UPPER
CAMERA PLATFORM
Low profile design
“drop in” style upper camera platform (UCP). A single quick locking clamp secures
the camera plate in seconds. You will also notice that there is no flexing anywhere in this design. After 10
years of operating the system design I have yet to see any vibration transmitted to the camera, no matter
the weight, speed of travel, camera angle, or directional changes. The UCP design, however, is only part
of the overall design that makes this system
’s stability second to none.
The quick release upper camera platform is simply removed by unscrewing the locking ring and lifting off
the post. Cable connectors are keyed so when reattaching the post and platform simply spin the post a
few degrees allowing the interconnection. The post mount is keyed and fits into the registration pin. Make
sure you securely tighten down the knurled locking ring, no tools are needed, hand tight is all you will
need.
There is no need to over tighten the Kipp handled dovetailed locking clamp. The Urethane on the face
of the clamp will hold the camera plate with light pressure. Over time you will need to replace this Kipp
handle, 2 years on average. The stud is made from a soft zinc steel, the insert in the stage is hardened
stainless steel. By design, the Kipp handle
’s stud will wear out first. After a few years, if you are having to
over tighten the Kipp handle and the dovetail is sliding in the platform or the clamp is hanging up on the
stainless steel shoulder bolts, you will need to simply adjust the two set screws that keep the clamp in
alignment. They are located on the side of the clamp. (See Adjusting dovetail clamp)
It takes only 3.5 revolutions to go from fully engaged to fully open on the Kipp handles 10-32 TPI stud to
engage the camera dovetail plate. It takes ¾-1 revolution to loosen the camera plate. I mention this
because in low mode you will not want to turn the Kipp handle more than two revolutions.
On the three 6-32 tapped holes for the receiver bracket on the front of the platform the screw should not
exceed .25” into the platform.
Front view
Rear view
1
All composite video inputs and outs are correctly wired through distribution amplifiers, using 75 ohm
conductors. The HDSDI BNC loops through to the lower electronics housing HD BNC connector. This
bypasses the sled electronics.
2
Composite video in
12Vdc FI&Z power only
12/24 accessory pwr. 2 amp max
HDSDI / Composite
loop through
12 Vdc camera
power
12 Vdc / video out for transmitter
12/24 Vdc camera power
9mm
tapped/plug
hole
