Grip Factory Munich GF-Primo User Manual
Grip Factory Munich
YOUR INNOVATIVE PARTNER FOR CAMERA SUPPORT
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo
Instruction Manual
Grip Factory Munich GmbH
Fürholzener Straße 1
85386 Eching bei München
Germany
Valid: Jul 2012
Tel.: +49 (0) 89 319 0 129-0
Fax: +49 (0) 89 319 0 129-9
e-Mail: info@g-f-m.net
http://www.g-f-m.net
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
Page:
1
Contents:
SAFETY GUIDELINES................................................................................................2
Technical Specs for GF-Primo - / GF-Secondo Dolly..................................................4
The Base Dolly............................................................................................................6
Changing the batteries.............................................................................................................6
Connecting the Platforms.........................................................................................................6
Wheel arm adjustment..............................................................................................................8
Connecting the Steering Handle:..............................................................................................9
Adjusting the angle of the Steering Handle:............................................................................10
Adjusting the length of the Steering Handle:...........................................................................10
Connecting the HCU to Steering Handle.................................................................................11
GF-Primo Steering modes:........................................................................................12
GF-Primo‘s 3 steering modes and selector position:...............................................................13
GF-Secondo Steering modes:...................................................................................14
GF-Secondo’s three steering modes and their selector positions:...........................................15
Combi-Wheels – GF-Primo & GF-Secondo:..............................................................16
Disconnecting the wheels from the steering:...........................................................................16
Going on Track:......................................................................................................................17
The Multifunctional Turnstile Mount:.........................................................................18
Removing the Column with the Carry Bars:..............................................................19
Hand Control Unit Components................................................................................20
Starting off..............................................................................................................................21
To connect the cable from the HCU to Electronic:...................................................................23
Hand Control Unit Display......................................................................................................23
Adjusting the Speed or Ramp.................................................................................................24
Generating Movement............................................................................................................24
To select the HCU Mode........................................................................................................24
Setting a new lower and upper limit........................................................................................25
The HCU Modes....................................................................................................................25
Emergency Operation of the Column........................................................................34
Synchronizing the Hand Control Unit and Column....................................................36
Calibrating the column...............................................................................................37
Trouble Shooting.......................................................................................................38
ASSEMBLING THE GF-Primo Jib:............................................................................42
Selecting the “Jib On” mode...................................................................................................47
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
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SAFETY GUIDELINES
Adherence to the instruction manual:
The set-up instructions must be read and understood before set-up or operation. The dolly may only be
assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction manual. The manufacturer’s technical
specifications and limits (maximum rated loads etc) must be adhered to at all times and in no way exceeded.
Warranty:
The manufacturer accepts no liability for damages or injuries for incidents or accidents occurring due to
negligence by the crane operator or misuse of the crane or disregarding the instruction manual.
Assembling and operation of the dolly:
The Dolly may only be set-up or operated by trained and experienced personnel. To assemble and operate
the dolly at least 1 trained person is required. To avoid misuse by untrained personnel, the dolly should be
dismantled / switched off when not in use or under supervision.
The crane may not be set-up or operated under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicating
substances. The respective protective clothing e.g. gloves, should be worn.
Stability of the crane system:
Before assembling or using the dolly ensure that the ground surface is stable and cannot give way. The
ground surface must be stable enough to support at least 1000 kg/m2 = 2200 lbs/ sq yard.
Dolly operation with the GF-Primo Jib is only allowed with solid tires and use with pneumatic wheels is not
allowed. Before and while using the dolly wheels should be inspected.
Intended use of the Dolly system and use of the Dolly system with Jib Arm:
The Dolly is a mobile personnel and camera support system for use on sets and studios with even and level
ground / floors. Also for use on GF-Track.
Standard dolly operation consists of a for lifting 1 to 2 persons and camera or lifting the camera only, without
personnel on board, electromechanical column for lifting 1 to 2 persons and camera or lifting the camera
only, without personnel on board.
In Jib mode a pan and tilt arm is mounted for lifting 1 to 2 persons and camera or lifting the camera only,
without personnel on board
In accordance to the safety guidelines the dolly/jib is only allowed to be used on solid, level and stable
ground with solid wheels, not pneumatic wheels.
The dolly/jib movement on the ground, rotation of the column is managed by at 1 to 2 experienced, trained
and authorised personnel from the hand grips and /or the provided steering handles.
Panning movement of the turnstile mount / column can also be made by the personnel sitting on the
column/dolly when seated on the provided seats.
Vertical lift of the column is controlled via wireless or cable control operated by an experienced, trained and
authorised person.
Operation of the dolly/jib is only allowed within the limits and guidelines mentioned in this instruction manual.
The dolly must be operated on level, stable surfaces at all times or on dolly track. Whether operating or
moving the dolly on track or on a solid ground surface it is essential that the track or surface is completely
level, stable and free from obstructions.
When operating the dolly on track, ensure that the track is level, properly laid, constructed and supported.
