Q: How smooth is
the video used with the Camera Trolley?
A: The video
quality is a direct result of the ride of
the Camera Trolley on the cable. This can
vary greatly based upon the quality and
smoothness of the cable used. We offer a
custom cable created just for use with the
Camera Trolley. It is double covered,
providing a smooth surface without actual
machining of the cable, plus the covering
provides traction for the Trolley's drive
wheel.
Q: Will you see any
up and down or side to side movement on the
recorded video from the Camera Trolley?
A: There are many
environmental conditions that can affect the
video quality, such as wind, stability of
the cable attachment points, and the
operator's skill in the use of the
controls. Also, please bear in mind
that all cable acts much as a spring
would. When you add weight and tension, or
abrupt movement, it reacts like a piano
string that has just been struck by the
hammer. It moves and vibrates, and the
greater the tension on cable, the longer it
takes for the vibration to stop. Any
of these factors can cause movement in the
video.
Q: Will I get the
quality of video that is seen on high-end
overhead cable systems such as Skycam or the
Superfly system?
A: With the Noblét
Camera Trolley, it is possible to achieve
video of comparable quality. However it
should be noted that these high-end systems
use up to three gyros that stabilize the
video head on all three axes. We use one
gyro to stabilize the roll or sway of the
Trolley on the cable in breezy conditions,
but the Trolley can still be moved sideways
and up and down by outside forces.
Q: Can you use the
NCT-7 in breezy or windy conditions?
A: Yes. In the sample
video you can see the branches blowing while
the camera remains stable (doesn't swing).
This was achieved with the use of a Kenyon
Labs KS-8 gyro stabilizer in the overhead
stabilization unit (the triangle shaped box
with our logo on its sides and fastened
above the Trolley - see picture.) Although the gyro
will stop sway under reasonable conditions,
it's not recommended to operate the Trolley
outdoors in high winds.
We are, at this time, a
Kenyon Labs dealer and you can purchase a
gyro from us or rent one from the
Kenyon Labs website:
http://www.ken-lab.com/html/pricing.html
Q: Will the
Noblét Camera Trolley move as fast as
overhead cable systems such as Skycam or the
Superfly system?
A: Skycam and
Superfly use a sophisticated multiple cable
system driven by a powerful motor located on
the ground and using a standard electrical
source to power it. We use a cost effective,
self contained battery source to power the
Trolley and wireless system, limiting the
Trolley's speed to approximately 17 miles
per hour.
Q: How can you see what the video camera on
the Trolley is shooting or aiming at?
A: This is
accomplished with a wireless video
transmitter that sends the image to a
receiver connected to a portable monitor.
We offer a small UHF video
transmitter-receiver combo that is available
as option 2 on our price sheet. As an
alternative, we recommend a product called the Shotwatcher
which sends an NTSC signal to a TV, such as
a portable Casio. Available from:
http://www.whatsnewatnab.com/search/code.php?code=20
Q: How can I adjust the focus and zoom on my
broadcast Canon or Fujinon lens?
A: There are various wireless focus and zoom
controllers available. You might check the
following:
http://www.smsprod.com/products/lenses/preston.html
http://www.servicevision.net/scorpiofocus.html
http://www.prestoncinema.com/products_FI+Z.html
http://www.optexint.com/sales/production/chroszielmag.html
http://www.lemac.com.au/sales/PRESTON/PRESTON.html
At this time there are presently not any
wireless LANC controllers available that we
know of (other than the short range
controller that comes with the camera).
However, we currently have one under
development. It will be added to our list of
options as soon as it's available.
Q: How do I know if the walls or objects
that I want to attach the cable to are
sufficiently strong to withstand the 600 -
1,000 lbs. of tension that is required for
installation of the NCT-7?
A: SAFETY IS OF
UTMOST IMPORTANCE! We have, in our
instruction booklet, guidelines, directions,
and engineered drawings for permanent
cable installation, including cable
tensioning instructions. Please contact a
qualified contractor, architect, and/or
engineer with the information contained in
the instruction booklet to assure safe
installation in your unique site.
Q: How do I know what the tension on my
cable is and how do I tighten it to the
recommended tension?
A: You can purchase a cable tension gauge from us.
In the future we hope to be able to provide
installation services.
Q: What is the maximum weight camera I can
use with the Camera Trolley?
A: The NCT-7 has
been tested with up to a 20 lb. camera plus
a 10 lb. gyro
stabilizer on the overhead stabilization unit . The concern is not
the strength of the cable or Trolley but the
ability of the Trolley to move smoothly and
efficiently with the added
weight. Another thing to keep in mind is
that when using a heavier camera, and or
when operating on long runs(400 ft), with a
heavier camera the amount of drop or sag
between the two fixed end points increases
greatly. The larger the drop the more of an
uphill climb the Trolley has at each end,
thus reducing speed, smoothness and
efficiency. So the optimum conditions are to
use the lightest camera possible, thus
giving the best performance and a higher
quality video.
Q: Does Noblét
Camera Trolley offer a camera with their
system?
A: We are working
with a company that is building a custom combo
enclosed Camera Head and Camera for use with our
Camera Trolley System. It will be very light
and compact, weather resistant and can be
used in SD or HD mode. This new model will
be the NCT-8. (with this system will also be
a new fiber optic system for video
transmission and camera controls)