MotoCrane ULTRA User manual
ULTRA Operation Manual v1.2
APR 2019
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To minimize risk of serious injury, death or
damage, before using MotoCrane ULTRA, all
drivers and operators must read this
Operation Manual and all on-product labels.
All practices and procedures stated herein are
required for the proper and safe operation of
ULTRA.
If there are any questions, please contact
MotoCrane Support at
Keep this Operation Manual near your ULTRA for
future reference.
Safety Signal Words
This manual and the safety labels attached to this equipment utilize signal words that
signify safety hazards with different levels of severity. The words are preceded by a
triangle signifying that these are safety related. Below are the words used and the
definitions for these words:
● indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury or damage
● indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury or damage
● is used to address practices not related to physical injury
The terms IMPORTANT and NOTE are also used to describe ideas for better and more
efficient use of ULTRA.
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Contents
Safety Signal Words 3
Contents 4
Before the First Drive 6
IMPORTANT PRODUCT AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 7
Safety 7
IMPORTANT: Restricted Use Statement 7
Disclaimer and Limitations of Liability 8
Limited Warranty 8
Intellectual Property 8
Parts of ULTRA 9
System Overview 10
Components 11
Setting up ULTRA 17
ULTRA Setup at a Glance 17
Setup Process 18
Motor Vehicle Requirements 18
Suction Speedrail Grid (SSG) Kit Setup 19
ULTRABase Setup 20
ULTRA Turret Setup 20
ULTRA Boom + Isolator Setup 20
MotoCrane Power Supply Unit (PSU) Setup 22
MotoCrane Controller Setup 23
MotoCrane Controller 25
Controller Touchscreen 27
Known Hazards 32
Terminology 33
Pre-Flight Checklist 34
Troubleshooting and Maintenance 35
Troubleshooting 35
Diagnosing with COM and Power LEDs 35
Diagnosing with GUI Warning and Error Messages 35
External Deactivation of Lift Drive Brake 47
Maintenance 48
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Weather & Water 49
Specifications 50
Revision History 52
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Before the First Drive
Do the following before using ULTRA for the first time.
1. Read this Operation Manual
2. Read the Warranty in the Terms of Sale
3. Watch the Video Tutorials at www.motocrane.com/support
4. Recommended: Attend MotoCrane Academy for in-person training
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IMPORTANT PRODUCT AND SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
Safety
MotoCrane ULTRA is not a toy and can cause serious injury, death or damage if not
used properly. You must exercise caution during use of the ULTRA to ensure a safe
filming environment for everyone. This Operation Manual describes safe operation and
should be read in conjunction with the online training videos or additional in-person
training.
IMPORTANT: Restricted Use Statement
ULTRA is intended to produce world-class imagery with safe and comfortable
operating conditions for everyone at or near the filming location.
ULTRA must only be used by trained drivers and operators 18 years of age or older
when properly mounted on an appropriate motor vehicle driven on a closed course
with paved or finished surfaces (for example, asphalt, concrete, or tarmac) or moderate
off-road (for example, gravel or dirt roads) conditions. In addition, the speed and
acceleration of the motor vehicle must not exceed system ratings for ULTRA as set
forth in this Operation Manual.
Using ULTRA requires at least two persons - one driver and one operator. In addition,
most shoots require a head operator. Drivers and operators must obey and observe all
traffic rules and regulations and operate ULTRA in a safe manner and ensure that all
personnel within the vicinity of ULTRA understand and abide by all safety precautions.
It is the responsibility of the driver and operator to understand how ULTRA changes a
motor vehicle's safety, performance and handling dynamics. Drivers and operators
must not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance, whether legal or
illegal, that may affect the driver’s or operator’s ability to use ULTRA.
Check weather conditions before using ULTRA. Do not use ULTRA in high winds or
harsh weather conditions such as fog, snow, rain, hail, lightning, tornadoes, dust, sand
storms, hurricanes, or any other adverse weather condition or storm. Only use ULTRA
under safe conditions, and within the weather ratings set forth in this Operation
Manual.
Do not modify or adjust ULTRA. ULTRA has been calibrated before it is shipped to you.
