Vinten OB Quattro Manual

Vinten
Camera Control Solutions
Operators Guide
OB Quattro
Pedestal

OB Quattro
Pedestal
Publication Part No. 3446-8 Issue 3
Copyright © Vinten Broadcast Limited 2001
All rights reserved throughout the world. No part of this document may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, copied
or reproduced in any way including, but not limited to, photocopy, photograph, magnetic or other record without the prior
agreement and permission in writing of
Vinten Broadcast Limited.
Vinten is a registered trademarks of Vinten Broadcast Limited.

3
Safety - read this first
Warning Symbols in this Operators Guide
Where there is a risk of personal injury, injury to others, or damage to the ped-
estal or associated equipment, comments appear, highlighted by the word
WARNING! and supported by the warning triangle symbol.
Warning symbols on the pedestal
On encountering the warning triangle and open book symbols it is imperative
that you consult this operators guide before using this pedestal or attempting
any adjustment or repair.
Critical data
Mass
Pedestal 117 kg (257 lb)
Load
Maximum recommended load 100 kg (220 lb)
Pressure
Maximum pressure 16.3 bar (236 psi)
NOTE: The OB Quattro will support a load of 120 kg
(264 lb). However, for maximum stability,
particularly over uneven ground, it is
recommended that the load be restricted to
100 kg (220 lb).
≤16.3 bar
117
kg
<100
kg

4
Usage
The OB Quattro Pedestal is designed for use on location and in video and film studios to support
and balance a pan and tilt head, camera and ancillary equipment up to a recommended maximum
weight of 100 kg (220 lb).
The OB Quattro Pedestal is intended for use by video and film camera operators.
Maintenance beyond that detailed in this Operators Guide must be performed only by competent
personnel in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Maintenance Manual
Further information
For further information or advice regarding this pedestal, please contact Vinten Broadcast Limited,
your local Vinten distributor or visit our website.
For full details on maintenance and spare parts, please refer to the OB Quattro Pedestal (Grey)
Maintenance Manual and Illustrated Parts List - Publication Part No. 3446-9, or OB Quattro Ped-
estal (Black) Maintenance Manual and Illustrated Parts List - Publication Part No. 3502-9, obtain-
able from Vinten Broadcast Limited or your local Vinten distributor.
For information on-line, visit our website at
www.vinten.com.
WARNING! If you do not understand how to operate this pedestal, do not
attempt to use it.

5
Contents
Page
Safety - read this first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Critical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Further information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operation
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Steering mechanism checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Fitting the pan and tilt head and camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Pressurizing the pedestal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Balancing the load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using the pedestal
Height adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Cable guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Cable clamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Transportation and storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Servicing
Routine maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Steering alignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Changing the steering ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Changing the wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Parts list. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Associated Publications
OB Quattro Pedestal (Grey)
Maintenance Manual
Part No. 3446-9
OB Quattro Pedestal (Black)
Maintenance Manual
Part No. 3501-9

6
OB Quattro Pedestal
(1)
(2)
(4)
(3)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(15)
(9)
(16)
(10)
(17)
(14)
(18)
(11)
(4)
(20)
(19)
(13)
(12)

7
OB Quattro Pedestal
(1) Trim weight - auxiliary
(2) Weight tray
(3) Steering ring
(4) Safety catch
(5) Steering indicator
(6) Moving column
(7) Crab/steer changeover pedal
(8) Parking brake pedal
(9) Lifting handle
(10) On-shot clamp
(11) Cable guard
(12) Twin wheel
(13) Trim weight stowage
(14) Pressure gauge
(15) Cable clamp
(16) Schrader valve and cap
(17) Drag control
(18) Lock spigot
(19) Trim weight - main
(20) Four-bolt mounting plate

8
Introduction
The OB Quattro pedestal comprises a central four-stage telescopic column mounted in a steera-
ble base.
The moving column (6) is pressurized from an external pressure source. A weight tray (2) is at-
tached to the top of the column and trim weights (1)(19) are provided for fine balance. The weight
tray also provides a standard four-bolt mounting (20) for a pan and tilt head and the pedestal is
steered by means of a steering wheel mounted on its underside.
The column is locked in the fully-depressed position by two locks (4) on the weight tray which en-
gage with spigots (18) at the base of the column.
An on-shot clamp (10) and a drag control (17) are provided at the base of the column.
The base is carried on three pairs of twin wheels. The pedestal is supplied with 200 mm (7.9 in.)
solid rubber wheels with cable guards (11). Alternative 160 mm (6.3 in.) solid polymer composite
wheels are available. The wheels are easily interchangeable (See Changing the wheels). A
parking brake is provided on one wheel, operated by a foot pedal (8).
The crab/steer pedal (7) allows the operator to switch between conventional and crab steering.
Stowage for the trim weights (13) is provided on the upper surface of the base and two lifting han-
dles (9) are provided on each face.

