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Tiffen Steadicam M-2 System Manual Download Page 28

28

T

he new M-2 gimbal 

builds upon the M-1 gimbal design, and integrates the Volt pan encoder ring within 

the gimbal body. This saves you precious gimbal height, and makes all M-2 gimbals even easier to 

upgrade and service later. With compatibility in mind, the gimbal fits 1.75”, 1.58” and 1.5” post diameters.

Pan Bearing

Inside outer ring

Dust protected

Yoke

Volt compatible

Gimbal Grip

Knurled for positive feel

Removable Gimbal Handle

Comfortable ergonomic design

Swappable

Clamp Lever

Over-center, tools free lock

Shown here closed

Arm Post Receiver

With holes for Tiffen or PRO low-mode bracket pins

Adapts from 3/4” to 5/8” arm posts with included insert

Optional insert for 1/2” posts: 888-7139-01

Volt Pan Encoder Ring

Inside, atop pan bearing

Lower total height

NOTE: 

The gimbal section of this user guide covers product numbers M2-GIM, and M2-GIMV. For product numbers M1-GIM, and  

M1-GIMV, refer to the original M-1 manual (LIT-815000.)

Gimbal components

Summary of Contents for Steadicam M-2

Page 1: ...LIT 888000 RevA Steadicam M 2 System Manual ...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ... 34 Pan bearing replacement 36 Monitor mount components 37 Monitor mount positioning 38 Clamp operation 39 Monitor yoke adjustment 40 Adjusting monitor clamps and hinge brakes 42 Base and battery mount components 43 Base electronics 44 Battery positioning 45 Installing the 3rd battery mount 46 Three batteries three switches 48 Connector diagrams and warnings 49 M 1 and M 2 features and specs 50 M ...

Page 4: ...ually any tilt or roll angle including a perfectly level horizon This gentle assistance helps remove the unwanted effects of wind acceleration or natural body movement in the captured image The M 2 also takes the concept of modularity to a whole new level Each component offers options for customization Rigid carbon fiber posts are available in a variety of lengths and diameters 1 75 2 or 3 section...

Page 5: ...ECTION POST 1 75 3 SECTION POST 1 75 2 SECTION INDEX POST 1 58 2 SECTION SHORT POST M 2 GOLD MOUNT 2 BATTERY BASE M 2 V LOCK 2 BATTERY BASE M 1 GOLD MOUNT 2 BATTERY BASE M 1 V LOCK 2 BATTERY BASE 3 battery options are available 5 TIP Find a list of accessories including the long gimbal handle and 3rd battery mounts on page 52 Or visit Tiffen com steadicam for the very latest in modular components ...

Page 6: ...fore aft adjustment Clamp Lever Safety latch design with drop in loading Adjustable tension Accessory Rod Mounts LWS 15mm by 60mm spacing For Steadicam accessories and custom applications Dovetail Plate Extras Glow in the dark bubble level Safety stops Rear Electronics High definition video connectors Power ports Optional Tilt Stage Tilt up or down 10 Dual locks ensure rigidity Index marks for rep...

Page 7: ...ing 5A fuse protected Rear Electronics Camera power port LEMO 3 pin 2B connector 12 volts supplied at all times 12 and 24 volts simultaneously when in 24V mode Triple HD video ports HD SDI compatible Direct connections to the base Color coded at each end NOTES Tally sensitivity is set at maximum from the factory with active LO tally input signal and this should work for most users Contact Tiffen s...

Page 8: ...open Place the dovetail against the passive side of the clamp and tilt the plate into the dovetail lock The weight of the camera will press the lock down and release the safety latch You ll hear a satisfying click The camera and plate can be moved fore and aft for coarse balancing but the safety stops prevent it from sliding off Close the clamp lever to firmly secure the dovetail and camera to the...

Page 9: ...cally the reverse Secure the camera with your left hand Open the clamp lever The dovetail is still retained by the safety latch Push and hold the safety latch to the right Keeping the safety latch held to the side tilt the dovetail plate out of the dovetail lock Close the clamp lever so nothing catches on it To reinstall the dovetail you ll open the lever and slide the safety latch ...

