2013Brackets/Widgets forum
Mickey balancing device for dynamic weight distribution in camera stabilization systems
13 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
Note (as of October 2026)Curt O. Schaller, the developer of Artemis and Trinity, has no longer been with ARRI since the end of 2025. To our knowledge, ARRI currently has no dedicated team and no official contact persons for its stabilizer systems. In our view, the future of this line is uncertain. If you are buying new, get written confirmation from ARRI beforehand on how long service and spare parts are guaranteed. Have used rigs checked by the manufacturer before you buy.
What the thread found
- The Mickey device helps identify whether weights in a stabilization system are properly centered on the post by measuring mass distribution below the gimbal.
- The tool indicates where additional weights are needed to achieve proper balance around the post center.
- Perfect 100% dynamic balance according to theoretical calculations is difficult to achieve in practical daily use, but 98% balance achieved quickly is preferable to attempting perfect balance.
- Rotating a system during a spinning balance test differs from real-world operation, which involves pans, stops, and hand movements that create different weight distribution requirements.
- When a system stops suddenly, collected weights take approximately 4 seconds to settle at the gimbal fork center, but if the operator's hand is positioned below center and additional movements are needed, more operator control becomes necessary to prevent instability.
Depends on
- The device measures relative positions of masses below the gimbal but cannot directly calculate torque differences produced by weights at different distances from the rotation point.
- The 98% balance standard represents a practical compromise rather than theoretical ideal.
- Real-world operational demands such as fast pans and hard stops create balancing challenges beyond what static spinning tests simulate.
- Device compatibility depends on specific post diameter dimensions.
- The approach assumes masses below the gimbal are the primary concern, though camera and equipment mounted above also affect overall balance.
Gear in this thread
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