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11
Introduction
The Vector 90 pan and tilt head embodies a unique and patented spring counterbalancing mech-
anism, lubricated friction (LF) drag assemblies for pan and tilt motions and an adjustable camera
mounting plate.
Perfect balance
The spring counterbalancing mechanism comprises four springs operating against a three-dimen-
sional cam connected to the camera mounting platform. The balance mechanism is adjusted by
a knob
(5)
, situated on the right front lower part of the main body, which varies the mechanical
advantage between the cam and the springs. The knob has a ‘push in and turn’ action and is fitted
with a clutch to prevent inadvertent damage to the balance mechanism.
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 graph
(Fig 3)
shows the range of load and C of G height that can be maintained in balance.
The shaded area of graph corresponds to those load/C of G combinations that can be balanced
over the full tilt range. The area to the right indicate the progressively reducing tilt range with great-
er load and higher
C of G.
Where a load/C of G combination falls outside of the graph it will be necessary to increase or de-
crease the weight or the C of G height - if possible - to enable the head to balance the load.
LF drag
Both the pan and tilt mechanisms incorporate the patented Vinten lubricated friction (LF) system
to ensure smooth movement of the camera about these axes and are fitted with control knobs
(16)
,
(17)
to adjust the drag setting.
Pan and tilt brakes
Friction brakes on each axis allow the head to be locked at any chosen position. The operating
levers for both brakes
(6)
,
(7)
are located side-by-side on the right-hand side of the head.
Centre lock
A centre lock
(4)
allows the head to be locked in the horizontal position.
Illuminated level bubble
A level bubble
(9)
, illuminated by pressing the illumination button
(10)
, is fitted to the rear of the
head. The light will go out after approximately 15 seconds. The battery for the system is housed
in a compartment in the base of the head, closed by a cover
(18)
.
Pan bar
Pan bar mounting points
(15)
are located at the rear of the head, on either side of the camera
mounting platform. A telescopic pan bar is supplied and is attached using a pan bar clamp, with
angular adjustment available on the mount serrations. A second pan bar may be fitted.