Steadicam Volt System

Code: CPR/

The Steadicam Volt™ System is a tool that provides Steadicam operators with horizontal stabilisation, giving them the ability to easily transition between fully manual and auto assist modes. Weighing only two pounds, the Volt System seamlessly integrates into an existing sled, providing greater opportunity for content creation without jeopardizing stability.

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Overview

The two pound Volt system is unique in that it mounts directly to the gimbal, therefore adding no weight or height to the stage or base.

Features

Keeps sled in neutral balance: stays level when starting, stopping and cornering
Operators can switch from full Volt auto assist mode to conventional operation with a push of a button
No balancing required
No operating compromises
Provides exact desired framing
Fast and responsive
Maintains level horizon
Holds tilt angle

Compatible with:

Steadicam M-1
Steadicam Archer 2
Steadicam Shadow V
Steadicam Shadow
Steadicam Ultra 2
Steadicam Clipper 3
GPI Pro Systems

The Steadicam Volt

Working with the sled’s inertia and neutral balance, the Volt generates an “artificial bottom-heaviness” to keep the horizon level and headroom stable. With the Volt, the operator can concentrate on precise framing, timing, navigating, and other more interesting aspects of operating.

The strength of the roll and the tilt assistance can be individually fine-tuned to suit the operator’s preferences, and easily adjusted for different shots. The assistance can feel like operating a sled with a very long drop time – easy to tilt or roll – to full gyro-simulation, with the sled locked hard to the horizon in roll or tilt or both! Because the sled is always balanced neutrally top-to-bottom, all pendular effects from acceleration and deceleration are eliminated. Plus, there is no re-balancing needed when switching to low mode!

The Volt also allows behaviors that were impossible before. Like “friction mode” which emulates a fluid head with tilt hold and a fixed horizon, bringing you new control options for each and every shot. In use, the Volt is completely transparent to the operator, and it feels exactly like regular Steadicam operating – with perfect horizons. The operator is always in full and direct control of framing, and can easily override the Volt’s assistance.

The new dock

The padded dock is designed to protect the Volt electronics as well as make docking and balancing easier. The low-profile design ensures nothing contacts the Volt gimbal motor assembly when docked, and the “over-center” arm swings into place to secure the sled. Docking on the gimbal also reduces shock loads on your gimbal bearings. You’ll note a low, primary balance stud on the side, which is barely higher than your gimbal handle, making it a simple task to lift for balancing regardless of the sled build.