24
To test the balance of the vertical axis,
perform what is called the SLED ARC
TEST. To perform the “Sled Arc Test”
simply hold the 2000 Pro by it’s handle and
then grab hold of the back end of the 2000
Pro’s BASE PLATFORM, then pull the
BASE up and back until the 2000 Pro’s
CENTRAL POST is horizontal and
motionless (see Photo #47). Then gently
let go of the BASE PLATFORM and count
how many seconds it takes for the 2000 Pro
to go from the horizontal position it was
just in (Photo # 47), to the moment it first
passes vertical (Photo #49).
If the 2000 Pro is vertically balanced
properly, then it should take about TWO to
THREE seconds for this to happen (this is
called the DROP TIME). Count your
seconds with the words “one thousand one,
one thousand two” etc. for accuracy. Adjust
the amount of COUNTER WEIGHT
DISKS used on the BASE PLATFORM or
adjust the length of the TELESCOPING
POST up or down, until it takes only TWO
to THREE seconds for the 2000 Pro’s
CENTRAL POST to first swing in an arc
from horizontal to vertical.
NOTE: The amount of DROP TIME finally
set is ultimately up to you to decide. Different
DROP TIMES change the vertical balance,
and therefore change the results obtainable
when shooting.
Another way to check for correct vertical
balance, known as the “Movement Test”, is
to walk forward with the 2000 Pro, and then
stop suddenly. If the 2000 Pro’s BASE
PLATFORM swings or pendulums away
from you, or from the upright vertical position
it was just in at the moment you stopped, then
the 2000 Pro is not balanced correctly. Adjust
the amount of COUNTER WEIGHT DISKS
used on the BASE PLATFORM or adjust the
length of the TELESCOPING POST up or
down, until the 2000 Pro remains vertical
during the “Movement Test”.
This “Movement Test” also applies to running
or turning around quickly with the 2000 Pro.
Again, if the 2000 Pro is balanced properly,
then any body movement like running or
turning quickly will not effect the basic
upright, vertical position of the 2000 Pro.
49
This Photo shows the Glidecam 2000 Pro swinging past
an illustrated vertical line. The 2000 Pro will pendulum
or swing past this line during the “Sled Arc Test”, and
the 2000 Pro will swing back and forth over a dozen
times if left to keep swinging, but it is only the time the
2000 Pro first 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 2000 Pro from swinging,
then either put the 2000 Pro down or make adjustments
and do the test again.
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