Miller Compass 23 User manual

compass
23
Fluid Head
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
#1037 Compass 23 Fluid Head

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

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

3
Introduction Safety Instructions
Thank you for purchasing the Compass 23 Fluid Head. The
Compass 23 Fluid Head has been designed to suit payload
capacities from DVCAM to standard conguration ENG
cameras.
The robust design and construction of the Compass 23 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 23 Fluid Head also offers Illuminated Bubble
level.
The Compass 23 Fluid Head will give best performance
when used on a wide range of Miller tripods, including
SOLO ENG (#1505), 2-Stage (#402) and Sprinter II (#1576)
tripod. This will ensure maximum system stability to suit any
professional set-up. The Compass 23 Fluid Head will suit
most industry standard 100 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 23 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.

4
Safety Instructions Technical Data
Fig. 3
Weight 2.4 kg (5.3 lb)
Payload Range 4.0 - 14.0 kg (8.8 - 30.8lb)
Max. Capacity 20.0 kg (44.0lb)
Tilt Drag 3 Selectable uid drag positions + 0
Tilt Range + 90º / -75º
Tilt Lock Positive Lock caliper brake system
Pan Drag 3 Selectable uid drag positions + 0
Pan Range 360º
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 15º
Handle Standard black anodised pan handle with
adjustable angle
Temperature range -40º to +65º C (-40º to +149º 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.

5
Operating Instructions
Pan Handle
Illumination Button
Bubble Level
Threaded Stud
Clamp Nut
Pan Handle Clamp
Fig. 4
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.

6
Operating Instructions
C of G
Sliding Platform Lock
Sliding Platform
Fig. 5
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 1/4” and 3/8” screws (for
HDV mount) or the 1/4” + 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.

7
Operating Instructions
3. Counterbalance Control
The counterbalance system was designed to neutralise the effect
of the camera weight when it is tilted. The Compass 23 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.
Counterbalance Performance
300
250
200
150
100
50
0246 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Camera Payload (kg)
C of G above Camera Plate (mm)
Fig. 6

8
Operating Instructions
4. Pan / Tilt Drag Control
The Compass 23 Fluid Head offers 3 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
3, 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 & TILT DRAG CONTROL is
between settings.
 The drag setting can be changed at any tilt or pan angle.
5. Pan / Tilt Lock Control
The Compass 23 Fluid Head offers high capacity caliper 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 23 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. 6 Illumination Button
Bubble Level
Pan Drag Control
Tilt Drag Control
Counterbalance Selector
Fig. 7

9
Maintenance
The Compass 23 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 23 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 HOUSING, then push down
the battery into place. A small at screw driver may be used to
push down the battery into the BATTERY HOUSING.
4 Align the BATTERY DOOR into the body then tighten the screw
lightly.
Fig. 8
Battery Door Battery
Battery Housing
Retaining Screw
Illumination Button

10
Storage Service, Sales and Support
The Compass 23 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 (including 1/4” & 3/8” screws +
1/4” screw & pin carriage)
#1204
Camera screw 1/4” P0036
Camera screw 3/8” P0037
1/4”screw & pin carriage #493
Pan handle - xed with clamp
#679
Soft Case 2-stage #876
Clamp nut P3836
Accessory mounting bracket #1216
Accessory mounting adaptor #1217
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
Fig. 8

www.millertripods.com
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade
Artarmon, Sydney
NSW 2064 Australia
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
D7889-3