Vinten Vision 250 Manual

Vinten
Camera Control Solutions
Operators Guide
Vision 250
Pan & Tilt Head

Vision 250
Pan and Tilt Head
Publication Part No. 3525-8 Issue 3
Copyright © Vinten Broadcast Limited 2004
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, QuickFit 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 pan
and tilt head or associated equipment, comments appear, highlighted by the
word WARNING! and supported by the warning triangle symbol.
Technical data
Weight
Flat base (complete with pan bar) 6.05 kg (13.3 lb)
Ball base (complete with pan bar and bowl clamp) 6.39 kg (14 lb)
Height to mounting face
Flat base 184 mm (7.24 in.)
Ball base 171 mm (6.73 in.)
Length 159 mm (6.23 in.)
Width 244 mm (9.6 in.)
Typical payload 25 kg (55 lb) - See balance graph)
Tilt range ±90°
Pan range 360°
Pedestal/tripod fixing 100/150 mm ball
Four-hole flat base
Further information
For further information or advice regarding this pan and tilt head, 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 Vision 250 Pan and Tilt Head
Maintenance Manual and Illustrated Parts List (Publication Part No. 3465-9), obtainable from Vint-
en Broadcast Limited or your local Vinten distributor. For information on-line, visit our website at
www.vinten.com.

4
Contents
Page
Safety - read this first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Technical data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Further information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Operation
Installing the head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Mounting the camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Mounting the camera (optional Quickfit adaptor). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Balancing the head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Locking the platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Pan and tilt brakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Pan and tilt drag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Servicing
Routine maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Battery replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Balance mechanism digital display calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Converting the base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Parts list. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Associated publication
Vision 250 Pan and Tilt Head
Maintenance Manual
Publication Part No. 3465-9

5
(1) Camera mounting screws
(2) Balance knob
(3) Centre lock
(4) Illuminated level bubble
(5) Ambient light level sensor
(6) Digital display
(7) Flat base
(8) Pan bar mounting
(9) Switch for illuminated level bubble, drag knob scales and digital display
(10) Tilt drag adjustment knob
(11) Pan brake lever
(12) Tilt brake lever
(13) Slide lock release
(14) Slide plate
Vision 250 (Left-Hand Side with Flat Base)
(1)(14)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(11)
(7)(10) (9) (5)(6)
(13)
(12)
(8)

6
(15) Slide plate clamp
(16) Battery cover
(17) Spherical base
(18) Bowl clamp
(19) Pan drag adjustment knob
(20) Telescopic pan bar
Vision 250 (Right-Hand Side with Spherical Base)
(15)
(16)(19)
(17)(18)
(20)

7
Introduction
The Vision 250 pan and tilt head embodies an adjustable spring counterbalancing mechanism,
thin film (TF) drag assemblies for pan and tilt motions and an adjustable camera mounting plate.
The balance system is easily adjusted by a knob (2) on the rear of the head. Maximum and mini-
mum payloads that can be balanced, and tilt ranges, are depend-ent on the weight of the camera
and accessories and on the centre of gravity (C of G) height.
ThegraphshowstherangeofloadandC ofG height thatcan be maintainedin balance.Theshad-
ed area of graph corresponds to those load/C of G combinations that can be balanced over the
full tilt range. The area to the right indicate the progressively reducing tilt range with greater load
and higher
C of G.
Where a load/C of G combination falls outside of the graph it will be necessary to increase or de-
crease the weight or the C of G height - if possible - to enable the head to balance the load.
Balance graph
14 16 18 20
5
410 12
10
2 6 8
2
3
4
5
6
7
8200
in. mm
±90°
±60°
22 24 34 36
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 lb
kg26 28 30 32 38 40 42
65 70 75 80 85 90
190
180
170
160
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50

8
A digital display (6) indicates the setting of the balance mechanism on a scale of 00 - HI. The dis-
play is illuminated by pressing the switch (9) and extinguishes automatically approximately 15
seconds after adjustments are complete. The same switch also illuminates the level bubble (4)
and the scales of the pan and tilt drag knobs (19)(10). A sensor (5) automatically compensates for
ambient light levels and dims the display. If the ambient light level is high, the level bubble and
drag knob scales will not be lit. The battery forthe system is housed in a compartment in the base
of the head, closed by a cover (16).
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 control knobs (19)(10) to adjust the
drag setting. The whip-pan facility is unaffected by the pan drag setting. Both drag knobs are pro-
vided with scales illuminated by the switch (9).
Friction brakes on each axis allow the head to be locked at any chosen position. The operating
levers for both brakes (11)(12) are fitted on the left-hand side of the head.
A centre lock (3) allows the head to be locked in the horizontal position.
A level bubble (4), illuminated by pressing the switch (9), is fitted to the rear of the head.
Pan bar mounting points (8) are located at the rear of the head, on either side of the camera
mounting platform. A telescopic pan bar (20) is supplied and is attached using a pan bar clamp,
with angular adjustment available on the mount serrations. A second pan bar may be fitted.
Two versions of the head are available. One uses a dual 100/150 mm ball mount (17) with a bowl
clamp (18). The other has a flat base (7), with `Quickfix'®and standard four-hole fixing. Mounting
bolts, washers and a spanner are also provided.
The camera is attached to the head by means of a slide plate (14) or by using the optionalQuickfit®
adaptor. A clamp (15) is provided to hold the slide plate in position and a lock (13) prevents its
inadvertent removal from the head.

