Operator’s Manual LIT-825000 Revision: A
Steadicam AERO Operator’s Manual LIT-825000 Revision: A Steadicam® is a registered trademark of The Tiffen Company. Steadicam® AERO™ is a trademark of The Tiffen Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Specifications stated within this manual are subject to change without notice. Please see www.tiffen.com//warranty.html for warranty details. © 2016 The Tiffen Company. Written by E. Barthelman.
Table of Contents A Word from Garrett Brown 1 Get to Know the Steadicam AERO 3 AERO components 4 Operating Accessories 7 Setting Up 9 Assembling the AERO Sled 10 Mounting your Camera 13 Balancing Static Balance 19 20 The Steadicam Vest 27 Fitting the Vest 28 The Steadicam Arm 29 Connecting the Arm & Vest 30 Lifting the System 31 Adjusting the Arm & Threads 32 Steadicam Operating 35 Operating 101 36 Weights & Post Extension 41 Goofy Operating 45 Advanced Operating 47 Dy
A Word from Garrett Brown Dear Friends, Congratulations on your new Steadicam® AERO™. I’m amazed to say that Steadicam operating is now 40 years old and the equipment is seventh generation—and both are more sophisticated and more vital than ever! As each new Steadicam gets better and tougher, as great cameras become ever smaller, our lightweight versions increasingly resemble our ‘big rigs,’ with the same features and perks that help top operators nail difficult shots.
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Get to Know the Steadicam AERO The Steadicam AERO is designed to be precise, user-friendly, and versatile enough to fly a wide range of cameras for a variety of productions. The AERO is tools-free so you can quickly make adjustments to your Sled in order to suit the shot or your operating preferences. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the components and features of the Steadicam AERO.
AERO Components The Stage Release Button Press to free Quick Release plate from Stage Lock Lever Secure Quick Release plate to Stage Side-to-Side Knob Laser etched directions Graduated scale BNC Video Jack HD-SDI connection to Base P-tap Power Jack 12 Volt output Fore-Aft scale Graduated reference scale Fore-Aft Knob Laser etched directions Graduated Scale Bubble Level Horizon confidence level Weight Threads Docking Ring Rest Rig on Dock here 4 Four ¼-20 tapped holes Place Balance Weights at corne
Get to Know the Steadicam AERO The Gimbal Gimbal Handle Connection to Arm Control Boom height Pan Bearing Center of balance No maintenance Gimbal Grip Control camera pan and tilt Knurled grip surface Gimbal Lock Knob Adjustable clamping handle Secures Gimbal to Post Quick Release Plate Rod mount holes Focus motor mounting Fore-Aft scale Graduated reference scale 5 Balance Weights .
AERO Components Base Front Monitor Power 3-Pin Mini-XLR Power your monitor 5A self-resetting fuse 12 Volt Base Release Safety BNC Video Jack Depress to unlock the Base to detach Cross Rod from Post for storage and transport HD-SDI connection to Top Stage Monitor Mount Cross Rod Clamp Knob ¼”-20 threads Fits most monitors Angle adjustable Loosen to slide Cross Rod in Base Tighten to lock Cross Rod Base Rear Battery Input 3-Pin Mini-XLR Plug in battery cable to power sled 5A self-resetting fuse 12
Operating Accessories Operating accessories that are suggested in order to get the most out of your Steadicam AERO are illustrated throughout this manual. Please find a list of these accessories here, along with other optional operating accessories, and consider adding them to your kit if you don’t already own these components.
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Setting Up The Steadicam AERO arrives disassembled in a compact kit with the optional accessories you selected. The customizable nature means your rig might differ slightly from the units pictured in this manual. However, all the major parts and adjustments are the same. Build the AERO from scratch: Slide Base together, connecting the Post to the Cross Rod. The Base only slides in from the battery side. Tighten the Base Lock Knob securely.
Assembling the AERO Sled We suggest operating with the monitor at a 45˚ angle to the Cross Rod. This is adjustable by loosening the Monitor Mount Knob with one hand while supporting and adjusting the monitor with the other. Once you’ve adjusted the angle to your liking, re-tighten the Monitor Mount Knob. Add your choice of battery mount to the opposite end of the Cross Rod. A complete list of available mounts is on page 7.
