VZ Gimbal Price

For the past several years, in response to customer requests, GPI has been making an effort to create a tool-less clamp mechanism for the PRO Gimbal. During the process, we were constantly reminded that proper functioning of the gimbal was dependent upon two factors: the precise intersection of the three axes (X, Y, and Z) that define the gimbal, and the coincidence of the gimbals' Z-axis with the Z-axis that defines the vertical center-of-gravity of the system to which the gimbal is clamped. The first factor is a function of the design of the gimbal and the precision with which it is manufactured. The second factor is a function of the clamping system, and how consistently and accurately it clamps the gimbal to the center post.   The existing design of the PRO Gimbal already insured a precise intersection of its own axes. Therefore our efforts were concentrated around maintaining functionality of the gimbal while creating a tool-free clamp mechanism and locating it in a position that would not interfere with an operator's hand placement. However, since moving the clamp away from the intersection of the gimbal axes tended to result in a loss of coincidence of the two Z-axes, and thus a loss of functionality, successful accomplishment of these goals would depend upon the maintenance of this coincidence. We were able to achieve this by use of a unique collet assembly that acts at the intersection of the three gimbal axes. This assembly maintains the coincidence of the two Z-axes constantly, regardless of the position or condition of the clamp system.   Because of this new arrangement, we were also able to incorporate a mechanism which allows fine adjustment of the gimbal position along the Z-axis, without releasing the clamp. We call this the Vernier adjustment of the Z axis, and thus the name, the "VZ Gimbal". The operator has the ability to fine tune the "drop time" of the sled by simply twisting a ring.

For Operators with the original PRO Gimbal - Please note: Changing to the VZ requires simply shedding some of the internal mechanism in the original PRO Gimbal, your whole bearing section simply dropping on to the VZ chassis.