Panther Super Panther III Operating Instructions Manual

SUPER PAN THER I I I ( 0 1 / 9 6 )

Pa n the r G m b H

Manufacture, Sales and Rental

of Cinematographic Equipment

Ra i f f e i se n a l l e e 3

82041 Oberhaching-Munich

Ph o n e : + 4 9 ( 8 9 ) 6 1 3 9 0 0 -01

Fa x: + 4 9 (8 9 ) 6 1 3 1 0 0 0

Operating Instruction 02/97

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Cont ents

page

Contents......................................................................................................................2

Pr e f a c e ...................................................................................................................... 3

Sa f e t y g u i d e l i n e s ........................................................................................................ 4

Su p e r Pa n t h e r I I I d i a g r a m .......................................................................................... 5

Mechanical principles............................................................................................... 6

Getting started ........................................................................................................... 7

Fro n t p a n e l ................................................................................................................. 8

Se l e c t o r s w i t c h e s ........................................................................................................ 9

Driving p a tte rns ........................................................................................................ 10

Pr o g r a m m i n g ........................................................................................................... 11

Po w e r su p p l y ............................................................................................................ 12

Charging options..................................................................................................... 13

St e e r i n g .................................................................................................................... 14

Whe e l le g s................................................................................................................ 14

Whe e l a d justm e nt .................................................................................................... 15

Tu r n s t i l e a t t a c h m e n t ................................................................................................. 15

Lo a d t o l e ra n c e s d i a g ra m ........................................................................................ 16

Column..................................................................................................................... 17

Tr a c k i n g .................................................................................................................... 18

Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 18

Ba c k u p o p e r a t i o n ................................................................................................... 19

Te c h n i c a l S p e c i f i c a t i o n s .......................................................................................... 20

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Pr e f ace

Congratulations on choosing the Super Panther III camera support system. The Super Panther III

employs state-of-the-art technology to give users optimum performance in the field of camera dollying.

Em p l o y i n g sp e c i a l l y se l e c t e d m a t e r i a l s a n d h i g h q u a l i t y c o m p o n e n t s, d e si g n e d a r o u n d a u n i q u e

computer-controlled column drive system, the Super Panther III offers you a whole new scope of

practical application in studio and location shooting.

Th e S u p e r P a n t h e r I I I i s r o b u s t a n d e a sy t o o p e r a t e , a n d y e t i t e n a b l e s t h e c a m e r a m a n t o o b t a i n

creative results in steady framing and smooth trac king. The Super Pa nther III wa s desig ned a nd built by

sp e c i a list c ra f t sm e n fo r th e p ro fe ssio na l u se r, i n c o n su l t a tio n with m a n y e xp e rt c a m e ra m e n a n d

operators.

In its own q uie t wa y, the Sup er Pa nthe r III c omb ines ye a rs of experienc e and workmanship to put a

powerhouse of technical progress in the hands of the user.

At Pa nthe r, we know yo u ha ve a rig ht to e xp ec t relia b le , d ra ma tic re sults. Tha t's why we c rea te d the

Pa n t h e r - so you can create the pictures. Before you do, we'd like you to read our user instruction

manual. It contains routine maintenance procedures and all the information you need to set up and

operate the Panther safely in every configuration.

Pa n t h e r G m b H

All inq uirie s o r c o m me nts sh o u l d b e a d d re sse d t o th e m a n ufa c tu re r o r y o ur l o c a l Pa n the r d e a l e r.

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Sa f e t y Gui delines

1. Do not op era te the d olly b efore the se instruc tions ha ve b e en rea d a nd und erstoo d . Sa fety rules

and servicing schedules must be observed.

2. Th e S u p er Panther III Dolly may only be operated by qualified personnel. You may participate in

one of our workshops which are arranged on request. Certificates are issued for each workshop.

3. Th e e n t i r e o p e r a t i n g , p a n n i n g a n d l i f t r a n g e o f t h e d o l l y m u s t b e k ept clear at all times.

