GLIDECAM GOLD SLED ~ TM MANUAL Setup and Operations Guide GLIDECAM INDUSTRIES, INC., 23 Joseph Street, Kingston, MA 02364 Customer Service Line 1-781-585-7900 Manufactured in the U.S.A. COPYRIGHT 2006-2009 © GLIDECAM INDUSTRIES, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Glidecam is registered at the PATENT and TM office.
Camera Power Connector (#1) Receptacle on Glidecam: Custom Interface #JBXEA1G03FCSDS or Lemo #ECG1B303CLM Plug for Mating Cable: CIT #JBXFD1G03MCSD or Lemo #FGG1B303CLCD) Pin# 1 +24volts 2 Ground 3 +12volts Accessory Power Connectors (#3) For Follow Focus Power, High Speed bases etc.
Accessory Power Connectors (#4) For Follow Focus Power, High Speed bases etc. Receptacle: CIT #JBXEA1G02MCSDS or Lemo #ECG1B302CLM Plug for Mating Cable: CIT #JBXFD1B02MCSDS or Lemo #FGG1B302CLCD Pin# 1 Ground 2 +12volts Video/Power Connector Plugs (# 5, 6, 6a) For Monitors, Transmitters, Video IN and OUT, etc.
Post Connector Receptacles: CIT #JBXEA3G10FCSDS or Lemo #ECG3B310CLM Plugs for Cable: CIT #JBXFD3G10MCSDS or Lemo #FGG3B310CLAD Pin# 1 Ground, Camera Power Black 2 +12 V Camera Power Red 3 +24V Camera Power Orange 4 +12V Aux Power Green 5 Ground, Aux Power White 6 Video Ground #1 Shield on Yellow 7 Video #1 Yellow 8 Video #2 Blue 9 Video Ground #2 Shield on Blue 10 No connection 4
Glidecam Gold Sled Camera Plates (Video / Film) 9 Pin Lemo Central Post cable 5
Video/Power Connector Plugs (#s a, f) For Monitors, Transmitters, Video IN and OUT, etc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1) Introduction 8-9 2) Mounting your Video or Movie Camera 10-11 3) Balancing your Glidecam GOLD SLED 11 11-14 14-16 16 17-18 BalancingtheHorizontalAxis. BalancingtheVerticalAxis. UsingtheExtensionPost.. BalancingtheVerticalAxiswheninMotion 4) Handling your Glidecam GOLD SLED ConnectingtheSledtotheSupportArm. 5) Operating your Glidecam GOLD SLED ShootingStyles. ProfessionalUsage VideoTap. RemoteControlFollowFocusDevices.. 6) Shooting Tips TheuseofaWideAngleLensConverter..
1) INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of the Glidecam Gold Sled. The new Glidecam Gold Sled TM holds any video or film camera weighing from 13 to 38 pounds. The Gold Sled incorporates sophisticated engineering and precision machining to make it lightweight and strong. It is designed with the same look and aesthetics as the Glidecam Gold Arm and Vest. The Gold Series sled is available with one of the various daylight viewable, LCD monitors that we also sell (call us for details).
NOTE: You will need a common Film Industry "C" STAND (also known as a Century Stand, or Grip Stand), or a Film Industry LIGHT STAND so that later during the BALANCING procedures and operation of the Glidecam GOLD SLED you will have something to attach and park your GOLD SLED SLED onto. The "C" STAND or LIGHT STAND needs to terminate with a standard 5/8" diameter STUD on its uppermost riser. The STAND must also be of Film Industry quality in the sense that it must be rugged and made of steel etc.
2) MOUNTING YOUR VIDEO OR MOVIE CAMERA NOTE: If your camera comes with, or if you have, a quick release BALANCE PLATE for your camera, then attach the BALANCE PLATE to the GOLD SLED’s CAMERA PLATE first, and then simply attach your camera to the BALANCE PLATE. To mount your video camera, camcorder or movie camera to the CAMERA MOUNTING PLATE start by finding your cameras approximate center of gravity. To do this you will need a round pen, pencil or 1/4" dowel etc. and some white camera tape.
