Tiffen Steadicam Volt User manual

Steadicam®Volt™
LIT-817001, RevA

Introduction 1
Volt Components 2
Get Started 7
Neutral Balance 8
Powering On 11
Operating with Volt 15
Control Box settings 19
Installing the Volt 25
Control box 27
Gimbal prep 29
Mounting Volt motors 35
Flip button 37
Adding Belts 39
Upgrading gimbals
Archer/Archer2 gimbal 45
Ultra2/Shadow gimbal 49
PRO gimbals 53
Balance Ultra2/PRO 57
Troubleshooting and Notes 61
Wiring and pin-outs 63
Contact Tiffen 65
The Tiffen Company
90 Oser Avenue
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Visit us at tiffen.com
Table of Contents

1 2
The Steadicam®Volt™
Welcome to the future of professional Steadicam®stabilizer operating!
Working with the sled’s inertia and neutral balance, the Volt generates
an “articial bottom-heaviness” to keep the horizon level and headroom
stable. With the Volt, the operator can concentrate on precise framing,
timing, navigating, and other more interesting aspects of operating.
The strength of the roll and the tilt assistance can be individually
ne-tuned to suit the operator’s preferences, and easily adjusted for
different shots. The assistance can feel like operating a sled with a very
long drop time – easy to tilt or roll – to full gyro-simulation, with the
sled locked hard to the horizon in roll or tilt or both!
Because the sled is always balanced neutrally top-to-bottom, all
pendular effects from acceleration and deceleration are eliminated. Plus,
there is no re-balancing needed when switching to low mode!
Introduction Components
Trunnion
pulley
Handle pulley
Trunnion motor
and belt
Pan encoder
Pan encoder ring
Steadicam®Volt™shown on M-1™gimbal
Main power/
control input &
Encoder jack
Handle motor
and belt
Power LED (blue)
Gimbal button
Mode LED (green)
Trunnion screw
access
Invert button access
The Volt also allows behaviors
that were impossible before. Like
“friction mode” which emulates a
uid head with tilt hold and a xed
horizon, bringing you new control
options for each and every shot.
In use, the Volt is completely
transparent to the operator, and it
feels exactly like regular Steadicam
operating – with perfect horizons.
The operator is always in full
and direct control of framing,
and can easily override the Volt’s
assistance.
Encoder cable guide

3 4
Components
Nose box rods
Power and Mode LEDs
Run/pause switch
Steadicam®Volt™Control Box
Main power switch
Level trim button
Power input jack
from sled power
Display jack
(RESERVED)
Main power/control
output to Volt
Roll strength dial
Tilt strength dial
Damping adjuster
Steadicam®Padded Dock
The new dock
The padded dock is designed to protect the Volt electronics as well as
make docking and balancing easier. The low-prole design ensures
nothing contacts the Volt gimbal motor assembly when docked, and
the “over-center” arm swings into place to secure the sled. Docking
on the gimbal also reduces shock loads on your gimbal bearings. You’ll
note a low, primary balance stud on the side, which is barely higher
than your gimbal handle, making it a simple task to lift for balancing
regardless of the sled build.
MDR-3 mount
Dynamic balance stud
Tool holder
Arm holder
Padded dock insert
specic for your gimbal
Static balance stud
Over-center hook
Hook lock lever
Dock tilt lock knob
Stand lock knob
Note: The Lemo connectors rotate up to 90˚ in the control box chassis
to allow you more options when running cables.

5 6
Included with Steadicam®Volt™for M-1
• Volt Gimbal Motor Assembly (hockey stick) and pulleys
• Volt Control Box (mustache box)
• Pan encoder assembly and pan encoder ring for gimbal
• 12V power cable (817-0131)
• Gimbal cable, short (817-0135)
• Padded Dock (with insert for your gimbal) and case (817-7980)
• Nose box mounting rods
• Spare adhesive tapes for pan encoder ring
• This operation manual (LIT-817001) on USB drive
Included with Upgrade Kits for other gimbals
• Volt compatible yoke and mounting kit
• Power cable for your rig
• Blue pin wrench for your gimbal
• Mounting options you selected
• Upgrade kit details start on page 45
Tools required for installation
• Blue “whale” gimbal tool for your gimbal.
• Imperial Allen key set for install and belt adjustment.
• Flat screwdriver for nose box rods.
• Loctite®222™ for post top screws and upgrade kits.
Components Mount options
Nose box adapter
U2, Shadow, Clipper, Archer
MDR-3 adapters
PRO or any other MDR setup