Pa n t h e r G m b H h a s a n t i c i p a t e d t h e p o ssi b l e r i sk o f sq u e e ze s/ c ru sh e s t o so m e e x t e n t b y

installing deformable fenders and warning sig ns.

4. Alwa ys a ssem b le the syste m with a tte ntio n to b a la nc e (risk o f tilting !). Se e loa d ing d ia g ra ms.

Whe e l le g s m u st b e fully turn e d o ut. Se e whe e l le g s, p . 12 .

5. Note: Do not use the d olly on slop ing surfa c es or in vehic les. Sec ure the Sup er Pa nther III to

prevent rolling. The ground must be stable and unyielding, also when tracks are being used.

6. Th e c o l u m n i s su p p o r t e d b y p n e u m a t i c s p r i n g s w h i c h h a v e a h i g h p r e s s u r e ! ! I f d a m a g e d ,

incorrec tly adjusted, or if force has been used, the column may ind ependently move out with

great force. Check the drive belt for wear or damage every 6 months or after 100 hours of

operation. The belt should be replaced at least every 2 years as a safety precaution. Note: For

all maintenance procedures, first extend the column fully to minimize pneumatic pressure. The

dolly should only be repaired by technical personnel trained by the manufacturer. Please

arrange an appointment for training with Panther GmbH.

7. General electrical guidelines must be observed during electrical operation and maintenance.

Pr o t e c t t h e e q u i p m e n t f r o m m o i st u r e a n d h u m i d i t y .

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Th e Su p e r Pa n t h e r I I I D o l l y

1. Eu r o a d a p t e r - p. 15 9. Motor - p. 4

2. Tu r n s t i l e a t t a c h m e n t - p. 13 10. Ba t t e r y - p. 10, 11

3. Fri c t io n sc re w - p. 13 11. St e e r i n g r o d - p. 12

4. Tu r n s t i l e a t t a c h m e n t b r a k e - p. 13 12. Whe e l le g - p. 12

5. Column platform - p. 15 13. St e e r i n g c h a i n - p. 12, 16

6. Guide runner - p. 15 14. Whe e l le g a d justm e n t le ve r - p. 12

7. Fro n t p a n e l - p. 6, 7, 8 15. Ko m b i wh e e l - p. 12, 13, 16

8. Ad justa b le sea t-extension - p. 13 16. Ha nd se t - p. 9

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Mechani cal Princi p l es

Un d e r st a n d i n g t h e Su p e r Pa n t h e r I I I d o l l y ' s m e c h a n i c a l p r i n c i p l e s h e l p s t o a v o i d e r r o r s i n o p e r a t i o n .

Fo l lo w in g i s a b ri e f su m m a ry o f t he m a i n p o i n t s.

Th e m o t o r i s l o c a t e d o n t h e s i d e o f t h e P anther and a special belt-drive transmission rotates the central

sp in d le th a t d ri ve s th e c o lu m n u p a n d d o wn .

Th e Pa n t h e r ' s d e s i g n c o m b i n e s m i n i m u m w e i g h t w i t h m a x i m u m p e r f o r m a n c e , w h i c h i s a c c o m p l i s h e d b y

a special counter-pressure configuration of 4 pneumatic springs in the base of the column. These

sp rin g s e xe rt a p p ro x. 1 .4 kN o f u p wa rd p re ssure o n th e c o lu m n. Whe n t h e Pa n th e r is switc h e d o n , the

motor-drive begins working against the weight differential, or balance, of column load minus spring

pressure, and holds the column in position. The energy needed by the motor to keep the column

sta t io n a ry is i n p ro p o rt io n t o t h e c o lum n's lo a d ra tio to t h e sp rin g p re ssu re . En e rg y c o n su m p t io n i s l e a st

when loa d equals pressure, i. e. when the load is approx. 140 kg.