NOTE: If your camcorder comes with, or if you have a quick release BALANCE PLATE for your camcorder, then attach the BALANCE PLATE to the GOLD SLED’s CAMERA PLATE first, and then simply attach your camera to the BALANCE PLATE. Given you have followed the previous instructions correctly, you should now have your camera securely attached to the top of the Glidecam GOLD SLED.
NOTE: Whenever you use the DYNAMIC BALANCE AND DOCKING BRACKET make sure that the end of it that you are using is aligned over one of the legs on the STAND that it is attached onto. The reason for this is to ensure that the STAND does not fall over when the DYNAMIC BALANCE AND DOCKING BRACKET is in use with the full weight of the CAMERA and SLED on it. When setting up the STAND be sure to set the STAND up on a flat and level surface.
Remember, the GOLD SLED is only designed for camera packages weighing from 13 to 38 pounds. If your SLED if found to be top heavy at this point then, either your camera is too heavy for the SLED, or the GIMBAL TUBE is not set at its highest position on the CENTER POST, or the EXTENSION POST is not in its fully extended position, or you do not have enough WEIGHT on the BASE PLATFORM.
You can use your eyes to judge for correct HORIZONTAL BALANCE, or you can use a BUBBLE LEVEL (carpenter level etc.) to unsure that the SLED has correct HORIZONTAL BALANCE. When using a BUBBLE LEVEL or other similar device to judge the SLED's HORIZONTAL BALANCE, you should realize that large and heavy CARPENTER LEVELS will effect the BALANCE of the SLED. The effect it has on the SLED’S BALANCE will vary dependent on where the LEVEL is placed.
BEARING on the GIMBAL TUBE. If the SLED is setup so it is in NEUTRAL BALANCE it will no longer be BOTTOM HEAVY or TOP HEAVY. Instead it will be evenly BALANCED so that if you position the SLED so the Center Post is horizontal it will basically stay in this position. Again if the SLED was BOTTOM HEAVY and you TILTED it horizontally, it would swing back to a VERTICAL position. Now TILT the CENTRAL SUPPORT POST forward 90 degrees so that it is in a HORIZONTAL position.
and set the GIMBAL TUBE in the correct position on the CENTER POST. This procedure can be done while the SLED is still attached to the DYNAMIC BALANCE AND DOCKING BRACKET, but it is a lot safer and easier to do this with the SLED on the ground. If you have an assistant helping you then adjusting the GIMBAL position while the SLED is on the BRACKET becomes a lot easier. THE SLED ARC TEST: Another way of checking your SLED to see if its vertical balance is correct is to perform a sled arc test.
BALANCING THE VERTICAL AXIS WHEN IN MOTION In order to test the VERTICAL BALANCE of the SLED while you are in motion you will need to read the section called "HANDLING YOUR GLIDECAM GOLD SLED" before going any further. The reason for this is that you need to be all suited up with the SUPPORT VEST,GOLD ARM, and SLED on to test the VERTICAL AXIS while you are in motion. You should also read the "BALANCING THE VERTICAL AXIS" section before going any further.
becomes increasingly bottom heavy. And conversely, the HORIZONTAL BALANCE becomes very sensitive, as the SLED progresses towards correct VERTICAL BALANCE. NOTE: After you have BALANCED both the SLED's HORIZONTAL and VERTICAL AXIS, you should then park or dock the SLED onto the DOCKING end of the DYNAMIC BALANCE AND DOCKING BRACKET. To do this make sure that you set the DOCKING end of the BRACKET so that it is aligned over one of the STAND's legs.
have to adjust the height of the DOCKING BRACKET so it is at a height which makes it easy for you to connect the ARM to the GIMBAL HANDLE. The best height is a height that allows you to not have to crouch or bend over to get the ARM and GIMBAL HANDLE connected. Try setting the BRACKET just below the height of your shoulder. This height works quiet well for most people. NOTE: When you undock the SLED from the BRACKET you will suddenly feel all the weight of the GOLD SLED system on you.
