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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 :)

SmallHD 702 + WC Director Monitor Cage + custom CAD/CNC fix

another angle showing the final build (sans monitor and wireless receiver)

IMG_5674.jpg
 
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Cool. I'll take one.
 
Bryan Koss said:
Hey Nicholas,

Are we still needing pieces from the Wooden Camera Director's Cage? Is there a potential work around for that if we don't have one? Thx
Click to expand...

Yes, this fix is to update the WC cage. I could design a complete new cage to fit the 702, but I would need to change the layout enough to avoid any copyright problems. CoolLCD make a WC cage rip-off which is cheaper and potentially, the dimensions are the same ... but without one in my hands, I couldn't say for sure.

---

UPDATE: if you chose to get the necessary parts separately -

Each horizontal strut ("main bracket" on WC site) goes for $65
Each handle is sold by WC for $80

However, the $80 handle is made up of a $65 strut and a foam grip which WC charges $10 each. So, a strut plus grip comes to $75 ... huh? What's the other $5 for?

But, I'm pretty sure these foam grips are the same as item #9754K51 on McMaster-Carr which cost $1.31 each.

That comes as low as $262.62. However, a full WC cage is $299, which includes the back plate, so you're not saving a huge amount.
 
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thanks for all your interest in this. i have PM'd the interest list with instructions so we can get these made and sent out. please check your inboxes.
 
If anyone is looking for a way more budget option, PROAIM makes what looks to be an identical cage. PROAIM, FLYCAM, etc seem to be replicating the production lines of other companies and producing in India at a way lower cost. I purchased the PROAIM model and it's been working great for me (given the design flaw). Don't expect great instructions or customer service though.

EDIT: Shipping says officially up to like 30 days, however mine came in less than a week. Ordered things 3 separate times from them and all arrive in under 1 week to the east coast US.
 
All 16 kits arrived safe and sound today. Only packaging and shipping left to do.

wdm_kit.jpg
 
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Got my parts from Nick yesterday and (partly) put my rig together. (Still have to mount the Teradek RX on the back) First off, it looked like it had arrived from a full-fledged company making these, not an individual. All the parts and screws were individually bagged,
there were detailed instructions and he even included 2 different size allen keys for the screws. All the parts are extremely well manufactured it appears. It all went together very easily and now the cage is rigid and
strong. I always liked this set-up but it only lasted about a month before it started flopping around on the pivot points when someone would carry it around for more than 5 minutes. I don't see that being an issue
anymore. Just wanted to say thanks to Nick and to the RedUser family in general for constantly coming up with solutions and helping each other out. It's very much appreciated.

Daniel
 

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Mine arrived earlier this week but was on a shoot and couldn't assemble until today.

This kit is unreal. Nick did a phenomenal job on the design and QC, this thing is ROCK SOLID now. No more "sorry about that, [AC's name] can you grab an allen key and fix?" So very excited to be able to hand off this monitor with confidence now.

Kit came in some of the best packaging -- thick plastic baggies that separate properly and clear instructions. Many manufacturers these days barely have anything on the inside and this was a pleasant surprise. Below you can see everything laying out.

Thanks again Nick!

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Nicholas Wise said:
All 16 kits arrived safe and sound today. Only packaging and shipping left to do.

wdm_kit.jpg
Click to expand...

Nicholas,

Michael from WC here! This is a great design and work around to utilize the side mounting points on the SmallHD 702. We tried our best to make a Universal Director's Monitor Cage but, as you obviously know, some monitors can get a little tricky (looking at you Odyssey 7Q) to mount into the cage. As for the brackets coming loose, a really easy fix is to put a little Loctite on the screws to secure it in the position you need.
 
I'm in for a kit! Glad I saw this today...thank you!
 
Daniel John said:
Got my parts from Nick yesterday and (partly) put my rig together. ... All the parts are extremely well manufactured it appears. It all went together very easily and now the cage is rigid and strong.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the kind words. Don't you love it when a plan comes together?!

Brendan_H_Banks said:
This kit is unreal. Nick did a phenomenal job on the design and QC, this thing is ROCK SOLID now.
Click to expand...

Cheers for the post - glad it's working out. Did you end up using the ProAim kit? Did it line up exact?

Michael Millichamp said:
Michael from WC here! This is a great design and work around to utilize the side mounting points on the SmallHD 702.
Click to expand...

Always nice to get a thumbs-up from an established/renowned AKS manufacturer - much thanks!
 
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