2023Sled forum
Upgrading and customizing a Pilot camera sled with modern components and internal wiring
What the thread found
- A monitor mount marketed on the manufacturer's website may not match the pictured version and quality standards, so verification before purchase is advisable.
- Tilta rosette mounts can be adapted for use on camera rigs by replacing the rosettes with direct bolt mounting through M4 fasteners.
- Carbon fiber rods reduce weight compared to aluminum alternatives in camera rig construction.
- A coiled push-pull cable can be reshaped by cutting it in half, straightening one end, rewrapping the coil around a mandrel like a screwdriver, and applying heat from a heat gun to set the new coil structure.
- Voltage distribution boards designed for V-mount battery systems can be repurposed for powering multi-voltage devices in custom rigs when dimensions allow.
- Running multiple power voltages through a single coiled cable with push-pull connectors reduces cable clutter inside the sled post.
- Soldering 18 AWG wire to push-pull connectors requires significant patience and attention to detail.
- A sled configuration using a Canon XH-A1 with external monitor, battery, and converter hardware can reach approximately 15 pounds, which approaches the practical weight limit for some camera arm supports.
- Modern compact camcorders like the JVC GY-HM180 weigh significantly less than older models, but balance adjustment on the gimbal becomes critical when mounting lightweight cameras on existing rigs.
- Custom circuit board solutions from battery accessory manufacturers are more reliable than stacked adjustable voltage regulators for powering multiple devices from a single battery source.
Depends on
- The weight and balance results were measured with an older Canon XH-A1 and a Marshall monitor; a lighter 4K monitor would change the overall weight.
- The modifications were performed by someone with access to machine tools and hardware supplies; results may vary for builders with different resources.
- The arm being used was reported as nearly at capacity; different arm models would have different weight limits.
- The modifications required extended timelines due to ordering parts online and limited availability in the builder's location.
- The SDI cable routing solution relied on a specific piece of aluminum salvaged from an incompatible gimbal stabilizer, making exact replication difficult for others.