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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

Anyone know if the second wave started yet?

Or is first wave still on for delivery?
 
Note Suwanchote said:
Thanks Nikk, we've dialed in a new profile and will be testing it today (hopefully).

This week I'm going to go with my brother to visit Hien and bring a friend's Fs700. Exciting times.
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WOW. Awesome!! WOW...you are going to have your Helix really dialed in by time you get back! Keep us posted!

best
 
Dan Kanes said:
Note - that looked pretty nice! I like the grade. looking forward to seeing it get even better once you feel the Yaw is fully dialed, but looks like a good start.
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Thanks Dan!

I have 2 units with me. One was the one I shot with on the Pier but the one on that video was a different one. The same profile didn't work as well on that body and I'll be adjusting it in the next few days.
The amazing thing was that I emailed Hien at 930PM and at 1200AM and received a new unit at 700pm (I'm in Seattle and they're in Portland).

Tomorrow we'll be going to visit Letus HQ and hopefully bring an FS700 with us.
Also I noticed the lack of pics of the Helix.





 
Note,
Which lens are you going to test with the FS700?

For a project I need to use a Canon EF 70-200 f2.8 L IS II lens with a 2x TC. However I am not sure 1) if the Helix can accommodate the length of the lens and 2) if the Helix can balance long lenses and give good results. I am told that Movi M10 can take max a canon EF 70-200 lens. I guess Ronin can take long lenses in the XL version. I wonder what is the max Helix can take. Can anyone please test if a Canon 70-200 f2.8 II lens with a 2X converter or a Canon 100-400 work with the Helix?
 
Its been pretty quite here of late.

I have contacted Letus three times via web and so far no reply.

Has delivery of the second wave started?
 
Sabyasachi Patra said:
Note,
Which lens are you going to test with the FS700?

For a project I need to use a Canon EF 70-200 f2.8 L IS II lens with a 2x TC. However I am not sure 1) if the Helix can accommodate the length of the lens and 2) if the Helix can balance long lenses and give good results. I am told that Movi M10 can take max a canon EF 70-200 lens. I guess Ronin can take long lenses in the XL version. I wonder what is the max Helix can take. Can anyone please test if a Canon 70-200 f2.8 II lens with a 2X converter or a Canon 100-400 work with the Helix?
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I'm taking the FS700 with a Canon 16-35mm 2.8 + adapter and a Sigma 18--35mm 1.8 Nikon with adapter
 
Whats everyone's first time shopping list in regards to the Helix?

How many Juice Box at first purchase did you buy?

Do you think one can get by with a single Box?

What is the first two "must purchase" items do you suggest?

I can see myself going North of 6K at fist try, please help me down from the ledge ;)
 
I've gone the third-axis only, partly to keep the initial cost down and also to see what sort of preferred vest/arm develops for the 4th-axis. I have an F5 so my needs are slightly different from Dragon people. I got the two-batt pack, case, single charger and Bluetooth with 2nd op module, etc as these have to be fitted in the factory. I also returned my Helix mid-delivery (Thanks GT for great service and initiative!!!) to get the second power box with the two extra Lemos. I should get my unit here in Australia within the next fortnight.
 
Peter Corbett said:
...I got the two-batt pack, case, single charger and Bluetooth with 2nd op module, etc as these have to be fitted in the factory. I also returned my Helix mid-delivery (Thanks GT for great service and initiative!!!) to get the second power box with the two extra Lemos...
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Are people finding the joystick option usefull..? also the second power box..?
 
Eric Santiago said:
Whats everyone's first time shopping list in regards to the Helix?

How many Juice Box at first purchase did you buy?

Do you think one can get by with a single Box?

What is the first two "must purchase" items do you suggest?

I can see myself going North of 6K at fist try, please help me down from the ledge ;)
Click to expand...

