Vinten V3955-0002 Manual

Vinten
Camera Control Solutions
Operators Guide
Vision
Spreaders, Dollies & Skids

Spreaders, Dollies &
Skids
Operators Guide
Publication Part No. 3313-8 Issue 1
Copyright © Vinten Broadcast Limited 2002
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 and Vision are 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.
Further information
For full details on maintenance and spare parts, please refer to Spreaders, Dollies & Skids -
Spares and Repairs (Publication Part No. 3313-9) This is obtainable from Vinten Broadcast Lim-
ited or your local Vinten distributor. For information on-line, visit our website at
www.vinten.com.

4
Technical data
Spreaders
Skids and Dollies
Type Weight
3313-3 Lightweight Floor Spreader (Grey) 0.7 kg (1.5 lb)
3363-3 Lightweight Floor Spreader (Black) 0.7 kg (1.5 lb)
3367-3 Heavy Duty Flexible Floor Spreader 1.1 kg (2.4 lb)
3379-3 Baby Legs Spreader 0.5 kg (1.1 lb)
Type Leg Radius
Castor
Diameter Weight
Recommended
Maximum
Load
Cable
Guards
Track
Locks
V3955-0002
ENG (OB)
dolly
50 cm
(19.7 in.)
12.5 cm
(4.9 in.)
5.4 kg
(11.9 lb)
40 kg
(88.2 lb)
NO NO
V3955-0001
ENG(Studio)
dolly
50 cm
(19.7 in.)
10 cm
(3.9 in.)
5.8 kg
(12.8 lb)
50 kg
(110.3 lb)
YES YES
V3955-0003
ENG (Small)
dolly
45 cm
(17.7 in.)
12.5 cm
(4.9 in.)
5.3 kg
(11.7 lb)
50 kg
(110.3 lb)
NO NO
3497-3E
EFP (OB)
Dolly
52.5 cm
(20.7 in.)
12.5 cm
(4.9 in.)
7.7 kg
(17.0 lb)
110 kg
(221 lb)
NO NO
3497-3G
EFP (Studio)
Dolly
52.5 cm
(20.7 in.)
12.5 cm
(4.9 in.)
9.1 kg
(20 lb)
110 kg
(221 lb)
YES NO

5
Contents
Page
Safety - read this first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Further information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operation
Assembling the dolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Cable guards - studio versions only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Dolly movement - ENG studio version only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Installing floor spreader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Using floor spreader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Servicing
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Routine checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Associated Publication
Spreaders, Dollies and Skids - Spares and Repairs
Publication Part No. 3313-9

6
(1) Centre casting
(2) Fixed leg
(3) Foot support and strap
(4) Track knob
(5) Castor
(6) Cable guard
(7) Folding legs
(8) Brake lever
Typical Vision Dolly (Studio Version)
(8)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(7)
(6) (5)

7
(9) Leg, outer
(10) Leg, inner
(11) Clamp knob
(12) Foot support
(13) Foot retaining strap
Typical Vision Spreader
(9)
(11)
(10)
(12)
(13)

8
Introduction
Spreaders and Dollies are available for use with all Vinten Vision tripods.
Floor spreaders are suitable for the full range of Vision single and two-stage tripods excluding the
Vinten Baby-Legs tripod which has its own dedicated floor spreader.
Lightweight folding ENG and EFP dollies are available in studio and OB versions. All have fast
acting foot-operated wheel brakes and the studio versions are fitted with adjustable cable guards.
In addition, the ENG studio dolly is fitted with track locks to provide tricycle steering.
The spreaders and dollies are detailed in the table on page 4.

9
Operation
Assembling the dolly
Turn the dolly upside-down, depress the leg locking plungers (14) and pull out each folding leg (7)
until the plungers lock the legs in the open position.
Set the dolly on the ground on its wheels and apply the wheel brakes.
Assembling the dolly
(7)
(14)

10
Brakes
Each of the dolly wheels is fitted with a foot operated brake. The brakes are applied by pressing
down on the lever (8) situated above the wheel and released by pressing down on the centre ‘pop-
up’ lever (8.1) which is raised when the brake is on.
Cable guards - studio versions only
The cable guards (6) are height adjustable and should be set as required. Adjustment is carried
out by slackening the knobs (6.1), setting the cable guard at the required height and re-tightening
the knobs.
Brakes and Cable Guards
(8.1)
(8)
(6.1)
(6)
(4)

11
Dolly movement - ENG studio version only
The wheels on the ENG studio dolly can be locked in the straight-ahead position or set to castor
freely. The castor/lock change over is effected by spring-loaded track lock pins (4) on each wheel
assembly. The pins on the folding legs (7) have black knobs and the pin on the fixed leg (2) a red
knob. To engage or disengage a pin, pull it up against the spring and turn through 90°. The pin
will only engage with the wheel when the wheel is properly aligned. This arrangement provides
castor, track and steer motion.
Castor motion
For castor motion, disengage all three track locks. The dolly can now be moved freely in any di-
rection.
Tracking motion
For tracking motion, engage all three track locks. The dolly can now track backwards and forwards
in a straight line.
Steer motion
For steer motion:
Position the dolly so that the fixed leg (2) (with the red knob) is in the direction of travel.
Disengage the red track lock.
Engage the black track locks on the folding legs (7).
With the fixed leg of the dolly facing forwards the dolly can now be moved with a `steering-
type' motion.

