Miller Compass 20 User Manual

compass

Fluid Head

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL

#1036 Compass 20 Fluid Head

20

Features and Controls

Sliding Platform

Sliding Platform Lock

Pan Handle Clamp

Pan Handle

Camera Screws

Tilt Lock

Pan Lock

Threaded Stud

Clamp Nut

Fig. 1

1

Features and Controls

Sliding Camera Plate

Release Knob

Tilt Drag Control

Accessory Mounting

1/4” + Pin Carriage

Quick Release Knob

Safety Tab

Counterbalance Selector

Bubble Level

Pan Drag Control

2

Introduction Safety Instructions

Thank you for purchasing the Compass 20 Fluid Head. The
Compass 20 Fluid Head has been designed to suit payload

capacities from HDV to standard conguration XDCAM and P2HD

cameras.

The robust design and construction of the Compass 20 Fluid Head
offers maximum stability, accuracy and durability and includes
precision ball bearing mounted Fluid Drag Plate system in the Pan

and Tilt assembly to deliver true uid drag performance over the

entire temperature and payload range.

The Fluid Drag and the Counterbalance system were designed to
provide excellent control and repeatability and offer progressive
equal increments of drag and torque.

The Compass 20 Fluid Head also offers Illuminated Bubble level.

The Compass 20 Fluid Head will give best performance when
used on a wide range of Miller tripods, including SOLO DV
(#1501 & 1630) and Lightweight (#440 & 420) tripod. This will
ensure maximum system stability to suit any professional setup.
The Compass 20 Fluid Head will suit most industry standard
75 mm tripods as well, please refer to manufactures’ manual for

mounting details.

Attaching/removing the camera.

Please use this manual to familiarise yourself with the operation
of the Compass 20 Fluid Head and observe these instructions
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
Fluid Head.

• Do not leave the camera unattended on the Fluid 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 Fluid 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
Fluid Head.

• Hold camera securely whilst changing Counterbalance, Pan
Drag or Tilt Drag settings.

• Hold the camera securely whilst releasing the

RELEASE KNOB.

• Hold camera securely whilst

3

Technical Data

Weight 2.8 kg (6.2 lb)

Payload Range 2.0 – 12.0 kg (4.4 - 26.5 lb)

Max. Capacity 20.0 kg (44.0 lb)

Tilt Drag 5 Selectable uid drag positions + 0

Tilt Range + 90˚ / -75˚

Tilt Lock Positive Lock caliper brake system

Pan Drag 5 Selectable uid drag positions + 0

Pan Range 360˚

Pan Lock Positive Lock caliper brake system

Counterbalance System 4 Selectable positions
(see performance graph)

Camera Platform Type Quick release sliding camera plate
with 60 mm travel and 1/4”, 3/8”
and 1/4” + Pin Carriage.

Mounting Base Ø75 mm Ball Levelling

Ball Level Range 10˚

Handle Standard black anodised pan handle
with adjustable angle.

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

Construction Lightweight diecast Aluminium alloy,
moulded reinforced plastics

Sealing Water & Dust resistant

Finish Matt black (low sheen) durable
powder coated with anti-corrosive
pre treatment

Warranty 3 Years.

(7.5)

190

(2.8)
70

(7.0)

180

HEIGHT
ABOVE BOWL

162

(6.4)

102

(4.0)

Ø98 (3.9)

Ø75 (3.0)

164

(6.5)

90

(3.5)

4

Fig. 3

Operating Instructions

The operating instructions are described in six steps. Please read
and understand these instructions before using this equipment.
Do not omit any steps.

1 Fluid Head Set-up

1.1 Loosen the PAN HANDLE CLAMP fully then rotate the
PAN HANDLE until it is approximately perpendicular to the
THREADED STUD (g. 4) and tighten the PAN HANDLE
CLAMP - avoid contact wear between the serrations on
the Fluid Head and the PAN HANDLE CLAMP, if this occurs
then unwind the PAN HANDLE CLAMP further.

1.2 Ensure that the TRIPOD BOWL is approximately horizontal.
Place the Fluid Head into the TRIPOD BOWL, adjust the
BUBBLE LEVEL (g. 4) such that the bubble is inside the
black circle and tighten the CLAMP NUT.

1.3 Set the initial control settings as follows – see Figure 1 & 2:

• Select Counterbalance to position 4 (top setting).

• Select Pan & Tilt Drag to position 0.

• Tighten the PAN LOCK, TILT LOCK and the SLIDING
PLATFORM LOCK.