7 8
Balance
Neutral balance
In order for the motors to exert maximum balancing assistance to
the roll and tilt axes, we balance the sled completely neutral. No drop
time at all! This also eliminates any pendulum effect when accelerating
or stopping the sled. Static and dynamic balance are now even more
critical, so panning the camera will not create diagonal forces and the
sled can easily be held at any angle without rotating.
Before you begin
The two major components of Steadicam® Volt™, the motor assembly
and the control box, contain advanced sensors and electronics.
Each may be mounted left or right, to optimize the controls for your
operating, but you must be aware of the differences these choices
present for the Volt electronics.
• The control box may be mounted for regular or goofy operators.
If your knobs are to the right of the sled (regular operator), you’ll
align the gimbal handle to the rear of the post on power up.
If your knobs are to the left of the sled (goofy operator) you’ll
align the gimbal handle to the front of the post on power up.
See page 11 about powering on.
Right knobs = REAR, Left knobs = FRONT
• Similarly, the Volt motor assembly may be mounted left or right
on the gimbal. If you’re doing this yourself, be aware that left
side is default mode and right side mounting requires pressing
the internal “ip” button once to reorient the Volt. See page 39
to learn about the ip button. If the system was installed at your
dealer, the ip procedure will have been performed already.
• We strongly encourage professional installation of the Volt
components onto your system by an authorized dealer.
• Installation instructions for Volt compatible gimbals, and upgrade
kits for other gimbals, are provided later in this manual.
• For more information visit tiffen.com/steadicam/voltsystem/
Let’s get started!

9 10
Then, change the balance to
be completely neutral top-to
bottom. It should hold any post
angle and not rotate.
TIP: For a refresher on
dynamic balancing, see
Section One of The Steadicam
Operator’s Handbook.
Balance the sled with a normal
to long drop time. BOTH static
and dynamic balance are
important here. You know how
to dynamic balance, right?
NOTE: You may wish to
temporarily unplug the gimbal
cable while dynamic balancing
to allow multiple rotations.
Make sure the sled does not
pan when holding a tilt. If so, a
tiny adjustment to your side-
side balance should correct this.
Otherwise, go back and re-
check your dynamic balance.
TIP: When you change
anything ABOVE the gimbal and
re-balance at the top stage,
dynamic balance is maintained!
When changing accessories
above the gimbal, like lenses
or lters, re-balance on the pin
with a normal drop time and
then go fully neutral again.
Balance

11 12
Powering up
Adding the Steadicam® Volt™ to your system requires an extra step
when powering up, and when picking up your sled. First, you’ll align
the pan encoder while powering on, and later you’ll run the system
when you want the Volt motors active. It’ll become second nature, but
pay close attention while you’re getting started for best results.
IF the control box is mounted
for regular operators (knobs
on the RIGHT) align the gimbal
handle with the REAR of the
post and simultaneously power
on the Volt. Wait 2.5sec while
the system registers the pan
encoder position.
The blue LEDs glow.
You’ll do this EVERY TIME you
power on the Volt.
Before powering on the system,
double check that the PAUSE
switch is engaged.
TIP: Consider using the Roll,
Damping and Tilt settings
shown here as a starting point.
More suggestions on page 21.
Make sure the power switch is
in the OFF position and plug in
the power cable from your sled
to the Volt control box.
NOTE: If you’re using an
aftermarket power cable,
conrm the polarity is correct.
Volt is protected against reverse
voltage, but won’t work very
well without power.
Plug in the Volt gimbal cable and
wrap a couple of loops around
the post as needed to control
any slack.
NOTE: The Volt control box will
not power up without the gimbal
cable properly connected.
IF the control box is mounted
for goofy operators (knobs
on the LEFT) align the gimbal
handle with the FRONT of the
post and simultaneously power
on the Volt. Wait 2.5sec while
the system registers the pan
encoder position.
The blue LEDs glow.
You’ll do this EVERY TIME you
power on the Volt.
Power on

13 14
Powering on the system sets
the roll and tilt trims to default
horizon for a vertical post with
level tilt head.
In the next section, we’ll
explore trimming and modes.
Pick up the sled on your arm or
use the balance pin.
With the post vertical, ip the
pause switch to ON and the Volt
becomes active.
The green LEDs glow.
You should now feel the horizon
assistance and articial bottom-
heaviness of normal mode.
Power on
The Volt only needs to have
the post encoder aligned when
powering on.
Pausing and activating the Volt
can be toggled with the handle
in any orientation.
If you do power down,
remember to align the handle
again when powering back up.

