HI-POD SETUP

X5-Upgrades (Sandbag Support)

2009-07-03T18:04:00.001-07:00

As an added safety backup, we have added a sandbag for each of the four legs. A simple cotter pin is used to easily hook each bag to each leg.

Each sandbag has a velcro opening, allowing the user to fill the bags on location. This makes the bags much lighter for transporting, setting up and storage.

X5-Upgrades (Foldable Camera Plate)

2009-07-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

The camera plate mechanism now has the ability to fold. This new feature serves many purposes. Firstly it conserves space. It allows the HI-POD to easily fit into the travel case without the user having to remove the head.

At the same time the camera plate can be much longer. This is useful because it will allow the user to attach larger cameras or even attaching 2 camcorders (one wide and the other tight).

Thirdly, this new feature allows for more precise control of the camera position and balance. On the bottomside of the folding plate there is a separate balancing level. This level is separate from the level on the base, allowing for each to set independently of each other.

X5-Upgrades (9 inch LCD)

2009-07-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

The X5 has included a 9inch LCD. This is an upgrade from the 7 inch that was included with the X4. The larger screen is still an anti-glare screen that is auto switching from the USA standard (NTSC) to the European standard (PAL).

By a simple push of the menu button you can also change from 16x9 to 4x3 and vice versa. Although a much bigger screen, the power consumption is still the same as the 7 inch screen.

One of the things you will notice is the cable is much shorter on the 9 inch. This is to prevent the unintentional user damage of the lcd. (For some reason users kept trying to insert this cable (5pins) directly into the battery (4pins). Always use the cable that connects the battery to the LCD.)

X5-Upgrades (LCD Bracket)

2009-07-03T17:59:00.002-07:00

This LCD bracket is much easier to use than the previous one. Simply slide the hook into the back of the LCD monitor. Once you slide the hook into the slot, position it where you want it, then tighten down on it with the threaded screw. Now to position the LCD so it best for your viewing, loosen the camlock. Reposition and then lock again with the camlock.

(CAUTION: To reposition the LCD, loosen the camlock and reposition. Do not twist the LCD to reposition. Overtime this will damage the back of the slot, bend the metal slot and ultimately strip the screws that hold the slot to the back of the lcd.)

X5-upgrades (battery)

2009-07-03T17:59:00.001-07:00

The biggest problem in the past was not the battery but the plastic straps of the battery belt. If they broke in the past we did not have an effective way to replace them, because they were sown directly to the belt strap. In this version we can easily replace the damaged clip if necessary.

Next we included a plastic cap for the cigarette lighter plug. This will prevent unwanted debris, rain or moisture from damaging this jack.

We have slightly increased the power of the battery from a 7.8amp/hr to 8.0amp/hr and have added our HI-POD logo to the battery pack.

X5- upgrades (laptop plate)

2009-07-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

Now the Laptop plate is much faster to setup. No tools are required to assemble the laptop plate kit. The bracket is attached to any leg you choose by two camlocks. Loosen the camlocks so that you can level the top of this bracket with the top of the base.

Place the center of the plate directly on the top of the bracket. Make sure the Metal nipple lines up. Remove and reapply the small wing nut at the bottom. Notice you can orient the plate vertically or horizontally. Once you pick the orientation that you want, then loosen the screws that hold the rods beneath the plate.

Now attach those rods to the base plate. This three point connection to the base allows for strong support for the plate.

X5 upgrades- New Case Design

2009-07-03T17:53:00.001-07:00

We have returned to the 3 case design. The main reason is that more of our users are traveling on planes with it. The 3 case design lowers the weight of each case to a level that the airlines will allow it without large fees.

The long tube case is for the tubes and also telescopes to accomodate the size of the tubes.

The other two tubes are the same on the outside, but one is just for the base and the other is for all the remaining accessories. (Notice we left room for future accessories.)

HI-POD INSTRUCTIONS (DOWNLOADABLE PDF)

2008-08-19T13:07:00.001-07:00

Click here to download the Core X4 Manual
CoreX4manual.pdf

HI-POD will arrive in 3 boxes

2008-08-19T13:06:00.003-07:00

Your HI-POD (Core X5) will arrive in 3 different boxes.