9
Operation
Unpacking
Unpack the pedestal, ensuring that all transport packing is removed.!
Column check
Ensure pedestal pressure is approximately 3.5 bar (50 psi). Increase or reduce as necessary, us-
ing the Schrader valve (16).
Remove the self-adhesive safety catch warning covers (4.1).
Push down on the weight tray (2) against residual pressure. At the safety catches (4), push the
rocker switches to the unlocked position. Allow the column to extend under hand restraint.
WARNING! The OB Quattro pedestal has a mass of 117 kg (257 lb). Take
care when lifting the pedestal. Always use the lifting handles (9).
Do not lift the pedestal by the base casting or by the steering
ring.
Do not release the safety catches (4) at this stage
WARNING! A pressure retaining valve prevents pedestal pressure being
reduced below approximately 3.5 bar (50 psi), indicated by the
yellow segment on the pressure gauge (14).
In the event that pressure has fallen below this, pressurize the
pedestal to approximately 3.5 bar (50 psi) before attempting to
extend the column.
Safety Catch Warning Covers
(4)
(4.1)

10
Exercise the column several times over its full stroke.
Push down on the weight tray (2) and push the safety catch rocker switches (4) to the locked po-
sition.
Steering mechanism checks
Align the steering indicator (5) with the crab/steer pedal (7) and press the pedal to select CRAB -
3. Turn the steering ring and check that all three wheels turn together and all point in the same
direction.
Align the steering indicator (5) with the crab/steer pedal (7) and press to select STEER - 1. Turn
the steering ring and check that two of the wheels lock in the straight-ahead position and that the
third wheel (below the pedal) is turned by the steering ring.
Fitting the pan and tilt head and camera
The OB Quattro pedestal has the standard four-bolt mounting plate (20) which permits the use of
various Vinten camera mounts including pan and tilt heads, Quickfix®and Mitchell adapters. To
fit a pan and tilt head or an adaptor it is necessary to extend the moving column.
Fit the pan and tilt head or adaptor as follows:
Ensure pedestal pressure does not exceed 3.5 bar (50 psi). Reduce as necessary, using
the Schrader valve cap (16).
Push down on the weight tray (2) against residual pressure. At the safety catches (4), push
the rocker switches to the unlocked position. Allow the column to extend under hand re-
straint.
Apply the on-shot clamp (10).
Fit the pan and tilt head or adaptor and secure with the appropriate bolts.
Release the on-shot clamp (10) and lower the moving column under hand restraint. Push
down on the weight tray (2) and push the safety catch rocker switches to the locked posi-
tion.
With the pedestal locked in the fully depressed position, fit the camera and accessories to
the pan and tilt head, ensuring that all items such as pan bars, prompters, lenses etc, are
fitted. Attaching these items at a later stage may upset the pedestal balance.
Install one main (19) and two auxiliary trim weights (1) on the weight tray (2).
WARNING! A pressurized pedestal will rise rapidly when safety catch is
released. Do not lean over the pedestal when releasing the
safety catch. Always restrain the pedestal by hand pressure on
the weight tray when the safety catches are released.
WARNING! A pressure retaining valve prevents pedestal pressure being
reduced below approximately 3.5 bar (50 psi), indicated by the
yellow segment on the pressure gauge (14).
In the event that pressure has fallen below this, pressurize the
pedestal to approximately 3.5 bar (50 psi) before attempting to
extend the column.