15 16
To trim, tilt the sled to any
angle and SHORT-press the
gimbal handle (thumb) button.
The new trim angle is set
immediately.
In normal mode, the articial
bottom-heaviness will return
the sled to THIS angle.
This can be done on the y,
during the shot - a huge
advantage to your operating.
Operating with the Steadicam®Volt™
The best thing about adding this tool to your system is that you’re still
operating a mechanical stabilizer, and using your skills and years of
experience to craft each shot. Here are some tips on how to optimize
the Volt, starting with trimming the post angle and the two operating
modes. We’ll adjust the control box dials later.
DO NOT TRIM with your top
stage balance like you used to...
Leave the sled in perfect neutral
balance at all times!
The two operating modes are
toggled with a LONG press of
the gimbal button.
In normal mode, the sled will
return to your trimmed tilt
angle, simulating a normally
balanced Steadicam sled.
Normal mode is always default
and displays SOLID green LEDs.
Operating
The second mode is called the
“Friction mode” and displays
PULSING green LEDs.
In friction mode, the sled
will remain tilted where the
operator places it and require
force to change tilt position.
It’s like having a uid head on
your Steadicam!
Using your sled’s integrated
tilt head maintains the vertical
post, ideal for panning.
First, pause the system, change
the tilt and re-balance the sled.
Then run the Volt and set a new
tilt trim by short pressing the
gimbal button.

17 18
Operating
Quick low mode is now easier
than ever! When ipping,
there is no need to re-balance
because the sled is neutral.
Simply invert the sled
and rotate the monitor for
viewability.
NOTE: If you tilt the head,
make sure to set a new trim.
To reset the roll horizon to
default, LONG-press the trim
button on the control box for 6
seconds until both LEDs on the
control box turn off and pulse
back on.
Horizon is now reset.
Any previous TILT trim will be
maintained.
Should you wish to set the
ROLL trim, SHORT-press the
trim button on the control box
and position the sled to the new
level position while the LEDs
blink for 5 seconds.
When LED blinking stops,
your new horizon position (or
Dutch angle!) is now stored in
memory.
The dock offers the ability to
tilt the gimbal up to 30˚ while
remaining docked and secure.
To enable this feature, remove
the set screw from beneath the
stand mount with a 1/8” Allen
key.
Tilt angle is now secured with
the tilt lock knob pictured.
The included padded dock is
essential to protect the Volt’s
motors and electronics. Other
methods of docking may
damage the unit.
Always use the over-center
hook while docked.
TIP: You can remove
unnecessary docking rings and
gain precious gimbal height!
TIP: Instead of using the tilt
dock, you can also place the rig
on the balance stud and engage
the Volt motors.
Setting trim will hold the shot
with next to no operating
required!

19 20
The pause switch is there to
keep the Volt powered on and
tracking the encoder and motor
positions.
Pausing does NOT require you
to align the gimbal handle
again, and your previous trim
setting will be maintained.
It’s great for quickly re-
balancing or standing by.
The trim button on the control
box has two functions:
• SHORT-press sets ROLL trim
to the current post angle.
• LONG-press of 6 seconds
reverts roll trim to default.
Control box settings
The three dials on the control box allow you to customize the behavior
of the Volt in two axes, roll and tilt, independently. Additionally, the
damping dial controls how the system returns the sled to vertical. Here
are some general guides to all of the control box switches and knobs.
Settings
The ROLL dial controls the
strength of the motors in the
roll axis. This equates to how
strongly the rig seeks a level
horizon side-to-side.
To help retain subtlty of control,
start with low assist levels and
add strength as needed for each
shot.
More isn’t always better!
Damping works like friction to
keep the sled from oscillating.
Set the damping in proportion
to your TILT strength, but use
as little as possible.
The operator should do most
of the damping (like normal
operating) rather than letting
the electronics do it.
The TILT dial controls the
strength of the motors in the tilt
axis. This alters the behavior:
In normal mode, more tilt
strength equates to stronger
articial bottom-heaviness.
In friction mode, more tilt
strength equates to rmer hold
at the operator’s set post angle,
like drag on a uid head.

