavy.
8. If it is not in balance, re-engage the tilt lock pin.
9. Release the safety latch and disengage the platform release lever. The next step will
depend on the type of mounting plate:
• OConnor Geared Plate: Press in and turn the platform adjustment knob to move
the geared plate forwards or backwards until the payload is balanced fore and aft.
The "pop up" gear will engage the plate gear rack. Pull out the knob if needed to
disengage.
• Other Mounting Plates: With the help of an assistant, carefully slide the camera
payload and plate forwards or backwards until the payload is balanced fore and aft.
10. The horizontal balance is correct when no perceptible tilting force can be felt on the
handle with the platform level and with the tilt lock pin disengaged.
11. Fully engage the platform release lever to secure the payload in position. The red safety
button should engage the platform hook.
12. If there is insufficient movement in the sliding plate to achieve balance, determine which
direction the mounting plate needs to be moved to achieve correct balance. Remove the
payload from the head, reattach the mounting plate to the camera in the required
position, remount the load and repeat the horizontal balancing procedure.
13. The sliding plate is marked and the platform has graduations. Make a note of the
"balanced" position to simplify rebalancing this particular payload.
Warning!
Be prepared to prevent the head falling away suddenly. In the event of the
head falling away suddenly, increase the setting on the balance adjustment
knob.