11
Pressurizing the pedestal
The OB Quattro may be pressurized from an external pressure source or by using the Vinten port-
able pump (Part No. 3357-3). Trim weights (1)(19) are provided for fine balance.
Ascertain the payload to be fitted to the pedestal (payload = pan and tilt head, camera, lens and
all ancillary equipment). Referring to the graph, mark the payload on the horizontal axis then strike
a vertical line from the load figure to the balance line. At the intersecting point strike a horizontal
line to the vertical axis and read off the required pressure.
The pedestal should be pressurized with the column unlocked and free to extend.
Pressurization Graph
010 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
180160140120100806040200lb
kg
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
bar
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
psi
16
220
90 100 110
200 220 240
120
260
18
240
260
≤16.3 bar
(236 psi)

12
Pressurizing from an external pressure source
To pressurize the pedestal from an external pressure source, proceed as follows:
Remove the Schrader valve cap (16) and connect the charging line from the pressure
source.
Push down on the weight tray (2) against residual pressure. At the safety catches (4), push
the rocker switches to the unlocked position.
Turn on the pressure supply and slowly increase the pedestal pressure to the required pres-
sure. Do not exceed the maximum working pressure, indicated by the leading edge of the
red sector on the gauge (14).
Disconnect the charging line, but do not refit the Schrader valve cap at this stage.
Pressurizing the pedestal using the Vinten portable pump
To pressurize the pedestal using the Vinten portable pump, proceed as follows:
Remove the Schrader valve cap (16).
On the pump, fold down both the feet (P.3).
Push in the handle release button (P.5) and move the handle (P.1) to the horizontal posi-
tion, where it will lock.
Pull the hose (P.4) out of its stowage (P.2). Connect the hose to the pedestal charging valve
(16).
On the pedestal, push down on the weight tray (2) against residual pressure. At the safety
catches (4), push the rocker switches to the unlocked position.
Position the pump between the legs, standing with both feet on the fold-down feet (P.3).
Grip the handle (P.1) with both hands and, using full steady strokes, pressurize the pedestal
to the required pressure. Do not exceed the maximum working pressure, indicated by the
WARNING! This pedestal must be pressurized only with clean, dry air or
nitrogen. A pressure reducing valve must be fitted to the pres-
sure line between the gas cylinder and the outlet connection of
the hose. The reducing valve must be screwed into the gas cyl-
inder outlet. The maximum pressure on the outlet side of the
reducing valve must not exceed 16.3 bar (236 psi). Do not pres-
surize the pedestal beyond the maximum safe working pressure
indicated by the leading edge of the red sector on the gauge.
The pedestal is fitted with a pressure relief valve as a safeguard
against over-pressurization.
Do not attempt to adjust the pressure relief valve.
WARNING! Do not pressurize the pedestal beyond the maximum safe work-
ing pressure indicated by the leading edge of the red sector on
the gauge. The pedestal is fitted with a pressure relief valve as a
safeguard against over-pressurization. Do not attempt to adjust
the pressure relief valve.

13
leading edge of the red sector on the gauge (14). Approximately 600 strokes will be required
to fully charge the pedestal.
Disconnect the hose (P.4) from the pedestal charging valve, but do not refit the Schrader
valve cap at this stage. Fit the hose in its stowage (P.2).
Push the pump plunger fully down, push in the handle release button (P.5) and move the
handle (P.1) to the vertical position, where it will lock the pump plunger in the closed posi-
tion.
Fold up both the feet (P.3).
Vinten Portable Pump
(P.1)
(P.5)
(P.2)
(P.3)
(P.4)

14
Balancing the load
After pressurization of the pedestal, the pan and tilt head and payload can be accurately balanced,
as follows:
Exercise the moving column (6) over its full travel at least twice, then position the column
in the mid-height position.
If the column tends to fall, remove a trim weight (1)(9) or increase pressure.
If the column tends to rise, reduce the pressure in steps of 0.15-0.20 bar (2-3 psi) using the
Schrader valve cap (16).
Refit the Schrader valve cap (16).
A correctly pressurized pedestal will balance its payload such that it can be moved to any
position over the full on-shot stroke of the moving column, with minimum effort, and it will
maintain its position when the steering ring is released.
Fine balance and temperature correction may be achieved by adding or removing trim
weights.
WARNING! A pressure retaining valve prevents pedestal pressure being
reduced below approximately 3.5 bar (50 psi)
WARNING! The Schrader valve cap (16) forms a primary pressure seal.
Always replace the cap and screw it down finger- tight.

