12
Section 1
Introduction and Description
Contents
Para
Introduction
1
The Vision 100 pan and tilt head is part of a range designed for broadcast professional, corporate and
educational use. It is constructed largely in aluminium and magnesium alloys to produce a robust, lightweight
unit. The unique counterbalance system enables a wide variety of camera/lens combinations to be maintained
in perfect balance over the range of tilt movements. A maximum tilt angle of 90° is available at intermediate
loadings, whilst at higher loadings the range of tilt motion is progressively reduced to 40°. A graph is provided
in Section 2 which illustrates the relationship between load and centre-of-gravity (C of G) and may be used to
ascertain the suitability of the head for any given combination of camera, lens and accessories.
2
Drag is provided by the Vinten thin-film (TF) system which allows wide variation of the drag setting on
both pan and tilt axes to suit operator preference, and permits “whip” movements to be executed, irrespective
of drag setting. Pan and tilt axes are each provided with a brake.
Description
3
The Vision 100 pan and tilt head embodies a spring counterbalance mechanism, TF drag assemblies,
brakes on the pan and tilt mechanisms and a camera mounting plate.
4
The balance system is easily adjusted by a knob
on the rear of the head. Maximum and minimum
payloads that can be balanced, and tilt ranges, are dependent on the weight of the camera and accessories
and on the centre-of-gravity (C of G) height. The control compensates for differing platform loads by varying
the compressive force on the counterbalance spring. A digital display
indicates the setting of the balance
mechanism on a scale of 00 - HI. The display is illuminated by pressing the switch
and extinguishes
automatically approximately 15 seconds after adjustments are complete. The same switch also illuminates the
level bubble
and the scales of the pan and tilt drag knobs
. The digital display and illumination
systems automatically compensate for ambient light levels. The battery for the system is housed in a
compartment in the right-hand side of the mechanism housing, closed by a cap
5
Both the pan and tilt mechanisms incorporate the Vinten thin film (TF) system to ensure smooth
movement of the camera about these axes and are fitted with control knobs
to adjust the drag setting.
The whip-pan facility is unaffected by the pan drag setting. Both drag knobs are provided with scales
illuminated by the switch
.
6
Friction brakes on each axis allow the head to be locked at any chosen position. The operating levers