21 22
ROLL Dampen TILT
Recommended settings
Try these settings for the different situations listed. These recipes are
just a starting point; experiment, starting with reduced strength and
nd exactly what works best for you, for each shot.
TYPICAL MODE
Every day operating, easy tilt.
ROCK AND ROLL
Free to tilt or roll Dutch angles.
GYRO SIMULATOR
Tilt and roll set to 11.
WHIP PANS
Roll/tilt equal, vertical post.
VEHICLE MODE
High roll/tilt resistance.
FRICTION MODE
Fluid head sim, TILT is drag.
SO MANY TILTS
Normal mode, when tilting more
than 60˚ from vertical.
Additional thoughts on settings:
• Use higher motor strength in both axes for heavier rigs and rigs
with more inertia, like long mode. Less strength for lighter rigs.
• Full tilt assist is available to 22.5 degrees from vertical, HALF
assist at 45 degrees, and ZERO assist beyond 67.5 degrees,
allowing extreme tilts and a natural rest position without the
motors intervening.
• When using friction mode, increasing the TILT strength enables the
sled to “stick” to a tilt angle with more authority. It’s like the drag
setting on a uid head.
• Damping becomes LESS effective with increased motor strength
settings. Tune this to taste.
• Share settings with other Volt operators as we all explore the
future of Steadicam®operating!
• For more information visit tiffen.com/steadicam/voltsystem/
Settings

23 24

25 26
Installation
Installing Steadicam®Volt™ yourself
Professional installation is recommended, but a mechanically inclined,
professional Steadicam® Operator such as yourself should be able to
install a Volt in roughly an hour. But unlike other “horizon” gadgets,
you’ll probably never want to take it off!
The steps involved are:
• Before beginning you should decide two details:
1. Which side of the sled you’ll mount the control box knobs.
2. Which side you’ll mount the gimbal motors.
• Add the control box to the top stage.
• Upgrade and balance the gimbal if your gimbal is not Volt
compatible from the factory. Kits start on page 49.
• Prepare the gimbal for Volt.
• Install the gimbal motor assembly.
• Install power and gimbal cables.
• If mounting the gimbal motors on the RIGHT side of gimbal, press
the FLIP button one time while powered on.
• Sit down for a moment to mentally prepare yourself for more
creative, accurate and consistent shots!
NOTE: This portion of the manual takes you through a detailed
RIGHT-side install on an M-1 gimbal, with special notes for upgraded
gimbals and LEFT-side installs. The two sides are essentially mirror
images with minor differences.
Because specications are subject to change, visit tiffen.com/
steadicam/voltsystem/ for the latest.
Note about choosing sides
The Volt gimbal motor assembly, casually referred to as the hockey
stick, may be mounted to either side of your gimbal yoke. In general,
regular operators prefer to mount it to the left and goofy operators
mount it to the right. This allows maximum viewability of the monitor
and places the gimbal button conveniently near your thumb. However,
broadcast users may wish to test t their zoom controller onto the
handle to ensure access to the gimbal button. Also, keep in mind your
rest position may need to change if the Volt gimbal motor assembly
contacts your shoulder. The choice of side is up to you!
RIGHT side mount
(typically goofy)
LEFT side mount
(typically regular)

27 28
Add the included short rod
extensions to the nose box of
your M-1 top stage and tighten
with a at head screwdriver.
Slide on the control box and
secure with the threaded rod
caps. Tighten with a at head
screwdriver.
Other Tiffen rigs can utilize the
nose box adapter.
Remove the three Allen screws
from the top of your nose box,
slide the adapter onto the rig
and fasten with the included
Allen screws.
Snug down the assembly by
tightening the two set screws
on the bottom.
Installing the Control Box
The control box can be mounted to the nose of your sled with the
knobs facing either side, to accommodate regular or goofy operators.
Mounting to an integrated rod system, like on the M-1 nose, is easy. If
you’re using rod adapters or MDR plates on other rigs, make sure the
control box is afxed rigidly to the sled.
Installation Control Box
Ensure the power switch is in
the OFF position and connect
the short power cable from sled
power to the 12V IN port.
NOTE: If you use an
aftermarket power cable,
conrm the polarity is correct.
Volt is protected against reverse
voltage, but won’t work very
well without power.
REMEMBER: If your box is
mounted with the knobs to the
RIGHT (regular), you’ll align
the gimbal handle to the REAR
when powering on later.
However, if your box is mounted
with the knobs to the LEFT
(goofy), you’ll align the gimbal
handle to the FRONT when
powering on later.
See page 11 about power up.
Now let’s get to the gimbal!