The correct underlay must be used to ensure that the track and underlay are secured against moving,
slipping and collapse. Ensure that the underlay meets the specified support and stability requirements. Only
GFM Track or comparable track systems with a payload capacity of 1200kg / 2640lbs and a maximum track
runner distance of 640mm / 25inches (measured inside edge to inside edge) may be used.
Extreme caution if tracking on curved track (not faster than a slow walking pace)!
Use of the dolly on insert vehicles, camera cars or any motorised vehicle is not allowed. The
manufacturer accepts no liability for damages or injuries for incidents or accidents occurring due to use of
the dolly on insert vehicles, camera cars or any other motorised vehicles.
Operation of the Dolly/ Jib:
The complete lift and panning range of the dolly/jib must be kept clear of obstructions at all times. A safety
clearance of 1m / 3' 3" must be observed on all sides of the dolly/jib during operation. Only authorised,
trained and experienced personnel are allowed to operate the dolly/jib. The dolly/jib may not be set-up or
operated under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicating substances. The respective
protective clothing e.g. gloves, should be worn.
The dolly may not be used in the direct vicinity of high voltage power cables. To avoid accidents due to
misuse in the vicinity of high voltage power cables, Safety Guidelines especially BGV A1 and A2 (formerly
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
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3
VBG 1 and 4) as well as VDE regulations (especially 0105 part 100) must be adhered to. If the nominal
voltage cannot be determined, a minimum clearance of 5m / 16ft must be kept at all times.
Failing to do so can cause fatalities!
Personnel on board the jib's platform must use safety belts at all times. They should not make any sudden,
abrupt movements or lean out over the side of the platform. No loose objects may be stored or placed on the
dolly platform.
In the interest of safety, when operating or moving the dolly/jib, abrupt, sudden movements of the dolly
should be avoided. An element of risk remains by people moving in the operational range of the dolly/jib. The
dolly operator has to be trained on that and is only allowed to operate the equipment in a safe range.
Before operating the dolly/jib all connections, mounted accessories, safety pin as well as every connecting
bolt must be checked for a proper fit.
Dolly accessories:
For safety reasons only original accessories manufactured by GFM may be used with the dolly.
Procedure in case of accident or damage:
In case of accidents caused by disregarding the manufacturer’s instruction manual, please proceed as
follows:
o The manufacturer should be immediately informed of any damage to the dolly and the severity of the
damage. Damaged dolly parts should be sent to the manufacturer for evaluation, repair or
replacement.
Use of the dolly with damaged parts is not allowed. The manufacturer accepts no liability for damage
or injuries for incidents or accidents occurring due to the use of damaged parts on the dolly.
o In case of damage or accidents with injured people local applicable as well as employment property
right regulations may be adhered.
Safety Guidelines for dolly operation:
To avoid collisions, ensure that the columns lift range is free from obstructions!
When working with off-set arms ensure that the mounted payload is counter balanced! Never exceed the
manufacturers payloads
In an open space the wireless mode range is approx. 100m / 330yards
In general, the hand control unit should never be left on when not in use or when not under supervision.
To avoid unwanted movement of the column due to misuse or accidental activation of the rocker switch /
hand control unit, ensure that the main electronic switch is OFF when not in use or not under supervision.
The equipment must be handled carefully at all times.
Do not operate or drive the column without payload on the column. At least 1 person and camera
should be on the column when it’s moving.
Attention: Should the HCU software be older than versionr 3.8.5 or the electronic
be older than version 3.7.3 or if you gave a software where it is not
possible to check the version please note that after using the
Emergency switch the column must be calibrated (see page 39)
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
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Technical Specs for GF-Primo - / GF-Secondo Dolly
The difference between the GF-Primo - and GF-Secondo Dolly is effectively the different
base dollies. The columns are identical.
The GF-Primo Base has a central "one touch" selector allowing for immediate, one
handed, switch over to crab, front or rear wheel steering. GF-Secondo Base Dolly can
also switch from crab, front or rear wheel steering but to do so, each wheel must be
adjusted individually. The GF-Secondo also has 2cm more ground clearance (column to
ground).
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
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5
2,5 sec Duration of column lift 2,5 sec
0 – 70cm / 0 – 27“ Lift range 0 – 70cm / 0 – 27“
140cm /
70cm /
250kg / 550lbs Maximum column lift capacity 250kg / 550lbs
900kg / 1980lbs
80kg / 176lbs Transport weight Dolly Base 69kg / 151lbs
68kg / 149lbs Transport weight column without batteries 68kg / 149lbs
54“ Maximin column height 142cm /
27“ Minimum column height 72cm /
Maximum column load capacity when fully
retracted (column movement not allowed)
900kg / 1980lbs
55“
28“
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
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handle double
functions as a lock for
the platforms. Extend the
handle by pressing the
stainless steel button on
the left side of the wheel
arm. At the same time
The Base Dolly
Changing the batteries
The dolly’s’s batteries are connected to the column with a user friendly “drop & go” system.
The column requires 2 x 24Volt Battery units to function.
Centre the battery over the locking mount. Move the battery into position and drop it gently
onto the locking shaft.
Locking shaft & knob
Open the left and right
locking knob to mount the
battery. When in place,
hand tighten the knobs to
secure the battery.