Page 10: ...ng towards the front or rear of the stage The knobs turn clockwise on one side and counterclockwise on the other side for the same stage movement Fore aft adjustment knob Turning towards the front of the rig will move the camera weight FORWARD Side side adjustment knob Turning towards the front of the rig will move the camera weight to the LEFT TIP Starting with the stage centered fore aft and sid...

Page 11: ...ere s one on each side of the stage Open about a half turn and tilt the stage as you prefer Lock both clamps and re balance slightly fore aft NOTES The scale on both sides of the tilt stage is handy for repeating setups For example if you have a tilt you prefer for framing you do frequently the scale allows you to dial it in quickly without any guesswork saving time Also the nut on the far side of...

Page 12: ...Volt Plug the gimbal cable into the port at the top stage and wrap a couple loops around the post on its way down to the gimbal Plug in the cable at the gimbal Make sure the pan encoder cable is also plugged in next to it Confirm that the Volt is switched OFF and in PAUSE mode before powering up your sled Align the gimbal handle along the REAR of the post and simultaneously power on the Volt When ...

Page 13: ...change tilt position like a fluid head Volt displays pulsing green LEDs SHORT pressing the gimbal thumb button creates a tilt trim in normal mode Hold the sled at your desired tilt angle and short press the button The new trim is memorized immediately This can be done on the fly even during a shot a huge benefit to your operating WARNING Use the Tiffen Padded Dock to protect Volt electronics as we...

Page 14: ...ur TILT strength The TILT dial controls the strength of the motors along the tilt axis This alters behavior in the two modes In normal mode more tilt strength equates to stronger artificial bottom heaviness In friction mode more tilt strength equates to firmer hold at the operator s set post angle like the drag on a fluid head To set the ROLL trim SHORT press the trim button on the stage and posit...

Page 15: ...nual at Tiffen com pages volt system LIT 817001 for everything else you need to know about the Volt TYPICAL MODE Every day operating easy tilt ROCK AND ROLL Free to tilt or roll Dutch angles GYRO SIMULATOR Tilt and roll set to 11 WHIP PANS Roll tilt equal vertical post VEHICLE MODE High roll tilt resistance FRICTION MODE Like a fluid head TILT is drag SO MANY TILTS Normal mode when tilting more th...

Page 16: ...dovetail installed and the clamp lever closed Use a 7 64 Allen wrench to loosen the lock screw approximately one half turn Turn the adjustment wheel to dial in the tension Turn clockwise to tighten counterclockwise to loosen Make small adjustments Re tighten the lock screw before testing the clamp Test to see if the dovetail clamp holds firmly by trying to move the dovetail plate with your hands T...

Page 17: ... stage drive knobs A penknife or fine blade screwdriver works nicely Loosen both locking set screws one half turn with a 1 16 Allen wrench You do not need to remove the set screws Use the supplied tool 815 7971 to hand tighten one nut a small amount Tighten the nut on the opposite side a small amount as well Adjust the tension a little at a time and sneak up on the perfect setup Re tighten both lo...

Page 18: ...to the stage chassis with the four included screws one in each corner Replace the stage top STRAIGHT down onto the stage DO NOT slide the top into place which may damage the VOLT electronics DO NOT pinch any cables and ensure internal power cables can slide freely Finish by fastening the stage top with the eight hex screws Inside you ll find three cable sets with connectors that attach to the Volt...

Page 19: ...ial box has 6 pins Plug in each box Fasten the boxes to the stage chassis with the hex screws taking care that they re right side up Replace the underside cover being careful not to pinch any wires and fasten with the screws NOTE If you already own a Volt system you can use it with the mustache box attached to the rods same as on an M 1 We won t judge But you can t remove the circuit board from th...

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Page 21: ...21 ...

Page 22: ...ow access to gimbal Safety Line Inside posts Prevents hyper extension Lower Post Base Connector Electrical and mechanical junction to the base Post Lock Over center tools free lock Shown here closed Reference Lines Etched into rear of both posts Turns red at full extension Confirms alignment TIP Check out the complete specifications for the two 1 58 and the two 1 75 posts at the back of this manua...

Page 23: ...o not over tighten post clamps They are strong enough to distort the carbon fiber post sections but do not need to be that tight to hold Use minimum clamping force while still holding securely The over center lock on the post clamp is adjusted while the post clamp is closed Use a 3 32 Allen wrench to turn each screw an equal tiny amount You don t want to over tighten these take your time Test the ...

