Merlin magic formula at DVinfo.net

Deniz Ahmet · January 12th, 2008, 11:37 AM

I've tried using the spreadsheet to balance my V1E with Rode NTG1. Quite frankly it simply doesn't work.

I followed the results and setup exactly. yet their result is completely unbalanced. The drop test, doesn't even drop!

Any else find this "magic" formula to work?

Mikko Wilson · January 12th, 2008, 12:29 PM

I don't see a set of settings in the cookbook for the V1 with the NTG1, adding the mic will severely change the settings required for the camera.

Load up the camera with all you plan to have on it when you are shooting - tape, battery, mic, and open the LCD too. Then balance it from scratch using the methods outlined in the manual and on the DVD.

Learning to balance manually will really pay off in the long run anyway as you run into situation with various camera configurations.

- Mikko

Deniz Ahmet · January 12th, 2008, 12:36 PM

What I meant was using the excel spreadsheet where you enter the exact weight of your camer with bits etc and it's supposed to give you the settings to balance it..... it's just not working.

Mikko Wilson · January 12th, 2008, 01:08 PM

I'd still use the manual balancing instructions in the manual.

In fact I do - I don't keep a copy of the spreadsheet with me, I just balance from scratch every time ... takes about 3-4 minutes once you know how.

- Mikko

Ronny Hofsoy · January 12th, 2008, 02:57 PM

Training, training, traning...

After doing the calibration a few times you will develop a feeling for how to set up using the manual steps. In the beginning I was always trying to use the spreadsheet formula, but ended up doing it manually.

It should be just on the right side of the limit... then it works like magic.

January 12th, 2008, 11:37 AM	#1
Deniz Ahmet Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LONDON Posts: 178	Merlin magic formula I've tried using the spreadsheet to balance my V1E with Rode NTG1. Quite frankly it simply doesn't work. I followed the results and setup exactly. yet their result is completely unbalanced. The drop test, doesn't even drop! Any else find this "magic" formula to work?

January 12th, 2008, 12:29 PM	#2
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	I don't see a set of settings in the cookbook for the V1 with the NTG1, adding the mic will severely change the settings required for the camera. Load up the camera with all you plan to have on it when you are shooting - tape, battery, mic, and open the LCD too. Then balance it from scratch using the methods outlined in the manual and on the DVD. Learning to balance manually will really pay off in the long run anyway as you run into situation with various camera configurations. - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

January 12th, 2008, 01:08 PM	#4
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	I'd still use the manual balancing instructions in the manual. In fact I do - I don't keep a copy of the spreadsheet with me, I just balance from scratch every time ... takes about 3-4 minutes once you know how. - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

January 12th, 2008, 12:36 PM	#3
Deniz Ahmet Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LONDON Posts: 178	What I meant was using the excel spreadsheet where you enter the exact weight of your camer with bits etc and it's supposed to give you the settings to balance it..... it's just not working.

January 12th, 2008, 02:57 PM	#5
Ronny Hofsoy Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Tromsoe Norway Posts: 28	Training, training, traning... After doing the calibration a few times you will develop a feeling for how to set up using the manual steps. In the beginning I was always trying to use the spreadsheet formula, but ended up doing it manually. It should be just on the right side of the limit... then it works like magic.