Vinten Vision 3 Manual

Vinten
Camera Control Solutions
Operators Guide
Vision 3
Pan & Tilt Head

Vision 3
Pan and Tilt Head
Publication Part No. 3543-8 Issue 4
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 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
Head 2.3 kg (5.0 lb)
Pan bar 0.2 kg (0.4 lb)
Bowl clamp 0.14 kg (0.3 lb)
Height to mounting face 12.1 cm (4.76 in.)
Length 12.9 cm (5.08 in.)
Width 14.8 cm (5.83 in.)
Load capacity Up to 10 kg (22 lb), dependent on spring fitted
Tilt range ±90°
Pan range 360°
Tripod fixing 75 mm ball
Further information
For further information or advice regarding this pan and tilt head, please contact Vinten Broadcast
Limited, your local Vinten distributor (see back cover) or visit our website.
For full details on maintenance and spare parts, please refer to the Vision 3 Pan and Tilt Head
Maintenance Manual and Illustrated Parts List (Publication Part No. 3543-9) This is obtainable
from Vinten 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 on a tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mounting the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Checking the camera balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Pan and tilt brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Pan and tilt drag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Servicing
Routine maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Battery replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Brake knob and drag control knob adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Changing the balance spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Parts list. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Associated publication
Vision 3 Pan and Tilt Head
Maintenance Manual
Publication Part No. 3543-9

5
(1) Battery compartment
(2) Switch for illuminated level bubble
(3) Pan drag adjustment knob
(4) Illuminated level bubble
(5) Pan brake knob
(6) Pan bar mounting
(7) Tilt brake knob
(8) Slide lock release
Vision 3 (Left-Hand Side)
(8) (1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(7)
(6)
(5)

6
(9) Slide plate
(10) Spring cover plate
(11) Tilt drag adjustment knob
(12) Bowl clamp
(13) Slide plate clamp
(14) Pan bar
(15) 3/8 in. Camera mounting screws
(16) VHS Adaptor
Vision 3 (Right-Hand Side)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(13)
(15)
(14)
(12)
(16)

7
Introduction
The Vision 3 pan and tilt head embodies LF drag assemblies for pan and tilt motions and an ad-
justable camera mounting plate. It is available in different balance spring configurations, which en-
ables it to balance a wide range of cameras.
Both the pan and tilt mechanisms incorporate the patented Vinten lubricated friction (LF) system
to ensure smooth movement of the camera about these axes and are fitted with control knobs (3)
(11) to adjust the drag setting.
The whip-pan facility is unaffected by the pan drag setting.
Friction brakes on each axis allow the head to be locked at any chosen position. The operating
knobs for both brakes (5)(7) are fitted at the left-hand side of the head.
An illuminated level bubble (4) is fitted to the rear of the head. When the switch (2) is pressed, the
bubble will be illuminated for approximately 15 seconds. The battery for the illuminated bubble is
contained in a battery compartment (1).
Pan bar mounting points (6) are located at the rear of the head, on either side of the camera
mounting platform. The pan bar is attached using a pan bar clamp, with angular adjustment avail-
able on the mount serrations. A fixed pan bar (14) is supplied. A second pan bar may be fitted.
The camera is attached to the head by means of a slide plate (9) and 3/8 in. screws (15) or the
VHS adaptor (16) (see Mounting the camera). A clamp (13) is provided to hold the slide plate in
position and a lock (8) prevents its inadvertent removal from the head.

8
Operation
Installing the head on a tripod
The Vision 3 pan and tilt head is supplied with an integral 75 mm ball mount, designed for instal-
lation on a compatible Vinten Vision tripod.
Adaptors are available which enable the head to be installed on tripods or pedestals fitted with
other mountings. These are listed under Optional accessories - tripod and pedestal adaptors.
To install the head, remove the bowl clamp assembly (12) from the head, position the head on the
tripod and refit the bowl clamp assembly from below. Level the head with the aid of the level bub-
ble (4) and tighten the bowl clamp. The level bubble may be illuminated by pressing the switch (2).
The light will extinguish after approximately 15 seconds.
Mounting the camera (VHS adaptor)
(9)
(15)
(16)
(8)
(13)

9
Mounting the camera
Mounting the camera (3/8 in. mounting screws)
Remove the slide plate (9) from the head by releasing the slide plate clamp (13), pressing the slide
lock release (8) and pulling the plate out 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 mounting screws (15).
Set the platform level and apply both the pan and tilt brakes (5)(7).
Push the slide plate and camera into the track in the platform, ensuring the slide lock release (8)
snaps into position.
Check the balance of the camera (see Checking the camera balance).
Mounting the camera (VHS adaptor)
The VHS adaptor (16) consists of a VHS pin and a 1/4 in. BSW camera mounting screw connected
by a plastic link.
To mount the camera using the VHS adaptor, proceed as follows:
Remove the slide plate (9) from the head by releasing the slide plate clamp (13), pressing
the slide lock release (8) and pulling the plate out to the rear.
Remove the two 3/8 in. BSW camera mounting screws (15) from the slide plate.
Position the VHS adaptor (16) in the longer slot in the slide plate, with the pin facing for-
wards. Screw the pin securely into the slide plate.
Secure the slide plate to the camera with the 1/4 in. BSW camera mounting screw, ensuring
the pin engages in the hole in the camera.
Set the platform level and apply both the pan and tilt brakes (5)(7).
Push the slide plate and camera into the track in the platform, ensuring the slide lock re-
lease (8) snaps into position.
Check the balance of the camera (see Checking the camera balance).
Checking the camera balance
The Vision 3 pan and tilt head is available in different balance spring configurations, which enables
it to balance a wide range of cameras.
Check the camera balance as follows, remembering to ensure that the pan bar(s) and any ancil-
lary equipment have been fitted:
Reduce tilt drag (11) to minimum.
Release the tilt brake (7).
NOTE: Be prepared to prevent the head falling away suddenly.