Whe n the Pa n th e r is switc h e d o ff, the c o lum n wo uld n o rm a lly d rive u p wa rd s o r d o wnwa rd s, a c c o rd in g

to the load. In order to hold the column position when the Panther is switched off, there is a brake

situa t e d o n t h e m o to r sh a f t t h a t a u t o m a tic a l ly a p plies spring pressure to the motor shaft as soon as the

Pa n t h e r i s sw i t c h e d o f f .

Whe n the d o lly is switc h e d o n, the in itia l sta g e is the a c tiva t io n o f t h e e le c tro nic syste m o nly , o r sta n d b y

condition. The brake remains on until you use the manual control switch on the handset. Then the

brake is electromagnetically released, holds the "brake open" position and the motor switches on. At

this point, the "brake open" LED on the front panel lights up.

Th i s p h a s e , w i t h e l e c t r o n i c s y s t e m , m o t o r a n d e l e c t r o m a gnetic brake release all activated, is when

power consumption is at its maximum. Therefore, when column drive is not required, switch Panther off

to c onserve power and extend battery life.

If the Pa nthe r is left on fo r a time, b ut d rive system is not used, a secondary system that records the

power drag when the brake is released will reapply the brake (a "click" will be heard). Once the brake

is on, the Panther is back in sta nd by mode and the motor shuts down. The "brake open" LED will no

longer be lit.

Once the manual control switch is pressed, the system is reactivated: the brake is released and the

motor operates to hold the column in position.

If the "c lic k" you hea r whenever the b ra ke is relea sed or re a p p lie d should d isturb loc a tion sound

rec ord ing, operate the manual control switch before shooting beg ins. This resets the sec ondary system,

and you have the full time (depending on the load) until the next "click" (brake activation).

Note:

Whe n yo u turn the Sup e r Pa nthe r III d o lly o n, th e sy ste m is in "stand by" mode.

Th e b r a k e i s r e l e a s e d a f t e r e i t h e r p r e s s i n g t h e m a n u a l c o n t r o l s w i t c h o n t h e h a n d se t o r w h e n r e c a l l i n g a

program.

Whe n c o lu m n d rive is no t b e in g use d , a se c o nd a ry syste m will o p e ra te th e b ra ke a fte r

120 seconds.

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Getting St a rted

1. Be f o r e sw i t c h i n g t h e Pa n t h e r o n , m a k e a b so l u t e l y su r e t h a t t h e e n t i r e l i f t , p a n n i n g a n d o p e r a t i n g

ra ng e of d o lly a nd a c c essories is c lea r.

2. Su p p l y t h e d o l l y w i t h e l e c t r i c i t y a s d e s c r i b e d i n " Po w e r Su p p l y " p . 1 0 , 1 1 . N o t e : Pl e a s e f u l l y

comply with instructions.

3. Check if handset, cable and dolly are properly connected.

4. Se t t h e s w i t c h e s o n f r o n t p a n e l ( 7 ) a s d e s i r e d ( s e e " Fr o n t Pa n e l " , p . 6 , 7 , 8 ) .

5. Tu r n t h e Pa n t h e r o n a t t h e m a i n s w i t c h . Th e c o n t r o l LE D " PO W E R " o n t h e f r o n t p a n e l will light up,

sh o win g th a t th e Pa n t h e r is o n . Ma ke sure the b a tte ry (b a t t e rie s) is (a re ) f u l ly c h a rg e d . Yo u c a n

keep the ma in switc h "on" due to the "On-Off" - switch located

on the handset (16) which enables you to switch the dolly "on" or "off".

Th e Dolly does not turn on if one of these two switches is off.

6. Usi n g t h e h a n d se t ( 1 6 ) , b r i n g t h e c o l u m n t o t h e d e si r e d p o si t i o n . Pr e ss t h e m a n u a l c o n t r o l sw i t c h

forward to elevate the column, pull back to lower the column. This switch also determines the

sp e e d o f t ra ve l, a c c o rd in g t o th e p re ssu re u se d .

Note: When no t using the c olumn lift, switc h the Pa nther off to c onserve b a tte ry p ower.

