Vinten vector 430 Manual

Operators Guide
V4006-4980/2
Vector 430 / 430i Pan and Tilt Head
V4006-0001
V4089-0001

Vector 430/430i
Pan & Tilt Head

Publication Part No.V4006-4980
Issue 2
September 2010
Published by
Vitec Group Videocom Division
Technical Publications Department
William Vinten Building
Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 3TB
UK
Email: [email protected]
Copyright © Vitec Group plc 2010
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 Vitec Group plc.
Trademark Acknowledgements
Vinten Radamec Broadcast Robotics™ and Vinten™ are
registered trademarks of Vitec Group plc.
Disclaimer
Camera Dynamics Limited reserves the right, without notice, to
revise this documentation and make changes in content from
time to time without obligation to provide notification of such
revision or change. Revised documentation may be obtainable
from Vinten or downloadable from the website
(www.vinten.com). Camera Dynamics Limited reserves the
right, without notice, to make changes in equipment design or
performance as progress in engineering, manufacturing or
technology may warrant.

Operators guide
3
Safety - read this first
Understanding these instructions
English The original instructions presented
in this operators guide were written
in English, and subsequently
translated into other languages. If
youareunabletounderstandthese
instructions, contact Vinten or your
distributor to obtain a translation of
the original instructions (EU
Countries).
БЪЛГАРСКИ
Оригиналните инструкции,
представени внастоящото
ръководство на производителя,
бяха написани на английски език,
аслед това - преведени на други
езици. Ако не разбирате тези
езици, свържете се сVinten или с
Вашия дистрибутор, за да
получите оригиналните
инструкции (за страните от
Европейския съюз).
Česky Pokynyuvedenévtétooperátorské
příručce byly původněnapsány
anglicky a následněbyly přelo_eny
do ostatních jazyků. Nerozumíte-li
těmto pokynům, kontaktujte
společnost Vinten nebo svého
distributora, abyste získali překlad
originálních pokynů(členské státy
EU).
Dansk De originale instruktioner, der
præsenteres i denne
betjeningsvejledning, er skrevet på
engelsk og derefter oversat til
andre sprog. Hvis du ikke forstår
disse instruktioner bedes du
kontakte Vinten eller vor forhandler
for at få en oversættelse af de
originale instruktioner (EU-lande).
Deutsch Die Originalanleitung in diesem
Bedienungshandbuch wurde auf
Englischverfasstundanschließend
in andere Sprachen übersetzt. Bei
Verständnisproblemen in einer der
übersetzten Sprachenkontaktieren
Sie bitte Vinten oder Ihren
Fachhändler; dorterhalten Sie eine
Übersetzung der ursprünglichen
Anleitung (EU-Staaten).
Eesti Käesolevakasutajajuhendialgtekst
on koostatud inglise keeles ning
seejärel tõlgitud teistesse
keeltesse. Kui juhend osutub teie
jaoks arusaamatuks, võtke juhendi
emakeelse tõlke hankimiseks
ühendust Vinteni või kohaliku
esindajaga (Euroopa Liidu riigid).
Ελληνικά
Οι αρχικές οδηγίες αυτού του
οδηγού για το χειριστή
συντάχθηκαν στα Αγγλικά και
μεταφράστηκαν στη συνέχεια σε
άλλες γλώσσες. Εάν δυσκολεύεστε
να καταλάβετε αυτές τις οδηγίες,
επικοινωνήστε με τη Vinten ήτο
διανομέα σας για να λάβετε μια
μετάφραση των αρχικών οδηγιών
(Χώρες ΕΕ).
Español Las instrucciones originales que se
indican en esta guía del operador
se han redactado en inglés y
posteriormente se han traducido a
otros idiomas. Si no entiende estas
instrucciones,póngaseencontacto
con Vinten o con su distribuidor
para obtener una traducción de las
instrucciones originales (para
países de la UE).
Français Les instructions originales
présentées dans ce guide
d'utilisation ont été écrites en
anglaispuistraduitesdansd'autres
langues.Sivousnecomprenezpas
ces instructions, contactez Vinten
ou votre revendeur pour obtenir
une traduction des instructions
originales (pour les pays de l'UE).
Gaeilge Scríobhadh na treoracha bunaidh
dontreoirleabharoibritheoraseoas
Béarla, agus aistríodh iad go
teangacha eile ina dhiaidh sin.
Mura bhfuil tú in ann na treoracha
seoa thuiscint,téighi dteagmháil le
Vinten nó le do dháileoir, chun
aistriúchán de na treoracha
bunaidh a fháil (Tíortha an AE).
Italiano Le istruzioni originali presentate in
questa guida per l'operatore sono
in lingua inglese e
successivamente tradotte nelle
altre lingue. Qualora le istruzioni
non fossero disponibili nella lingua
desiderata, potete contattare
Vinten o il vostro distributore per
ricevere la traduzione delle
istruzioni originali (Paesi UE).
Latviešu Šajāoperatora rokasgrāmatā
iekļautie norādījumi sākotnēji tika
sarakstīti angļu valodāun pēc tam
pārtulkoti citās valodās. Ja
nesaprotat šos norādījumus
svešvalodā, sazinieties ar Vinten
vai tirgotāju, lai saņemtu
norādījumu tulkojumu (kādāno ES
dalībvalstu valodām).

Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head
4
LietuviųŠiame operatoriaus vadove
pristatomos pirminės instrukcijos
parašytos anglųkalba ir vėliau
išverstos įkitas kalbas. Jei šių
instrukcijųnesuprantate,
susisiekite su „Vinten“ arba savo
platintoju ir gaukite pirminių
instrukcijųvertimą(ES šalies
kalba).
Magyar A kezeloi útmutatóban található
utasítások angol nyelven íródtak,
és utólag fordították azokat más
nyelvekre. Ha nem érti ezen
utasításokat, kérjük, vegye fel a
kapcsolatot a Vintennel vagy a
helyi képviselettel, és igényelje az
eredeti utasítások fordítását (EU
országok).
Malti L-istruzzjonijiet originali
ippreżentati f'din il-gwida ta'
operaturi kienu miktuba bl-Ingliż, u
sussegwentement maqluba fl-
lingwi ohra. Jekk ma tistax tifhem
dawn l-istruzzjonijiet, ikkuntattja lil
Vinten jew id-distributur tieghek
biex tikseb traduzzjoni ta' l-
istruzzjonijiet originali (Pajjiżi ta'
UE).
NederlandsDe oorspronkelijke instructies in
deze bedieningshandleiding zijn
geschreven in het Engels en
vervolgens in andere talen
vertaald.Als het onmogelijk is deze
instructies te begrijpen, neemt u
contact op met Vinten of met uw
distributeur om een vertaling te
bemachtigen van de
oorspronkelijke instructies (EG-
landen).
Polski Oryginalne instrukcje
zamieszczone w niniejszym
podręczniku operatora zostały
napisane w języku angielskim, a
następnie przetłumaczone na inne
języki. Jeśli nie rozumiejąPaństwo
tych instrukcji, prosimy
skontaktowaćsięz siedzibąlub
dystrybutorem Vinten, abyuzyskać
tłumaczenie oryginalnych instrukcji
(kraje UE).
Português
As instruções originais
apresentadas no guia do operador
foram escritas em Inglês e
traduzidas para outros idiomas. Se
não conseguir compreender estas
instruções contacte a Vinten ou o
seu distribuidor para obter a
tradução das instruções originais
(Países da UE).
RomânăInstrucţiunile originale prezentate
în acest ghid pentru operatori au
fost scrise în limba engleză, şi
traduse ulterior în alte limbi. În
cazul în care nu înţelegeţi aceste
instrucţiuni, contactaţi Vinten sau
distribuitoruldumneavoastrăpentru
a obţine o traducere a
instrucţiunilor originale (Ţările UE).
Slovensky Pôvodné pokyny, uvedené v tomto
návodenaobsluhu,bolinapísanév
anglictine a následne preložené do
iných jazykov. Ak nerozumiete
týmto pokynom, obrátte sa na
spolocnost Vinten alebo vášho
distribútora, aby vámzaslalpreklad
originálnych pokynov (krajiny EÚ).
Slovenščina
Originalno besedilo teh navodil za
uporabo je bilo napisano v
angleščini in prevedeno v ostale
jezike. Če ne razumete teh navodil,
se obrnite na podjetje Vinten ali
lokalnega zastopnika, ki vam bo
posredoval originalna navodila
(velja za dr_ave EU).
Suomi Tähän käyttäjän oppaaseen
sisältyvät ohjeet on kirjoitettu alun
perin englanniksi ja käännetty
sitten muille kielille. Ellet ymmärrä
näitä ohjeita, ota yhteyttä Vinteniin
tai jälleenmyyjään ja pyydä
alkuperäisten ohjeiden käännöstä
(EU-maat).
Svenska Instruktionerna i denna handbok
skrevs ursprungligen på engelska
och har sedan översatts till flera
språk. Om du inte förstår dessa
instruktioner, kontakta Vinten eller
din återförsäljare för en ny
översättning av
originalinstruktionerna (EU-länder).

