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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Letus Gimbal

Fantastic Hiene. You're really bringing it...thank you.



hienle said:
I don't see why not. Also, the joystick will have the momentary switch to change profile. To switch between follow and lock for example
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Terry VerHaar said:
From a very basic standpoint, it seems to me that you are envisioning a somewhat different system than the Helix is. Did you go to LetusHelix.com? While the 1 and 2 axis systems will work very well on top of a steadicam sled, tripod or jib, the 3 and 4 axis systems would seem to be less suited for that and meant more for handheld operation (but it will be fun to experiment). There is also a lot of discussion and excitement about the 4th axis bracket which will allow use on a vest/arm system without the sled.

I cannot speak for Letus but I personally plan to attach the 1 or 2 axis Helix to the sliding plate on the top of the sled which, at least in the case of my unit, has its own safety device to avoid sliding off. I am not familiar with the specific set-up of the Steadicam so perhaps that observation doesn't apply.

The issue of optical stabilizers was also addressed in the thread. The Helix does not use optical stabilizers as it is built on the Alexmos system which, apparently, does not employ them in its standard configuration. The Helix does, however, utilize a second IMU for additional accuracy in stabilization. As stated on the Letus Helix web site:
  • Second IMU that increases the short-term precision of the stabilization 10x-30x times.
I admit, your discussion of lens stabilization confused me as, to my knowledge, none of the gimbal stabilizers exert any control over the lens.

Otherwise, the group buy information all there. The RU group buy is no longer available as it has sold out. You said you had separate orders in directly with Letus so I assume you have some contact with them directly. Of course, the deposit we all made is refundable per the terms posted when we signed up.


Hope that helps.
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Helps. Thanks. I've not only been to the website, I have been watching their progress since they showed the ring version of Helix a couple of years ago. I will be going with 4 axis system to use full system handheld and on my steadicam arm, etc not so much on the rig but maybe with a 2nd operator controlling it. I plan to use the single axis from that on the rig much like I use the Omega AR which is why I am most interested in the topic of Horizon stabilization. Everything revolves around that ability. I get using the 2nd IMU for more accuracy. The question is how accurate? I brought up lens controls as a point of reference on the accuracy that is possible by introducing optical encoders into a system, any system whether it is a lens control or a gimbal stabilizer or a computer trackball. Optical encoders can be used to show accurate positioning. They are not in and of themselves stabilizers, just positioning indicators but they let the system know where they are at all times so moves are more accurate and repeatable so if you want to set an exact Dutch angle and then go back to level and then back to that same Dutch angle, you could with say, a "go to" button on the joystick maybe. What kind of rig do you own? I have owned just about every profesional rig out there including PRO, XCS, MK-V and my Tiffen Ultra2 and the PRO is the only one of those that has the safety mechanism on the topstage but it requires that the camera dovetail plates have a cutout along the edge. They all have plate clamping systems but that is not a safety system. XCS, MK-V and Tiffen require that the safety be on the dovetail plate as in the photos I showed. Things happen on set and clamps loosen so a safety is crucial.

Grayson Grant Austin, SOC
 
Without optical encoding or some other positioning scheme, it seems as though errors will accumulate and the horizon (most important axis for this IMHO) will begin to drift. If this is true, how often does the rig need to be reset? I'm planning on using it during an event that lasts several hours. Will I have to calibrate it during that time or will it be stable for the duration?
 
Out of curiosity, are optical encoders the type of thing that could be retrofitted as an upgrade somewhere down the line if Letus were interested/able to offer that? I think I'm happy with the current scheme, just something that crossed my mind.

It was great to wake up to that e-mail! Thanks again Hien/Aaron and Letus for staying on top of it with communication like you do. I think it has really gone a long way with people.
 
Paul Kalbach said:
I signed the NDA and registered for the forum, but still haven't received the email that is supposed to link back for completion of registration. I don't see a way of contacting the board administrator on the board site.
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I signed the NDA but didn't hear anything back. Where did you get the forum link?
 
Hey guys. I'm still doing some final tweaks to the private forum. If you registered there and signed the NDA, we will get your account activated soon. Hang tight!
 
Aaron Pinto said:
Hey guys. I'm still doing some final tweaks to the private forum. If you registered there and signed the NDA, we will get your account activated soon. Hang tight!
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Hmmmm... I am a bit confused. I signed the NDA via the email I received and got the returned copy but I didn't see a forum address. :huh:
 
Yep - I am in the same boat as Brian. I don't see any links or language of that sort in my emails.

My letter said "Once signed, we will contact with details for accessing the forum." (sic)
 
Last edited:
Sorry, a few of you may not have received the link in the original email. PM me if you need it.
 
Are we supposed to be seeing something on the private forums? I see a forum index but zero posts in each category.
 
Didn't have any link either... Aaron PM'ed.
 
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