Th e S u p e r Pa n t h e r h a s a " O n -Off" - switch loc ated on the handset, next to the manual control

swit c h (re d kn o b ). This switch is used to stop the elevating mechanism during unintentional

movements.

Th e S u p e r P a n t h e r I I I m a y n o t b e o p e r a t e d w i t h m a i n s p o w e r u n i t s + c h a r g e r s s o l d b e f o r e 1

Ja nua ry, 1996.

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Front Pa ne l

Th e e r g o n o m i c a l l y designed front panel displays all information at a glance and enables direct control

of operating parameters such as speed, ramp setting etc.

1. On/off switch (with automatic cut-out)

2. LC D d i sp l a y

3. Control LEDs

4. Su p e r J i b o p e r a t i o n o n / o f f

5. Ha ndset programming on/off

6. Sp e e d s e l e c t o r

7. Ra m p se l e c t i n g sw i t c h

8. "POWER OFF" sa fety switc h

9. Manual control switch

110.

St o r a g e / r e c a l l k e y s f o r p r o g r a m m e d

movements

Th e m a n u a l c o n t r o l s w i t c h ( 9 ) i s a p p l i c a b l e f o r c o l u m n m o v e m e n t s i n b o t h d i rec tions a nd a t a ny sp eed .

More than 250 column movements can be programmed at any position or speed and recalled at will

by using the storage/recall keys (10). The manual functioning is nevertheless maintained. The position

accuracy leaves nothing to be desired.

MAIN SWITCH Combination of power on/off, safety power off switch on handset

(on/off switc h): and fuse (that will switch off at a constant current exceeding 10 A).

LC D-DISPLAY: sh o ws the m o m e n t a ry m o to r v o lta g e (w ith o n e b a tte ry a p p ro x. 2 4 V, with two

batteries approx. 48 V)

CONTROL LEDS:

Po w e r yellow LED; will light up when the dolly is turned on

Br a k e o p e n green LED; will light up when the brake is open. If the dolly is not in operation

for longer than 120 seconds, the brake will close automatically and the LED will

go out.

Ba t t e r y e m p t y / e r ro r red LED; will lig ht up when b a tteries a re emp ty. The LED will sta rt b linking in

case of an error. The error can be determined by removing the electronics

cover and looking at the display on the left side of the electronics housing:

b. (on) battery empty

d. (blinking) fault at rotary encoder

E. ( b l i n k i n g ) fault at end switch

H. (b linking ) fault at handset

L. (b l i n ki n g ) current exceeding normal value

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SELECTOR SWITCHES

Po si t i o n o n :

Po si t i o n o f f :

Movements with Super Jib (all start and stop ramps are

sm o o the r/ a d a p te d t o Sup e r Ji b o p e ra t i o n )

St a n d a r d m o v e m e n t s ( s t a r t a n d s t o p r a m p s a r e a d a p t e d t o

sta n d a rd o p e ra t i o n ).

Po si t i o n o n :

Po st i o n o f f :

Pr o g r a m m i n g k e y s o n h a n d se t a r e activated. (Note: take care

against unintentional operation, see "Programming",

p. 10.)

St a n d a r d t r a v e l l i n g ( p r o g r a m m i n g k e y s o n h a n d s e t w i t h o u t

effect)

Po si t i o n 1 :

Po si t i o n 2 :

Po si t i o n 3 :

Po si t i o n 4 :

sp e e d 0 . . . 2 5 %

sp e e d 0 . . . 5 0 %

sp e e d 0 . . . 75 %

sp e e d 0 . . . 1 0 0 % (m a xim um sp e e d )

Whe n u sing o nly o ne b a tte ry , a ll c o lu m n m o ve m e nts a re

effected at half the speed of the selected position

Ac c e lera tion a nd d e c e lera tion p ha se s of the Pa nthe r c o lumn c a n b e a d juste d with the ra mp

se le c ting swit ch.