9
Operation
Installing the head
The Vision 250 head is supplied with a dual 100/150 mm ball base and is designed for installation
on a compatible Vinten Vision tripod.
The head is also available with a flat base, with `Quickfix' and standard four-hole fixing.
Adaptors are available which enable the heads to be installed on tripods or pedestals fitted with
other mountings. These are listed under ‘Optional Accessories’.
To install a head with a ball mount, remove the bowl clamp assembly (18) from the head, position
the head on the tripod and refit the bowl clamp assembly from below. Level the head with the aid
ofthelevelbubble(4)andtightenthebowlclamp.Thelevelbubblemaybeilluminatedby pressing
the switch (9).The light will extinguish after 15 seconds.
The flat based head may be installed on a tripod or pedestal using the four mounting bolts and
washers provided or by using a `Quickfix' adaptor.
Mounting the camera
Remove the slide plate (14) from the head by releasing the slide plate clamp (15), pressing the
slide lock release (13) and pulling the plate to the rear.
Attach the slide plate to the camera or camera mounting plate under the approximate centre of
the camera's weight using both camera mounting screws (1). Position the screws as far apart as
possible.
Set the platform level and engage the centre lock (3).
Push the slide plate and camera into the platform from the rear, ensuring slide lock release (13)
snaps into position.
NOTE: If the ambient light level is high, the level bubble will not be lit.

10
Mounting the camera (optional Quickfit adaptor)
If not already attached, secure the Quickfit adaptor (23) to the slide plate (14) with the two screws
provided (1).
Free the Quickfit wedge (22) from the adaptor by simultaneously pushing in the safety catch (25)
and operating the wedge release (24).
Fit the Quickfit wedge (22) to the camera with the two screws provided (21).
Set the platform level and engage the centre lock (3).
Insert the forward end of the wedge into the forward end of the adaptor. Lower the rear of the
wedge into the adaptor until an audible click indicates that the wedge is locked.
Mounting the camera (optional Quickfit adaptor)
(21)
(22)
(23)
(24)
(25)
(1)
(14)
(3)

11
Balancing the head
Balancing the Vision 250 headachieves 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 bal-
anced, the head and its payload can be set to any tilt position and the head will maintain this po-
sition with ‘hands off’.
Prior to balancing the head ensure that the pan bars and any ancillary equipment have been fitted
in order to prevent upsetting the balance once it has been achieved.
1. Release the centre lock (3) and the tilt brake (12). Turn the balance knob (2) counter-
clockwise until the head falls away from horizontal under the weight of the camera.
2. Release the slide plate clamp (15) and slide the camera backwards or forward until it bal-
ances horizontally. Apply the slide plate clamp (15).
3. Turn the balance knob (2) clockwise until the camera does not fall away when the head
is tilted and released.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until perfect balance is achieved, when the camera will remain set
at any angle from +90° to –90° without falling away or springing back. Re-apply the centre
lock (3) and the tilt brake (12).
Press the switch (9) and make a note of the digital display (7). This will facilitate rebalancing this
particular payload.
WARNING! Be prepared to prevent the head falling away suddenly.
NOTE: If the digital balance setting of the particular payload is known, press the
switch (9) and turn the balance knob until the digital display (6) shows that
setting.
NOTE: Maximum tilt angle is less than 90° for heavy payloads with a high C of G - see
balance graph.

12
Balancing the head
1 2
(10)
3
4

13
Locking the platform
The centre lock mechanism is operated by a slider on the rear of the head. To engage the lock,
hold the platform in the horizontal position and push the slider (3) to the left.
To release the centre lock, push the slider (3) to the right.
Pan and tilt brakes
Friction brakes on each axis allow the head to be locked at any chosen position. The operating
levers for the pan brake (11) and tilt brake (12) are fitted on the left-hand side of the head.
To apply the brake, turn the lever fully clockwise. To release the brake, turn the lever fully anti-
clockwise.
Pan and tilt 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 control knobs to adjust the drag set-
ting.
Both drag knobs are provided with illuminated scales, graduated from 0 to 9. To illuminate the
scales, press the switch (9). The lamp will extinguish after 15 seconds.
The tilt drag adjustment knob (10) is on the left-hand side of the head, the pan drag knob (19) is
on the right -hand side. To increase drag, turn the knob clockwise, towards a higher graduation.
To decrease drag, turn the knob anti-clockwise, towards a lower graduation.The whip-pan facility
is unaffected by the pan drag setting.
NOTE: If the ambient light level is high, the scales will not be lit.