Page 24: ...s to be loose not removed Use a the same Allen wrench to remove the six screws from the post connector Pull the stage STRAIGHT up off the post It may take a firm pull but do not twist or force anything If you need access to the gimbal remove the six stage connector screws and separate the connector from the top of the post Your gimbal is now free to slide off for maintenance or to share with a fri...

Page 25: ...rk with the post reference line and carefully press into place Tighten each screw a little bit in a criss cross pattern until all are snug Align the center of the stage with the red line on the post connector Press firmly until the stainless ring is flush Install the six screws with a 7 64 Allen wrench Tighten with ample torque to secure the stage Snug down the single clamp screw and you re ready ...

Page 26: ...onitor mount to make it easy to access the screws Use a 9 64 Allen wrench to remove the four screws from the post connector Pull the post STRAIGHT up off the base It may take a firm pull but do not twist or force anything To reinstall the post on the base align the flat spot on the post connectors The straight edge of the post foot will align behind the electronics box of the base Insert firmly un...

Page 27: ...27 ...

Page 28: ...bal Grip Knurled for positive feel Removable Gimbal Handle Comfortable ergonomic design Swappable Clamp Lever Over center tools free lock Shown here closed Arm Post Receiver With holes for Tiffen or PRO low mode bracket pins Adapts from 3 4 to 5 8 arm posts with included insert Optional insert for 1 2 posts 888 7139 01 Volt Pan Encoder Ring Inside atop pan bearing Lower total height NOTE The gimba...

Page 29: ... and pulley Belt Tension Screw Adjusts trunnion belt Belt Tension Screw Adjusts handle belt Trunnion Motor belt and pulley Thumb Button Power LED blue Mode LED green Power Data and Encoder Jacks LEMO 8 pin 1B connects to the stage Hirose 4 pin for the gimbal pan encoder Left Right Button Remove cover to press Read the manual WARNING Docking methods other than the Tiffen padded dock may damage the ...

Page 30: ...817001 The gimbal remains on the post and the trunnion screws remain in place Use the Blue Whale tool to remove both side covers Replace the cover with a thread adapter over the trunnion screw on the side of the gimbal where you ll mount the motor assembly The trunnion pulley threads onto the opposite side no thread adapter necessary Use the supplied Blue Whale tool to tighten the pulley in place ...

Page 31: ...er tighten the gimbal clamp It is strong enough to distort the carbon fiber post but does not need to be that tight to hold Use minimum clamping force while still holding securely The over center lock on the gimbal clamp is adjusted while the clamp is closed Use a 3 32 Allen wrench to turn each screw an equal tiny amount You don t want to over tighten these take your time Test the action of the cl...

Page 32: ...re of their rigs Cleaning the pan bearing from time to time will keep your M 2 performing at its best Start by removing the gimbal from the post see page 24 then grab the included Blue Whale tool 305 7115 02 Use the outside pins of the Blue Whale tool to loosen the inner ring from the gimbal grip Unscrew the gimbal grip and set it aside Invert the gimbal carefully press the inner ring out of the b...

Page 33: ...ng It s not a fidget spinner after all In a glass container add 100 acetone until the pan bearing is completely submerged Soak for 10 minutes then gently agitate the acetone to release any contamination in the bearing Resist the temptation to spin the bearing once you ve washed away any lubricant Drain and refill the container with fresh acetone and repeat until no more contaminants can be seen in...

Page 34: ...ign Install the pan bearing lock until finger tight to ensure proper threading then finish tightening with the Blue Whale tool Slide the inner ring into the pan bearing If aligned properly the inner ring should slip into position with very light pressure Hold on to the inner ring and screw on the gimbal grip until it s fully seated Use the outer pins of the Blue Whale spanner to tighten And you re...

Page 35: ...35 ...

Page 36: ...ight Monitor Rods LWS 15mm by 60mm spacing Standard 1 2 13 threaded ends Rod Clamp Levers Lock or release the monitor rods Post Clamp Hinged quick release Opens 180 Rod Stops Prevent it going bye bye Simply threaded in Pivot Clamp Knob Secure tilt angle of mount NOTE The monitor mount section of this user guide covers product number 158MB UMM for 1 58 posts For product number 175MB UMM for 1 75 po...