Setting Up Roughly center the Cross Rod to the Post after loosening the Cross Rod Lock Knob. Make sure the Lock Knob is retightened. Start with one weight on each end of the Cross Rod for most cameras. Center the Stage in both Fore-Aft and Side-toSide axes by looking at the etched Scales and dialing the appropriate Adjustment Knob.
Assembling the AERO Sled 12
Setting Up Mounting the camera to the Stage is the critical first step to balancing any Steadicam. The goal is to precisely locate the camera’s center of gravity, or CG, in one precise location on the Stage. It’s a simple procedure, but take your time here to make balancing the Sled quicker and easier. Watch the Video: Mounting the Camera Build your camera setup exactly as you plan to use it. This includes batteries, sound gear, media cards and any wireless focus or video devices.
Mounting your Camera Find the Center of Balance of your camera setup. Use a rod or something cylindrical to find the Side-to-Side balance point. Place the camera on the rod with the rod parallel to the lens. Find the point where the camera balances left to right. Mark this point with a piece of tape on the rear of the camera. Rotate the camera 90˚ to the rod and find the Fore-Aft balance point using the same method.
Setting Up Mark this point as well. Note: Some camera setups, such as a DSLR with a zoom lens, may have the Fore-Aft balance point outside of the camera body. In this case, find the Side-to-Side balance first, and then mount the Quick Release Plate to the camera and use the base of the Plate to find the Fore-Aft balance point. Fasten the Quick Release Plate to your camera: Unlatch the Lock Lever and press the Release Button while sliding the Quick Release Plate from the Stage.
Mounting your Camera Center the camera on the Quick Release Plate using the Fore-Aft and Side-to-Side balance point marks you made. Note: The Quick Release Plate should be mounted with the Rod Mount holes forward. However, it will work in either orientation if necessary. Fasten with the appropriate camera screw in the nearest opening. Do not over tighten, but ensure the camera will not rotate.
Setting Up Close the Lock Lever securing the camera to the Stage. Using the Side-to-Side Knob, visually align your Side-to-Side mark with the center of the Post.
Mounting your Camera Notes 18
Balancing The Steadicam AERO works by carefully balancing the camera, monitor, battery and balance weights. We always balance the Sled to help us get each shot– it gives the operator fingertip control and maximum isolation from unwanted movements. The primary method of balancing the AERO is called “static balance.” In this process, we balance the Sled in all three axes (topto-bottom, fore-aft and side-to-side) so the Sled hangs upright and is not too bottom heavy.
Static Balance Set up the Docking Bracket on a stand and use a sand bag or a friend to keep it from toppling while the rig is on the balance pin. With the balance stand stable, place the AERO Gimbal Handle on the balance pin of the Dock, but don’t let go of the rig. CAUTION: always keep at least one hand on the Sled at all times while it’s on the balance pin, no matter how well-balanced it is. First: initial top-to-bottom balance– Make sure the camera Lock Lever is tight. Rotate the Post to horizontal.
Balancing Now, slide the Gimbal ½” towards the Stage. This will move the Sled’s CG below the pan bearing, giving us the slightly bottom heavy Sled we want. Tighten the Gimbal Lock Knob. We’ll fine tune the top-to-bottom balance after trimming the other two axes. If you’re balancing a heavier camera with a lightweight battery on the Base, you may not be able to find the balance point.
Static Balance Second: set the Fore-Aft balance– While still on the balance pin, hold the Post vertical and loosen your grip to see which direction the camera tilts Fore-Aft. We’re only focusing on one axis at a time. And remember, don’t completely remove your hand while the sled is on the balance pin. If the camera tilts significantly, loosen the Cross Rod Clamp Knob and slide the Cross Rod fore or aft until the camera remains horizontal. Then lock in the position by retightening the Knob.
Balancing Third: set the side-to-side balance– While still on the balance pin, loosen your grip again to see if the camera leans side-to-side. The side-to-side lean should be minimal if you were able to align your side-to-side balance mark with the center of the Post. Fine tune this axis by turning the Side-to-Side Knob one way or the other to bring the camera completely level. You can reference the built in level on the Stage or use a small accessory level.
