Miller compass 15 User manual

Fluid Head
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
#1034 Compass 15 Fluid Head
compass 15

1
Features and Controls
Fig. 1
Tilt Lock
Pan Lock
Threaded Stud
Clamp Nut
Sliding Platform Lock
Pan Handle Clamp
Pan Handle

2
Fig. 1
1/4” + Pin Carriage
Counterbalance Selector
Bubble Level
Pan Drag Control
Fig. 2
Features and Controls
Sliding Camera Plate
Release Knob
Tilt Drag Control
Accessory Mounting

3
Thank you for purchasing the Compass 15 Fluid Head. The
Compass 15 Fluid Head has been designed to suit payload
capacities from HDV to standard conguration DVCAM cameras.
The robust design and construction of the Compass 15 Fluid Head
offers maximum stability, accuracy and durability and includes
precision ball bearing mounted Fluid Drag Plate system in the Pan
and Tilt assembly to deliver true uid drag performance over the
entire temperature and payload range.
The Fluid Drag and the Counterbalance system were designed to
provide excellent control and repeatability and offer progressive
equal increments of drag and torque.
The Compass 15 Fluid Head also offers Illuminated Bubble level.
The Compass 15 Fluid Head will give best performance when
used on a wide range of Miller tripods, including SOLO DV
(#1501 & 1630) and Lightweight (#440 & 420) tripod. This will
ensure maximum system stability to suit any professional set-
up. The Compass 15 Fluid Head will suit most industry standard
75 mm tripods as well, please refer to manufactures’ manual for
mounting details.
Attaching/removing the camera.
Please use this manual to familiarise yourself with the operation
of the Compass 15 Fluid Head and observe these instructions
to prevent any damage to your equipment. Ensure that all
equipment is operating correctly and free from defects and
damage, also please ensure that the tripod is steady, secure and
that the bowl is approximately horizontal when attaching the
camera. The operator is responsible for the safe operation of this
piece of equipment.
• Do not exceed the maximum payload capacity of
the Fluid Head.
• Do not leave the camera unattended on the Fluid Head.
• Do not release the SLIDING PLATFORM LOCK whilst the
camera is at an angle.
• Do not adjust the tripod whilst the camera is attached
to the Fluid Head.
• Ensure PAN HANDLE CLAMP and CLAMP NUT
is securely tightened.
• Apply TILT LOCK when adding/removing equipment from the
camera or when attaching/removing the camera from
the Fluid Head.
• Hold camera securely whilst changing Counterbalance,
Pan Drag or Tilt Drag settings.
• Hold the camera securely whilst releasing the
RELEASE KNOB.
• Hold camera securely whilst adjusting the CLAMP NUT
to level the Fluid Head.
Introduction Safety Instructions

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Weight 2.6 kg (5.7 lb)
Payload Range 2.0 – 9.0 kg (4.4 - 19.8 lb)
Max. Capacity 20.0 kg (44.0 lb)
Tilt Drag 5 Selectable uid drag positions + 0
Tilt Range + 90˚ / -75˚
Tilt Lock Positive Lock caliper brake system
Pan Drag 5 Selectable uid drag positions + 0
Pan Range 360˚
Pan Lock Positive Lock caliper brake system
Counterbalance System 4 Selectable positions
(see performance graph)
Camera Platform Type Quick release sliding camera plate
with 60 mm travel and 1/4”, 3/8”
and 1/4” + Pin Carriage.
Mounting Base Ø75 mm Ball Levelling
Ball Level Range 10˚
Handle Standard black anodised pan handle
with adjustable angle.
Temperature range -40˚ to +65˚ C (-40° to +149° F)
Construction Lightweight diecast Aluminium alloy,
moulded reinforced plastics
Sealing Water & Dust resistant
Finish Matt black (low sheen) durable
powder coated with anti-corrosive
pre treatment
Warranty 3 Years.
Technical Data
Fig. 3
170 (6.7)
60 (2.3)
180 (7.1)
HEIGHT
ABOVE BOWL
120 (4.7)
163 (6.5)
90 (3.5)
102 (4.0)
Ø98 (3.9)
Ø75 (3.0)

