Docking Ring

27 threads in the archive

Based on 40 threads · 16 cited

AI draft, not reviewedDraft, written by AI from the archive, every statement linked to its source — not yet reviewed.

A docking ring is the collar on your post that the rig rests on when it's docked, and for a PRO locking part under a junction box with a Gorelock 2 as the bracket, a 2-inch collar is correct 1. For low mode, the extra ring goes on the main post, not at the sled nose, and on Tiffen rigs it sits below the clamp 5. Watch for slipping, because camera weight can slowly push a collar down the post even when the measurements look right 8.

The questions 6

What size docking collar or ring fits my rig?4 threads · latest 2023

In short

For a PRO locking part beneath a junction box with a Gorelock 2 as the docking bracket, a 2-inch collar is correct 1. The Trinity thread gives no collar size for the carbon post 2.

How the pros do it

Match the collar to your rig, because the sources give sizes for only two setups, the Archer post 3 and the PRO locking part 1.
On the PRO locking part beneath a junction box with a Gorelock 2 as the docking bracket, fit a 2-inch collar 1. That came from a video reference and was not independently verified 1.
The post on an Archer camera is 1.5 inches 3. That came from a single response, and the poster was still waiting on the manufacturer to confirm it 3.
On an Artemis/Trinity, multiple operators dock with a Hill collar beneath the blue ARRI collar on the carbon post 2. Don't overtighten it, because it tends to migrate upward against the ARRI collar over time 2.
For the bolts on a Pro GPI docking collar, use a 5/32 inch Allen wrench, or a 4mm if you don't have one 4. That is a 2009 assumption, not a confirmed spec 4.

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Where does the extra docking ring go for low mode?4 threads · latest 2018

In short

It goes on the main post, not at the sled nose, and the exact spot depends on your sled model 5. On Tiffen rigs it sits below the clamp 5.

How the pros do it

Put the extra ring on the main post rather than at the sled nose 5.
On a Tiffen rig, place the additional ring below the clamp 5.
On XCS and PRO models, the clamp goes above the lower kip on the main post 5.
Let the docking bracket rest on a collar on the post assembly, not on the post clamp itself 6.
Think about weight distribution when you pick the spot, so you don't overload the clamp and kip assembly 5.
Skip a collar below the gimbal if you have a telescoping post, because the ring can squeeze and slightly deform the post 7.

Caution

On the Zephyr, the sled base lacks a proper docking collar, and improper docking can cause damage 6. A ring below the gimbal can deform a telescoping post and may block the gimbal when the camera is inverted 7.

Opinions differ here

Operators don't agree on one docking approach 6. Some dock in low mode so the rig is ready to fly immediately, especially when other departments need frame references before the flight 6. Others dock in high mode for easier reloading and inspection, then rotate the image in post 6. The placement thread also showed disagreement over the right position on different equipment types 5.

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Why does my docking collar slip down the post?3 threads · latest 2025

In short

Camera weight can slowly push a collar down the post even when the measured dimensions look right 8. Collar variants from the same manufacturer have inconsistent tolerances, so some run looser than others 8.

How the pros do it

Suspect the collar's tolerance first, because some units of the same model are tighter or looser than others 8.
Try a split collar with two independent screws on each side, which clamps more evenly than a single-hinge design 8.
Older dual-screw split collars may hold better than newer hinged variants 8.
Roughen the post surface with sandpaper to add friction, but that fix was only suggested, not confirmed 8.
Pick a collar with a stop pin, which keeps the locking ring from shifting 8.
Check your bolts are snug with a 5/32 inch Allen wrench, or a 4mm if you don't have one, though that size was assumed and not a confirmed spec 4.

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Which docking bracket works with my gimbal, and can I modify it?3 threads · latest 2021

In short

On a Volt gimbal, the dedicated Tiffen bracket is the cleanest choice, since its balancing pin sits left of the mount point 9. You can modify a dock for tilt, but only with precision machining and regular checks 10.