Static Balance Fourth: confirm top-to-bottom balance– Let’s fine tune our top-to-bottom balance by using the “Drop Time” test. Drop Time is a gauge of the bottom heaviness of the Sled. Re-check that the camera Lock Lever is fastened and make sure your stand is securely grounded. While on the balance pin, rotate the Sled to horizontal. Release the Post and observe how long it takes for the Post to pass through vertical. We’re aiming for 2-3 seconds of Drop Time.
Balancing Re-test your Drop Time. You may need to repeat the process a few times until it’s around 3 seconds. Note: You may alter the Drop Time to suit your specific shot: longer Drop Time for easier tilts and rapid accelerations, shorter Drop Time for easier static horizons or windy conditions. Now re-check your Static Balance with the rig vertical on the Balance Pin. You may need to fine tune your Fore-Aft and Side-to-Side balance slightly after achieving your desired Drop Time.
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The Steadicam Vest The Steadicam Vest is the major connection between your body and any Steadicam System. It’s adjustable to fit most body types via Velcro straps and adjustable buckles. Just like setting up the AERO, taking your time to properly fit the Vest will ensure you get the highest performance and also the most comfort from the system.
Fitting the Vest 1 Proper Vest fit: 2 3 The length of the Vest should place the waist pads over your hip bones, yet still allow your legs to lift for climbing stairs. The Center Spar should stay centered on your torso and not slip to either side. 1. Open all buckles on the left side of the Vest and slip on the Vest. 2. Close the Shoulder Connector. Leave all Buckles open until instructed to later in the fitting process. 3 4 3. Connect the chest straps and center the Chest Plate on your chest. 4.
The Steadicam Arm The Steadicam Arm supports the weight of the Sled while helping isolate the camera from the operator’s movements and facilitates booming up and down. The lifting strength of the Arm is adjustable to accommodate a wide range in payload. It also incorporates Side-to-Side Adjustment Wheels which help align the lifting axis to your body.
Connecting the Arm & Vest Set the “Threads” to start: Turn the top Adjustment Wheel all the way in, so no threads are showing and then turn it back out 2 full turns. Turn the bottom Adjustment Wheel the way in until it stops. This setting will put the lifting axis in line for most operators. We’ll confirm the alignment when you pick up the Sled. Insert the Arm Socket into the Socket Block of the Vest. Then use the Thumbscrew Bolts to secure the connection.
Lifting the System We’re almost there! Let’s learn to pick up the rig and get the Arm adjusted for your body and the weight of the AERO System. You’ll have to wear the weight of the system to make these adjustments. Watch the Video: Lifting the System With the Docking stand raised so the Stage is roughly shoulder high, bow to the stand and place the Arm Post into the receiver of the Gimbal Handle. Keep your knees straight and bend at the hips. Take a step towards the Rig and stand up straight.
Adjusting the Arm & Threads Adjust the Lift: Important: The Lift adjustment knobs can only be adjusted when the Arm segments are slightly above horizontal. Do not force the knobs when the Arm is unloaded or boomed too far up or down. At the correct angle, the knobs turn easily. If the Arm floats too high or too low for your payload, it will be necessary to lift or lower it to find that sweet spot to make adjustments. Ideally, both Arm sections will come to rest slightly above horizontal, by about 5-10˚.
The Steadicam Arm Testing your threads: Stand up straight and look straight ahead. Is the Steadicam AERO comfortably staying in one place in front of you? Note: it’s helpful to remember your thread settings so you can return to the ideal settings quickly next time. If the rig tends to move straight away from you: loosen the bottom Thumbscrew and tighten the top Thumbscrew until the rig is neutral. Then re-tighten the bottom Thumbscrew.
Adjusting the Arm & Threads Notes 34
Steadicam Operating Steadicam Operating is not learned in a day, or even through reading this manual. It is physically and mentally taxing and only through practice can you become a capable operator. We highly recommend taking at least a 2-day workshop and purchasing the Steadicam Operator’s Handbook for an in-depth look at all aspects of the craft from the technical to the creative to the business.
