Miller Arrow Fx 16 CB Plus, 1078 Arrow fx 3, 1080 Arrow fx 5, 1082 Arrow fx 7 Operator's Manual

Fluid Head

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL

1078
1080
1082

Arrow fx 3
Arrow fx 5
Arrow fx 7

Fluid Head
Fluid Head
Fluid Head

Features and Controls

Tilt Lock

Tilt Drag Control

Camera Screws

Camera Plate

Quick Release Knob

Pan Drag Control

Illumination Button

Bubble Level

Counterbalance

Selector

Sliding Platform Lock

Encoder Housing

CB Plus Selector Knob

Sliding Platform

Pan Lock

D100 Claw Ball

Clamp Nut

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

1

Contents

Introduction

Safety Instructions................................................................................ 3

Operating Instructions........................................................................... 4

1. Attaching Mounting Base.............................................................. 4

2. Attaching Encoder Housing........................................................... 5

3. Integration..................................................................................... 6

4. Camera Set-up.............................................................................. 7

5. Counterbalance Control................................................................ 8

6. Pan-Tilt Drag Control.................................................................... 9

7. Pan-Tilt Lock Control.................................................................... 9

8. Illumination.................................................................................. 9

Maintenance........................................................................................ 10

Battery Replacement............................................................................ 10

Storage................................................................................................ 14

Spare Parts and Accessories............................................................... 14

Warranty.............................................................................................. 14

Service, Sales and Support.................................................................. 14

3

2

Introduction

Safety Instructions

Thank you for purchasing the Arrow

This Miller product provides the user precise pan and tilt
coordinates through seperated (pan and tilt) outputs. These
outputs can be coupled with other equipment data to provide
augmented visual effects during broadcast and production.

The Arrow
lenses and accessories as demanded by ENG, EFP, Studio and
Field OB setups.

The robust design and construction of the Arrow
offers maximum stability, accuracy and durability and includes

precision ball bearing mounted uid drag plate system in the pan
and tilt assembly to deliver true uid drag performance over the

entire temperature and payload range.

The uid drag and the counterbalance system were designed to

provide excellent control and repeatability and offer progressive
equal increments of drag and torque.

The Arrow
location for operating pan-tilt, counterbalance and viewing
bubble level.

fx

has been designed to suit a wide range of cameras,

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uid head also offers illuminated single control

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uid head.

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uid head

Please use this manual to familiarise yourself with the operation
of the Arrow
to prevent any damage to your equipment. Ensure that all
equipment is operating correctly and free from defects and
damage, also please ensure that the tripod is steady, secure and
that the bowl is approximately horizontal when attaching the
camera. The operator is responsible for the safe operation of this
piece of equipment.

• Do not exceed the maximum payload capacity of the uid

head.

• Do not use magnets near or around the Arrow
effect the magnetic rings.

• Do not leave the camera unattended on the uid head.

• Do not release the SLIDING PLATFORM LOCK whilst the
camera is at an angle.

• Do not adjust the tripod whilst the camera is attached to the

uid head.

• Ensure PAN HANDLE CLAMP and CLAMP NUT is securely
tightened.

• Apply TILT LOCK when adding/removing equipment from
the camera or when attaching/removing the camera from the

uid head.

• Hold camera securely whilst changing counterbalance, pan
drag or tilt drag settings.

• Hold the camera securely whilst releasing the QUICK
RELEASE KNOB.

• Hold camera securely whilst adjusting the CLAMP NUT to

level the uid head.

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uid head and observe these instructions

fx,

this can

4

3

Operating Instructions

1. Attaching Mounting Base

D100 Claw Ball Mitchell Base Adapter

Fig. 3 Fig. 4

The Arrow

Ball which is attached by 3 x M5 screws, these are xed to head
as pictured above (g. 3), a D150 Claw Ball Level (1290) is also

available as an optional accessory.

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uid head comes standard with the D100 Claw

5

4

Available as an optional accessory is the Mitchell Base Adapter
(1225) which can be attached using the 4 x 3/8” countersunk

screws (g. 4) or the 3 x M5 screws. This allows you to mount

the Arrow fx to any Mitchell base tripod, pedestal etc.

Operating Instructions

2. Attaching Encoder Housing

The Arrow fx has a removeable encoder housing which allows
for easy serviceability. The encoder housing contains the Read
heads which intrepret the coordonates from the magnetic rings

located on the pan and tilt modules on the uid head.

The output signal from the

Arrow fx uid head is a pulse
signal (A,-A, B, -B) with a reference signal (Z,-Z) (one count
per revolution). The interface box then transmits this

calibrated information to your downstream workow.

To remove the encoder housing simply unscrew the 2 x M5

screws (g. 5).

Encoder Housing

2 x M5 Screws

Mounting Points

Fig. 5 Fig. 6

Output Diagram

A

B

Z

Edge separation (µs)
Resolution (µm)

The encoder housing contains the ports (RJ 45) for pan and tilt

output (g. 6). The housing has a LED lights to indicate correct

RJ45 connection (green) and the reference point on the magnetic
ring (red).