How the pros do it

Use the Tiffen bracket if you can, because you lift the rig onto its balancing pin without pulling the docking pin or rotating the dock 9.
If you keep your Hill bracket with the Tiffen fork, watch the gimbal parts, because that setup gives more chances for accidental collisions 9.
The Tiffen dock sits below the gimbal, so keep your hands clear when you place the rig 9.
Never trust set screws alone on the F-bracket and arm post, and back them up with a metal collar bolted onto the post 11. Put threadlocker on the set screws and check them regularly 11.
For low mode, add a second docking collar, so you don't have to invert the camera or flip the rig to dock 11.
For temporary tilt, put the sled on the balance pin and slip an Allen wrench between the docking collar and fork 10. For a permanent tilt, a channel filed into the Gorelock fork gives a 180-degree groove for the lower set pin, but only with proper technique 10.

Caution

Set screws alone can loosen and drop the whole rig and camera 11. Permanent dock modifications carry significant safety risk without precision machining, and temporary tilt solutions should never be left unattended 10.

Opinions differ here

Some users accept the Tiffen dock below the gimbal 9. Others prefer the extra clearance above the gimbal that comes from keeping the Gorelock with ring 9.

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What's the safest way to hang my arm on the dock?3 threads · latest 2018

In short

Don't hang it through the O-ring around the aircraft pin, because a fall can bend the pin 12. Use a webbing loop, a loop through the docking bracket, or a braided tie-line hanging point instead 12.

How the pros do it

Skip the O-ring around the aircraft pin, since the pin can bend if the arm falls 12.
Put a webbing loop around the aircraft pin, which is standard on Zephyr arms 12.
Or thread a loop through the bottom circle of the docking bracket assembly 12.
Or braid tie line through the gap in the socket block assembly, which gives you a dedicated hanging point that stays out of the way during operation 12.
On a C-stand, wrap the contact points with a padded lens wrap or foam pipe insulation to protect the arm and sled from repeated docking 12.
On a Glidecam V-25 dock, hang the arm sideways between its upper and lower sections on the angled post next to the balancing pin, not vertically through the pin holes 13.

Caution

A falling arm can bend the aircraft pin if it hangs from the O-ring 12. Hanging a V-25 arm vertically through the bearing rings may damage cables or pop the rings out if struck 13.

Opinions differ here

One operator says hanging the V-25 arm vertically through the bearing rings can damage internal cables or pop the rings out if struck 13. Another contributor doubted that cable damage and bearing problems can actually happen, so the severity of the risk is unresolved 13.

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Which docking stand should I buy, and why do pins fail?3 threads · latest 2015

In short

Go for a steel stand such as the American Grip Steadicam® stand, because aluminum stands bend pins more easily 14 15. Pins fail because a single small pin takes the stress of mounting and removing the rig again and again 14.

How the pros do it

Buy steel over aluminum, since steel stands with reinforced pins and internal steel sleeves last longer than aluminum ones 14.
The American Grip Steadicam® stand has a footprint between a baby and a junior stand, and its steel build gives enough weight and center of gravity without sandbags 15.
If you need a wide base for dynamic balancing, the American stand needs the optional wheel kit 16. The Backstage Carts 8-inch pneumatic kit rolls over cables better, but it adds weight and the stand no longer folds completely 15.
Check that your Hill docking bracket sits fully down on the pin, because a bracket that doesn't adds stress and failure risk 14. Shorten the pin slightly so the bracket seats on the rubber O-ring 14.
Add a second anti-rotation pin to cut the spinning that wears the main pin, and have an equipment specialist fabricate it 14.
Move the rig on a cart or on a padded platform instead of rolling it on the stand over rough ground, since that vibration can damage the docking collar threading 16.

Caution

A single docking pin can fail and drop the rig if you have no backup support in place 14. C-stands used for Steadicam® support carry a higher tip-over risk outdoors 16.

Opinions differ here

Operators have not settled on one best stand, and the aluminum versus steel question stays open in the 2015 discussion 16. Light-duty aluminum options like the Matthews Hollywood Beefy Baby give wide bases but may be unstable with heavy camera setups 16. The 2006 pin-failure accounts, though, point to aluminum stands bending pins more readily than steel 14.

What changed

Earlier, in 2005, operators recommended the 8-inch pneumatic wheel upgrade for the American stand to roll over cables 15, while today, in 2015, operators say the wheels add significant weight and complicate transport on uneven terrain 16.

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Sources 16

All 16 sources

What operators found

Still argued about

Often in the same threads

Docking Bracket6, Volt4, Low Mode8, Top Stage4

All threads

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