1. A long black telescoping tube. This is your Mast carrying case. It contains the HI-POD 6 stage telescoping tubes.
2. A 55 pound black HI-POD BASE Case. This durable plastic foam-cut case will contain the base for the HI-POD. This wheeled case has many handles and will protect your HI-POD base for a lifetime. It has pockets for future storage items.
3. The HI-POD Accessory Case. This case looks identical to the base case but stores the camera & the accessories for the HI-POD. We left room for future HI-POD Accessories.

HI-POD Base & Accessory Cases (contents)

2008-08-19T13:06:00.001-07:00

The base case only contains the base. It does have cutouts to store items, but no items come package with the base.

Accessories Case contains the following parts:
1. The Handle
2. The Camera (cam, battery, cables)
3. The battery
4. The battery charger
5. The LCD
6. The LCD bracket
7. The laptop plate (1 piece & 2 rods)
8. The laptop bracket
9. Camera-Head- Plate mechanism (Yoke/Pulley wheel/Tilt Plate)
10. Camera controller
11. Cables (external cable, firewire, pigtail, video cable, lcd/battery cable)
12. Rain Gear for (camera, battery, LCD, controller)
13. Sun Visor
14. Sandbags

With these 3 hard cases, you have an excellent way to protect your product for a very long time. By making all pieces fit into the Accessories case, you have the flexibility of going "Case-less" for the tubes and base.

HI-POD TUBES & TUBE CASE

2008-08-19T13:04:00.006-07:00

The HI-POD Tubes arrive in a telescoping black travel case. As you twist off the top cap you will be able to remove the bubble wrapped tubes from the case. After unwrapping them you will attach the head to them. But before we get there, please notice that the black travel case also telescopes.

By removing the cotter pin, you can extend the inner section of the travel case to make it taller. This helps because the tubes will become longer after attaching the head.

Head (Yoke, Pulley Wheel, Camera Plate)

2008-08-19T13:04:00.005-07:00

When the unit arrives you will find the head inside of the accessories case. Notice that it has a place cut out in the case. Once you attach the head to the tubes it will fit inside of the tube travel case. You no longer have to remove it from the tubes. This frees up the space inside the case for other items.

Attaching Head to Tubes

2008-08-19T13:04:00.003-07:00

Remove the L-shaped yoke/camera plate from the case. This is the only HI-POD piece that will require a tool. Remove this piece from the box and notice its L-shaped design. Now look at the top of the HI-POD. There is a slot cut out of the top spud. This slot is made to accommodate the L-shape of the camera/yoke/plate. Slide the L-shaped yoke/plate into this slot. Notice the opening.

This will accept that large 6mm allen screw. Make sure the L-shape is to the left (as in the picture below). Insert the bolt(that you removed from the top of the tube spud) and tighten. You should use an allen key (metric #6 to be exact) to tighten the yoke to the tubes.

Notice there are a number of small holes drilled through the yoke. These holes can be used creatively to secure future items to the HI-POD head. If desired use a zip-tie to secure the cable to the yoke.

Base Setup

2008-08-19T13:04:00.001-07:00

The base has 4 legs with redundant leg locks for added safety. Please examine the location of the pin. There are two holes that the safety pin can occupy. The first pin hole locks the leg closed. This is important when traveling- it keeps the legs from falling out of place.
The second pin hole locks the leg open. This is necessary to stabilize the base and provide support for the extended HI-POD. Repeat this for all 4 legs. (Make sure when you insert the pin that you insert thru the leg hole. It is possible to insert the pin, without securing the leg. Please make note of this.)

Lower Leg Lock

2008-08-19T13:03:00.009-07:00

Now that you have locked the upper part of the leg in the open position, it is time to lock the lower part of the leg. Unlock the twist lock by turning in the direction that is desired.

