Merlin and Z1 settings (oh, and the Sportster)

[Phil Bloom]

Had a Merlin a week now. I tried following the cookbook settings but had a few problems, and still do. Firstly the stage mark, it says +5. Does that mean the plate is pushed all the way to the front? it also says use the gplatz, but there is no way i can get it to touch the camera. I have tried using both a 970 and 570 battery to see what works best but still cant get it right.

Tried searching the forum and the web, just couldnt find the answer.

Also, the Sportster. Does it work with the Merlin. Forum searches say it probably does, including from the main man at Varizoom. But, since the Merlin actually came out cant find an answer. If you google Sportster and Merlin the google list says it works BUT when you click the link for that the Merlin isn't listed! Anyone got one and made it work, if so does it make things easier. My arm hurts!

[Mikko Wilson]

Phil,
Strange that you arn't able to get the Z1 settings to work.
Yes +5 is the front of the stage.
If the G'platz won't work at +5, then slide the camera back a bit and then use the fore-aft trim roller to correct balance. Dont' forget that there are 2 holes you can use the G'platz in too.

What sort of symptoms is your rig displaying? (does it hang level? what sort of drop time are you getting?)



Personally I'm not a big fan of the sportster, I really don't think it does the Merlin justice. That beeing said, it should work, as it did with the JR.
Steadicam mention in their Merlin FAQ that they are planning a vest system specifically for Merlin.


- Mikko