No modification or adjustment to ULTRA is allowed without the express written
approval of MotoCrane, LLC.
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Disclaimer and Limitations of Liability
You agree that you are responsible for your own conduct and any content created
while using ULTRA, and for any consequence thereof. You agree to use this product
only for purposes that are proper and in accordance with local laws, regulations or
other legal requirements.
You also agree:
1. Any part of this disclaimer is subject to change without prior notice. Refer to
www.motocrane.com/support for the latest version.
2. MotoCrane, LLC reserves the right of final interpretation of this disclaimer.
3. MotoCrane, LLC has no control over the use, setup, assembly, modification or
misuse of ULTRA, and therefore no liability shall be assumed or accepted by
MotoCrane, LLC for any resulting damage, death, or injury incurred directly or
indirectly from the use of ULTRA. By the act of use, setup or assembly, the user
accepts all resulting liability.
Limited Warranty
ULTRA has a limited manufacturer's warranty on parts and assembly. See the Terms
and Conditions of Sale for your ULTRA for the complete description of this limited
warranty. This Limited Warranty is incorporated by reference into this Operation
Manual.
Intellectual Property
MotoCrane™, ULTRA, and are trademarks of MotoCrane, LLC. You
may not use the trademarks of MotoCrane, LLC without express written permission. All
rights reserved.
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Parts of ULTRA
●Base
●Turret
●Booms
○Front Boom
○(2) Middle Booms
○Rear Boom
●Isolator
●Fairing + Fairing Extension
●Counterweight
●Controller
●Power Supply Unit (PSU)
●Cables:
○(1) 10’ Main Power Input Cable
○(1) 10’ Controller COM Cable
○(1) 12’ PSU to Base Main Power Cable
○(1) 1.5’ Base to Turret Main Power Cable
○(1) 2’ Power Input Flying Leads
●Miscellaneous: Fasteners, safety pins, hex wrench
●Accessories (not included)
○Suction Speedrail Grid [SSG]
○More coming soon.
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System Overview
ULTRA
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Components
Controller (front view)
Controller (top panel)
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Power Supply Unit (PSU) Input Side
Power Supply Unit (PSU) Output Side
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Base
13
Turret
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Front Boom
Rear Boom + Fairing
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Isolator
Suction Speedrail Grid (SSG) Kit
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Setting up ULTRA
ULTRA Setup at a Glance
ULTRA comes in modules that are to be set up piece by piece.
1. Via either your custom mount or Suction Speedrail Grid [SSG], provide a speed
rail mount for ULTRA.
2. Place the Base on the Speed Rail and torque the Speed Rail Clamps.
3. Add the Turret and torque Bolts.
4. Add the Front and Rear Booms, torquing bolts as each section is assembled.
5. Add the Isolator.
6. Add the Fairing and Counterweights to balance the arm.
7. Attach and balance your head and camera rig.
8. Add Counterweights to balance your rig.
9. Adjust the Isolator as desired.
10.Ensure all knobs are tight, safety pins inserted, and safety lanyards connected.
11.Connect system cables, make sure controller ‘DISARM’ button is depressed, and
turn on PSU.
12.Tune to desired speeds on the Controller before driving.
13.Release the ‘DISARM’ button to enable arm control via the joysticks.
14.Operate in a safe manner as described in the manual and obey all laws.
: Failure to follow these instructions and those below can result in serious
injury, death or damage.
These instructions are demonstrated in our training videos and found online at
www.motocrane.com/support. All terminology is referred to in the above diagrams.
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Setup Process
Motor Vehicle Requirements
ULTRA is designed to work on a motor vehicle that meets the following criteria:
1. Roof constructed of metal or other material suitable for bearing 350 lbs load.
2. If using the Suction Speed Rail Grid;
a. Roof must be in “like-new” condition with non-porous, glossy surface
finish suitable for mounting vacuum cups. Can have no blemishes to
paint or exterior finish.
The roof of the car must meet the following minimum dimensions in order to support
the smallest configuration of the Base.