14
Servicing
Routine maintenance
Replace the balance mechanism digital display battery yearly.
During use, check the following:
Check the effectiveness of the pan and tilt brakes. Reset as necessary.
Check the operation of the balance mechanism digital display and the illumination of the
level bubble and drag knobs. Replace battery if necessary.
No further routine maintenance is required.
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. Particular attention
should be paid to the levelling bowl and mounting face of the head and to the space between the
tilting assembly and the base.
All Vision heads are weatherproof. However, use out-of-doors under adverse conditions will re-
quirespecialattention.Salt sprayshouldbewashed offwithfreshwaterattheearliestopportunity.
Sand and dirt acts as an abrasive and should be removed using a semi-stiff brush or vacuum
cleaner.
Battery replacement
The battery powers the balance mechanism digital display and illuminates the level bubble and
thedrag knobscales.Allare operatedsimultaneouslyby pressingtheswitch(9)and remainactive
for approximately 15 seconds.
The battery should be replaced yearly or whenever the illumination is considered inade-
quate.
Prise out the battery cover (16).
Pull the battery (16.2) out of the battery compartment as far as the wiring will allow.
Pull the connector (16.1) off the terminals of the old battery and push it onto the terminals
of the new battery (16.2).
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.
NOTE: The illumination level of the digital display and the level bubble and the drag
knob scales varies with the intensity of the ambient light. If the ambient light
level is high, the level bubble and drag knob scales will not be lit.
Removal of the battery will not affect the calibration of the balance mechanism
display.

15
Install the battery (16.2) in the battery compartment, ensuring that the wiring is neatly
stowed.
Refit the battery cover (16).
Press the switch (9) and ensure that the balance mechanism digital display (6) is lit for ap-
proximately 15 seconds.
Put a finger over the light sensor (5) and press the switch (9). Ensure that the level bubble
(4) and drag knob scales (10)(19) are lit.
Battery replacement
(9)
(16.2)
(16.1)
(16)
BATTERY TYPE
9v, 6LR61 (PP3, 6AM6, MN1604, E-BLOCK)
Vinten Part No. C550-023

16
Balance mechanism digital display calibration
The digital display (6) indicates setting of the balance mechanism on a scale of 00 (minimum set-
ting) to HI (maximum setting). In the unlikely event of this system requiring calibration, proceed as
follows:
Level the platform and apply centre lock (3).
Turn the balance knob (2) fully clockwise to its maximum stop.
Press and hold the switch (9) for approximately eight seconds, until the digital display (6)
shows CA. Release the switch (9). The display shows HI.
With the balance knob (2) still turned fully clockwise, press and release the switch (9). The
display will now show LO.
Turn the balance knob (2) fully counter-clockwise to its minimum stop.
Press and release switch (9).
If the calibration is successful, the display will now show 00.
If unsuccessful, Er will be displayed. Pressing the switch (9) again, or waiting for 15 sec-
onds, will allow the system to revert to its previous settings. Calibration may now be carried
out again.
After calibration, rebalance the head (see Balancing the head).
NOTE: If more than 15 seconds is allowed to elapse between steps, the system will
shut down and revert to its previous settings.
Balance mechanism digital display calibration
3
4
5
2
1
(6)
(2)
(9)
(3)

17
Converting the base
Spares kits are available to convert the head from ball base to flat base versions and vice versa.
Kit3525-900SPcomprises a ball base, bowl clamp and fixing hardware;whilekit 3525-901SP has
a flat base, mounting bolts, and washers, a spanner and fixing hardware.
To change the base:
Remove the camera from the head.
On the base, remove four screws (17.1) and separate the base (17) from the head.
Position the replacement base on the head and secure with four screws (17.1), using Loc-
tite 222E.
Brake knob and drag control knob adjustment
The pan and tilt brake and drag controls may require adjustment after prolonged use. These ad-
justments should be carried out by competent persons as detailed in the Maintenance Manual.
The Maintenance Manual may be obtained from Vinten Broadcast Limited or your local Vinten dis-
tributor or from our website at www.vinten.com.
Converting the base
(17)
(17.1)

18
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.
Main assemblies
Vision 250 Pan and Tilt Head (flat base) 3465-3F
Vision 250 Pan and Tilt Head (100/150 mm ball mount) 3465-3S
Bowl clamp knob assembly 3330-30
Telescopic pan bar and clamp 3219-91
Camera mounting plate 3364-900SP
Fixing bolt (flat base) L054-714
Washer - for fixing bolt L602-122
Spanner - for head bolts J551-001
User-replaceable spare parts
Battery - 9V, 6LR61 (PP3, 6AM6, MN1604, E-BLOCK or equivalent) C550-023
Brake knob kit 3431-900SP
Optional accessories -base adaptor kits
Spherical base adaptor 3525-900SP
Flat base adaptor 3525-901SP
Optional accessories -Quickfit adaptors
ENG Quickfit Automatic Adaptor (with wedge plate) 3471-3
Quickfit wedge 3763-11
Optional accessories - tripod and pedestal adaptors
Levelling adaptor Quickfix to 4-bolt flat base 3077-3