Operating 101 The Hands: Your right hand on the Gimbal Handle is in control of placing the camera in 3D space. Boom up and down, move it closer to your body or away. This hand always has a firm grip capable of pushing around the weight of the entire system. Your left hand on the Gimbal Grip is in control of aiming the camera. With the rig properly balanced, this should take very little effort. The Grip is as light as possible, often with just fingertips controlling the pan and tilt of the rig.
Steadicam Operating Make it Float With proper posture, and setup of the Arm and Vest, you can control the location and direction of the sled with your body. Stand up straight, turn your hips toward the rig and loosen your grip. Try to keep the rig floating next to you; lean slightly away from the direction the rig wants to go. This float is always at work: Whether static or moving, we should always be in balance. Our torso is maintaining the location so that the rig is isolated from our movements.
Operating 101 Start and end moves with the Arm Lean slightly in the direction you’re headed and start the camera moving first. Once the rig is moving, take your first step and follow along with the sled. To finesse the end of your move, stop walking and let the rig continue moving briefly, finishing the move with just the Arm. Tip: If you don’t need to walk, just use the Arm to move the camera; it can be much smoother than taking a step.
Steadicam Operating Pan The friction free bearing allows perfectly smooth panning action. Learn to control your starts, panning speed and stops. Combine a pan with booming for headroom as an actor passes by camera. You can also perform a “body pan” by rotating on your foot, hinging your entire body.
Operating 101 Tilt Tilting is performed by the Gimbal Handle hand. Keep the rig clear of your legs and the Vest. Your grip will need to change a little to support the weight of the rig. Stay in balance. While tilting, your Gimbal Grip Arm should maintain a comfortable angle. Walk normal. Continue to feather your moves with the Arm.
Steadicam Operating In addition to helping balance the AERO Sled, the Balance Weights and extendable Post allow adjustment of inertia and lens height to help you achieve each specific shot. Inertia is resistance to acceleration; the more inertia we have across each axis of our Steadicam, the more resistant the rig is to pan, tilt or roll. In combination with adjusting Drop Time, you can tune the AERO to be quick handling and active or slow handling and stable to suit each shot.
Weights & Post Extension Or we can increase the Pan inertia by extending the masses away from the Post, making the camera more resistant to panning for architecture shots or walk and talks. Note: keep the camera’s CG aligned slightly behind center of the Post and balance Fore-Aft by sliding the battery mount or sliding the entire Cross Rod. With a heavier camera and heavy batteries: You have more options available to you.
Weights & Post Extension Just like with the lightweight camera setup, it’s possible to reduce the Pan inertia by moving the monitor and batteries closer to the Post. If you’re using weights to keep the Post short or increase lens height, add them directly under the Post. Similarly, you can increase the Pan inertia by extending the masses away from the center Post, including the Accessory Weights.
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Steadicam Operating If operating with the camera on your left feels odd, maybe you’re naturally Goofy footed. Switching the camera to the right side requires changing the Vest Socket Block plate, flipping the Arm’s Socket and re-setting your threads. The Sled remains the same. It should only take five minutes.
Goofy Operating Pull the Socket Quick Release Pin from the Arm and flip the Arm Socket over. Re-install the Socket Quick Release Pin. Your threads are now flipped, so reset the Side-to-Side Adjustment Wheels. Approximately 0 turns out on the bottom and 2 turns out on the top wheel. Now you’re ready to have the camera on the right side. Does this feel better to you? Some people are ambidextrous, others strongly prefer one side over the other.
Steadicam Operating Now we’re getting serious. Advanced techniques like the following are explained in great detail in the Steadicam Operator’s Handbook, so we’ll just touch on the concepts here. Check out the Handbook for practice drills, the science of Steadicam and countless additional advanced techniques for getting each shot. And there’s no better way to help accelerate your skills than by enrolling in a 2-day or one week Steadicam Workshop. Visit www.SteadicamWorkshops.
