Vinten vector 430 Manual

Operators Guide
V4006-4980/B
Vector 430 Pan and Tilt Head
V4006-0001

Vector 430
Pan & Tilt Head

Publication Part No.V4006-4980
Issue 1
July 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® is a registered trademark 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
you are unable to understand these
instructions, contact Vinten or your
distributor to obtain a translation of
the original instructions (EU
Countries).

 ,
  
  ,
    ,
   -   
.    
,    Vinten  
 ,  
 
 (  
 ).
esky Pokyny uvedené v této operátorské
píruce byly pvodn napsány
anglicky a následn byly pelo_eny
do ostatních jazyk. Nerozumíte-li
tmto pokynm, kontaktujte
spolenost Vinten nebo svého
distributora, abyste získali peklad
originálních pokyn (lenské státy
EU).
Danish 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
Englisch verfasst und anschließend
in andere Sprachen übersetzt. Bei
Verständnisproblemen in einer der
übersetzten Sprachen kontaktieren
Sie bitte Vinten oder Ihren
Fachhändler; dort erhalten Sie eine
Übersetzung der ursprünglichen
Anleitung (EU-Staaten).
Eesti Käesoleva kasutajajuhendi algtekst
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).

    
   
   
   
 .  
    ,
   Vinten  
     
   
( ).
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, póngase en contacto
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
anglais puis traduites dans d'autres
langues. Si vous ne comprenez pas
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
don treoirleabhar oibritheora seo as
Béarla, agus aistríodh iad go
teangacha eile ina dhiaidh sin.
Mura bhfuil tú in ann na treoracha
seo a thuiscint, téigh i 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).

Vector 430 pan and tilt head
4
Latviešu
Šaj operatora rokasgrmat
iekautie nordjumi skotnji tika
sarakstti angu valod un pc tam
prtulkoti cits valods. Ja
nesaprotat šos nordjumus
svešvalod, sazinieties ar Vinten
vai tirgotju, lai saemtu
nordjumu tulkojumu (kd no ES
dalbvalstu valodm).
Lietuvi
Šiame operatoriaus vadove
pristatomos pirmins instrukcijos
parašytos angl kalba ir vliau
išverstos  kitas kalbas. Jei ši
instrukcij nesuprantate,
susisiekite su „Vinten“ arba savo
platintoju ir gaukite pirmini
instrukcij vertim (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
ippreentati f'din il-gwida ta'
operaturi kienu miktuba bl-Ingli, 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 (Pajjii 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
podrczniku operatora zostay
napisane w jzyku angielskim, a
nastpnie przetumaczone na inne
jzyki. Jeli nie rozumiej Pastwo
tych instrukcji, prosimy
skontaktowa si z siedzib lub
dystrybutorem Vinten, aby uzyska
tumaczenie 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).
Român
Instruciunile originale prezentate
în acest ghid pentru operatori au
fost scrise în limba englez, i
traduse ulterior în alte limbi. În
cazul în care nu înelegei aceste
instruciuni, contactai Vinten sau
distribuitorul dumneavoastr pentru
a obine o traducere a
instruciunilor originale (rile UE).
Slovensky Pôvodné pokyny, uvedené v tomto
návode na obsluhu, boli napísané v
anglictine a následne preložené do
iných jazykov. Ak nerozumiete
týmto pokynom, obrátte sa na
spolocnost Vinten alebo vášho
distribútora, aby vám zaslal preklad
originálnych pokynov (krajiny EÚ).
Slovenšina
Originalno besedilo teh navodil za
uporabo je bilo napisano v
anglešini in prevedeno v ostale
jezike. e 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
injury or injury to others, 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 pan and tilt head is designed
for use by professional camera operators
working with full facility studio and OB
cameras. The Vector 430 pan and tilt head
can support and balance a camera system
weighing up to 43 kg (94.8 lb). It is important
that the head is mounted onto equipment
designed to support the head and its
maximum payload.
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 pan and tilt head
6
Technical specification
Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208 mm (8.1 in.)
Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200 mm (7.8 in.)
Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285 mm (11.2 in.)
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.4 kg (22.9 lb)
Temperature range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -40°C to +60°C (-40° F to +140° F)
Tilt range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ±90°
Pan range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360°
Typical Payload @ 150 mm CofG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43 kg (22 -94.8 lb)
Pedestal/tripod fixing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Four hole flat base with integral Quickfix groove
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mitchell adaptor
Adaptor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EFP Quickfit adaptor
Levelling bubble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . illuminated, blue
Pan bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .singletelescopic