Operators guide
5
Warning symbols in this
Operators Guide
Where there is a risk of personal
injuryorinjurytoothers,comments
appear highlighted by the word
WARNING!—supported by the
warning triangle symbol.
Where there is a risk of damage to the
product, associated equipment, process or
surroundings, comments appear highlighted
by the word CAUTION!
Usage
The Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head is
designed for use by professional camera
operators working with lightweight cameras
configured with compact box lenses or large
EFPbarrellensesinstudioorOBapplications.
The Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head can
support and balance a camera system
weighing up to 43 kg (94.8 lbs). It is important
that the head is mounted onto equipment
designed to support the head and its
maximum payload.
For use in VR/AR tracking applications the
Vector 430i should be partnered with the
VRi box.
Warning!
1. Do NOT attempt to use
this product if you do not
understand how to operate
it.
2. Do NOT use this product
for any other purpose than
that specified in this Usage
statement.
3. Maintenance beyond that
detailed in this Operators
Guide must be performed
only by competent
personnel.
Disposal of waste batteries
Any batteries included with this product must
not be treated as household waste. By
ensuring these batteries are disposed of
correctly, you will help prevent potentially
negative consequences for the environment
and human health, and help conserve natural
resources. Please view the section on how to
remove the batteries from the product safely.
Hand the batteries over to the applicable
collection point for recycling waste batteries.

Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head
6
Technical specification
Height. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208 mm (8.1 in.)
Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200 mm (7.8 in.)
Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285 mm (11.2 in.)
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.1 kg (26.7 lbs)
Temperature range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -40°C to +60°C (-40°F to +140°F)
Tilt range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ±90°
Pan range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360°
Typical payload @ 150 mm C of G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10–43 kg (22–94.8 lbs)
Pedestal/tripod fixing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Four-hole flat base with integral Quickfix groove
Camera attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EFP Quickfit™ adaptor
Levelling bubble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .illuminated, blue
Pan bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .single telescopic
Vector 430i
Pan / tilt resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,480,000 counts/360°
Slide plate resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tracking to 0.25 mm

Operators guide
7
Contents
Safety - read this first. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Warning symbols in this Operators Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Disposal of waste batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Technical specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Introduction and description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Vector 430i (encoded manual head) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Perfect Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Digital numeric display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Thin film (TF) drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Pan and tilt brakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Illuminated level bubble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Four-hole mounting base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Pan bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
EFP Quickfit™ adaptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Carrying handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mounting the head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Locking the platform. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Fitting the pan bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Fitting the pan bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Fitting a camera and payload. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Adjusting the slide plate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Balancing the head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Fore and aft balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Payload weight and C of G height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Connecting the Vector 430i head and the VRi box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Routine maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Battery replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Repositioning the EFP Quickfit™ adaptor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Slide plate clamp adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Pan and tilt brake adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Balance and slide plate sensor calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Slide plate calibration (Vector 430i). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head
8
Parts list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Main assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
User-replaceable spare parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Optional accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Vector 430i. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Operators guide
9
Components
[1] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Slide plate retractable handle (Tommy bar)
[2] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Centre lock
[3][ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digital numeric display
[4] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digital numeric display push button
[5] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Perfect Balance knob with fold-out handle
[6] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tilt brake lever
[7] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pan brake lever
[8] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Level bubble illumination push button
[9] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Level bubble
[10] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pan bar mount
Fig. 1 Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head (right-hand side)
4
5
10
67
3
1
2
9
8

Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head
10
[11] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pan drag adjustment knob
[12] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tilt drag adjustment knob
[13] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pan bar mount
[14] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Slide plate clamp
[15] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .EFP Quickfit™ adaptor
[16] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Slide plate
[17] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Platform
Fig. 2 Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head (left-hand side)
15
14
13
12
11
16
17

Operators guide
11
[18] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . devicelink.i port (shown with 430i-to-VRi interface cable)
Fig. 3 Vector 430i manual encoded head (left-hand front)

Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head
12
Introduction and description
The Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head is designed for use by professional camera operators
workingwithlightweight cameras configured with compact boxlensesorlargeEFPbarrellenses
in studio or OB applications, and supports and balances a camera system weighing up to 43 kg
(94.8 lbs). The Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head embodies a unique and patented spring
counterbalancing mechanism, thin film (TF) drag assemblies for pan and tilt motions and an
adjustable camera mounting plate with an EFP Quickfit™ adaptor for rapid and secure
attachment of the camera.
Vector 430i (encoded manual head)
The Vector 430i encoded manual pan & tilt head (Fig. 3) is designed to work with the Virtual
Reality interface (VRi) box to allow computer-generated objects to be rendered into a video from
the correct viewpoint.
The Vector 430i features upgradable optical encoders on both the pan and tilt axis. In addition
to tracking pan and tilt angles, it also monitors the position of the camera slide plate allowing
tracking and adjustment of the camera position without the need to recalibrate the tracking.
The system is designed to allow the most critical information (pan and tilt angles) to be passed
directly to the VRi in real-time, while ancillary information is packaged by the head and
downloaded by the VRi as required. The information is passed to the VRi via the devicelink.i port
at the front of the head [18].
TheVector 430i pan &tilthead featureswhiteposition guide markings andlinesthatarerequired
for the configuration of the VRi box (to measure the optical VR axis offset). Please consult the
VRi box Operators Guide for further information.
Perfect Balance
The unique spring counterbalancing mechanism comprises six springs operating against cams
connected to the camera mounting platform. The balance mechanism is adjusted using the
Perfect Balance knob [5] on the lower right-hand side of the head, which varies the mechanical
advantage between the cam and the springs.
For ease of use the Perfect Balance knob [5] incorporates a fold-out handle (Fig. 4). Note that
the Perfect Balance knob can be used without the fold-out handle.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to adjust the Perfect Balance knob below 0% or above 100%
as damage could occur.

Operators guide
13
Maximum and minimum payloads that can be balanced are dependent on the weight of the
camera system and on the centre of gravity (C of G) height. The counterbalance chart (Fig. 5)
shows the range of payloads and C of G heights that can be maintained in balance. The shaded
area on the chart shows the payload/C of G combinations that can be maintained in balance.
Where a payload/C of G combination falls outside of those shaded areas it will be necessary to
increase ordecrease the weight orthe C of G height—ifpossible—to enable theheadtobalance
the load. A digital numeric display [3] indicates the setting of the counterbalance mechanism.
Fig. 4 Perfect Balance knob with fold-out handle
Fig. 5 Counterbalance chart
Perfect balance knob
Fold-out handle
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80
50
75
100
125
150
175
200
225
250
275
300
Centre of Gravity Height (above platform) mm
Total Payload kg
90° max
90° min
40° max

Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head
14
Digital numeric display
The digital numeric display [3] located above the Perfect Balance knob [5] provides a simple
numeric reference for camera balance, available tilt angle and—for the Vector 430i only—slide
plate position. The unit comprises a single-row digital display and a push button [4] that
illuminates the LED display for 15 seconds.
Press the push button [4] once to display the setting of the counterbalance mechanism on a
scale of 0–100%. Pressing the push button [4] twice indicates the available angle of tilt at the
current balance setting and—for the Vector 430i pan & tilt head only—pressing it three times
displays the position of the slideplate (for information on calibrating the slide plate seepage 27).
The batteries powering the electronic system are housed in a compartment located in the base
of the head.
Thin film (TF) drag
Both the pan and tilt mechanisms incorporate the Vinten thin film (TF) system to ensure smooth
movement of the camera about these axes and are fitted with adjustment knobs ([11], [12]) to
adjust the drag setting. The whip-pan facility is unaffected by the pan drag setting. Both drag
adjustment knobs are provided with scales that illuminate when the level bubble [9] is
illuminated.
Pan and tilt brakes
Friction brakes on each axis allow the head to be locked at any chosen position. The levers ([6],
[7]) for both brakes are located side-by-side on the right-hand side of the head. Pressing the
brake levers down and locking into position applies the brakes. The brake levers are clearly
labelled ‘Pan’ and ‘Tilt’.
Illuminated level bubble
A level bubble [9], illuminated by pressing the illumination button [8] located underneath the
bubble, is fitted to the rear of the head. When the level bubble [9] is illuminated, the scales on
the pan and tilt drag adjustment knobs ([11], [12]) are also illuminated. The light extinguishes
after approximately 15 seconds.
Four-hole mounting base
The head is provided with a standard Vinten four-hole mounting base, which includes a Quickfix
mounting groove and provision for use of a Mitchell adaptor.
Pan bar
Pan bar mounting points ([10], [13]) are located at the rear of the head, on either side of the
camera mounting platform. A single telescopic pan bar is supplied and can be attached using a
pan bar clamp, with angular adjustment available on the mount serrations. A second pan bar
may be fitted.

