Steadicam Volt - Troubleshooting Checklist

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If you’re experiencing undesirable behaviors, rst check the following:
• Is the control box receiving power? The control box will not power on without the gimbal cable
attached to the motor unit.
• Is the battery voltage stable and above 12V? Volt is designed to run on 12-17V DC.
• Is the Volt motor unit receiving power? Power LEDs should illuminate on both the control box and
the gimbal handle.
• Is the Volt paused? It’s okay, we’ve all done that.
• Ensure the Volt control box is securely mounted to the stage and not shifting.
• Ensure that the Volt gimbal motor drive is securely mounted, and both belts are tight.
• Did you remember to align the gimbal handle while powering on? Control box knobs on the right,
align with the rear of the post; knobs on the left, align with the front of the post. Internal Volt brain?
Align the gimbal handle with the rear of the post regardless of which side the knobs are mounted.
• Did you tilt the top stage? Remember to re-balance and electronically set a new tilt trim to keep the
post vertical.
• If you mounted the Volt on the right side of the gimbal, did you remember to press the “ip” switch?
• Did you convert a right-mounted hockey stick to left side, but forget to press the “ip” switch?
• Does the gimbal cable have enough slack, or is one of the cables snagged on something?
• Is the Volt gimbal cable damaged?
• Did the rig balance change? Precise, neutral balance is key to getting the most out of the Volt system.
• Did you trim for headroom with the stage knobs? That’s not how we do it with Volt. Instead, leave the
rig neutrally balanced, and trim for headroom electronically OR by tilting the tilt head and a new trim.
• Ensure that the Roll and Tilt controls are adjusted high enough.
• Did you remember to eat breakfast? Some say it’s the most important meal of the day.
• Did the control box have time to warm up? Wait 3-4 minutes after powering up from cold before you
store a new trim.
• The Volt allows such light control on the post that you may need to re-learn how to hold lock-offs.
Less is truly more. More pan inertia is helpful here; move the monitor and batt’s away from the post.
• We know troubleshooting can be frustrating, if none of these suggestions help, check the in-depth
FAQ’s on the following pages. Contact Tiffen if you require more assistance.
Troubleshooting checklist