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The operating instructions are described in six steps. Please read
and understand these instructions before using this equipment.
Do not omit any steps.
1 Fluid Head Set-up
1.1 Loosen the PAN HANDLE CLAMP fully then rotate the
PAN HANDLE until it is approximately perpendicular to the
THREADED STUD (g. 4) and tighten the PAN HANDLE
CLAMP - avoid contact wear between the serrations on
the Fluid Head and the PAN HANDLE CLAMP, if this occurs
then unwind the PAN HANDLE CLAMP further.
1.2 Ensure that the TRIPOD BOWL is approximately horizontal.
Place the Fluid Head into the TRIPOD BOWL, adjust the
BUBBLE LEVEL (g. 4) such that the bubble is inside the
black circle and tighten the CLAMP NUT.
1.3 Set the initial control settings as follows – see Figure 1 & 2:
• Select Counterbalance to position 4 (top setting).
• Select Pan & Tilt Drag to position 0.
• Tighten the PAN LOCK, TILT LOCK and the SLIDING
PLATFORM LOCK.
Fig. 4
Operating Instructions
Pan Handle Clamp
Pan Handle
Illumination Button
Bubble Level
Threaded Stud
Clamp Nut

2. Camera Set-up
2.1 Remove the CAMERA PLATE by pressing the RELEASE
KNOB while pulling the CAMERA PLATE out.
2.2 Refer to the Camera’s owners manual for correct method of
attachment to the CAMERA PLATE. Inspect the CAMERA
PLATE and remove the ¼” and 3/8” screws (for HDV
mount) or the ¼” + PIN CARRIAGE (DVCAM mount)
as required.
2.3 Attach camera accessories and the battery to the camera,
it is recommended to estimate the camera’s Centre of
Gravity (C of G) for the purpose of correctly positioning
the camera on the CAMERA PLATE. The camera’s C of G
can be estimated by placing the camera on to a round rod
and then shifting it backwards or forwards until a balance
point – C of G - is achieved. It is recommended to identify
this point on the camera as it will be useful in step 2.5.
2.4 Attach the CAMERA PLATE to the camera and securely
tighten the screws.
2.5 Check that the SLIDE LOCK is loose, then align the
CAMERA PLATE with the SLIDING PLATFORM and slide it
in until the safety mechanism is engaged.
2.6 Position the CAMERA PLATE so that the camera’s C of G
is directly above the centre axis of the Fluid Head and
tighten the SLIDE LOCK. If this can not be achieved then
reposition the CAMERA PLATE on the Camera – step 2.4.
This will ensure that the system has maximum stability.
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C of G
Fig. 4
Operating Instructions
Fig. 5
Sliding
platform
lock
Sliding
platform

3. Counterbalance Control
The counterbalance system was designed to neutralise the
effect of the camera weight when it is tilted. The Compass 15
Fluid Head offers a 4 position counterbalance system which can
be operated via the COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR
(g. 2). The COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR must be operated
when the SLIDING PLATFORM is in a horizontal position. After
changing the Counterbalance setting it may be necessary to
tilt the camera back and forth to ensure that the CB spring has
engaged. The camera must be held securely while changing the
Counterbalance setting.
3.1 For safety ensure that Counterbalance position 4
is selected.
3.2 Hold the camera and release the TILT LOCK, then gently
tilt the camera from a horizontal position forward then
backward and observe its response. If the Camera ‘Springs
Back’ to the horizontal position then a lower
Counterbalance setting is required, select Counterbalance
position 3 and recheck, select lower setting again if
necessary. Correct counterbalance setting has been
achieved when minimum effort is required to move the
camera over the entire tilt range.
TIP Fine tuning can be achieved by adjusting the SLIDING
PLATFORM – see step 2.6.
Operating Instructions
Counterbalance Performance
Fig. 6
7