Page 37: ... monitor fore and aft on the rods loosen the clamp levers and slide Re lock clamp levers to secure the monitor rods For fine angle adjustment perhaps to reduce glare just tilt the monitor by hand No fasteners required To pivot the monitor in an arc loosen the pivot clamp knob and rotate the yoke around the monitor pivot To move the mount on the post support the monitor and flip open the clamp leve...

Page 38: ...ll the monitor away from the post The post clamp will swing clear Reposition the monitor mount on the other post or flip it over for low mode Close the clamp around the post or post brake Close the clamp lever around the clamp and twist the lever about 10 turns back in setting the clamp tension you prefer Confirm the marks are lined up with the reference line so the monitor is square to the rig an...

Page 39: ... Use the markings to keep the monitor symmetrical side to side and on the uprights Tighten all of the screws Double check that the monitor is square to the rig is held securely in the yoke and rotates smoothly The universal monitor mount offers versatility and convenience to mount a variety of monitors near the monitor s center of gravity and allows tools free adjustment once it is fitted NOTE Con...

Page 40: ...era on board it will affect your static balance Adjust the clamp locks with the clamp levers closed Turn each locknut a small amount with an 11 32 wrench Test that the clamp levers open and close smoothly Test the holding power of the rod clamps to ensure the monitor or batteries will not slide when locked The monitor pivot has a built in friction brake to support the weight of your monitor while ...

Page 41: ...41 ...

Page 42: ...or Gold Mount Front Electronics High definition video ports Power ports Base Connector Modular mechanical and electronics junction Indexed to ensure exact alignment with post 3rd Battery Switch Choose 12V or 24V when running 3rd battery Battery Pivot Adjustable friction 180 range Clamp Levers Lock or release the battery rods NOTE The base and battery mount section of this user guide covers product...

Page 43: ...ector 12 volts supplied at all times 12 and 24 volts simultaneously when in 24V mode Power Switch Controls all power ports Rear Electronics USB A Port 5V 1 5A output 12 24Volt Switch 12V with any battery combo 24V available with 2 batteries 3rd battery 12 Volt mode 24 Volt mode NOTE For a complete explanation of how the switches operate with a variety of batteries on board see page 46 Power LEDs I...

Page 44: ...loosen the battery clamp knob with the other Rotate the batteries to the angle you desire and re tighten the battery clamp knob To slide the batteries unlock the battery rods by rotating both clamp levers perpendicular to the battery rods Slide the batteries to either balance the rig or move to your preferred position Then re lock the clamp levers before checking drop time TIP Battery tilt frictio...

Page 45: ...ery mount Slide the 3rd battery mount onto the dovetail from the rear of the sled Secure it in place with the two captive thumbscrews The switch on the side of the main battery mount is now active Use it to select whether the 3rd battery is wired parallel 12V or series 24V with the rear 1 battery The optional 3rd battery mount has integrated wiring so it doesn t use one of your power ports Once yo...

Page 46: ...OFF except for P taps on each battery mount The main 12V 24V switch adds the 2 battery in series or parallel with battery 1 And the 3rd battery 12V 24V switch adds the 3rd battery in series or parallel with battery 1 Hot swapping is available with specific combinations see below Three batteries three switches ...

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Page 48: ... to the front 2 battery mount closest to the post when upright will damage the equipment in 24V mode In 12V mode any battery mount is safe The 12 volt and 24 volt outputs on the M 2 are not regulated so your actual voltage will be battery voltage This is typically around 14 4V and 29V respectively Pin2 Pin1 Pin12 Pin12 Pin1 Pin2 Connector diagrams and warnings ...

Page 49: ...49 M 1 and M 2 features and specs ...

Page 50: ...50 M 1 and M 2 part numbers ...

Page 51: ...51 ...

Page 52: ...52 M 1 and M 2 accessories list ...

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Page 54: ...en com Web Tiffen com steadicam Warranty Tiffen com warranty Designed and manufactured in the United States of America Tiffen reserves the right to change specifications accessories etc without prior notice There is no implied or expressed warranty regarding this material STEADICAM Steadicam M 1 Steadicam M 2 and Steadicam Volt are trademarks of the Tiffen Company LLC All other trademarks and prod...

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