Reference Indicator (Red)

Cable is Connected (Green)

6

5

Operating Instructions

3. Integration

The ArrowFX uid head can be integrated in two ways.

1) The ArrowFX, coupled with a camera, can transit positional data of camera feed to allow

for augmented/virtual feed overlays (g. 7).

2) The ArrowFX can be used to control a remote head (with camera) (g. 8). For details on an

integrated Egripment control system refer to Appendix (pg 14).

>> Output >>

Workstation

or

Server

>> Network Cable >>

Interface

Box

Monitor

< < HDSDI <<

<< CVBS <<

<< Lens Data <<

<< Encoder Outputs <<

< < HDSDI <<

Interface

>> Encoder Outputs >>

Fig. 7 Fig. 8

6

>> Control Cable >>

Box

<< Lens Data <<

Remote Head
(Slave)

Operating Instructions

4. Camera Set-up

2.1 Remove the CAMERA PLATE by pulling down the
SAFETY TAB while rotating the QUICK RELEASE KNOB to
the left. The CAMERA PLATE should pop out.

2.2 Refer to the Camera’s owners manual for correct
method of attachment to the CAMERA PLATE. Inspect

the CAMERA PLATE and remove the 1⁄4” and 3/8”
screws (for Mini-DV mount) or the 1⁄4” + PIN ADAPTOR

CARRIAGE (ENG mount) as required.

2.3 Attach camera accessories, battery and the QUICK
RELEASE TRIPOD ADAPTER (if required) to the camera.
It is recommended to estimate the camera’s Centre of
Gravity (C of G) for the purpose of correctly positioning
the camera on the CAMERA PLATE. The camera’s C of G
can be estimated by placing the camera on to a round rod
and then shifting it backwards or forwards until a balance
point – C of G - is achieved. It is recommended to identify
this point on the camera as it will be useful in step 2.6.

2.4 Attach the CAMERA PLATE to the camera or the QUICK
RELEASE TRIPOD ADAPTOR such that the C of G mark
on the camera is approximately 10 – 20 mm behind the
front edge of the CAMERA PLATE then securely tighten
the screws.

2.5 Align the CAMERA PLATE with the SLIDING PLATFORM
and slide it in until the safety mechanism is engaged.

2.6 Release the SLIDING PLATFORM LOCK and slide the
SLIDING PLATFORM such that the camera’s C of G is

directly above the centre axis of the Fluid Head (g. 9)

and tighten the SLIDING PLATFORM LOCK. If this can
not be achieved then reposition the CAMERA PLATE on
the camera or the QUICK RELEASE TRIPOD ADAPTOR –
step 2.4. This will ensure that the system has maximum
stability.

C of G

Sliding

platform

Sliding

platform

lock

Fig. 9

7

Operating Instructions

5. Counterbalance Control

The counterbalance system was designed to neutralise the

effect of the camera weight when it is tilted. The Arrow

uid head offers a 16 position counterbalance system which

is operated with the CB SELECTOR KNOB and the CB PLUS
SELECTOR KNOB.

The system was designed for an efcient and ergonomic

control of the counterbalance mechanism which delivers a
wide payload range capacity.

The counterbalance selector knob and the CB PLUS

SELECTOR KNOB must be operated when the SLIDING
PLATFORM is in a horizontal position.

After changing the counterbalance setting it may be

necessary to tilt the camera back and forth to ensure that the
CB spring has engaged. The camera must be held securely
while changing the counterbalance setting.

3.1 For safety select counterbalance position 16, being

the orange coloured marker on the CB SELECTOR KNOB
pointing to position 16 and the CB PLUS SELECTOR
KNOB displaying an orange marker.

3.2 Hold the camera and release the TILT LOCK, then gently
tilt the camera from the horizontal position forward
then backward and observe its response. If the camera
‘springs back’ to the horizontal position then a lower
counterbalance setting is required, rotate the CB
SELECTOR KNOB clockwise to a lower position and
recheck, select lower setting again if necessary.

3.3 Finer adjustments can be made by toggling the CB PLUS

SELECTOR KNOB (g. 10).

3.4 Correct counterbalance setting has been achieved when
minimum effort is required to move the camera over the
entire tilt range.

fx

Fig. 10

8

Operating Instructions

6. Pan-Tilt Drag Control.

The Arrow

drag + zero setting in the pan and tilt (5 for AFX 3). The

settings are equally stepped from light drag in position 1 up
to heavy drag in position 7, the drag plates are completely
disengaged in position zero.

• Do not pan or tilt the uid head whilst adjusting PAN or

TILT DRAG CONTROL or whilst the PAN & TILT DRAG
CONTROL is between settings.

• The drag setting can be changed at any tilt or pan angle.

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uid head offers 7 selectable positions of uid

7. Pan-Tilt Lock Control.

The Arrow

brake system to hold the uid head in a xed pan and/or tilt

position. Camera position will not change when applying or
releasing the pan-tilt locks.

