There has to be an easier way? I am trying to place the camera on the stage at -1 so I can use the G screw. I spent an hour trying to balance the rig and still no luck. I am quite sure I am making my error using the trim incorrectly.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

The I hole should work better. You can check out some other settings here: Welcome to Tiffen - Steadicam Merlin Cookbook Settings (http://www.merlincookbook.com/user.php)

I'm not near my gear now, so I can't tell you my exact settings, but 5 mid weights and one start weight on the bottom, and one finish on the front should get you going. Open the arm all the way.

Thanks Bill. Following your instructions I had a wonderful two hours with the Merlin and my XH-A1.
I now have a sore shoulder but this will pass.

The I hole should work better. You can check out some other settings here: Welcome to Tiffen - Steadicam Merlin Cookbook Settings (http://www.merlincookbook.com/user.php)

But 5 mid weights and one start weight on the bottom, and one finish on the front should get you going. Open the arm all the way.

This has worked great for me. Here is my sample using that setup. A lot of practice is needed

merlintest///12-31-09///moe1up! on Vimeo