10
Position the camera correctly on the head by releasing the slide plate clamp (13) and sliding
the camera backwards or forward until it balances horizontally. Apply the slide plate clamp
(13).
Using the pan bar, tilt the head backwards and forwards. If the head tends to fall away, a
stronger spring should be fitted. If the head tends to spring back, a weaker spring should
be fitted (see Changing the balance spring).
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 (5) and tilt brake (7) are fitted at the left-hand side of the head.
To apply the brake, turn the lever fully clockwise. To release the brake, turn the lever fully counter-
clockwise.
Pan and tilt drag
Both the pan and tilt mechanisms incorporate the Vinten LF system to ensure smooth movement
of the camera about these axes and are fitted with control knobs to adjust the drag setting.
The pan drag adjustment knob (3) is rear of the head, the tilt drag knob (11) is on the right -hand
side. The whip-pan facility is unaffected by the pan drag setting.
Both drag knobs are provided with graduated scales. To increase drag, turn the knob towards a
higher graduation. To decrease drag, turn the knob towards a lower graduation.
WARNING! When the brakes are not in use, always turn the levers fully
counter-clockwise.
DO NOT use the brakes to supplement drag.
NOTE: Reduce drag to a minimum when the head is out of use for long periods.

11
Servicing
Routine maintenance
During use, check the following:
Check the illumination of the level bubble. Replace battery if necessary.
Check the effectiveness of the pan and tilt drag controls. Reset as necessary.
Check the effectiveness of the pan and tilt brakes. Reset as 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-
quire 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
Battery replacement
The battery illuminates the level bubble (4) when the switch (2) is pressed. The level bubble re-
mains lit for approximately 15 seconds.
The battery should be replaced yearly or whenever the illumination is considered inadequate.
To replace the battery:
Tilt the head forwards to allow access to the battery cover (1) and apply the tilt brake (7).
Using a thin-bladed screwdriver or similar tool, prise off the battery cover (1).
Pull the battery (1.1) out of the battery compartment.
Push the replacement battery into the battery compartment, observing the correct polarity.
Refit the battery cover (1).
Press the switch (2) and ensure that the level bubble (4) is lit for approximately 15 seconds.
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.

12
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.
Battery replacement
(1)
(1.1)
(2)
(4)
(7)

13
Changing the balance spring
The Vision 3 pan and tilt head is available in different balance spring configurations, which enables
it to balance a wide range of cameras.
If the head tends to fall away when tilted, a stronger spring should be fitted. If it tends to spring
back, a weaker spring should be fitted.
For advice on the spring for a particular camera, please contact Vinten Broadcast Limited or your
local distributor, or visit our website at www.vinten.com.
Spring strength is indicated by a number and colour, as follows:
weakest
1Silver
2Grey
5Green
8Red
9Black
10 Yellow
strongest
Changing the balance spring
(7)
(10)(10.1)
(10.2)
(10.3)
(10.4)

14
To replace the balance spring:
Tilt the head to gain access to the spring cover plate (10) and apply the tilt brake (7).
Press down on the dimpled area of the spring cover plate (10) and slide it off.
Release the tilt brake and tilt the head to gain access to the spring end cap (10.1). Unscrew
the cap using a suitable screwdriver, coin or similar.
Remove the balance spring (10.2).
Fit the replacement balance spring (10.2) ensuring it is correctly seated in the spring actu-
ator (10.4).
Screw the spring end cap (10.1) down hard onto the spring adjustment ring (10.3) until the
spring is compressed and the endstop is reached.
Slide in the spring cover plate (10).
NOTE: The position of the spring adjustment ring (10.3) is factory set and should not
be altered.
WARNING! To prevent possible personal injury, do not operate the Vision 3
pan and tilt head without the spring cover plate fitted.

15
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.
Main assemblies
Vision 3 pan and tilt head 3543-3
Bowl clamp knob assembly 3330-30
Pan bar and clamp 3219-78
Camera mounting plate, with 3/8 in. BSF screws and VHS pin adaptor 3449-900SP
VHS pin adaptor 3330-29
User-replaceable spare parts
Brake knob kit 3431-900SP
Battery (‘N’ type) C550-024
Balance spring kits, comprising spring, spring cover plate and instructions:
Spring strength 1 (silver) U005-161
Spring strength 2 (grey) U005-162
Spring strength 5 (green) U005-165
Spring strength 8 (red) U005-168
Spring strength 9 (black) U005-169
Spring strength 10 (yellow) U005-170
Optional accessories - Quickfit adaptors
ENG Quickfit Automatic Adaptor (with wedge plate) 3371-3
Quickfit wedge 3763-11
Optional accessories - tripod and pedestal adaptors
75 mm ball to 100 mm bowl adaptor U005-159