Flycam Redking - Vertical Balancing

5
Vercal Balancing
Dynamic balance is extremely important for precise operaon. For each arrangement of camera,
monitor posion, post length, accessories, etc. there are many possibilies for stacally balancing the
Steadycam. However, for each arrangement, there is only one combinaon that also balances the sled
dynamically.
Dynamic balance can easily be achieved by trial and error method. In all cases, when a sled is in
dynamic balance, the camera’s center of gravity will be towards rear of the center line of central post.
This rule gives you some point to begin balancing the Steadycam.
Now that your Stabilizer is horizontally balanced, its vercal axis can be tested and properly balanced. If
the Stabilizer is vercally balanced correctly, then camera will remain level and central post will remain
vercal during operaon, unless you intenonally posion stabilizer otherwise. If it is not balanced
properly, then it will swing like pendulum when you walk, run, or turn.
Slightly boom heavy, it will be both stable and easier to control.
Check the vercal balance by using this drop me test.
 Make sure that everything is ght.
 Grasp center post near the base and move it from vercal to horizontal.
 Hold it there. Be sure that it will not hit the stand when you drop it. Keep your free hand to catch the
center post when it drops.
 Count how many seconds it take to fall to vercal. Try using a stopwatch.
 If the drop me is less then 2 seconds, it is too boom heavy. You need to move the boom mass
closer to the post.
 If the drop me is more than two seconds, it is top heavy.
A DROP TIME OF 2 - 2.5 SECONDS IS PREFERRED.
NOTE: Recheck the balance by looking at the sled. If necessary, use side screws and boom plate
screws to make required adjustments.