User Manual

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Installation
Installing Steadicam
®
Volt™ yourself
Professional installation is recommended, but a mechanically inclined,
professional Steadicam
®
Operator such as yourself should be able to
install a Volt in roughly an hour. But unlike other “horizon” gadgets,
you’ll probably never want to take it off!
The steps involved are:
• Before beginning you should decide two details:
1. Which side of the sled you’ll mount the control box knobs.
2. Which side you’ll mount the gimbal motors.
• Add the control box to the top stage.
• Upgrade and balance the gimbal if your gimbal is not Volt
compatible from the factory. Kits start on page 49.
• Prepare the gimbal for Volt.
• Install the gimbal motor assembly.
• Install power and gimbal cables.
• If mounting the gimbal motors on the RIGHT side of gimbal, press
the FLIP button one time while powered on.
• Sit down for a moment to mentally prepare yourself for more
creative, accurate and consistent shots!
NOTE: This portion of the manual takes you through a detailed
RIGHT-side install on an M-1 gimbal, with special notes for upgraded
gimbals and LEFT-side installs. The two sides are essentially mirror
images with minor differences.
Because specications are subject to change, visit tiffen.com/
steadicam/voltsystem/ for the latest.
Note about choosing sides
The Volt gimbal motor assembly, casually referred to as the hockey
stick, may be mounted to either side of your gimbal yoke. In general,
regular operators prefer to mount it to the left and goofy operators
mount it to the right. This allows maximum viewability of the monitor
and places the gimbal button conveniently near your thumb. However,
broadcast users may wish to test t their zoom controller onto the
handle to ensure access to the gimbal button. Also, keep in mind your
rest position may need to change if the Volt gimbal motor assembly
contacts your shoulder. The choice of side is up to you!
RIGHT side mount
(typically goofy)
LEFT side mount
(typically regular)