Connecting the Platforms
The Standard Multifunctional Platform Set
The platform set consists of 4 units. Each platform is machined to provide a selection of
threaded (10mm & 3/8”) and non-threaded holes (12, 25 & 28mm).
3 of the units are identical and fit on any of the 3 sides of the dolly. The 4th unit is
machined slightly differently and fits only on the side of the dolly where the steering
gearbox is located.
The carry
pull the handle out.
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
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By using seat arm
extensions the
standard platforms can
also be combined to
form steps and low
Special “drop in” pins
are required. The pins
are inserted from top
to bottom and securely
bolted on the bottom
joint.
Attach the required
mber of platforms. To
secure them, press the
stainless steel button and
push the handle towards
the dolly. When the handle
is engaged in the locked
position you will hear an
audible click and the
button will be extended i.e.
unctional Hi/low
Platform can be dismantled by
unscrewing 2 bolts, allowing the
wider platform part to be mounted on
the base dolly as described on the
Remove the 2
locking bolts to
dismantle the
nu
not flush with arm.
platforms.
Attention: When using the platforms ensure that they are mounted and fitted
correctly. The platform must fit snuggly to the dolly frame with no gap
inbetween. Ensure that the steel pin on the locking handle is engaged
correctly as described above i.e. the steel pin must be visible!
Mounting the Low Platform System
The 2 part Multif
previous page
platform
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
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The mounting plate
can be bolted to the
dolly chassis on 3
sides. It self centres
secured with
2 x M10 bolts that
should be tightened
The height of the
platform mount can
be adjusted and
secured with the
grey locking lever.
Hand tighten
Max. payload
Attach
both snap
ull to open
securely.
and is
securely by hand.
locks
Insert platform
100kg / 220lbs
Wheel arm adjustment
Each of the 4 wheel arms has an individual locking mechanism to secure the position of
the wheel arms and ensure a stable, no-play base. To adjust the wheel arms to change
from, for example, standard to narrow gauge note the following.
P
position
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
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Hold the locking pin in the released
position and at the same time adjust the
wheel arm to required position.
When in position ensure that the locking
Insert the steering
handle into one of the
ns.
To reduce play, hand
tighten by turning the
locking sleeve
is fully inserted.
Connecting the Steering Handle:
The Steering Handle can be attached to each of the 4 wheel arms on the GF-Secondo as
well as the central steering gearbox on the GF-Primo.
5 steering positio
clockwise.
5 steering positions.
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
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Release lever.
Push forward to
adjust angle and activate stepless
Release lever.
Pull back to set
angle
Drag adjustment:
se in
stepless angle mode i.e. release
To adjust the length of the
steering handle, open the
release handle and adjust to
When the steering handle is
in position, close the release
Adjusting the angle of the Steering Handle:
The GF-Primo’s Steering Handle offers individual height and angle settings. The angle can
be set as follows:
Tighten or loosen for u
lever pushed forward.
angle mode
Adjusting the length of the Steering Handle:
required height.
handle.
Page:
11
Connecting the HCU to Steering Handle
e
locking pin and
insert the HCU
rosette into the
matching cradle.
Push the HCU
down so it fits
snugly in the cradle.
Adjust the angle as
When not in
use, fold in
To use, fold
down the
Insert the
HCU into
Hand Control Unit Rest:
Locking pin
the HCU rest.
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
Pull back th
required.
HCU rest.
the rest.
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
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12
Press steel release pin and
wheels
rrect positioning of the steering
GF-Primo Steering modes:
To change from one steering mode to another first of all ensure that all 4 Combi-wheels
are pointing in a straight line as seen from the rear of the dolly
In each of the 4 steering rod mounts you will see 2 notches machined into each rim. The
notches should be in line with the actual gearbox. On the steering mount on the GF-Primo
gearbox you will also find the same markings and these should also be in alignment with
the gearbox. It is only possible to change steering mode when the wheels are aligned in
this starting position. If the wheels are out of position they must be reset as described
below.
Positioning of the Combiand steering rod mount
Co
rod mount and Combi-wheel
turn the selector
Wechsel des Lenkmodus
Steering mode selection
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GF-Primo‘s 3 steering modes and selector position:
GF-Primo / GF-Secondo Dolly System Instruction Manual
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SP1
-
Selector switch pointing
= wheel not turnable
SP2
-
Selector switch pointing side
SP3
- Selector switch pointing
downwards: Disconnected from
steering = wheel rotates freely i.e. on
GF-Secondo Steering modes:
Each of the 4 combi-wheels has an individual selector switch which enables each wheel to
be fixed, connected or disconnected from the steering mechanism:
Switch position SP 1 ⇒ Combi-wheel in fixed position
Switch position SP 2 ⇒ Combi-wheel steerable
Switch position SP 3 ⇒ Combi-wheel in free rotate
Attention: To change steering mode the top and bottom red
markers must be aligned!
Tip: Regardless of selected mode, the GF-Secondo Dolly can
be steered from any of the 4 steering points at any time.
upwards: wheel in fixed position
wards: Connected to steering
= wheel is steerable
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