so ft ra m p :

hard ramp:

medium

ra mp :

acceleration very soft, hardly perceivable

stro n g a c c e le ra tio n to m a xim um sp e e d , stro n g d e c e le ra tio n

until stopping

characteristic between soft and hard

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Th e s t a r t a n d s t o p r a m p s a r e p r o g r a m m e d i n o u r f a c t o r y . S p e e d s e l e c t o r 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 a n d S u p e r J i b o n / o f f

swit c h c h a n g e t h e st a rt a n d sto p ra m p s a c c o rd i n g t o th e se le c t e d re q u ire m e nts.

Note: At a ll ra mp setting s (soft, med ium a nd ha rd ), b ut e sp ec ia lly a t "so ft", th e Pa n th e r c o lu m n will sti ll

move somewhat after the handset's manual c ontrol switch (9) is released: risk of crushing!

Observe safety distances. If there is any danger of crushing, press the "power off" safety switch

on handset. Also see "Operation/Safety Prec autions Super Jib I and II".

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Pr ogr a mmi ng

a) Se t " Pr o g r a m " s w i t c h o n f r o n t p a n e l t o " o n " . Us e m a n u a l c o n t r o l s w i t c h t o s e l e c t t h e c o l u m n h e i g h t

that will serve as starting point. Press the key marked STF to enter the first point (starting point) in

the program memory. (When STF is pressed, only the starting point is memorized, and any existing

programs are erased.)

b) Use t h e m a n u a l c o n t r o l sw i t c h t o b r i n g t h e c o l u m n t o t h e n e x t d e si r e d p o i n t ( = f i r st st o pping

point). The Panther electronics will memorize only the highest speed used to reach this point

manually, and will repeat the move at this speed throughout. If you wish to program a slower

movement, you must drive slowly to the stopping point.

c) You may drive up or down to any stopping point until it is entered. Enter the point by pressing

STM .

Note: Stop p ing p oint will only b e rec ord ed when the c olumn is c omp letely sta tiona ry. To b e q uite

su re o f c o rre c t e n try o f a n y p o in t , a lwa y s w a it a m o m e n t before pressing STM.

d) Move to the second stopping point and enter it by pressing STM. Any of up to 255 stopping

points are entered by always pressing STM.

e) Be f o r e r e c a l l i n g o r r e se t t i n g t h e p r o g r a m i n se q u e n c e , m o v e t o t h e st a r t i n g p o i n t b y p r e ssi n g GRF.

Th e c o l u m n a u t o m a t i c a l l y r e t u r n s t o t h i s p o i n t a t t h e m a x i m u m s p e e d c h o se n w i t h t h e s p e e d

selec tor.

f) To r e c a l l t h e p r o g r a m , p r e s s A ( A c t i o n ) f o r e v e r y m o v e m e n t i n c h r o n o l o g i c a l o r d e r .

Note: For sa fety re a sons, set "p rog ra m" switc h on the front panel to "off" when not using programming

mode. This will not erase programmed movements; these are reactivated when "program" switch is set

to "on".

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Po we r Sup p ly

Th e S u p e r P a n t h e r I I I d o l l y c a n b e su p p l i e d w i t h p o w e r a s s h o w n o n t h e d i a g r a m s b e l o w .

Sh o u l d y o u r Su p e r Pa n t h e r I I I d o l l y b e e q u i p p e d w i t h a s n a p -on mains power unit + charger (SN),

please read "Operating instructions for Snap-On Mains Power Unit + Cha rg er" b efore op era tion.

B = battery

SN = sn a p -on mains unit + charger

24 V = sin g le sp e e d

sp e e d se le c to r switc h se tt i n g 2

(sp eed 2)

48 V = double speed

sp e e d se le c to r sw itc h se tt in g 4 (sp e e d

4)

Po we r Sup p l y Options

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Char gi ng Options

B = battery

SN = sn a p -on mains unit + charger

ZL = extra charger for 1 or 2 batteries

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St eering

Sy m m e t r i c a l c o n f i g u r a t i o n o f 4 i d e n t i c a l w h e e l l e g s e n a b l e s 1 -wheel, 2-wheel a nd 4-wheel steering

(c ra b & steer) from a ll 4 sid es.

