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-   -   Steadicam Pilot - Getting Started Q & A (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/stabilizers-steadicam-etc/115235-steadicam-pilot-getting-started-q.html)

Pierre DuCharme March 17th, 2008 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Tsamandanis (Post 833000)
I have this: http://www.allthings.com.au/Catalogu...%20set%204.htm
It's the size and weight of a box of matches.

Nick
Can you tell us about your experience with the units so far in the field? They look very nice and I thank you for sharing the link.

Nick Tsamandanis March 17th, 2008 07:52 PM

I havn't used it yet, waiting to get it back tomorrow after having the power cord modified so I can supply power from the Pilot, also having the video cable shortened. It was recommended to me by Phil Balsdon, who used it on the Australian version of "So You Think You Can Dance" - with good results.

Charles Papert March 18th, 2008 03:54 PM

Chaps, also check out Supercircuits.com who have a wide selection of transmitters of this type, some very reasonably.

Eugene Presley April 1st, 2008 10:48 AM

So I got my Steadicam Pilot AA battery mount last week. (Bought it at B&H)

When opening the box there's was no backpack. I discovered a card. It said :

While we are happy you have chosen this product, we must apologize for a missing item, the Steadicam Pilot's Custom Carry Case.

Due to manufacturing difficulties beyond our control, our latest shipment of carry cases has been delayed.

But, you will receive your carry case, as well as a gift from us to thank you for your patience.

Simply call or e-mail our Custumor Service Department, and we will ship your case at no charge to you the moment stock arrives.




So I did e-mail them, mentioning all the serial numbers. This was last week. Still no answer. I feel disappointed.

Dave Gish April 1st, 2008 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eugene Presley (Post 852406)
So I got my Steadicam Pilot AA battery mount last week. (Bought it at B&H)

When opening the box there's was no backpack. I discovered a card. It said
...
So I did e-mail them, mentioning all the serial numbers. This was last week. Still no answer. I feel disappointed.

Yeah, I put in an order for some Pilot accessories and it took them a while to ship. From what I can tell, they are kind of swamped with unexpectedly high Pilot sales. Steadicam seems like a boutique type company, geared toward low volume high-end sales. The Pilot is probably their first medium volume product.

You'll probably have better luck calling them. This way, you can get a more specific answer on when the backpack will ship, and maybe you can also find out what your options are for the gift.

On the bright side, it looks like you have all you need to start practicing (assuming you have the stand). It usually takes a couple of weeks of practice before you'd want to use it anyway. If you have questions, post them here.

Dave Gish April 1st, 2008 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven Davis (Post 829518)
The one issue I have had is a 'squeek' which I have confirmed is coming from significant movement up and down or back and forth. The 'squeek' is coming largely from the hinges, ...

Now that I've gotten the weight up to 10 lbs, I'm getting the exact same sound from my Pilot arm as well. Which hinges are squeaking? I'll try some white grease on them and let you know how it works.

Steven Davis April 1st, 2008 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Gish (Post 852481)
Now that I've gotten the weight up to 10 lbs, I'm getting the exact same sound from my Pilot arm as well. Which hinges are squeaking? I'll try some white grease on them and let you know how it works.

Hey Dave,

Could you email Steadicam that issue. The told me that I was the only one having that issue. My squeak sounds like this http://droptodesign.com/test/pilot/

I ended up getting some lubricant you put on car breaks. I haven't tested in a quiet room yet, but when I did grease it, it was better. I also bought some o-rings to put on the hinge, I plan to try them out soon.


But do email Steadicam, so they can keep track of the issue and see what's up with their design.

Steven Davis April 1st, 2008 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles Papert (Post 832511)
The Pilot has a 12v DC output on the front of the top stage, shown on the 2nd page of the manual.

Hey Charles,

Thanks for that advice. I had Frezzi make me an adapter using my plug and their D female. Hehe, and 65 bucks later, I have my power to the top of the sled.

Since the adapter is only 2 inches or so in length, that would be the shortest 65 bucks I've ever spent.

Dave Gish April 1st, 2008 03:21 PM

Pilot arm noise
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven Davis (Post 852565)
Hey Dave,

Could you email Steadicam that issue. The told me that I was the only one having that issue...

I seem to have fixed it with some white grease on the hinges with vertical pins running through them. The worst offenders seemed to be the 2 hinges closest to the vest - not the one with the trim threads, but the next two out from there.

I'm no mechanical engineer, but I have heard you can make a bearing out of 2 dissimilar metals. It could be that the problem here has to do with the brass bearing resting up against the paint of the aluminum bracket. So instead of brass against aluminum, you've got brass against black paint. Just a guess.

Anyway - Yes I will email Steadicam on the issue. What is the email address for this type of issue?

Steven Davis April 1st, 2008 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Gish (Post 852583)
I seem to have fixed it with some white grease on the hinges with vertical pins running through them. The worst offenders seemed to be the 2 hinges closest to the vest - not the one with the trim threads, but the next two out from there.

I'm no mechanical engineer, but I have heard you can make a bearing out of 2 dissimilar metals. It could be that the problem here has to do with the brass bearing resting up against the paint of the aluminum bracket. So instead of brass against aluminum, you've got brass against black paint. Just a guess.

Anyway - Yes I will email Steadicam on the issue. What is the email address for this type of issue?


techsupport@tiffen.com Tell them to make sure Dan sees your email. Use my name, he'll remember.

Dave Gish April 1st, 2008 07:21 PM

OK, I sent them an email.

By the way, the white grease like I used is available here:
http://www.amazon.com/AGS-Lith-Ease-.../dp/B000GKTZ5K

This stuff seems to last forever.

Sean Seah April 1st, 2008 09:42 PM

Does the integrated backpack come standard with the Pilot?

Dave Gish April 2nd, 2008 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean Seah (Post 852770)
Does the integrated backpack come standard with the Pilot?

With the Pilot - yes, with the Co-Pilot - no.

Sean Seah April 3rd, 2008 10:44 AM

Wow sounds like the bag is missing with the shipments! Not good! Anyone had the same problem? BTW, is it possible to use the pilot handheld without the monitor? The handle doesnt look like it is possible but I still have to find out if anyone has tried. Thks!

Dave Gish April 3rd, 2008 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean Seah (Post 853602)
BTW, is it possible to use the pilot handheld without the monitor? The handle doesnt look like it is possible but I still have to find out if anyone has tried. Thks!

Do you mean using the sled without the vest and arm, and then removing the monitor and batteries? I think a Merlin would be better for that.

In general, I've never heard of using parts of the Pilot. The Vest and Arm only take a minute or so to get into (once you're used to it). Without the monitor at the bottom of the sled it would be harder to see the ground you are walking over and the camera image at the same time.

The Pilot doesn't really collapse down much like the Merlin. The Pilot backpack/carry-case is big, much larger than the pictures lead you to belive. Why would you want to lug all of that around and then not use most of it? Also, since the Pilot post is carbon-fiber, I wouldn't want to bring it anywhere without some sort of case.


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