Minimum Roof Dimensions:
Minimum Width: 30”
Minimum Length: 45”
The use of ULTRA on any vehicle not meeting the required criteria may
cause serious injury, death or damage. Operator is responsible for ensuring all
rigging meets the requirements of the shoot.
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Suction Speedrail Grid (SSG) Kit Setup
1. Position each 9” Cup at the 4 corners of the roof. Rotate cup so that the
Speedrail starter clamps are aligned with it’s longitudinal pair on each side of
the vehicle (e.g. Driver’s side suction cups should be aligned as a pair, and
passenger side suction cups should be aligned as a pair)
2. Loosen the M12 adjustment bolt to rotate the Speedrail starter clamp about the
handle axis, once level and aligned with the mating pair, tighten the bolt.
3. Open Speedrail starter clamps and lay 48-51mm (2”) Speedrail tube in the
clamps running from the front to the back of the vehicle. Measure distance
between the rails at the front and rear, and adjust either end to make parallel.
4. Close the Speedrail starter clamps, and tighten the M12 wingnut with adequate
torque to safely secure the Speedrail within the clamp.
5. Open the 90º Speedrail adapter clamps, and secure loosely on the Speedrail. To
ensure proper fitment of the base, front and rear clamps should be spaced 18”
apart from each other at the point that contacts the Speedrail
6. Confirm 90º adapter clamps are mirrored from Driver’s side to Passenger side.
7. Open the top section of the 90º adapter clamps, and lay 48-51mm (2”)
Speedrail tube in the clamps running from driver’s side to passenger side
clamps.
8. Confirm the distance between the rails is 18”, making adjustments to the 90º
adapter clamps fore and aft as needed.
9. Confirm the transverse rails are not too far fore or aft for your application. The
load should be evenly distributed between the 9” Cups.
10.Close the top section of the adapter clamp around the Speedrail, and tighten
the
11. M12 wingnut with adequate torque to safely secure the Speedrail within the
clamp.
12.Extend the adjustable side of the ratchet strap to it’s full length, and secure the
completed Speedrail grid to the roof, making sure to loop around and capture
both the longitudinal and transverse rails. The completed strap harness must
loop through the cabin of the vehicle.
The SSG is secured in two ways; Vacuum Cups and a Strap Harness.
ULTRA should never be operated without fully engaged Vacuum Cups and Strap
Harness. Without both, ULTRA can fall off the vehicle. If you see the red lines on
the Vacuum Pumps, stop operation and reapply vacuum pressure by pumping until
they are no longer visible. A clean, glossy finish and proper mounting is essential to
maintaining vacuum pressure.
The Speed Rail provides the connection from your vehicle to MotoCrane.
If not mounted properly, the base can fall off the vehicle. Do not skip any steps or
deviate from the setup order.
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ULTRA Base Setup
1. Prepare the ULTRA Base by opening the 4 Speedrail clamps, and make note
which orientation is preferred for the connectors/cables.
2. With a partner, hoist the ULTRA Base onto the Suction Speedrail grid, or
equivalent approved rigging.
3. Once safely seated on the rails, slide the ULTRA Base so that the Pedestal is
centered side-to-side.
(Alt.- Install Turret, then move to step #4)
4. Close the Speedrail clamps, and tighten the M12 wingnut with adequate torque
to safely secure the Speedrail within the clamp
ULTRA Turret Setup
1. Prepare the Turret by confirming the ULTRA Base Pedestal is oriented properly
for installation.
(If Pedestal needs orientation adjustment, you may skip to PSU
Setup for delivering power to the base and enabling Swing Jog)
2. With a partner, hoist the Turret onto the ULTRA Base Pedestal.
3. Install the M12 fasteners in the Turret mounting holes, applying appropriate
torque to the fasteners.
The Turret can only mount on the base in one direction. If aligned
incorrectly, the cables will not reach from Base to Turret. See illustration below:
ULTRA Boom + Isolator Setup
1. Prepare for boom installation by noting the front and rear of the Turret.
2. Install the Rear Boom by placing the clip receiver over the fulcrum clip.
Do not hang on ULTRA. Only apply force on Lock knobs, spanners, and
boom tool in a rotational direction. Hanging on ULTRA can cause damage.
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