Miller Compass 25 User manual

compass
25
Fluid Head
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
#1038 Compass 25 Fluid Head

2
Sliding Platform
Tilt Lock
Pan Lock
Threaded Stud
Clamp Nut
Sliding Platform Lock
Pan Handle Clamp
Pan Handle
Features and Controls

3
Camera Screws
Quick Release Knob
Safety Tab
Counterbalance Selector
Bubble Level
Pan Drag Control
Camera Plate
Release Knob
Tilt Drag Control
Accessory Mounting
Fig. 2
Features and Controls

4
Thank you for purchasing the Compass 25 Fluid Head. The
Compass 25 Fluid Head has been designed to suit payload
capacities from DVCAM to standard configuration ENG cameras.
The robust design and construction of the Compass 25 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 fluid 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 25 Fluid Head also offers Illuminated Bubble level.
The Compass 25 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 25 Fluid Head will suit most industry standard 100 mm
tripods as well, please refer to manufactures’ manual for mounting
details.
Please use this manual to familiarise yourself with the
operation of the Compass 25 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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71 (2.8)
163 (6.4)
190 (7.5)
175 (6.9)
HEIGHT
ABOVE BOWL
165 (6.5)
90 (3.5)
Ø100 (3.9)
Ø 98 (3.9)
102 (4.0)
Weight 2.8 kg
Payload Range 4.0 – 14.0 kg
Max.Payload Capacity 20 kg
Tilt Drag 5 Selectable fluid drag positions + 0
Tilt Range + 90˚/ -75˚
Tilt Lock Positive Lock caliper brake system
Pan Drag 5 Selectable fluid drag positions + 0
Pan Range 360˚
Pan Lock Positive Lock caliper brake system
Counterbalance System 4 Selectable positions (see
performance graph)
Camera Platform Type Sliding platform with 70 mm travel &
quick release Euro Camera Plate.
Camera Plate 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/4” + Pin Carriage
Mounting Base Ø100 mm Ball Levelling
Ball Level Range 10˚
Handle Standard black anodised pan
handle with adjustable angle.
Temperature range -40˚C to +65˚C
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

6
Pan Handle Clamp
Pan Handle
Illumination Button
Threaded Stud
Clamp Nut
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 (fig. 3) 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 (fig. 3) 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.
Operating Instructions

7
C of G
Sliding Paltform
Sliding
Platform
Lock
Fig. 5
2 Camera Set-up.
2.1 Remove the CAMERA PLATE by pulling down the SAFETY
TAB while rotating the QUICK RELEASE KNOB to the left.
The CAMERA PLATE should pop 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 or the 1/4” +
PIN CARRIAGE (DVCAM mount) as required. The 1/4” and
3/8” screws can be stored underneath the SLIDING
PLATFORM (fig. 1).
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 or the QUICK
RELEASE TRIPOD ADAPTOR and securely tighten the
screws.
2.5 Align the CAMERA PLATE with the SLIDING PLATFORM
and slide it in until the safety mechanism is engaged.
2.6 Release the SLIDING PLATFORM LOCK and slide the
SLIDING PLATFORM such that the camera’s C of G is
directly above the centre axis of the Fluid Head and tighten
the SLIDING PLATFORM LOCK (fig.5). If this can not be
achieved then reposition the CAMERA PLATE on the
Camera or the QUICK RELEASE TRIPOD ADAPTOR –
step 2.4. This will ensure that the system has maximum
stability.
Operating Instructions

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Compass 25 Fluid Head Counterbalance.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
Camera Payload (kg)
C of G above Camera Plate (mm)
Counterbalance Performance
3 Counterbalance Control
The counterbalance system was designed to neutralise the
effect of the camera weight when it is tilted. The Compass 25
Fluid Head offers a 4 position counterbalance system which
can be operated via the COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR
(fig. 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

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Counterbalance Selector
Illumination Button
Bubble Level
Pan Drag Control
Tilt Drag Control
Fig. 7
4 Pan / Tilt Drag Control.
The Compass 25 Fluid Head offers 5 selectable positions of fluid 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 25 Fluid Head offers high capacity caliper disc brake
system to hold the Fluid Head in a fixed 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 25 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.
Operating Instructions

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Battery Housing Illumination Button
Battery
Battery Door
Retaining Screw
Fig. 8
The Compass 25 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 25 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 flat 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 flat 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.
Maintenance

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The Compass 25 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 Assembly (Including 3/8” +
1/4” screws) #860
Camera screw 3/8” P0037
Camera screw 1/4” P0036
1/4” + pin carriage #493
Telescopic Pan Handle assembly
(including Handle Clamp) #694
Telescopic Pan Handle #692
Soft Case #876
Clamp nut P3836
Accessory Mounting Bracket Ass’y #1216
Accessory Mounting Adaptor Ass’y #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: [email protected]
MILLER Camera Support (LLC) USA
218 Little Falls Road, Cedar Grove, New Jersey 07009-1231
USA
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
MILLER FLUID HEADS (EUROPE) LTD.
Unit 12A, Shepperton Business Park
Govett Avenue, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8BA,
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
WEBSITE- www.millertripods.com
Storage Service, Sales and Support

12
D7885-1
MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade
Artarmon, Sydney,
NSW 2064 Australia
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.millertripods.com