I make things .. but kinda live in a cave, so what appears to, me, to be the Discovery of Fire is a yawn to those already using LEDs. I want to make a simple ballast system for general tripod use. I have three different approaches, but want to pass this one by you guys for a 'sniff' test. I'd appreciate any commentary or advice. Cheers.

Jim

http://wetstuff.com/ideas/triangle1.jpg


http://wetstuff.com/ideas/triangle2.jpg

I tried ballast many years ago but seem to remember that when the wind caught it (system similar to yours) the thing swung gentle and with the weight in there made the tripod wobble worse than ever!
Another option is a spike that goes into the ground anchored to the centre column.
Only solution I reckon is get a heavier tripod and head.
Steve

.... Perfect: "Pendulum" ... a harmonic oscillator. Thanks Steve .. you saved me a bunch of time. I made a Bucket (image) but you'd need 50kilos of slag for gravity to kill the oscillations...

I think I know of a way, maybe two, to get a little closer to Nirvana... Thanks again for the input - big help.

Jim

http://wetstuff.com/ideas/triangle3.jpg

.... and Steve - if you want either of these protos; I'd be happy to send you at N/C. They're headed to the bin otherwise.. email: wetstuff@totalusa.net

Jim