2014Sled forum
Mounting a Kenyon 6x6 gyro on an Ultra2 sled with remote battery power via backpack umbilical
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A single gyro unit simplifies setup compared to rigging two separate gyros that must be individually matched and aligned at exactly 90 degrees to each other.
- Standard Anton Bauer mounts have noticeable play and require additional stabilization such as Velcro patches when used as gyro mounts on a sled.
- A gyro performs optimally when oriented perfectly flat on a sled, which may require adjustment when mounting on a tiltable battery plate.
- Gyro startup requires significant power draw that can damage expensive battery systems, so using a separate dedicated car battery for initial spinup is recommended before connecting to main sled power.
- Once gyros reach full speed after about five minutes, their power consumption drops substantially.
- A 6x6 gyro adds approximately five to seven pounds of weight and creates noticeable torque forces on the sled during panning.
- Mounting gyros directly on the battery plate may subject that plate to torque and strain loads it was not designed to handle.
- Remote powering of gyros via an umbilical from a backpack battery system allows quick setup and removal of gyro capability without extensive rig reconfiguration.
Depends on
- The Anton Bauer adapter plate mounting approach may not be optimal due to its inherent play and the battery plate's design limitations.
- Weight distribution becomes a consideration when adding a 6x6 gyro; some operators compensated by adding second batteries to the camera for balance.
- Discussion includes theoretical questions about how gyro forces affect dynamic balance that were not fully resolved in the thread.
- Timeframe for gyro spinup and operational setup in fast-paced production environments is a practical constraint.
- Experiences shared relate primarily to Kenyon gyro systems; compatibility with other brands not discussed.