Steadicam Smartsystem Gear arm X1 setup

This is a tutorial as to how I set up my X1 arm to optimize it’s iso elasticity. Following this tutorial will greatly improve the smoothness of this arm. It will also Alleviate any kind of additional force needed to Boom up and down throughout the range of the arm. Steadicam

[@SteadiACP]

This has been the most useful video on ArmX1. Thank you for making it.

[@joelsoh2144]

Love the video! I’m just wondering when you have 2 springs in each section, (for example 2 blues down the bottom) how do you go about tuning the tension? For example do you adjust the tension evenly, or do you do one spring up all the way and have the other looser? If so, do you adjust the upper bones or lower bones first?

[@tajtcam]

Each section of the arm is independent of the other. If you only have two blue springs on the bottom of each section then the tension is based on how much lift is needed. If only one section can not hold the weight then only that spring is moved up to the upper part of the arm. Cheers Taj

[@CalvinFalk]

Wouldn't this type of arm with 4 bones require the springs of each section to be on opposite sides? As in, one section has a top spring, the other section has a bottom spring, and vice versa.

[@tajtcam]

In my experience this has not been the case. I have been able to mix and match any spring to any bone section of the arm.

[@rasch980]

Really usefoul, but how much do you load the springs before step on the next color or move to the upper bone?

[@tajtcam]

I feel like these springs work best when fully loaded. I take them all the way before I change them out.

[@rasch980]

@@tajtcam yes I agree, I’m still tryin’ to find the most isometric setup for my one. The result is so better whit your method aniway 👍🏿

[@shotbymatias9324]

@@tajtcam I usually do all blue to have a lot of range, but my springs are barely loaded unless needed, sounds like I should change it so I can max out my springs more?

[@storageunit2683]

Can you use any spring? Or do they have to be specific? Im currently building a DIY arm and have been trying to figure that out along with the mechanism that tightens the spring

[@tajtcam]

You need compression springs. Cheers Taj

[@storageunit2683]

@@tajtcam thank you sir!!!!

[@user-ho9yk2wt6c]

What springs do you typically use for an Alexa mini build with a small lens?

[@tajtcam]

Two black springs on upper arm sections

[@user-ho9yk2wt6c]

@@tajtcam that’s what I ended up doing! Thank you so much! Do you have to put the screws back in the bottom when it’s empty or you don’t need to, takes a sec to put them in when there is no screw.

[@tajtcam]

@@user-ho9yk2wt6c you can run without the screws back in. I always put them in to not lose them.

[@user-ho9yk2wt6c]

@@tajtcam thanks! You just helped me so much!!!

[@tajtcam]

@@user-ho9yk2wt6c any time, cheers