User manual

Steadiseg User Manual Chris Fawcett 2013/06
2 FOREWORD
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The material presented here is informational, and is not intended as guidance or
advice. It is designed, instead, to get you off to a start from which your personal
experience will broaden our understanding of the Steadiseg’s capabilities—and of
its limitations. Join the mailing list at [e-mail] to contribute your ideas,
and to keep up to date with revisions. This manual is intended for use with the new
Camera Kinetics Steadiseg, though some of it applies to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
generation Handsfree-Transporter models as well.
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3 SAFETY
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This manual assumes that you have had training and extensive experience in
operating Steadicam, and that you are familiar with the Segway manuals,
including the safety warning: RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. Whenever you
ride the Segway PT, you risk death or serious injury from loss of control, collisions,
and falls. It also assumes that you know how to switch the machine off and on,
how to actuate ‘Balance Mode,’ and that you understand the various display and
warning signals. For installation and set-up of the Steadiseg, refer to the Installation
Manual.
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If your Segway shows any signs of malfunction, or if during any operation, you feel
that the speed limiter is activated (the base tilts back) without reason, have it
tested before you continue to work with it.
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While shooting, you must exercise the same caution as you would with any
camera vehicle. You must also be responsible for any decision you make that puts
yourself or others in danger, not to mention that risks damaging expensive
equipment. Steadicam Segway operation is a complicated and tricky, and is
recommended only for people with great balance, reflexes, spacial awareness,
and peripheral vision. If you are the kind of person that falls off things, you’ll fall off
this too. Having said that, the Steadiseg is easier to ride than a bicycle, and
possibly a lot safer. Work within that safety envelope. If you are not in complete
and confident control of your equipment, your work will be compromised anyway.
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Though it’s been tested over level ground to 200 kg (440 lb), the Segway is rated to
carry 120 kg (265 lb). That’s you and the gear. Exceeding this will not endear you to
your insurance company.
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The Steadiseg hard-mount assembly has been tested over level ground with a
load of 100 kg (200 lb) extended 1.5 m (60 in) above the base, and cantilevered
out 1m (40 in), and is rated to carry any Steadicam load over terrain within the
capacity of current stabilizer arms, that’s just over 30 kg (70 lb) including the rig.
Exceed this at your own risk.
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