Operators guide
7
Contents
Page
Safety - read this first. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Technical specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Introduction and description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Perfect balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Digital numeric display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
TF drag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Pan and tilt brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Illuminated level bubble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Four-hole mounting base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Pan bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
EFP quickfit adaptor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Carrying handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Mounting the head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Locking the platform. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Pan and tilt brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Fitting the pan bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Fitting a camera and payload. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Adjusting the slide plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Balancing the head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Routine maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Battery replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Balance and slide plate sensor calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Vector 430 pan and tilt head
8
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 button
(9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Level bubble
(10). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pan bar mount
Fig. 1 Vector 430 pan and tilt head (front and right-hand side)
4
5
10
67
3
1
2
9
8

Operators guide
9
(11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pan drag adjustment knob
(12). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tilt drag adjustment knob
(13). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pan bar mounting
(14). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Slide plate clamp
(15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EFP Quickfit Adaptor
(16). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Slide plate
(17). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Platform
Fig. 2 Vector 430 pan and tilt head (left-hand side)
15
14
13
12
11
16
17

Vector 430 pan and tilt head
10
Introduction and description
The Vector 430 pan and tilt head is designed for use by professional camera operators working
with full facility studio and OB cameras, supporting and balancing a camera system weighing up
to 43 kg (94.8 lb). The Vector 430 pan and 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.
Perfect balance
The 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. 3). Note that the Perfect balance knob can be used without
the fold-out handle.
Maximum and minimum payloads that can be balanced are dependent on the weight of the
camera system, and on the center of gravity (C of G) height. The counterbalance chart (Fig. 4)
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
CAUTION
Do not attempt to adjust the Perfect balance knob (5) below 0% or above
100% as damage could occur.
Fig. 3 Perfect balance knob with fold-out handle
Perfect balance knob
Fold-out handle

Operators guide
11
increase or decrease the weight or the C of G height - if possible - to enable the head to balance
the load.
A digital numeric display (3) indicates the setting of the counterbalance mechanism on a scale
of 0-100. The counterbalance display is activated by pressing the push-button (4) and
extinguishes automatically approximately 15 seconds after adjustments are complete. Pressing
the push-button (4) twice indicates the tilt angle that the head can achieve at that balance
setting. The batteries powering the electronic system are housed in a compartment located in
the base of the head.
Digital numeric display
A digital numeric display (3), located above the Perfect balance knob (5) provides a simple
numeric reference for camera balance, available tilt angle and calibration. The unit comprises a
single row digital display and single 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.
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.
Fig. 4 Counterbalance chart
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 pan and tilt head
12
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 under 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 knob (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 adapter.
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.
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). 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. Before attempting
to transport the head using the carrying handle, the camera system must be removed and the
head dismounted from the pedestal.

Operators guide
13
Operation
Mounting the head
It is important that the Vector 430 pan and 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 a Quickfix or Mitchell
adaptor.
Locking the platform
The centre lock (2) mechanism is operated by a plunger on the right-hand side of the head. To
engage the centre lock (2), hold the platform in the horizontal position and push the plunger
inwards until it latches and the release lever appears (Fig. 5). 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.
CAUTION
Before installing the head, hold a fixing bolt in position and check that the
threaded end does not project more than 12 mm (15/32 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 falls 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.

Vector 430 pan and tilt head
14
Pan and tilt brakes
The pan (7) and tilt brakes (6) are operated by levers on the right of the head. 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.
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 can be fitted to the other side of the head (if required).
Fig. 5 Centre lock operation
Centre lock release
Centre lock

Operators guide
15
Fitting a camera and payload
If not already fitted, install the EFP quickfit adaptor (15) onto the slide plate using the six screws
(Fig. 6). 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:
Engage the centre lock (2) (Fig. 5).
Insert the forward edge of the camera wedge into the EFP quickfit adaptor (15).
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).
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.
Fig. 6 EFP quickfit adaptor and wedge adaptor
Wedge plate
EFP quickfit adaptor

Vector 430 pan and tilt head
16
Adjusting the slide plate
The position of the slide plate (16) can be adjusted using the retractable slide plate handle (1)
(often referred to a 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. 7).
Release the slide plate clamp (14) (Fig. 7).
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. 8).
When the slide plate (16) is in position, secure using the slide plate clamp (14) (Fig. 7).
Fig. 7 Slide plate clamp (ON/OFF positions)
Slide plate clamp
ON position
Slide plate clamp
OFF position

