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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

Nicholas Wise said:
hi all - couldn't find the answer to this question in this thread ...

what are the main differences between the standard and heavy duty camera plate option? any examples where the heavy duty plate would be more preferable?

many thanks.
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The standard plate works fine with lighter cameras like DSLRs, Blackmagic, GH4, A7S, etc. When you put a heavier camera like a Scarlet or Epic on it, it's baseplate can deflect (bend) a little. The heavy duty plate is designed to handle the weight load of heavier cameras. It also has some small set screws that can allow you to set the angle of the baseplate in relation to the upright tubes. That angle adjustment can help you to counteract any weight deflection or sagging that might occur with more elaborate camera builds. Hope that helps...
 
I just traveled to Costa Rica with my Helix to find it isn't working. I upgraded the firmware and now I can't get the motors to fire up. Anyone have this problem? I really need this thing to work next week. Board is good apparently cause the GUI can see it and monitor the Helix. Most of the time I acts like the batteries are low or dead but they aren't. I think there is as issue with getting power to it, I have tried all four juice boxes but not getting much luck. I'm baffled and bummed. Tech support is emailing me but no solutions yet. Any ideas out there?
 
Mark Andersen said:
I just traveled to Costa Rica with my Helix to find it isn't working. I upgraded the firmware and now I can't get the motors to fire up. Anyone have this problem? I really need this thing to work next week. Board is good apparently cause the GUI can see it and monitor the Helix. Most of the time I acts like the batteries are low or dead but they aren't. I think there is as issue with getting power to it, I have tried all four juice boxes but not getting much luck. I'm baffled and bummed. Tech support is emailing me but no solutions yet. Any ideas out there?
Click to expand...

Did you get into the software to see the pid and power? Maybe it has changed in the software update and too low now? Just a guess
 
Med D said:
So you guys using the Red QR have got a dovetail, the QR base and a camera plate for mounting to the Helix? That sounds like an extra pound at least. I'm looking for a rapid tripod-gimbal scheme that does not add weight if possible. Your system sounds fast but heavy.
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I have been using this plate from really right stuff with no problems: http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/s.nl/it.A/id.3415/.f

I also have the rrs video fluid head, not quite as solid as I would like it to be, but does the trick for my needs.
 
No mention of the Helix Jr here yet ?
I convinced Hien to use magnesium , and sure enough he did !
It still weighs too much for my GH4 which I am using more than my Epic these days. I am going to try the 800 gram Nebula 4000 for a handheld rig. It's $700.
 
Had similar problem. What are you powering up on the rig? Camera? I had problems with the EPIC, REMOTE FOLLOW, and BOLT. It turned out to be a cable. Also, FYI, those juice boxes last about 12 minutes each and take 3 hrs to charge.
 
this might be a stupid question, but could one get the Helix installed with the Rebotnix BT module so that it can be controlled via the iOS app?
 
Theoretically, it should work, but I don't think anyone has tried it yet.

Let me try to convince you with some math. Standard Helix BT $100 + The SamSung Galaxy 3 tablet is $129 (at Best Buy) = $229 . Free SimpleBGC app. Work like a charm.

Rebotnix BT module = 149 euro just for the BT module + Installation fee + IOs device = ???

For me the route ot a dedicated tablet for the Helix makes more sense, especially you can just rent your Helix with the Tablet already setup for your Helix.
 
Does anybody know why is the Letus Helix Jr designed for mirrorless cameras? Or can you use a Canon 7D type of camera or DSLR as well?
 
Enrique Blein said:
Does anybody know why is the Letus Helix Jr designed for mirrorless cameras? Or can you use a Canon 7D type of camera or DSLR as well?
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You should be easily able to use the Canon 7D type cameras as it would be within the weight limits. C300/C100 seems to be pushing the outer weight limits and may not work. GT/Hien should be able to answer.
 
There should be no problem with the 7D. We tested Jr. with 1DC and it work just as well as with the GH4 (no change in PID setting). I think the 1DC is heavier than the C100 or the C300 yes? The only draw back with the C100/300 is that it's has a longer body than the 1DC in which case you just need to use the standard Helix camera plate instead of the cameraplate for Jr.
 
Got my letus Helix single axis in the mail today. It is much lighter than I was expecting (always a good thing). I have it setup on my stedicam and so far tests have been very positive. The auto horizon is solid and really gets the image moving like it's on rails.
So far just two concerns. Right now my camera setup is coming in just over 13lbs with mattebox and mounted on Helix plate, which should be well within the weight limit for the helix, but to me it just looks like there is a lot of stress being put on that single motor connection. Not sure how things are constructed but camera balances perfectly and moves very smoothly, but it just seems like a lot of weight on that single joint, but maybe I'm just being paranoid.
My only other concern was mounting to the Steadicam. The bottom plate on the helix has 3 recessed 1/4 20 holes. With them being recessed it makes it impossible to mount with standard mounting screws and quick plate. Instead I used 3 longer mounting screws, and luckily my Steadicam quick plate had enough clearance for the screw heads.
I have the entire rig powered through my red battery plate D tap to Helix and then linked to the epic. I also have additonal power option for additional d taps to exist on camera for remote focus and remote monitor. Very nice setup, just need to figure out how to thread the helix power through my steadicam.
here are a couple cellphone shots.
2014-12-22%2020.02.04.jpg

2014-12-22%2020.02.16.jpg

2014-12-22%2020.02.25.jpg
 
Stefan Scherperel said:
Got my letus Helix single axis in the mail today. It is much lighter than I was expecting (always a good thing). I have it setup on my stedicam and so far tests have been very positive. The auto horizon is solid and really gets the image moving like it's on rails.
So far just two concerns. Right now my camera setup is coming in just over 13lbs with mattebox and mounted on Helix plate, which should be well within the weight limit for the helix, but to me it just looks like there is a lot of stress being put on that single motor connection. Not sure how things are constructed but camera balances perfectly and moves very smoothly, but it just seems like a lot of weight on that single joint, but maybe I'm just being paranoid.
My only other concern was mounting to the Steadicam. The bottom plate on the helix has 3 recessed 1/4 20 holes. With them being recessed it makes it impossible to mount with standard mounting screws and quick plate. Instead I used 3 longer mounting screws, and luckily my Steadicam quick plate had enough clearance for the screw heads.
I have the entire rig powered through my red battery plate D tap to Helix and then linked to the epic. I also have additonal power option for additional d taps to exist on camera for remote focus and remote monitor. Very nice setup, just need to figure out how to thread the helix power through my steadicam.
here are a couple cellphone shots.
Click to expand...

Hi Stefan,

Do you have any vibrations or other problems of this type ? it would be great if we can see some footages!
 
Brad Crawford said:
i would also love to see some single axis footage, thats what interests me most as a steadicam owner.
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Yes more Steadicam footies and set-ups will help me to take the plunge.
 
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