VariZoom VZCINEMAPRO-JR-K5 - Manual (Page 5)

*** Make sure that the MDR2 is not connected to any power source (including batteries) prior to
connecting to the head. This can result in damages to the control console. The MDR2 will get all
necessary power directly from the head. ***
Balance the Camera – Although the head will hold position very well, it operates best when the camera
is balanced on the mounting platform. With heavier cameras, it is essential, as an out-of-balance load
will cause the servos to constantly fight to hold position. Make sure that the motor power is turned off
before balancing. This will allow you to move the tilt axis by hand. To balance the camera
horizontally, you need to place the camera’s front-to-back center of mass at the center of the mounting
platform slot. You can do this by trial and error, sliding the camera front-to-back on the mounting
platform until it stays level. The simplest accurate way to find the camera’s center of mass is to lay a
pencil/pen on a table and try to balance the camera on it front-to-back. The spot on the camera where
it comes closest to balancing on the pencil is the center of mass. Place the camera’s center of mass at
the center of the mounting slot and secure the camera with mounting screws (2 if possible). When
horizontally balanced, the platform should stay level.
To get the vertical balance right, raise or lower the platform to get the
camera’s vertical center of mass located on the center of tilt rotation. To
adjust, loosen the platform locking lever about ½ turn. Turn the brass knob
on the underside of the platform to precisely raise or lower it. Rotate the
platform to various angles and adjust until it holds position at any angle. If
it falls down, you need to adjust the platform upward. If it drifts upward,
you need to lower the platform. When balance is achieved, tighten the
platform locking lever.
Center of Mass