Release the lock , by unlocking. This allows the inner leg to move freely. After extending the leg, twist the collar to lock. Now it is time to use the redundant safety lock. Loosen the cam on the safety lock, making it easy to move. Push the safety lock up so it makes contact with the twist lock. Once you have done this tighten the safety lock. Repeat this on all legs. Examine the balance bubble. You may have to adjust the legs to achieve perfect balance.

Tube Pin into Base Hole

2008-08-19T13:03:00.007-07:00

Now that you have inserted the tubes into the base make sure the pin at the bottom of the tubes aligns with the small opening at the bottom of the base. The pin is the bearing that allows for small 360 degree panning. By inserting the pin into the hole, the tubes become secure and rotate very smoothly.

Safety Warnings

2008-08-19T13:03:00.005-07:00

We can't stress enough that safety must be taken into consideration when using the hi-pod. Please follow the directions on the top of the HI-POD base.

1. Never leave an elevated HI-POD unattended. If you must leave it, please bring the unit down.
2. Always secure the legs before elevating. We have reduced the weight of the hi-pod base considerably over the years, but that means more of the stability job has been assumed by the legs. For safe operation make sure al the legs are locked and double locked.
3.Be careful in extreme weather conditions. The unit can get wet. We have raingear for all the electronics. But use caution as the winds increase or as lighting occurs. This is also a judgement call. As the winds increase , reduce the height until you feel comfortable .
4. Use the leveling bubble to balance your hi-pod. If your unit is unbalanced it may be unstable

Raising , Locking & Lowering HI-POD Tubes

2008-08-19T13:03:00.003-07:00

The HI-Pod Core X4 consists of 6 Telescoping tubes. They each are approximately 5 feet long- thus providing 31 feet of height. (Actually they are longer so each of the collars can securely grip each telescoping tube).

To open the collar and allow a tube to move freely, first hold the tube above the collar so it does not move.

Next pull out the cam-lock so it is straight (horizontal). Now you can manually push up the tube to the desired height.

When you reach that height, hold the tube with one hand and close the camlock with the other hand. (Close is the down position) If the tube is still slipping you may have to tighten the camlock. You do this by spinning the camlock. It moves like a screw. On the other side of the collar is a stainless steel insert that grips the camlock shaft. As you keep twisting the camlock squeezes the collar shut, creating a very strong positive-lock. To release the camlock, simply unscrew in the opposite direction.

There are 5 collars for the 6 hi-pod tubes, each collar squeezing the upper tube. When you reach the recommended height you will see a white line. This white line tells you to stop elevating and lock the collar. It is not possible to push the innermost tube so high that it comes out. There is a built in safety catch that prevents the tube from coming out.

Safety Pins for the bottom 3 Telescoping Tubes

2008-08-19T13:03:00.001-07:00

We have added an additional safety mechanism. Each locking collar for the tubes has the ability to receive a locking safety pin.
As you raise each tube you will see the warning white line. It tells you to stop. If you try to go further there are stoppers that prevent the tube from coming out all the way. But once you elevate the tube to the white line and lock the camlock, you will see a hole visible. On the bottom three tubes we have included a safety pin for each of these tubes. When you insert the pin the tube is secured. It can not go up or down as long as the pin is inserted.

Attaching Handle to the Tubes & to Pulley Head

2008-08-16T17:02:00.001-07:00

Remove the handle mechanism from the base case. To attach the handle to the tubes loosen the handle mechanism clamp to accomodate the tube in the base. Tighten the handle mechanism clamp to secure the handle to the tubes. This is done by spinning the large 4 spoked X screw. As you spin the X screw you squeeze the clamps to the tubes. Reverse this to loosen the handle from the tubes.

Notice the left hand side of the handle. It is a cylinder with a gripping wheel for your hand to grab & control. . Two ropes exit the cylinder from either side of a large screw. Connect the ropes to the carabiner clamp. Notice how the rope go straight up to the pulley.

