SteadiHub
2006Camera Stage/Donkey Box forum

Wireless motorized top stage experiencing uncontrolled backward drift when Preston MDR controller is connected

20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

What the thread found

  • A motorized top stage began moving the camera backward uncontrollably several years into operation, with the problem stopping only when the Preston MDR power was disconnected.
  • The malfunction occurred consistently on set but could not be reproduced in the manufacturer's workshop when the Preston MDR was not connected.
  • Switching from an older MDR to an MDR-2 unit did not resolve the problem.
  • The issue persists when walkie-talkies are used, suggesting they are not the cause.
  • The receiver unit has a small stubby antenna pointing horizontally to the right of the rig.
  • Power supply interaction with the Preston MDR or electromagnetic interference was suspected as a potential cause.

Depends on

  • This is an earlier generation Ultra motorized top stage, likely built around 2000-2001.
  • The problem was reported on location but could not be reproduced in a controlled workshop environment.
  • No definitive root cause was identified during the troubleshooting process.
  • The manufacturer's testing methods differed from the user's operational setup.
  • The discussion does not provide details about specific Preston MDR settings or power configurations that might have triggered the issue.

Gear in this thread

MDR

Parts

Top Stage

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