Miller Compass 25 User manual

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25
Fluid Head
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
#1022 Arrow 25 Fluid Head

1
Features and Controls
Fig. 1
Sliding Platform
Camera Screws
Tilt Lock
Tilt Drag Control
Bubble Level
1/4” and Pin Adaptor
Camera Plate
Quick Release Knob
Safety Tab
Counterbalance Selector
Pan Drag Control

2
Fig. 1
Pan Handle
Pan Handle Clamp
Sliding Platform Lock
Clamp Nut
Tilt Lock
Pan Lock
Threaded Stud
Fig. 2
Features and Controls

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Thank you for purchasing the Arrow 25 Fluid Head. The Arrow
25 Fluid Head has been designed to suit payload capacities
from lightweight DVCAM up to standard configuration ENG
cameras.
The robust design and construction of the Arrow 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 Arrow 25 Fluid Head also offers Illuminated single control
location for operating Pan / Tilt, Counterbalance and viewing
Bubble level.
The Arrow 25 Fluid Head will give best performance when
used on a wide range of Miller tripods, including SOLO ENG
(#1505), Sprinter II (#1589, #1580, #1576) and HD (#931)
tripod. This will ensure maximum system stability to suit any
professional set-up. The Arrow 25 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 Arrow 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 QUICK
RELEASE KNOB.
◗ Hold camera securely whilst adjusting the CLAMP NUT to
level the Fluid Head.
Introduction Safety Instructions

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Weight - kg (lb) 3.0 (6.6)
Payload Range - kg (lb) 5 - 14 (11.0 - 30.9)
Max Capacity - kg (lb) 25 (55.1)
Tilt Drag 5 Selectable fluid drag positions + 0
Tilt Range + 90o / -75o
Tilt Lock Positive Lock calliper brake system
Pan Drag 5 Selectable fluid drag positions + 0
Pan Range 360o
Pan Lock Positive Lock calliper brake system
Counterbalance System 4 Selectable positions (see Fig 6)
Camera Platform Type Quick release sliding platform with
70 mm travel.
Camera Plate 1⁄4”, 3/8” and 1⁄4” + Locating Pin
Carriage (Mini-DV mount)
Mounting Base Ø100 mm Ball Levelling
Ball Level Range 15o
Handle Standard black anodised pan handle
with adjustable angle.
Temperature range - oC(oF) -40o to +65o (-40o to +149o )
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
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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 (fig. 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 (fig. 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.
Illumination Button
Bubble Level
Tripod Bowl
Threaded Stud
Clamp Nut
Fig. 4
Operating Instructions

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 (for Mini-DV mount) or the 1⁄4” + PIN ADAPTOR
CARRIAGE (ENG mount) as required.
2.3 Attach camera accessories, battery and the QUICK
RELEASE TRIPOD ADAPTER (if required) 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 such that the C of G mark on
the camera is approximately 10 – 20 mm behind the front edge
of the CAMERA PLATE then securely tighten the screws.
2.5 Align the CAMERA PLATE with the SLIDING PLATFORM
(fig. 1) 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 (fig. 5) 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.
6
Sliding
platform
lock
Sliding
platform
C of G
Fig. 4
Operating Instructions
Fig. 5

3. Counterbalance Control
The counterbalance system was designed to neutralise the
effect of the camera weight when it is tilted. The Arrow 25
Fluid Head offers a 4 position counterbalance system which
can be operated via the COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR (fig.
1). 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
acheived 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
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Camera Payload (kg)
C of G above Camera Plate (mm)
Fig. 6
7

Operating Instructions
4. Pan / Tilt Drag Control.
The Arrow 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 Arrow 25 Fluid Head offers high capacity calliper 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 Arrow 25 Fluid Head offers illumination of the PAN &
TILT DRAG CONTROL settings, BUBBLE LEVEL and PAN &
TILT INDICATOR 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.
Illumination Button Counter Balance Selector
Tilt Drag Setting
Pan Drag Setting
Tilt Indicator Bubble Level
Tilt Drag Knob Pan Drag Knob
Pan Indicator
Fig. 7
8

Illumination Button
Retaining Screw
Battery Battery Door
The Arrow 25 Fluid Head offers high quality surface coatings,
dust and moisture seals. 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 Arrow 25 Fluid Head uses a single GP23A type - 12 Volt
battery for Illumination. Miller recommends the following
batteries to provide long life performance – Duracell MN21/23,
Eveready A23 or Vinnic L1028.
◗ Using a Phillips Head #1 screw driver, remove the two
RETAINING SCREWs, BATTERY DOOR and the old battery.
◗ Insert the new battery as shown in figure 7.
◗ Insert the tab on the BATTERY DOOR into the body first then
align the two screw holes and tighten the screws snugly.
Maintenance
Fig. 8
9

The Arrow 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 P3798
Camera plate Assembly (Including 3/8” + 1/4” screws) # 860
Camera screw 3/8” P0037
Camera screw 1/4” P0036
1/4” + pin camera carriage #493
Standard Pan Handle assembly (incl. Handle Clamp) # 679
Standard Pan Handle # 689
Soft Case # 870
Soft Case # 872
Clamp nut P3836
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
218 Little Falls Road, Cedar Grove, New Jersey 07009-1231 USA
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
MILLER FLUID HEADS (EUROPE) LTD.
Unit A2, Ford Lane Industrial Estate
Ford Lane, Ford, West Sussex BN18 0DF, United Kingdom
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website - 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]
D 7113-1 10/06