5
*
FOR PROFESSIONAL CAMERAS
Since professional shoulder-mount cameras typically use a quick-release tripod plate of some sort, it is important to note
that in some cases the friction between the camera’s mounting plate and the mounting plate of the VZ-MC100 may not be
sufficient to ensure a secure mount when tilting. You may want to line one or both of the surfaces with electrical tape,
gaffer’s tape, or something to provide a more slip-resistant contact. Of course, you’ll want to securely tighten the
mounting bolts, as well. Some quick-release tripod plates also have a lot of ‘play’, so you may need to shim or even
eliminate the plate to sustain proper balance, because if the camera shifts at all it will throw off the balance.
TROUBLESHOOTING: UNWANTED CAMERA MOVEMENT
First
, make sure your camera is perfectly balanced by disengaging your motors and tilting the camera at various angles –
it should not move at all if the camera is in balance (if necessary, re-balance – see Page 1).
If you are satisfied that the camera is balanced and the motors appear to move on their own, you may have
motor
drift
-
do not worry!
To find out if you have motor drift, do the following:
turn the speed dials all the way up for both pan
and tilt
, and with all of the power and control cables connected (a mounted camera is not necessary), disengage the
motors so that the brass gears on the motors can spin freely. If the brass gears turn on their own, without your
command, the motor control joystick needs to be calibrated (
if they don’t move, the drifting must be attributed to bad
balance
).
If Tilt Motor Drifts:
Remove the large plug-screw on the side of the control
box (A.1.) and you will see a small, curved plastic collar
with a single Phillips screw and washer (A.2.). Loosen
this screw and slide the curved plastic collar until the
brass motor gear becomes completely still – then
tighten the screw again. (
do not overtighten
).
If Pan Motor Drifts:
Remove the 6 hex screws (using a 5/64” hex key)
located on top of the MC100 Control Unit (B.1.).
Remove the lid, and on top of the joystick housing you
will find a small, curved plastic collar with a single
Phillips screw and washer (B.2.). Loosen this screw
and slide the curved plastic collar until the brass motor
gear becomes completely still – tighten the screw
carefully. (
do not overtighten)
TROUBLESHOOTING: ERRATIC CONTROL UNIT
Make sure the speed dials are turned up at least ¼ to ½. If they are turned down all the way or very nearly all the way,
the control unit may not function properly. Erratic control unit behavior may also result from damaged cables.
MAINTENANCE:
The MC100 should not require much maintenance, but over time wear and tear may take its toll. The most common wear
and tear issue is damaged cables, which are relatively easily replaced. After much use, the bearings in the base may
need light lubrication. These bearing are the two sets of thin triple washer-like assemblies above and below the base
block (where the rotating shaft fits). If you lubricate these bearing, just use light oil and don’t add very much or you will
simply attract more dust. As long as the unit pans smoothly, you shouldn’t worry about this.
Most other maintenance should be performed by the factory.
REMINDER: KEEP FINGERS, LOOSE CLOTHING, AND
HAIR AWAY FROM MOVING PARTS AND GEARS! ALWAYS UNPLUG MC100
PAN AND TILT HEAD WHEN NOT IN USE! WHEN IN DOUBT ABOUT SAFETY,
ASK QUESTIONS FIRST!!! 888-826-3399 / www.varizoom.com
B.1.
B.2.
A.1.
A.2.