15
Using the pedestal
Height adjustment
The column (6) has an on-shot stroke of 100 cm (39.4 in.) and the load can be moved over this
distance, in perfect balance, by raising and lowering the steering ring (3). The movement is ad-
justable for drag (17) and an on-shot clamp (10) can be used to hold the moving column in position
if fixed height operation is required.
Drag control
Column movement is adjustable for drag and this is set according to operator preference by
means of the drag control (17) located at the base of the moving column. Turn the control clock-
wise to increase the drag setting, and counter- clockwise to decease it.
On-shot clamp
An on-shot clamp (10), located at the base of the moving column, can be used to hold the column
in position if fixed height operation is required. Move the clamp lever fully to the left to apply the
clamp. Move it fully to the right to release the clamp.
Steering
Directional control of the pedestal is achieved by turning the steering ring (3) mounted at the top
of the column. The steering system is geared so that the wheels turn by the same amount as the
steering ring. This ensures, for example, that with the pedestal set to crab, turning the steering
ring by 90° will also cause the pedestal to change direction by 90°. The steering ring is fitted with
indicators (5) which, when aligned with the crab/steer pedal (7), indicates the straight-ahead po-
sition and thus provides a reference point when steering.
The pedestal has a crab/steer arrangement with a foot-operated changeover mechanism, which
provides a steer setting - one wheel steering, two fixed; or a crab setting - all three wheels turning
together. Pushing the pedal (7) operates the changeover mechanism which toggles the pedestal
between crab and steer.
In position 1 - with the white pedal area hidden - the pedestal is in steer. In position 3 - with the
white pedal area visible - crab is selected.
Although the button can be pressed with the wheels in any position, the changeover will not occur
until the wheels are all facing forward, so the steering ring may have to be turned by up to 180°
before the changeover mechanism engages. This arrangement ensures that the fixed wheels will
always lock in the straight-ahead position when changing from crab to steer.
The standard steering ring has a diameter of 58,9 cm (23.2 in.). A larger steering ring, with a di-
ameter of 74 cm (29.1 in.), is available as an optional extra (See Changing the steering ring).
WARNING! To ensure maximum stability, particularly when moving over
uneven surfaces, reduce pedestal height to a minimum.
Take care not to trap fingers under the steering hub or between
column elements while pedestal height is being reduced.

16
Parking brake
A parking brake is provided on one wheel, operated by a red, foot-operated button (8), adjacent
to the crab/steer button.
To apply the brake, press down on the button. Press the button again to release the brake.
Cable guards
Height-adjustable cable guards (11) are fitted to the standard 200 mm (7.9 in.) solid rubber wheels
and the optional 160 mm (6.3 in.) solid polymer composite wheels.
They are adjusted by slackening the knobs, setting the cable guards at the required height and
re-tightening the knobs.
Cable clamp
A cable clamp (15) is provided on the base.
Transportation and storage
To prepare the pedestal for transportation and storage, proceed as follows:
Fully depress the moving column (6). Push down on the weight tray (2) and push the safety
catch rocker switches to the locked position.
Remove the camera and accessories.
WARNING! This brake is intended for use only as a parking brake. Do not
apply the brake while the pedestal is in motion.
WARNING! The OB Quattro pedestal has a mass of 117 kg (257 lb). Take
care when lifting the pedestal. Always use the lifting handles (9).
Do not lift the pedestal by the base casting or by the steering
ring.
Local, national or international regulations may apply to the
transport and storage of pressurized pedestals.
NOTE: It is not necessary to reduce the pedestal pressure prior to transportation or
storage.
WARNING! A pressure retaining valve prevents pedestal pressure being
reduced below approximately 3.5 bar (50 psi)

17
Using the Schrader valve cap (16), reduce pedestal pressure to 3.5 bar (50 psi).
Push down on the weight tray (2). At the safety catches (4), push the rocker switches to the
unlocked position. Allow the column to extend under hand restraint.
Apply the on-shot clamp (10).
Undo the four mounting bolts and remove the pan and tilt head.
To avoid the possibility of dust or abrasive particles collecting on moving components, re-
lease the on-shot clamp (10) and set the moving column (6) to minimum height. Push down
on the weight tray (2) and push the safety catch rocker switches to the locked position.
Place any trim weights (1)(19) in the trim weight stowage (13).
WARNING! A pressurized pedestal will rise rapidly when the safety catches
are released. Do not lean over the pedestal when releasing the
safety catches. Always restrain the column by hand pressure on
the weight tray when the safety catches are released.
WARNING! This pedestal must be transported and stored in an upright
position.