Advanced Operating Low Mode Extend the Post, add weights to the Cross Rod and adjust the monitor so it’s visible when inverted. Re-balance by finding neutral and moving the Gimbal ½” AWAY from the Stage. This inverts the Sled. Add the optional F-bracket to the Gimbal Handle. Always use the Stainless Steel pin that is included with the F-bracket. Note: the camera is usually inverted to save time and complexity on set. This requires inverting the image in the edit as well as on monitors at location.
Steadicam Operating A Steadicam Sled is in Dynamic Balance when the Center Post remains vertical while the Sled is panned. Dynamic Balance is extremely important for precise operating, especially whip pans. For a detailed explanation of the physics of panning a Steadicam, look to the Steadicam Operator’s Handbook. For every combination of camera, batteries, Post length and Balance Weights, there are multiple positions which will be in Static Balance but only one of these will be in Dynamic Balance.
Dynamic Balance If it spins without wobbling, you’re in luck! But chances are it’ll need some fine tuning. Since we like where the monitor is for viewing, we can only move the battery and the camera. AND we only have one axis to adjust, fore-aft. You have a 50% chance, so pick one direction and slide the battery fore or aft by 1/2 inch. Re-balance the Rig by adjusting the camera position. Ensure the Post is vertical by using a bubble level in two directions on the camera, Gimbal or Stage.
Steadicam Operating If it’s better, but not good enough for your shot, try moving the battery in the same direction again and re-balancing with the camera. If it got worse, slide the battery 1 inch the opposite direction and re-balance with the camera. Once the AERO is in Dynamic Balance it’s easy to maintain despite later changes to camera setup. As long as you only make ONE change and re-balance with that component, it’ll still be in Dynamic Balance. Honest.
Dynamic Balance Or, if you change battery size or Balance Weights at the Base to adjust inertia, leave the camera where it is and re-balance at the Base and Dynamic Balance is preserved. Congratulations! You’re ready to fly your AERO. Hone your skills and improve your operating confidence by enrolling in a workshop and reading the Steadicam Operator’s Handbook. Be patient and dedicate time to wearing the rig.
Maintenance Adjusting the Stage Clamp Open the Lock Lever, insert a 2 mm Allen key through the opening and tighten by 1/8 turn. Test to ensure the clamp holds the Quick Release Plate securely and closes completely. DO NOT overtighten, the fastener should only be tight enough to secure the Quick Release Plate. Adjusting the Post Clamp Open the Post Lock, use a 3 mm Allen key to tighten the screw by 1/8 turn. Re-test to ensure the Post Lock holds the Post securely and closes completely.
Cleaning The Sled A microfiber cloth misted with window cleaner can be used to remove grime and fingerprints. Do not use harsh chemicals. Check the movement and condition of all parts between shoots to ensure everything is operating properly. The Vest Use a lightly dampened microfiber cloth to wipe dirt and grime off the hard parts of the Vest. Since the vest pads are removable, they can be hand washed and air dried. Not a bad idea after a few shoots in warm weather.
Electronics & Connectors Top Stage Front P-Tap 1 2 11-17Vdc Self-resetting 5A fuse Protected through Battery Input Matching connector: CON-037715 Pin1 = Ground Pin2 = 11-17V HD video BNC Direct connection to BNC at Base Base Rear 3-Pin Mini XLR3 Power input from Battery Matching connector: CON-036852 Pin1 = Ground Pin2 = 11-17V Pin3 = Open 3-Pin Mini XLR3 3 Power output for Monitor Matching connector: CON-036853 Pin1 = Ground Pin2 = 11-17V Pin3 = open 2 HD video BNC Direct connection to BNC at Top
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Contact Tiffen Contact Tiffen The Tiffen Company Address: 90 Oser Avenue Hauppauge, NY 11788 Phone: (631) 273-2500 1(800) 645-2522 Fax: (631) 273-2557 Tiffen-Steadicam Address: 2815 Winona Avenue Burbank, CA 91504 Phone: (818) 843-46001(800) 593-3331 Fax: (818) 843-8321 Tiffen International Ltd. Address: Pinewood Studios Pinewood Road Iver Heath SL0 0NH United Kingdom Phone: (44) 1753 783 960 E-Mail: info@tiffen.com steadicam@tiffen.com www.tiffen.