Pan Handle Clamp

Pan Handle

Illumination Button

Bubble Level

Threaded Stud

Clamp Nut

Fig. 4

5

Operating Instructions

2. 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 HDV

mount) or the 1/4” + PIN CARRIAGE (XDCAM/P2HD mount)

as required. The 1/4”and 3/8” screws can be

2.3 Attach camera accessories and the battery 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 2.5.

2.4 Attach the CAMERA PLATE to the camera or the QUICK
RELEASE TRIPOD ADAPTOR and 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 and tighten

the SLIDING PLATFORM LOCK (g.5). 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

6

Fig. 5

Operating Instructions

3. Counterbalance Control

The counterbalance system was designed to neutralise the
effect of the camera weight when it is tilted. The Compass 15
Fluid Head offers a 4 position counterbalance system which can
be operated via the COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR

(g. 2). The COUNTERBALANCE SELECTOR 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 ensure that Counterbalance position 4

is selected.

3.2 Hold the camera and release the TILT LOCK, then gently

tilt the camera from a 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, select Counterbalance
position 3 and recheck, select lower setting again if
necessary. Correct counterbalance setting has been
achieved when minimum effort is required to move the
camera over the entire tilt range.

TIP Fine tuning can be achieved by adjusting the SLIDING

PLATFORM – see step 2.6.

Counterbalance Performance

300

250

200

150

100

50

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

C of G above Camera Plate (mm)

Fig. 6

Camera Payload (kg)

7

Operating Instructions

4. Pan / Tilt Drag Control.

The Compass 15 Fluid Head offers 5 selectable positions of

uid drag + zero setting in the Pan and Tilt. The settings are

equally stepped from light drag in position 1 up to heavy drag in
position 5, the drag plates are completely disengaged in position
zero.

• Do not Pan or Tilt the Fluid Head whilst adjusting PAN or

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

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

5. Pan/Tilt Lock Control.

The Compass 15 Fluid Head offers high capacity calliper disc

brake system to hold the Fluid 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 Fluid Head whilst the PAN or the TILT

LOCK is partially applied.

Tilt Drag Control

Counterbalance Selector

Illumination Button

Bubble Level

6. Illumination.

The Compass 20 Fluid Head offers illumination of the BUBBLE
LEVEL 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.

8

Pan Drag Control

Fig. 7

Maintenance

The Compass 15 Fluid Head offers high quality surface coatings.
Miller recommends keeping the Fluid Head clean at all times by
using soft brushes and lint free cloth to wipe over the surfaces.

• Do not immerse the Fluid Head in any liquid.

• Do not use stiff brushes, abrasives, harsh detergents

and solvents.

Battery Replacement

The Compass 15 Fluid Head uses a single 11A type - 6 Volt battery
for Illumination. Miller recommends the following batteries to
provide long life performance – GP11A, Duracell MN11 or Vinnic
L1016.

1 Using a Phillips Head #1 screw driver, remove the
RETAINING SCREW and the BATTERY DOOR.

2 Using a small at screw driver remove the battery.

3 Align the new battery as shown on the back of the
BATTERY DOOR and place into the BATTERY HOLDER,
then push down the battery into place. A small at screw
driver may be used to push down the battery into the
BATTERY HOLDER.

4 Align the BATTERY DOOR into the body then tighten the

screw lightly.

Battery Housing

Illumination Button

9

Retaining Screw

Fig. 8

Battery Door

Battery

Storage Service, Sales and Support

The Compass 15 Fluid Head can be stored for extended periods;
Miller 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.

Spare Parts and Accessories

ITEM ITEM NO.

Battery P7715

Camera plate mini (Euro)
with 1/4”/ 3/8” screws + 1/4” screw & pin

Mini Euro sliding plate assembly P7800

Euro sliding plate assembly P7840

Camera screw 1/4” P0036

Camera screw 3/8” P0037

1/4”Screw & pin carriage #493

Pan handle - xed with clamp # 679

Pan handle - telescopic with clamp # 694

DS softcase 2-stage # 876

Clamp nut P7850

Warranty

Please refer to warranty card for complete details.

#1208

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
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

MILLER Camera Support (LLC) USA

216 Little Falls Road (Unit 15 & 16), Cedar Grove,
New Jersey 07009-1231 USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

MILLER FLUID HEADS (EUROPE) LTD.

Unit 12A, Shepperton Business Park
Govett Ave, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 8BA, United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

www.millertripods.com

10

www.millertripods.com

MILLER CAMERA SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
30 Hotham Parade
Artarmon, Sydney
NSW 2064 Australia
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

D7881-3