User manual

Steadiseg User Manual Chris Fawcett 2013/06
7 RIDER DETECT ERROR
!
If 2 or more of the 4 Rider Detect Sensors on the Segway base
are not depressed, the InfoKey shows a straight-face with
these shoe symbols—and the speed limiter kicks in suddenly.
Riding solo, you experience an immediate deceleration as the
base tilts back. The effect this has on a Steadicam is to throw it
backwards. It is imperative you avoid Rider Detect Error by
taking the following precautions:
!
1/ When adjusting the leg saddle backwards to accommodate the Steadicam,
ensure that your feet stay properly positioned on the mats.
!
2/ Follow the rig, so you stay in balance, and your footing remains solid.
!
3/ Push down with your outside foot during turns.
!
4/ If the hard-mount is all the way to the back, arm range is limited. Therefore,
when you accelerate hard by moving the rig and yourself forward, you get
stopped by length of the arm. If you push against this, your weight falls into your
heels, and the two forward Rider Detect Sensors are disengaged. When the speed
limiter trips in this situation, the rig will push you abruptly back. Adjust the hard-
mount to leave yourself room to maneuver. The lighter the rig, the worse the
problem. A heavy rig need not be moved so far to achieve the same
acceleration.
!
If for whatever reason, the base tilts back when you are operating, understand that
this is not a malfunction. The Segway simply wishes to slow you down. Although the
sensation of the rig pushing you back combined with the backward tilt of the base
feels like an impending disaster, stepping off makes the situation worse.
Decelerate smoothly, and you will come safely to rest.
!
8 NAVIGATION
!
Once you get confident, try a switch. Ask someone to walk directly towards you,
then back away from them, shooting in Missionary, before switching to Don Juan.
Initiate the switch by turning your hips away from the rig, and bearing down on
your outside leg, (to switch back, turn towards the rig). Practice the line dance. If
you’ve mastered the riding technique, switches will come naturally, and the
Steadiseg will feel like an extension of your body. If you feel off balance, you’re
doing it wrong—go back to the spiral exercise. After only a little practice, you’ll
notice a steadiness in your shots you never achieved on foot, and Don Juan will
become a pleasure.
!
Don’t fall into the monitor. Cycle your attention. For an experienced Steadicam
operator, glances at the monitor are sufficient, and a Steadiseg operator must
give priority to the outside world. When filming in unfamiliar territory, or in grass,
scout on foot, then practice the shot without Steadicam. Have a spotter at least to
!  13