18
Servicing
General
The OB Quattro pedestal is robustly made to high engineering standards and little attention is re-
quired to maintain serviceability save regular cleaning. Attention to the following points will ensure
a long and useful service life with minimum need for repair.
Routine maintenance
The OB Quattro pedestal requires no routine maintenance other than regular cleaning.
During normal use, check the steering alignment, the effectiveness of the on-shot clamp and
check for radial or side play in the moving column.
If the steering is misaligned, re-align the wheels (See Steering alignment).
Refer to the appropriate section in the Maintenance Manual if the on-shot clamp is ineffective, ex-
cessive radial or side play is apparent in the moving column, or any other defect is apparent.
Adjustments and repairs should be carried out only by a competent person.
Cleaning
During normal studio use, the only cleaning required should be a regular wipe over with a lint-free
cloth. Dirt accumulated during storage or periods of disuse may be removed with a semi-stiff
brush. Particular attention should be paid to the flats on the column, the drain holes (13.1) in the
trim weight stowage (13) and to the wheels..
Cleaning
(13)
(13.1)

19
Use out-of-doors will require special attention, especially in adverse conditions. Salt spray must
be washed off with fresh water at the earliest opportunity. Do not allow water to enter the column.
Sand and dirt acts as an abrasive and should be removed with a semi-stiff brush or vacuum clean-
er.
Steering alignment
Inaccuracies in the steering may be due to misalignment of the wheels, backlash in the steering
ring, or slackness in the steering belt or chains,
If misalignment of the wheels is suspected, carry out a tracking check, as follows:
Draw a straight line on the studio floor at least 4 m (13 feet) long.
Ensure that the pedestal is carrying a payload of approximately 90 kg (200 lb)
Set the pedestal to crab and carefully align the wheels under the crab knob and one of the
front wheels with the line on the studio floor.
Push the pedestal 3.6 m (12 feet) along the line. The pedestal should not deviate more than
50 mm (2 in.) from the line.
Push the pedestal back to the starting point. The pedestal should not deviate more than
50 mm (2 in.) from the line.
Reposition the pedestal to align the wheels under the crab knob and the other front wheels
with the line on the studio floor and repeat the above check.
If the deviation exceeds the above limits, re-align the wheels as follows:
Remove any payload from the pedestal. Remove all trim weights from the weight tray and
stowages.
Lower the column and lock in the fully depressed position.
With the aid of a second person, invert the pedestal and stand it on the weight tray. Use a
suitable material under the pedestal to prevent damage.
Adjust all three cable guards (11) to their highest position.
Select STEER and turn the wheels until the two wheels furthest from the clutch wheel (12.1)
lock in the straight-ahead position.
At each axle mounting, slacken the lock screws (12.2).
Push a substantial straight edge (12.3) (at least 1 m long) against the tyres of the two pairs
of wheels until the wheels are aligned. Tighten the lock screws (12.2).
Select CRAB and turn the wheels until all wheels lock together.
NOTE: Do NOT use oil or grease on any exposed part of the column. This is
unnecessary and traps dirt which acts as an abrasive.
NOTE: Use only detergent-based cleaners. Do NOT use solvent- or oil-based cleaners,
abrasives or wire brushes to remove accumulations of dirt, as these damage
the protective surfaces.

20
Turn the wheels until the clutch wheel is approximately aligned with either of the other
wheels.
Slacken the lock screw on the clutch wheel.
Push the straight edge against the tyres of the two pairs of wheels until they are aligned.
Tighten the lock screw on the clutch wheel.
Check the alignment of the clutch wheel against the other wheel, then recheck the align-
ment of the two wheels furthest from the clutch wheel. Repeat the adjustment until align-
ment is satisfactory.
Ensure all lock screws (12.2) are fully tightened.
With the aid of a second person, turn the pedestal upright.
Carry out a tracking check as detailed above.
If problems are still experienced with the steering, it is probably due to backlash in the steering
ring, or slackness in the steering belt or chains. Please refer to the appropriate section in the Main-
tenance Manual.
Steering Alignment
(11)
(12.2)(12.3)
(12.1)
(12.2)