If you plan on running the camera from the Juice Box, one is not enough. You can power both for 25-30 minutes this way. They seem to recharge pretty fast so two may be enough if you take care and protect the battery usage. Three or 4 is probably ideal. Of course, if you power with a Brick or AB from a belt, disregard as those will go for a long time. The Helix itself doesn't seem terribly power hungry.

Bluetooth and RC are not absolute necessities but, since they have to be factory installed, I ordered them up front. Not sure it makes sense to wait and have them installed later. If you absolutely must pare down your order, you can wait on the 4th axis, depending on your intended use. Also, I guess you could always order the joystick later as well. Second power box is nice (mine is going back to get it, among other tweaks) but perhaps not essential; depends on your set-up (how to power wireless FF or monitor transmitter).

Yes, you could end up north of $6K if you get it all.
 
How much weight does the Juice and cage take up?

How does the second power box work?

I have a belt but love the fact that you can man-handle the Helix like chef knife ;)
 
Eric Santiago said:
How much weight does the Juice and cage take up?

How does the second power box work?

I have a belt but love the fact that you can man-handle the Helix like chef knife ;)
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The 5200mA battery plus aluminum cage is just under a pound.

The second power box (which I don't yet have) is mounted just below the first on and has two x 2-pin lemo plugs to pass additional power from the slip ring to accessories mounted on the camera. I believe it passes a full 12v. So, the more power you draw from the Juice Box, the shorter your total run tim will be. With 30 minutes of camera-on power draw being the up side, you'll need to plan your battery usage.
 
Thanks Terry.

Does the second juice box cage required to be setup at initial order?

So its twice the run time e.g 30 to 60 min with they second attached?

Thanks again!
 
Eric Santiago said:
Thanks Terry.

Does the second juice box cage required to be setup at initial order?

So its twice the run time e.g 30 to 60 min with they second attached?

Thanks again!
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No, Eric. Sorry for the lack of clarity. The second power box is not a Juice Box. It is a power tap to provide connectors to deliver power to additional accessories. It is like the basic one but instead of an HD/SDI (BNC) plug + a power tap, it is just two power taps.

The only Juice Box option right now is the single battery one. Letus talked about offering two battery options, the heavier 5200mA and a lighter 2700mA but I don't see t he latter one in the store yet. It would, of course, offer less run time.

Oh, and yes, the second power box does need to be factory installed so it is best to order it up front to avoid additional shipping and install charges.
 
Do you think its a must more so than the BlueTooth/RF options?

I dont see myself using a second but you never know :)

Its good that Fourth Axis is optional and dont require a return to mfg.

Did you buy the case and is it worth it?
 
RE: Extra Power Box - do you need to power additional items on the camera? My wireless monitor system works fine with a small battery but I tend to run my wireless FF from an onboard source. Thus, the extra power outlets does this; since the main one is the pass through to the camera. If you are going to run a very lean system, you could do without the extra box. I would avoid, however, running any wires to the camera or accessories from sources away from the camera platform. Is it essential? No... until the day it is. LOL

Case - IMO, cases are always hard because, at first look, they seem so unessential. But, it always turns out they are the best way to protect the investment and prevent equipment from being scattered all over. This particular case is very good for what it does and, if you look at the cost of bare cases and custom foam, it is well priced. You could always buy a Pelican 1600 and fit it with a divider system but I don't think you will save a ton. Or, hold off while you are in the "testing phase" - since you may not be running around very far from home and won't be on a tight production schedule. Then, as things settle down, you can order the case later.

Hope that helps. For me, this has been the second largest investment of funds in camera gear behind my Scarlet. And, to some degree, has postponed my upgrade to Epic. At this point, I think it will be worth it.

EDIT: Forgot to address BT & RC - hard to disuse these as I haven't used either one yet. But, the ability to remotely control the unit seems to me to be essential. Perhaps you can save money by getting one or the other and not both. Right now, the only BT capabilities are Android but I imagine/hope iOS will come. And BT apps will most liley do more than the RC controller. But, the RC will probably have greater range. Tough decisions.
 
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