I have a Dana Dolly, how to add drag ????
 

I want to slow it down , any suggestions on how to add drag?

Thanks

Re: I have a Dana Dolly, how to add drag ????
 

Hi Brent,

I am currently making a slider for my own use and one of my requirements is that I want to be able to control speed. For some applications I will want it motorized and for others I plan to experiment with fluid damping using a silicone fluid. In my current design the rollers are attached to an axle that rotates in a bearing. The axle will protrude beyond the bearing and slip into a fluid filled cylinder. As the axle rotates within the stationary cylinder there will be drag generated. The amount of drag will depend on the rate of rotation as generated by the dolly’s movement, the thickness and viscosity of the fluid film and the diameter of the axle. The success or otherwise of this approach is dependent on the friction between dolly rollers and track. An alternative is to drag the dolly with a cable connected to a fluid damped hand powered winch.

As an example of what can be done with a silicone fluid I can attach a boom to my fluid damped tripod head and with suitable balancing can obtain hands free lifts or descents at controlled rates. By hanging a chain on the descending end of the boom I can also achieve very gentle stops. All very useful.

Re: I have a Dana Dolly, how to add drag ????
 

I have three sliders an Igus, a CineSlider and a Shuttle Pod the first two have drag control but the Shuttle Pod does not I hold it so some part of my hand drags on the rail, this way I can control the drag and speed myself.

Re: I have a Dana Dolly, how to add drag ????
 

We just took delivery of a Dana dolly 'rental kit'. I set it up with 8' pipes that sit on top of Matthews lowboy rolling stands. Used a Vinten Vision 3 head and the gool ol' EX3. I love it. BUTTER SMOOTH, so I am not sure what it exactly is you are looking to do as it certainly makes the grade for me.

Re: I have a Dana Dolly, how to add drag ????
 

Im using it with a ex3 as well and its real smooth, Im trying to slow it down and get a consistent slide.

Re: I have a Dana Dolly, how to add drag ????
 

Hi brent,
How slow do you want? What have you tried?
Earlier I mentioned a slider that I am developing. So far I have tested it with a motor that gives me speeds of 0.5 mm/sec to ~ 9mm /sec. - a range that I want to try for some macro work. I will also be setting up a another motor for higher speeds. As mentioned I have also added some fluid damping that gives me better manual control, this turned out to be much easier than I expected.

Re: I have a Dana Dolly, how to add drag ????
 

It sounds like you want motor control, but again, I am not sure what kind of stuff you are doing.

For me, the Dana dolly is soooo smooth, I can creep it as slow as I would ever want or need for shooting something live. If you go too slow, the movement it gives the camera is defeated.
IMO, if you add drag, it will likely hiccup.

If you are looking for timelapse, then it is not the right tool without some expensive modification.