Operating Instructions
4. Pan / Tilt Drag Control.
The Compass 15 Fluid Head offers 5 selectable positions of
uid drag + zero setting in the Pan and Tilt. The settings are
equally stepped from light drag in position 1 up to heavy drag in
position 5, the drag plates are completely disengaged in position
zero.
• Do not Pan or Tilt the Fluid Head whilst adjusting PAN or
TILT DRAG CONTROL or whilst the PAN & TIL DRAG
CONTROL is between settings.
• The drag setting can be changed at any tilt or pan angle.
5. Pan/Tilt Lock Control.
The Compass 15 Fluid Head offers high capacity calliper disc
brake system to hold the Fluid Head in a xed pan and/or tilt
position. Camera position will not change when applying or
releasing the Pan / Tilt locks.
• Do not pan or tilt the Fluid Head whilst the PAN or the TILT
LOCK is partially applied.
6. Illumination.
The Compass 15 Fluid Head offers illumination of the BUBBLE
LEVEL when the low ambient light conditions exist. Illumination
can be achieved by pressing the ILLUMINATION BUTTON once.
The light will switch off after 10 seconds. Fig. 7
8
Counterbalance Selector
Illumination Button
Bubble Level
Pan Drag Control
Tilt Drag Control

Illumination Button
Retaining Screw Battery
Battery Door
The Compass 15 Fluid Head offers high quality surface coatings.
Miller recommends keeping the Fluid Head clean at all times by
using soft brushes and lint free cloth to wipe over the surfaces.
• Do not immerse the Fluid Head in any liquid.
• Do not use stiff brushes, abrasives, harsh detergents
and solvents.
Battery Replacement
The Compass 15 Fluid Head uses a single 11A type - 6 Volt battery
for Illumination. Miller recommends the following batteries to
provide long life performance – GP11A, Duracell MN11 or Vinnic
L1016.
1 Using a Phillips Head #1 screw driver, remove the
RETAINING SCREW and the BATTERY DOOR.
2 Using a small at screw driver remove the battery.
3 Align the new battery as shown on the back of the
BATTERY DOOR and place into the BATTERY HOLDER,
then push down the battery into place. A small at screw
driver may be used to push down the battery into the
BATTERY HOLDER.
4 Align the BATTERY DOOR into the body then tighten the
screw lightly.
Maintenance
Fig. 8
9
Battery Housing

The Compass 15 Fluid Head can be stored for extended periods;
Miller recommends storage in a Miller Soft Case and the
following:
• Remove battery.
• Clean the external surfaces.
• Keep in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Loosen off PAN & TILT LOCK.
Spare Parts and Accessories
ITEM ITEM NO.
Battery P7715
Camera plate (Euro) with 1/4” & 3/8” screws #860
Camera plate with 1/4” & 3/8” screws + 1/4” screw & pin #1204
Camera plate (Mini Euro) with 1/4” & 3/8” screws #1208
Sliding plate assembly (Mini Euro) #1206
Sliding plate assembly (Euro) #1210
Camera screw 1/4” P0036
Camera screw 3/8” P0037
1/4”Screw & pin carriage #493
Pan handle - xed with clamp # 679
Pan handle - telescopic with clamp # 694
DS softcase 2-stage # 876
Clamp nut P7850
Warranty
Please refer to warranty card for complete details.
Miller Authorised Service Agents must carry out all service and repair
work. Failure to observe this requirement may void warranty. It is
advisable to notify Miller or a Miller Authorised Service Agent if a change
of performance is observed as a result of dropping or rough usage. For
information regarding sales and service of Miller products or for your
nearest Miller representative please contact us via our website or at the
following:
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade, Artarmon, Sydney,
NSW 2064 Australia
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
MILLER Camera Support (LLC) USA
216 Little Falls Road (Unit 15 & 16), Cedar Grove,
New Jersey 07009-1231 USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
MILLER FLUID HEADS (EUROPE) LTD.
Unit 12A, Shepperton Business Park
Govett Ave, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8BA, United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.millertripods.com
Storage Service, Sales and Support
10

www.millertripods.com
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade
Artarmon, Sydney
NSW 2064 Australia
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
D7877-3