5) OPERATING THE GLIDECAM GOLD SLED Given that you now have the Glidecam VEST, ARM and SLED correctly setup and on your body, you can now begin to learn how to shoot smooth shots with the system. The GOLD SLED can be used equally well by either left handed, or right handed operators. When you operate the Glidecam GOLD SLED you will need to use your RIGHT HAND to hold onto the curved GIMBAL HANDLE, and your LEFT HAND to hold onto the area just below the GIMBAL TUBE on the CENTRAL SUPPORT POST.
its original position. Also, without the GUIDING HAND in place, you will be unable to control the direction of the camera. It is possible however, to use just your GUIDING HAND while it is guiding the CENTER POST to control both the SLED and ARM at the same time, but this is not recommended.
the SLED angled so that the side of the BASE PLATFORM and CAMERA are either diagonal, or parallel with the front of your torso. This type of SLED alignment allows you to have the SLED even closer to your body, thereby reducing fatigue. You will of course need to walk or move at an angle if you wish to use this type of SLED alignment, while the SLED and CAMERA are moving in a forward direction from their point of view.
PLATE. We recommend that you do not exceed 2 G’s of acceleration when handling and operating your Glidecam GOLD SLED. Also, the Glidecam GOLD SLED is not intended for use under water, nor does it work under water. The GOLD SLED is not waterproof, so avoid direct exposure to rain or water spray. Also the BEARINGS are not sand and dirt proof, so avoid getting dirt or sand into them. The GOLD SLED is not arctic weather proof and if used in extreme cold the bearings could cease to operate.
move away from the cross on the wall at any speed and from any angle etc. and still keep the two crosses aligned, then you will know you have mastered this shooting technique. Another great training technique is to place a long tape line on the floor and then practice always being able to keep the Sled aligned over the line. This type of shooting combined with the cross on the wall and monitor training will allow you to shoot shots that as as smooth and linear as a dolly shot.
more dynamic movement, because the center axis of the PAN is no longer coming from the center of the CAMERA or SLED, but is instead coming from the center of your body. NOTE: It is best to always wear protective KNEE PADS when operating your Glidecam. Use the type of KNEE PADS that are used in the roller blade, in-line skating sports world, for they are very rugged.
Always have at least two assistants with you if you use your Glidecam around water. Even though the foam padded VEST portion of the GOLD SLED can act like a flotation device, it will not help you float in water if the SLED and ARM are still attached to it. If you do find yourself in water, then immediately remove the Glidecam from your body and get to safety. Also, never place your fingers etc. into the open sections of the SPRING ARM.
10) WARRANTY For ninety (90) days from the date of shipment, we will repair or replace your Glidecam GOLD SLED, free of charge, in the event of a defect in materials or workmanship (the shipment date appears on your purchase receipt) that occurs during normal use in accordance with the Glidecam GOLD SLED’s instruction manual. Shipping, packing, and insurance costs to and from the factory are your responsibility.
GLIDECAM GOLD CONNECTOR LIST Camera Power Connector: Receptacle on Glidecam: Custom Interface #JBXEA1G03FCSDS or Lemo #ECG1B303CLM Plug for Mating Cable: CIT #JBXFD1G03MCSD or Lemo #FGG1B303CLCD) Pin# 3 +24volts 4 Ground 5 +12volts Accessory Power Connectors: For Follow Focus Power, High Speed bases etc.
GLIDECAM GOLD CABLE LIST PART # DESCRIPTION CAMERA POWER CABLES Arriflex 12 Volt Camera Power (BL, 3, 2C, 6070G SR1/2) Arriflex 24Volt Camera Power (435, 6077G 535,635,765, and Victor Duncan Movicam Arri 24V Cam Pwr, with Right Angle Arri 6077RG connector 6095G Aaton 16mm Camera Power 6097G Aaton 35mm Camera Power 6010G Panavision Camera Power Panavision Elaine/Millenium (also some 6015G “Lightweight” Panavisions) 6040G Movicam Camera Power 6101G Video Camera Power (all 12V 4pin XLR) 6030G SL35 Camera Power