1-wheel steering Diseng a g e the loc king levers on two a dja c ent ko mb i whe els a nd a lig n the m using

the ac c essory wheel locking bar (order # 100514 or # 100522). Re m o v e t h e f o u r t h

komb i wheel. Fo r sa f e t y re a so n s, t h e Su p e r Pa n t h e r III d o l l y m a y n o t b e lo a d e d

laterally (risk of tilting!)

2-wheel steering Diseng a g e the loc king levers on two a dja c ent ko mb i whe els a nd a lig n the m using

the ac c essory wheel locking bar (order # 100514 or # 100522). Connect the

accessory steerage transmission rod (order # 100473 or # 100521) to the remaining

- steering - wheels, one of which is disengaged using the kombi wheel locking

lever. The steering transmission rod attaches to the wheels in the kombi brake

notches. Th e ste e rin g ro d m a y b e a t t a c h e d to o ne o f th e so c ke ts lo c a t e d a b o ve

a steering kombi wheel.

4-wheel steering Th e v e r t i c a l a x l e s o f a l l f o u r k o m b i w h e e l s a r e c o n n e c t e d t o t h e s t e e r i n g c h a i n .

Th e st e e r i n g r o d m a y b e a t t a c h e d t o a n y o f t h e s t e e r i n g sockets.

Note: Fo r sa f e t y re a so n s, th e Su p e r Pa n t h e r III d o l ly m a y n o t b e lo a d e d la t e ra l ly w h e n

using 1-wheel steering, narrow gauge or compact gauge c onfiguration (risk of

tilting!).

Wheel legs

In ord er to set a wheel leg c onfig ura tio n, p ress d own the leg adjustment lever (14) to unlock the

individ ual wheel p osition. The lever should clic k back into plac e a fter release, but chec k that it loc ks

se c u re ly to b e q u ite su re .

Whe n usin g a jib a rm o r o utrig g e r, a lwa y s use wid e g a u g e wh e e l c o n fig ura tion. Alwa ys p a y a ttentio n

to load tolerances (see "Load tolercances diagram").

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Wheel adj ust ment

It c a n ha p p e n tha t a whe e l o r wheels g et knoc ked o ut o f p osition in tra nsp ort, b y misuse or use o f

force. This sec tion deals with realigning and adjusting wheels.

Lo o se n t h e st e e rin g a xl e p i vo t sc re w s o n a l l f o u r ko m b i w h e e l s. (Th e p i vo t sc r e w i s l o c a t e d i n a d e e p

bore in the kombi wheel carrier.) Turn the wheels until the kombi wheel clutch levers for the front wheels

are pointing forwards, and the rear levers pointing backwards (see diagram).

Alig n two whe e ls a t a tim e using the whee l lo c king b a r (wheels

sid e b y si d e ) o r th e sid e l o c kin g b a r (o n e wh e e l b e h in d t h e

other) and secure the pivot screws; then, the next two wheels,

and so on.

Tu r n st i l e A t t a c h ment

Th e t u r n s t i l e a t t a c h m e n t r o t a t e s o n a b a l l b e a r i n g . Fr i c t i o n o f r o t a t i o n c a n b e v a r i e d u s i n g t h e f r i c t i o n

sc re ws.

Th e e n t i r e t u r n s t i l e c a n b e f i x e d i n a n y s e t t i n g u si n g t h e b r a k e .

Th e e x t e n s i o n b r a c k e t f o r t h e se cond seat (focus-puller) can be dismantled by undoing the 2 Allen

sc re ws o n e ith e r sid e .

Th e c a m e r a o p e r a t o r ' s s e a t sh o u l d n o t b e e x t e n d e d , a s t h i s c o u l d r e su l t i n d a m a g e t o t h e t h r e a d e d

se a t-extension rod.

