17
Last step for static balance is precisely setting the top-to-bottom balance. The measurement we use is
called“droptime”whichisacountinsecondsfortherigtoswingfromhorizontalthroughvertical(90˚).
The slower the drop time, the less bottom heavy the rig is. We want about a 2 second drop time.
Hold the post horizontal, let the
rig go, and count the number of
seconds until it passes vertical.
Aim for about 2 seconds.
If it’s quicker than 2 seconds,
reposition the gimbal about 1/8”
(3mm) away from the top stage to
make the sled LESS bottom heavy
and re-test.
As you slow the drop time, the sled will become more sensitive and you may need to adjust your side-
to-side or fore-aft knobs slightly to get the post to remain vertical.
When you later set the sled to neutral top-to-bottom balance, those balance corrections become even
smaller. While powered off, the light cogging of the Volt motors and belt assemblies can make the rig
feel odd to a Steadicam operator without Volt experience.
But when the Volt motors are powered on while operating, the rig feels smooth and precise, and all the
tiny balance tweaks we used to make with old sleds are now unnecessary!
If it’s slower than 2 seconds,
reposition the gimbal about 1/8”
(3mm) closer to the top stage
to make the sled MORE bottom
heavy and re-test.
TIP: Read more about the art of balancing in The Steadicam Operator’s Handbook by Jerry Holway and
Laurie Hayball. Refer to the list on page 7 for additional learning resources.
Balance: static
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