Operators guide
17
Balancing the head
Balancing the head achieves two objectives. Firstly, when a head is correctly balanced the
operator will need a minimum amount of even effort to move the head. Secondly, once balanced,
the head and its payload can be set to any tilt position and the head will maintain this position
with ‘hands off’. The counterbalance chart (Fig.4) shows the range of payload and C of G height
that can be maintained in balance.
Fore and aft balance
Fig. 8 Slide plate retractable handle (Tommy bar)
NOTE: It is important that the pan bar(s) and all camera accessories (lens, zoom and
focus controls, viewfinder, prompter etc.) are fitted in their operational position
before balancing the head. Any equipment fitted or adjusted later will
unbalance the head.
CAUTION
Always refer to the counterbalance chart (Fig. 4) before attempting to
balance the payload. Always apply a suitable amount of counterbalance
BEFORE releasing the centre lock (2) or the tilt brake lever (6).
Slide plate handle
Rotate handle
clockwise to move
the slide plate forwards
Rotate handle
counter-clockwise
to move the slide
plate backwards

Vector 430 pan and tilt head
18
When positioning the payload it is important to be aware of the potential danger of an
unbalanced payload falling away suddenly. Before disengaging the centre lock (2), adjust the
Perfect balance knob (5) to its mid point setting (50 on the digital display). Depending on the
payload weight, it may be necessary to increase or decrease this setting to enable the payload
to be correctly balanced fore and aft.
Balance the payload fore and aft as follows:
Ensure that the centre lock (2) is engaged and that the camera and all accessories are
fitted.
Turn the tilt drag adjustment knob (12) to its minimum setting.
Press the digital numeric display push-button once to (4) display the counterbalance
setting.
Turn the Perfect balance knob (5) until the mid point setting is reached (approximately
50 on the numeric display).
Holding the pan bar to steady the platform (17), disengage the centre lock (2).
Release the slide plate clamp (14) and pull out the slide plate adjustment handle (1) until
it engages with the platform drive. Turn the handle to move the slide plate fore and aft
to achieve horizontal balance.
The horizontal balance is correct when no perceptible tilting force can be felt on the pan
bar with the platform level. Apply the slide plate clamp (14) and push in the slide plate
adjustment handle (1) to its stowed position.
If there is insufficient movement in the slide plate to achieve balance, reposition the
wedge adaptor, refit the payload and repeat the horizontal balancing procedure.
Payload weight and C of G height adjustment
When fore and aft balance has been achieved, carry out the payload weight and C of G height
adjustment as follows:
Using the pan bar, tilt the platform (17) forward and backward. When correctly balanced,
there should be no perceptible tilting force on the pan bar at any angle of tilt and the head
should remain in any tilt position to which it is set.
WARNING!
Be prepared to prevent the head falling away suddenly. In the event of the
head falling away violently, increase the amount of counterbalance. When
the head is mounted on a tripod, always steady the payload by holding on
to the pan bar.
NOTE: If the digital balance setting of the payload is known, turn the Perfect balance
knob (5) until the digital numeric display (3) indicates that setting.
NOTE: Setting the platform (17) level will facilitate adjusting the balance setting

Operators guide
19
If the head tends to fall away when the platform (17) is tilted, set the platform level and
turn the Perfect balance knob (5) clockwise to increase the balance setting. If the head
tends to spring back to centre, set the platform (17) level and turn the Perfect balance
knob (5) counter-clockwise to decrease the balance setting.
When the payload weight and C of G height adjustment is complete, check that the fore
and aft balance remains satisfactory. Re-adjust the position of the slide plate (16) if
necessary.
The digital numeric display (3) will display the balance setting while balance is being
adjusted. Make a note of the final setting to facilitate rebalancing this particular payload.
After balancing, exercise the head through both axes to confirm that it operates smoothly.
Transportation
A carrying handle is provided at the rear of the platform under the slide plate. Before attempting
to transport the head using the carrying handle, the camera and payload must be removed and
the head dismounted from the pedestal.
Engage the centre lock (2).
Release the slide plate clamp (14).
Pull out the slide plate adjustment handle (1) until it engages with the platform drive.
Turn the handle clockwise to move the slide plate (16) in the fore direction.
When the slide plate (16) is clear of the carrying handle, lock the slide plate clamp (14).