Operators guide
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EFP Quickfit™ adaptor
The camera is attached to the head by means of a EFP Quickfit™ adaptor [15], which is
mounted onto the slide plate [16] ex factory. The adaptor is supplied with a wedge plate and two
3/8 in. camera screws for rapid mounting of the camera.
Carrying handle
A carrying handle is provided at the rear of the platform under the slide plate. To access the
handle, the slide plate may need to be repositioned further along the platform (for more
information see ‘Transportation’ on page 22). Before attempting to transport the head using the
carrying handle, the camera system must be removed and the head dismounted from the
pedestal.

Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head
16
Operation
Mounting the head
It is important that the Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head is mounted onto a suitable pedestal or
tripod designed to support the head and its maximum payload. The head is supplied with four
mounting bolts and washers for mounting onto a pedestal or a suitable heavy-duty tripod with a
flat mounting plate. Alternatively, the head can be mounted using either the EFP Quickfix™
adaptor provided or a Mitchell adaptor.
Locking the platform
The centre lock [2] mechanism is operated by a plunger on the right-hand side of the head
(Fig. 6). To engage the centre lock, hold the platform in the horizontal position and push the
plunger inwards until it latches and the release lever appears. Use the pan bar to rock the
platform [17] slightly whilst pushing the button.
To release the centre lock [2], rock the platform [17] slightly and push down on the release lever.
Pan and tilt brakes
The pan and tilt brakes ([6], [7]) are operated by levers on the right of the head (Fig. 1). The
brakes are applied by pushing the appropriate lever down and released by pulling the lever up.
The brakes should be applied whenever the camera is left unattended.
CAUTION
Before installing the head, hold a fixing bolt in position and check that the
threaded end does not project more than 12 mm (0.47 in.) above the
mounting face.
CAUTION
When mounting the head on a tripod, it is possible to set the tripod legs so
that the C of G of the tilted payload lies outside the footprint of the tripod,
leading to instability.
Use a mid-level or floor spreader to ensure that the tripod legs are spread
sufficiently so that the C of G of the tilted payload remains within the
footprint of the tripod.
Use the tie-down hook on the tripod for additional stability.

Operators guide
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Fitting the pan bar
A single pan bar is supplied and can be fitted to either the right- or left-hand side of the head
onto the pan bar mounting ([10], [13]).
Position the pan bar onto the pan bar mounting ([10], [13]).
Rotate the pan bar clamp clockwise until the pan bar is secured.
A second pan bar may be fitted to the other side of the head (if required).
Fitting a camera and payload
Fig. 6 Centre lock operation
CAUTION
Do not rely on the tilt brake when changing the payload. Always engage the
centre lock.
Ensure that the weight and C of G height of the total payload is within the
range for which the head is designed.
When installing on a pedestal, lock the pedestal in the fully depressed
position before fitting the camera and payload.
Centre lock release
Centre lock

Vector 430/430i pan & tilt head
18
The EFP Quickfit™ adaptor [15] is installed on the slide plate ex factory (Fig. 7). To mount the
camera attach the wedge adaptor in the middle position on the camera slide plate using the two
3/8 in. BSW camera screws in accordance with the instructions supplied with the camera.
To fit the camera to the head, proceed as follows:
Engage the centre lock [2] (Fig. 6).
Insert the forward edge of the camera wedge into the EFP Quickfit™ adaptor [15]
(Fig. 7).
Push the wedge down until the lock bar clicks out.
Slide the safety lock plate backwards to hold the lock bar in position.
Install the remainder of the payload (lens, zoom and focus controls, viewfinder, prompter etc).
Fig. 7 EFP Quickfit adaptor and wedge adaptor
Wedge plate
EFP quickfit adaptor

Operators guide
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Adjusting the slide plate
The position of the slide plate [16] can be adjusted using the retractable slide plate handle [1]
(often referred to as the ‘Tommy bar’) located on the left-hand side of the head. The slide plate
[16] is secured into position using the slide plate clamp [14] (Fig. 8).
To release the slide plate, proceed as follows:
Release the slide plate clamp [14].
Pull out the sliding plate retractable handle [1] until it engages with the platform drive.
Turn the handle clockwise to move the slide plate [16] in the fore direction. Turning the
handle counter-clockwise moves the slide plate [16] in the aft direction (Fig. 9).
When the slide plate [16] is in position, secure using the slide plate clamp [14].
Fig. 8 Slide plate clamp (ON/OFF positions)
Slide plate clamp
ON position
Slide plate clamp
OFF position