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Pa g e 16/20

Lo a d T o l e r ances Di agr a m f or Sup e r Pa nthe r III

Whe n usin g t h e Sup e r Pa n the r III with o utrig g e rs (e . g . o utrig g e r III, U-Ba n g i ) , a l w a y s use wide gauge

wheel c onfiguration for safety rea sons (p. 12). The load toleranc es diagram must be adhered to.

maximum central column load: 250 kg / 550 lbs

maximum offset distance: 140 cm

A c ounte rb a la nc e rod (o rd e r # 100503) c a n b e use d to inc rea se stability. The rod is installed at the side

opposite the lateral column load and the according number of counterweights attached. In this case,

the outrigger (e. g. outrigger III, U-Ba n g i ) m a y not be rotated! When using Panther jib arms (e. g. Super

Jib II), ob serve the c o rresp ond ing loa d tolera nc e d ia g ra ms.

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Pa g e 17/20

Col u mn

Mid-way on the c olumn there is a small platform, intended as a footrest for the camera operator. The

platform has a fail-sa f e b re a ka g e p o in t b u ilt in , so tha t se rio us inj u ri e s will n o t occur. If the operator's

foot happens to be under the platform while the column is being retracted, the platform is designed to

break.

Th e c o l u m n i s g u i d e d b y r u n n e r s b e t w e e n b e a r i n g s. Th e c o l u m n g u i d e r u n n e r s s h o u l d b e k e p t f r e e o f

dust or grit but never oiled. (Oil might cause the incremental rotary encoder to slip against the guide

runner a nd this would re sult in misrea d ing of d rive p a ra meters a nd unc ontrolled c olumn lift movements.)

Th e s m a l l c o l u m n ( o n w h i c h t h e e u r o a d a p t e r i s m o u n t e d ) sh o u l d n ever be pulled upwards, as the

internal steel cables would slacken and possib ly kink. Please be especially careful when taking off a jib

arm. The jib arm could cant with the euro adapter and when lifting the jib arm the column would then

be pulled out, too.

Wha t is uniq ue in the p a te nte d c o lum n g uid in g

sy st e m o f PANTHER

®

...?

... the redirection of a high lateral column load

into an a lmost vertic al load!

Th e a d v a n t a g e s o f t h e P A N TH E R

®

column are demonstrated by direct comparison of columns A and B

(se e d ia g ra m):

- The roller bearing's diameter is increased, due to its position against the c olumn

Ad va nta g e 1: larger and stronger roller bearings

Ad va nta g e 2: fewer revolutions, i. e. quieter and longer-lasting bea rings

- Th e h o r i z o n t a l distanc e between the roller bearings (a) can be kept very small, due to the guide

runner.

Ad va nta g e 3: more compact and lighter construction (b)

Ad va nta g e 4: very steep (almost vertical) vector of force, i. e. little pressure on guide rails ? stronger

column unit, higher lateral loading capacity!

- Th e v e r t i c a l d i s t a n c e o f t h e r o l l e r b e a r i n g s ( c ) c a n a l s o b e k e p t s m a l l d u e t o t h i s p a t e n t .

Ad va nta g e 5: lower camera position (dotted line)

Ad va nta g e 6: more c olumn lift range (d) at same column length (e)

Ad va nta g e 7: The PANTHER

®

column is maintenance-free. Adjustment of roller bearings is not

req uired .

Tr acki ng

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Th e S u p e r P a n t h e r I I I D o l l y c a n b e o p e r a t e d o n wide gauge (62 cm) tracks and narrow gauge (36 cm)

trac ks. The wheel gauge is adapted to the track gauge (p. 12). All four kombi wheels are unloc ked

from the steering chain before trac king (p. 12), otherwise the dolly could derail (espec ially on curved

tra c ks). If there is a hig h c olumn p a yloa d , the sta nd a rd tra c k wheels should b e exc ha ng ed with ha rd

trac k wheels. This will prevent possible damage to the standard track wheels and lower fric tional

resista nc e.