12
Installing floor spreader
To instal a floor spreader to a tripod proceed as follows:
Unfold legs (9) of spreader and place flat on the ground. Ensure three clamp knobs (11) are
engaged.
Lower tripod onto the spreader and locate the feet onto the three foot supports (12).
Secure tripod onto spreader by engaging three foot retaining straps (13) to each foot of the
tripod.
Installing Floor Spreader
(13)
(12)

13
Using floor spreader
Once the tripod is installed the spreader can be adjusted as follows:
Slacken three clamp knobs (11) on spreader.
Set legs of tripod to required positions and height and ensure they are locked in place.
Number markings on the spreaders inner leg (10) can be used to position the tripods feet
equidistance apart.
Once the tripod is positioned correctly tighten three clamp knobs. The spreader does not
have to be removed when collapsing the tripod.
NOTE: Always use the spreader where possible as this increases rigidity of the tripod.
Being flexible, the spreader compensates for uneven ground. It can be
removed and a skid fitted. At the full extension of the spreader and with all legs
fully retracted, the tripod can be used at its lowest operating height. Although
tripods can be set lower than this without the spreader, it is NOT recommended
as the tripod geometry becomes unstable.
NOTE: Floor spreaders protect floors and carpets as well as preventing the tripod legs
sinking into soft ground and should be used at all times. If the floor spreader
cannot be used, use Vision carpet feet and Spread-Loc mid-level spreader.

14
Servicing
General
Vision products are robustly made to high engineering standards and little attention is required to
maintain serviceability save regular cleaning. Attention to the following points will ensure a long
and useful service life with minimum need for repair.
Cleaning
During indoor use, the only cleaning required should be a regular wipe over with a lint-free cloth.
Dirt accumulated during storage may be removed using a semi-stiff brush.
All dolly parts are weatherproof. However, use out-of-doors under adverse conditions will require
special attention. Salt spray should be washed off with fresh water at the earliest opportunity.
Sand and dirt acts as an abrasive and should be removed using a semi-stiff brush or vacuum
cleaner
Routine checks
Check the following during normal use:
Check for ageing and cracking of the rubber strut securing straps and renew if necessary.
On studio dollies, check the tracking
Adjustments
Adjustments to the tracking of studio dollies may become necessary after considerable use.
Check the tracking as follows:
With the track locks engaged and a payload fitted, the dolly should track in a straight line
over a distance of 3.6 m (12 feet) with deviation not exceeding 5 cm (2 in.). If this cannot
be achieved, the wheels should be re-aligned. When re-aligning the wheels, start by adjust-
ing the wheel with the red locking knob on the fixed leg. This will often correct any alignment
problems.
Adjusting the tracking of the Vision studio dolly (V3955-0001)
To re-align the dolly wheels:
Remove the tripod or pedestal from the dolly.
Engage the track lock (4) on each castor.
Remove two screws (6.1) from the foot support (6.2) on the fixed leg and remove the foot
support.
Using special wheel nut spanner (Part No. 3319-900SP) remove nut (6.3).
Apply Loctite 242 to the nut, re-install and tighten lightly.
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.

15
Align the wheel on the fixed leg so that it runs parallel to the leg.
Using a suitable straight line on the studio floor, check that over a distance of 3.6 m (12 feet)
the deviation does not exceed 5 cm (2 in.). Re-adjust the wheel until this is achieved. If it
cannot be achieved, the wheels on the other two legs should be re-aligned.
Once the wheels have been correctly aligned, tighten nuts (6.3).
Install foot support (6.2) on each leg and secure with two screws (6.1).
Adjusting the tracking
(6.2)
(6.1)
(6.3)
(4)

16
Parts List
The following lists include main assemblies, user-replaceable spare parts and optional accesso-
ries. For further information regarding repair or spare parts, please contact Vinten Broadcast Ltd
or your local distributor.
For information on-line, visit our website at
www.vinten.com.
Spreaders
Lightweight Floor Spreader (Grey) 3313-3
Lightweight Floor Spreader (Black) 3363-3
Heavy Duty Flexible Floor Spreader 3367-3
Baby Legs Spreader 3379-3
Dollies
ENG (OB) dolly V3955-0002
ENG (Studio) dolly V3955-0001
ENG (OB) dolly - small V3955-0003
EFP (OB) Dolly 3497-3E
EFP (Studio) Dolly 3497-3G