Vinten Radamec Quattro SE Pedestal - Manual (Page 24)

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Steering
Directional control of the pedestal is achieved by turning the steering ring (3) mounted at the top of the column.
The steering system is geared so that the wheels turn by the same amount as the steering ring. This ensures,
for example, that with the pedestal set to crab, turning the steering ring by 90° will also cause the pedestal to
change direction by 90°. The steering ring is fitted with indicators (19) which indicate the straight-ahead posi-
tion, providing a reference point when steering.
Position indicators (11) in the centre of each vertical face of the base and on one corner, allow the camera op-
erator to accurately position the pedestal.
The pedestal has a crab/steer arrangement with a foot-operated changeover mechanism, which provides a
steer setting - one wheel steering, two fixed; or a crab setting - all three wheels turning together. Pushing the
pedal (14) operates the changeover mechanism which toggles the pedestal between crab and steer.
Although the button can be pressed with the wheels in any position, the changeover will not occur until the
wheels are all facing forward, so the steering ring may have to be turned by up to 180° before the changeover
mechanism engages. This arrangement ensures that the fixed wheels will always lock in the straight-ahead
position when changing from crab to steer.
Steering rings of two diameters and with either type of steering indicator may be fitted (See Changing the
steering ring on page 27).
Cable clamps
Two cable clamps (12) are provided, mounted on the vertical faces of the base.
Cable guard
An infinitely adjustable, continuous cable guard is provided in the skirt of the base, raised and lowered by
means of a single knob (8). Height of the cable guard is displayed by a cable guard height indicator (9) posi-
tioned below the adjustment knob.
Rotate the adjustment knob to set the cable guard to the required height.
The cable guard incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism to prevent damage if the pedestal is pulled over an
obstacle.
CAUTION! 1. Do NOT force the moving column (16) either upward or downward when the column
lock is applied, to avoid damaging the pedestal.
2. Do NOT use the on-shot clamp (20) to raise and lower the moving column (16). Use
the steering ring (3) to avoid damaging the pedestal.
Note: The Quattro-SE may be supplied with a steering ring with either a moulded steering
indicator on the topside, or rivets (19) (illustrated) on the underside of the steering ring.
Note: Turning the pedestal too sharply at high speed will cause the wheels to slip and adversely
affects pedestal positional feedback accuracy.
Pedestal navigation requires that all three wheels are parallel and that the one steering
wheel is not misaligned by 180°—in the event of such steering misalignment the PDA
software will prompt the operator to rotate the steering wheel by 180°.