29 30
Installing the Steadicam®Volt™
The initial steps for ALL gimbals require you to pull the gimbal from
your post, so take particular care if this is the rst time you’ve
disassembled the components of the system. The remaining steps can
be performed with the gimbal ON or OFF the post, though you may
nd installing the belts easier with it removed.
If you’re upgrading a non-Volt-compatible gimbal, exchange the yoke
and balance the gimbal using the notes as shown starting on page
45. Then return to this page to see how the rest goes together.
Take a moment with your blue
whale wrench to make sure
the gimbal top cap is tight and
everything spins smoothly.
Use alcohol to clean the top cap
when you’re done.
NOTE: The pan encoder ring
will cover the wrench holes.
Future gimbal servicing may
require removing the encoder.
Gimbal prep
Peel off the backing from the
four adhesive strips on the pan
encoder ring.
Careful, this stuff is sticky!
Carefully line up the two pins of
the pan encoder ring with either
two of the pin-wrench holes and
press it onto the gimbal.
Orientation is not important.
Make sure the ring sits ush
and is adhered all the way
around.
To install the pan
encoder ring onto the
gimbal of any rig, you
must remove the top
stage from the post
to gain access to the
gimbal.
The modular design
of the M-1 makes this
extremely easy.

31 32
Installation
For M-1 gimbals, replace
BOTH covers with the supplied
threaded cap adapters using the
same pins on the blue whale
wrench.
Leave the trunnion screws in
place.
Next, if your gimbal is wearing
trunnion covers, remove BOTH
of them using the smallest pin
set on the blue whale wrench
supplied with your sled or
gimbal upgrade.
Slide the gimbal handle pulley
over the gimbal handle.
Line up the lock screws with the
four holes on the knurled blue
ring.
Use a 0.05” Allen key to tighten
the four lock screws enough to
secure the pulley. Do not over-
tighten.
TIP: If you’re upgrading a PRO
gimbal, it’s easier to install
the handle pulley during the
upgrade process.
For upgraded gimbals, install
one thread adapter ONLY on the
side of the gimbal where you
will mount the motor assembly.
Right side shown here. If
mounting Volt on the left,
thread the adapter to that side.
Leave the trunnion screws in
place.
M-1 gimbals use a 1/8” Allen
wrench to remove the small
button screw and Belleville
washer of the gimbal trunnion
from the PULLEY side.
We will be re-using the washer,
but set aside the screw.
Right side install shown.

33 34
Installation
Gimbal upgrades will install the
pulley with bearing OVER the
trunnion screw.
The blue pin wrench is used to
secure the pulley.
For LEFT side motor installs on
any gimbal, remove the encoder
from the horseshoe bracket
with your 1/16” Allen key, and
re-route the cable so it exits
opposite the pulley side and
re-attach.
Install the trunnion pulley in
place of the M-1 trunnion screw,
with the washer behind it. Use
the narrow pins on your blue
whale wrench to tighten.
NOTE: The pulley should be
installed as shown, with the
relief around the lock screw
hole facing outwards.
With a 5/64” Allen wrench,
remove the place-holding set
screws from the two holes
opposite the gimbal handle.
Afx the pan encoder horseshoe
to the top of the gimbal, as
shown, using a 3/32” Allen
wrench to turn the included
1/2” long 8-32 button head
screws.
Use a 1/16” Allen key to attach
the pulley lock bracket to the
pulley side of the gimbal with
the included SHORT 4-40
screws.
Use the same wrench to lock
the pulley in place using the
LONG 4-40 screw (part 817-
7958) through the lower hole in
the lock bracket.
Right side shown.

35 36
Installation
Using the 1/8” Allen key
inserted through the hole in
the side of the housing, tighten
the trunnion screw into the
threaded cap adapter.
Take your time to make sure
not to cross the ne threads.
Fully seat the fastener, but do
not over-tighten.
Before mounting the Volt
motors, check that the internal
wiring is properly routed and
the captive trunnion screw is
aligned with the housing.
TIP: Use a 1/8” Allen key to
wiggle and turn the trunnion
screw a few times to ensure it’s
seated in the Volt housing.
Hold the gimbal handle up
slightly to enable proper
clearance while installing the
Volt.
Align the relief on the inside of
the Volt and t it against the
gimbal.
Snug the opposing pair of set
screws on Volt motor assembly
with a 1/16” Allen key.
There’s one above and one
below the yoke. Tighten them
each a little until they both
contact the yoke.
Do not over-tighten.
You’re almost there!
Gimbal Motor Assembly
Thread the encoder cable
through the guide and attach it
to the horseshoe with a 1/16”
Allen key and 4-40 screws.
Plug in the Hirose cable.