Yep, I 'm back with a couple more tips from my bag of knowledge
So relax and read further.
Knowing what type of articulated arm you should purchase or build has been one of the questions usually asked by newbies or speculated buyers. Only of recent has there been the change from single to dual arms by most manufacturers. Realizing that a dual system is more preferable and more shock resistant than a single arm. Not to say that a single arm won't work; as I have seen a couple of successful shoots done with a single arm in the right hands. Going dual strengthens the resistant theory even more in actuality.
Advantages & Disadvantages of building one or the other:A single arm:•Limits the boom range. It decides how high or low the arm can be boomed.
•Slightly more prone to outside influences in forms of vibrations getting through. With extra practice this can be avoided but it takes time.
•Less parts that can go wrong.
•Weight is lessened but this is not such a big deal, if not really nothing to get worked up about. For some (very few) this might have a hand at making the final decision.
•Cost. As mentioned, if you are on a budget than this design might suit your wallet. Less parts to buy and machined, the less time it takes to build a unit.
A Dual arm:•Increases the boom range of the arm
•Less prone to vibrations getting through
•More parts that can go wrong.
•Weight increases. Again, this is not such a big issue so it should not be the overall final decision breaker.
•And finally, cost. You basically have to double up on everything. What you do for one arm section, you will have to do to the second one. So everything is done in pairs; but to a point. More parts, more money and more time it takes to build the unit.
My preference of course is the dual arm. It may be a little more work involved but to me it gives a smoother ride and better stability than a single arm but in the end it’s what you are comfortable with that makes the difference. In the real world this holds truth. The articulated arm assembly performs better than a single arm because it absorbs the shocks/vibrations much better than a single arm. Think of it like a long video cable. The longer the wire the lesser the signal becomes. The same with the articulated arm. Using a dual arm the vibrations take a longer time and dissipates through the springs and mechanics before reaching the sled; thus a smoother camera movement.
However your decision to go with a particular type of design will be based on what you prefer and how deep your pockets can hold
. So take some time to think it over before venturing out into the machine room or purchasing a system.
One thing to remember when building either dual or single arms, is that the elbow, that connects both arms in a dual arm or connects the arm to the vest bracket in both single and dual, should be strong or thick enough to support both arms under load. Otherwise the arm will torque or twist under load. Something best avoided.
Author
Logged
