VARIZOOM FLOWCAM GT Instruction Manual Download Page 6

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Ideal vertical balance is reflected by a “drop time” of 2-3 
seconds, meaning it should take 2-3 seconds for the sled to 
swing down 90 degrees to the vertical plane (it will swing 
past that point, but count only until it reaches the vertical 
plane).  If the system is top heavy, adjust the balance by 
repositioning the gimbal clamp upward (with supplied 3/16” 
hex key), and if it is bottom heavy, move it downward.  
When you loosen the gimbal clamp, you should support the 
weight of the sled by grasping the center post firmly.  You 
will notice that the gimbal clamp can slide up or down when 
loosened – 

leave a gap between the gimbal clamp and 

the bearing below it.  If the gimbal clamp rides on top of 
the bearing, it will cause drag on the panning action. 

 

 

You can also adjust the vertical balance by extending the 
lower sled downward.  Positioning the lower sled downward 
will make the system more bottom heavy, and it provides 
you with the capability of shifting the balance down without 
moving the gimbal to a position lower than you find 
agreeable.  To extend the lower sled, loosen the hex screw 
on the knurled clamp (using the 3/16” hex key) while 
supporting it from below.  

Be careful not to overextend the 

lower sled, as there are wires inside the center post (there is 
a safety catch, but don’t test it)

.

  When you find the right 

position, tighten the knurled clamp again, but don’t tighten it 
excessively – just tighten enough to fix the lower sled in 
place.  Adjust until you get a 2-3 second drop time. 

 

Now you can proceed with the horizontal balancing, which is 
accomplished by adjusting the longitudinal and lateral 
positions of the camera.  First you will have to loosen the 
dovetail lock.  If the sled tilts forward or backward, you can 
adjust the position of the dovetail using the knob at the front 
of the stage.  If the sled tilts to one side, you can adjust the  

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stage laterally by using the second knob.  Both adjustments 
allow for very fine increments, so you will find

 it 

is best to 

turn the knobs slowly until you hit the “sweet spot” (where 
the camera stays totally level).  Finish by tightening the 
dovetail lock. 
 
Once it is securely fastened, slide the dovetail into the stage 
while making sure the rack is on the same side as the brass 
pinion gear.  You may need to push up on the dovetail lock 
to fully install the plate.  Position the dovetail so that the 
camera is fairly centered.  When properly installed, the 
locking release pin should prevent the plate from sliding out, 
but you should go ahead and secure your camera by 
tightening the dovetail lock. 

 

Plug your video cable from the camera to the video output 
on the back of the stage (BNC-RCA adapter cable 
provided).  Set the sled/camera assembly aside, as final 
setup must be done with the arm and vest on your body or 
using a C-stand.  If you have one, you can mount the sled 
on the C-stand using the supplied docking post or optional 
balancing plate.  Exercise caution to make sure the stand 
will not tip over. 

 

The Arm

 

The arm is the link between your body and the sled.  The 
arm provides vertical support and allows the camera and 
sled to float.  The GT arm is a single-articulated spring 
loaded arm.  It is designed to be adjustable in three weight 
ranges: 2 to 6 pounds / 6 to 11 pounds / 11 to 16 pounds.  
As shipped from the factory, the unit is set up for the middle 
weight range (6-11 lbs.).  Once you determine the exact 
weight of your fully loaded camera, you can decide if the 
weight range of the arm needs to be adjusted.  If your fully 
loaded camera weighs between 6 and 11 pounds, you can 
skip sections 

A1

 and 

A2

 (on the next two pages). 

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