• Do not pan or tilt the uid head whilst the PAN or the TILT

LOCK is partially applied.

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uid head offers high capacity caliper disc

8. Illumination.

The

& TILT DRAG CONTROL settings, BUBBLE LEVEL
and PAN & TILT INDICATOR when the low ambient
light conditions exist. Illumination can be achieved by
pressing the ILLUMINATION BUTTON once. The light will
switch off after 10 seconds.

Arrow

fx

uid head offers illumination of the PAN

Tilt Drag Setting

Mounting Points

Tilt Drag Knob

Illumination Button Counter Balance Selector

Pan Drag Setting

Pan Drag Knob

Bubble Level

Fig. 11

9

Maintenance

The Arrow

and moisture seals. Miller recommends keeping the uid head

clean at all times by using soft brushes and lint free cloth to wipe
over the surfaces.

• Do not immerse the uid head in any liquid.

• Do not use stiff brushes, abrasives, harsh detergents and

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solvents.

uid head offers high quality surface coatings, dust

Battery Replacement

The Arrow
tery for Illumination. Miller recommends the following batteries to
provide long life performance – Duracell MN21/23, Eveready A23
or Vinnic L1028.

• Using a Phillips head #1 screw driver, remove the two

• Insert the new battery as shown in (g. 12).

• Insert the tab on the BATTERY DOOR into the body rst then

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uid head uses a single GP23A type - 12 Volt bat-

RETAINING SCREWs, BATTERY DOOR and the old battery.

align the two screw holes and tighten the screws snugly.

Battery

10

Battery Door

Fig. 12

Specications

1078

Weight 4.8kg (10.6lbs) 5.1kg (11.3lbs) 5.1kg (11.3lbs)

Payload range 1-19kg (2.2-41.8lbs) 2-21kg (4.4-46.2lbs) 6-25kg (13.2-55.1lbs)

Pan-tilt drag 5 selectable fluid drag positions + 0 7 selectable fluid drag positions + 0

Pan range 360˚

Pan-tilt locks Positive lock calliper brake system

Tilt angle +90˚/-75˚

Counterbalance 16 selectable positions

Camera platform Quick release camera plate with 1/4” and 3/8” screws

Sliding range 120mm (4.7”)

Height above bowl 200mm (7.9”) mitchell base / 205mm (8.1”) D100mm / D150mm bowl

Mounting base Flat base

Illuminated controls Bubble level, pan-tilt drag controls

Temperature range -40° to +65°C (-40° to +149°F)

Pan handle Telescopic 390 to 590mm (15.4 to 23.2”)

Encoder type Incremental with reference mark

Tilt resolution 983,040 counts per revolution (with quadrature)

Pan resolution 1,589,248 counts per revolution (with quadrature)

Output type Incremental (A, B, Z, A-, B-, Z-)

Output connection RJ45 (Ethercon)

Power requirements 5V (+/- 10%)

Arrow

fx

3 1080

Arrow

fx

5 1082

Arrow

fx

7

11

Technical Illustrations

194 (7.6")

200 (7.9")

77 (3.0")

190 (7.4")

237 (9.3")

100 (3.9")

Fig. 13

12

Storage

Service, Sales and Support

The Arrow
recommends storage in a Miller soft case and the following:

• Remove battery.

• Clean the external surfaces.

• Keep in a dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Loosen off PAN & TILT LOCK.

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uid head can be stored for extended periods; Miller

Spare Parts and Accessories

ITEM ITEM NO.

Battery P3798

Offset camera plate with 2 x 3/8” screws

Camera plate (Euro) with 1/4” & 3/8” screws 860

Camera screw 3/8” P0037

Camera screw 1/4” P0036

Additional pan handle - telescopic with clamp 696

Accessory mounting block 1260

Mitchell base adaptor with clamp 1225

D150 Claw ball level 1295

858

Please refer to warranty card for complete details.

Miller Authorised Service Agents must carry out all service
and repair work. Failure to observe this requirement may void
warranty. It is advisable to notify Miller or a Miller authorised.
service agent if a change of performance is observed as a
result of dropping or rough usage. For information regarding
sales and service of Miller products or for your nearest Miller
representative please contact us via our website or at the

following:

MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

30 Hotham Parade
Artarmon, Sydney, NSW, 2064, Australia

P [phone]
F [phone]

[e-mail]

MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT (LLC) USA

216 Little Falls Road (Unit 15 & 16),
Cedar Grove, New Jersey, 07009, USA

P [phone]
F [phone]

[e-mail]

MILLER FLUID HEADS (EUROPE) LTD.

12A Shepperton Business Park, Govett Avenue
Shepperton, Middlesex, TW17 8BA, United Kingdom

P [phone]
F [phone]

[e-mail]

13

millertripods.com

Appendix

When the Arrow
remote system head use the following network diagram.

fx

is integrated with the third party Egripment

Reference only, refer to Egripment.

Fig. 14

14

Fig. 15

millertripods.com

MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

30 Hotham Parade
Artarmon, Sydney
NSW, 2064, Australia

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

D11800-1