What the thread found

• Camera balance within the Wave stabilizer is critical for proper performance, requiring the center of gravity to align with the exact center of rotation.
• Improper balance causes the sled to become unstable when tilted off level, progressively falling further rather than maintaining position.
• A properly balanced Wave stabilizer should not require changes to drop time settings, as the camera behavior should remain identical to operation without the Wave.
• Balance can be achieved through riser plates under the camera, repositioning accessories, counterweights on articulated arms, or commercial adjustable risers.
• Testing for bottom-heavy builds involves rotating the camera slightly while in the Wave; if it returns to level it is bottom-heavy and needs weight moved upward.
• Testing for top-heavy builds involves rotating the camera slightly while in the Wave; if it falls further off level it is top-heavy and needs weight moved downward.
• Achieving perfect balance across the full rotational range is ideal, though the stabilizer performs acceptably with minor imbalance.
• Bottom-heavy builds create unstable squirrelly behavior while side-heavy builds cause the motor to work harder than necessary.

Depends on

• Discussion focuses on Wave1 model specifically.
• Recommendations are based on individual experience rather than systematic testing.
• Optimal riser plate configuration varies depending on specific camera build and accessory configuration.

Gear in this thread

MDR

Parts

Base Plate

Same gear or parts

1. 2026Power loss on Trinity 2 / Artemis 2 with large cameras (A35, Venice): causes and battery solutions.DisputedFacebookArri Artemis Trinity
2. 2026Swapping the camera between tripod and rig: the cheapest upgrade most operators never makeOperator practice
3. 2026Operating a Steadicam® Zephyr without Volt: drop time, horizon control, and the effect of upper-rig weight distribution on balance.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
4. 2026Swapping an ARRI ALEXA 35 between tripod/studio and Steadicam® mounting: baseplate choice and fastest workflow.FacebookSteadicam operators group