[. . . ] Adjust the vertical fit by adjusting the straps, pulling the chrome release pin and sliding the chest plate up or down until you find the right position. Adjust the tightness of the vest around your waist/hips using the Velcro strap, drawing it around evenly on both sides of the lower vest pad. Adjust the tightness around your torso by positioning the Velcro straps across the back of the vest and securing the buckles to the chest plate. Make the vest as tight as possible to maximize operational quality and comfort. [. . . ] The float point is not necessarily an exact setting, and you may find that what works for you may be slightly different than another person's preferred float point. The important thing is the end result: you have a sled that rises and falls with slight force and absorbs most of the shock imparted by walking. Lateral adjustment Longitudinal adjustment Page 10 Now you should be able to turn on the monitor and begin practicing, assuming the battery is charged. You may need to adjust the balance slightly after positioning the monitor. Generally speaking, you have to keep in mind that the stabilizer will not work like a magic wand and instantly transform your shots into brilliant footage. Operator skill is critical, and it takes many hours of practice to master this device, but the reward for all the practice will be substantial. Here are a few simple quick-start guidelines: -Hold the system by the gimbal handle to control the orientation and elevation of the sled. -With the other hand, lightly grasp the center post of the sled just below the gimbal, holding it close to the gimbal for optimal control. -Delicately grasp the center post with your fingertips, like a flute ­ do not grab it like a handlebar. -Fine-tuning of the balance adjustments may be necessary a few times during operation. -The way you walk will affect the quality of stabilization, so you will need to develop a lightfooted rhythmic pattern. -Practice for at least 20 hours before attempting to acquire usable footage. The DVD contains detailed, clear instructions and tips on operation, and if you have any general questions, visit the website ­ www. varizoom. com. If you've watched the video and practiced and still have technical questions, call 310545-0466. Page 3 The Sled The Sled is the subsystem that holds the camera, viewing monitor, and battery. The Sled mounts to the arm, and in tandem they create a stabilizing effect. The Sled can be adjusted at various points to change its weight distribution, which in turn enables you to accommodate cameras of different sizes, shapes and weights. The basic principles of sled adjustment are that you want the section of the sled below the pivot point to be effectively heavier (slightly) than the upper section, and you want the camera's mass to be centered on the rotating axis. The Sled consists of three main sections: The Stage enables you to adjust the horizontal balance of the system and also houses the video and power connectors. The Post and Gimbal provide smooth pan and tilt action, a mounting socket for the spring arm, and a grip handle. This section also features one of several vertical balance adjustment points. This section provides a few vertical and horizontal balance adjustment points. Page 6 If your fully loaded camera weighs less than 6 pounds, you will have to remove the non-adjustable spring. If it weighs more than 11 pounds, you will have to replace the nonadjustable spring with a heavier one. A1 ­ Start by opening the arm (see below) Once you've removed the two screws, you will be able to swing the top half of the arm out and have access to the inside of the arm. Page 7 Remove two hex screws, one from each side at the top of the arm, as pictured (5/64" key, not included) Next, remove ONLY the spring attached to the stationary bar ­ NEVER remove the spring on the adjuster assembly. [. . . ] 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. Now you can proceed with the horizontal balancing, which is accomplished by adjusting the longitudinal and lateral positions of the camera. If the sled tilts forward or backward, you can adjust the position of the dovetail using the knob at the front of the stage. [. . . ]