Sweet Tips on Setting An On-Location Run-‘n-Gun Ronin Gimbal Rig

If you are using a motorized gimbal (like the DJI Ronin or the more expensive MoVI) you’ve probably noticed that setting them up on location can be a drag. In Getting all the cables set up, attaching the camera to the plate and balancing take up precious time and are pretty much simply inconvenient. In the studio, or van you probably have a rack where you can place the Gimbal and set it up, but on location…. usually not.

Videographer Eric Stemen came up with a few clever tips on getting the gimbal up and running pretty quickly while going on location.

Tip 1: Using a bike rack as a setup rack

This is pretty genius, Eric uses a cheap bike rack as a set up station. The Ronin rig stays pretty much assembled in the trunk and once Eric arrives on location, he simply mounts the Ronin on the rack and attaches the camera, monitor and cables.

After initially balancing the gimbal I would leave as much of the gimbal built up as possible and stow it in the trunk of my car. When I found a nice looking place to record I would place the gimbal on my cars bike rack which acted as the gimbal stand and then slide the camera onto the gimbal’s quick release hitch and connect the rest of the cables. With this technique I could be up and shooting in two to three minutes after parking my car.

Tip 2: Wireless Monitoring and Smooth Operation:

Aside from the on-rig monitor that Eric uses he has a LANC connection which allows him to keep both hands on the gimbal.

He also set up an additional wireless monitor for an operator to control the Ronin via remote. The smart bit is providing power to the (Arrow Paralinx) transmitter and receiver.

By using an array of batteries, Eric has the entire system velcroed down with a few 3M Dual Lock Velcro straps which can handle the load. That means that setups and teardowns are quick and simple.

For more tips about the operating the Ronin, head over to Eric’s post.