User manual

Steadiseg User Manual Chris Fawcett 2013/06

4 RIDING TECHNIQUE

Before attempting to shoot Steadicam using the Steadiseg, master the riding

technique. There is no need to practice first with the conventional handlebar.

Crank the control-stick module all the way to the front on its front spindle, and

mount the device as recommended in the Segway Manual. Take care to avoid

the control stick as you step on. There is a risk of pushing it to one side, thus spinning

the machine on the spot and twisting your knee, though this is minimized by the

start-up routine that—under most circumstances—limits steering until the Segway is

in motion. When you dismount, the steering is no longer limited, so the warning

doubly applies.

Control-Stick Module Correctly Adjusted

Place your feet squarely on the mats, and carefully raise or lower the control-stick

module until the front (accelerator) pads are level with or just above the knees.

The rear (brake) pads should now rest comfortably on the bulk of the calf muscle

just below the hamstring tendons that run behind your knee. If not, dismount the

machine, and adjust and refasten the read pad assembly securely before

remounting again. Now feel that the pads are contacting your legs at

comfortable angles. if not dismount and rotate them to fit. Lastly, check that the

width of the pads between your legs is just wide enough that you can stand

upright without their exerting undue pressure. If not, dismount and adjust.

Now crank the front spindle so that in a normal standing position, the Segway

moves neither forwards nor backwards. Lastly, crank the rear spindle to narrow or

widen the distance between the front and rear pads until they just contact your

legs. For normal operation, you should be able to stand upright without their

exerting pressure. For navigating terrain, or executing precision movements,

tighten them further. Don’t be too fussy about fine tuning at first. As you become

familiar with the machine, your control preferences will become clear to you, and

once set, you rarely need to touch them again.

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