Alwa ys se lec t wid e g a ug e tra c king whe n using jib arms or outriggers. Always observe load tolerances

diagram.

Ma i nt enance

Maintenance should only be effected by trained personnel that is familiar with the Super Panther III

mechanics. The Super Panther III is, generally speaking, a maintenance-free dolly that will work soundly

and reliably.

In ord er to ensure a long life a nd c onsta nt q ua lity, the sp ec ified se rvic ing interva ls should b e ob served .

A c o m p e te nt p e rson sho uld c he c k a ll e lements re leva nt to sa fety a nd func tio ning whe n the need

arises, but at least every 6 months, according to ZH 1/222 para. 3.2 or UVV VBG 70 §14/2, and

exchange them if necessary.

Fo l lo w i n g e l e m e n t s sh o u l d b e c h e c ke d re g a rd i n g f u n c t io n a n d we a r:

Sp i n d l e n u t free from play or little play (exc hange if needed, but at least

every 6 month)

Drive b elt when lightly pressed approx. 10 mm

Pn e u m a t i c sp r i n g s approx. 700 N

St e e l c a b l e s to be replac ed ac c ording to DIN 15020 part 2 (e. g. no kinks)

Please see our video tape "Service Instructions" for further informa tion on c hec king /a djusting these

elements.

Chec k wheel leg attachments and wheel leg adjustment levers for correc t locking, and repair if

necessary.

Th e m o t o r b r a k e t o l e r a n c e i s 0 . 4 m m - adjust if nec essary.

Check battery voltage regularly. Battery cells should be exchanged approx. every 2 years.

Column guide runners and roller bearings should always be free of grease. They should be cleaned (e.

g. with alcohol) after shooting has finished for the day.

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Ba c k u p Oper a tion

In the e ve nt of ma lfunc tion or breakdown of the Panther's elec tronic system, the column

can be elevated or retracted mechanically.

Pr o c e d u r e :

1. Whe n b e ing re tra c te d , the c o lu m n m u st b e lo a d e d with a p p ro x. 1 8 0 kg . Wh e n b e in g e le va te d ,

the column must be relaxed (< 140 kg).

2. At the sa m e tim e , the motor b ra ke must b e ke p t o p e n. Two sc rew d rive rs a re o f p ra c tic a l he lp in

countering the brake disk's spring pressure. In case of any uncertainty, please see our video tape

"Servic e Instruc tio ns".

.

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Techni cal Sp e c ifications

We ig h t ..............................................................123 kg (271 lbs)

minimum height................................................69 cm (27 1/4")

maximum height ..............................................138 cm (54 3/10")

lift range ...........................................................69 cm (27 1/4")

lifting c apacity .................................................300 kg (661 lbs)

maximum column load

capacity with retracted column......................1000 kg (2,204 lbs)

maximum column load

capacity with elevated column.......................500 kg (1,102 lbs)

column lift v max. ............................................3.6 sec.

so un d le ve l .......................................................28 dB - 32 dB

wind load max. ................................................40 km/h (24.86 mph)

columns............................................................2

pneumatic springs...........................................2

wheel legs........................................................4

wide g auge track ............................................62 cm (24 2/5")

narrow gauge track.........................................36 cm (14 1/4") - not permissible for Super

Jib II o p e ra tion, se e p . 13!

Mot or

DC servo -motor ................................................d. c. electric motor with tachometer

torque at rated load ........................................1.00 Nm

ra te d c urrent ....................................................7.5 A

ra te d sp eed .....................................................4000 Min

-1

tension c onstant...............................................14 V/1000 Min

-1

torque c onstant ...............................................0.133 Nm/A

motor brake .....................................................DC 24 V

motor brake play .............................................0.4 mm

Panther Super Panther III Operating Instructions Manual

Panther Super Panther III Operating Instructions Manual

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