As you face the handle make sure the large screw & ropes are dangling toward the ground. Grab the rope that is closest to the base/tubes. (The rope that is closest to the center) Pull that rope toward you. It will extend from the cylinder. Pull approximately 1 foot of rope, making sure that the large screw is still pointing down . With your other hand grab the other rope. Make sure this second rope is on the other side of the cylinder. Pull the same amount of rope as the first rope. You should now have the large screw pointing toward the ground, and 1 foot of rope extending above the cylinder. These ropes should be on either side of the cylinder- with the rope that is closest to the center, closest toward you. (please examine the photo)

Pull on the ropes and extend them toward the pulley wheel. Notice the ropes already dangling from the pulley. Connect the ropes via the carabiner clamp. This clamp extends from the ropes that are tied to the pulley at the top of the HI-POD TUBES. You will notice these ropes fall from either side of the pulley wheel. Remember the ropes should come from opposite sides of the pulley wheel (just like the cylinder below).

Notice the big screw knob in between the rope holes on the cylinder. If this screw is loose, the spools behave freely- retracting the pulley ropes if there is slack, or giving out rope if the HI-POD is extended. If is big screw is tighten or locked, the spools can neither extend or retract the pulley ropes. You unlock the spools to extend or bring down the HI-POD. You lock the spools to control and tilt the camera plate/camera. (For the most part this screw is not used. It becomes useful when you are using a heavier and larger camera. This screw is used when the weight of the camera overpowers the strength of the springs inside of the cylinder. You will need this screw when you try to tilt the camera and the camera slips out of position. Since we supply you with a small camera, this screw will not be needed because the camera is very light.)

Handle ( position lock spool retraction lock)

2008-08-16T17:01:00.006-07:00

Notice a knob beneath the cylinder of the left side of the handle. If you loosen the knob, the cylinder will retract the ropes. (This is a blessing as you are manually contracting the HI-POD poles, the ropes automatically sel-retract.) If you tighten the knob, the ropes will stay in that position, without retracting.. This knob can be loosened and tighten, according to the desired effect. (For example, if the camera tilt is not responding immediately to your hand movements, or if the camera is slipping out of tilt position)

This spring retraction system makes the unit very easy to raise and lower. The tilt ropes are automatically retracted without the need to manually spool up the rope, making this unit many times faster than the original HI-POD.

(HANDS FREE ! ) Now let's say you are taping a drill that is in one place for long time and you do not want to hold the handle in that position. You want to free up your hands to grab something (water or food). Use the position lock. Tighten and loosen the position lock for the desired effect. In the below photo 1 is the position lock and 2 is the spool retraction lock.

Handle , Ropes & Tilt Head.

2008-08-16T17:01:00.005-07:00

As you attach the handle to the pole make sure the large cylinder of the handle is on the left side of the pole. Also make sure that when you attach the tilt plate to the pole, that the "L" shaped bracket extends to the left side as well. This way the handle cylinder is directly beneath the pulley mechanism attached to the tilt plate. The ropes should extend straight up, for simple pulley control.

Notice ropes exit and travel on either side of the tilt cylinder. They extend and line up with the pulley wheel, directly above them. The Carabiner connectors make it very easy to attach and detach the handle from the tubes.

(Also note that the lock mechanism on the cylinder is NOT on the top of the cylinder, but on the bottom.) By putting the lock mechanism on the bottom of the cylinder , the user will have 180 degrees of rotation. If it is not at the bottom , the range of motion is very limited and unsmoothe.

Attaching LCD Bracket & LCD

2008-08-16T17:01:00.003-07:00

Remove the LCD bracket from the base case. Loosen the long steel screw by twisting the knob until it releases the two sides of the hinge. Open the hinge and grip it around the tube. Make sure the give yourself room between the handle and the collar.

(NOTE : You can attach the hinge to the next higher tube, but you will not be able to elevate or lower that tube, until you have removed the hinge.) Loosen the camlock in the back to reposition the angle of the bracket. Find the position that works for you, and relock the camlock.

Next loosen the sliders. The sliders will allow for the lcd. Insert the LCD. Once you have the position you like, reposition the sliders to make contact with the lcd. When they are snug, tighten the sliders. They will secure the LCD so it will not fall out.

Canon ZR camera & HI-POD

2008-08-16T17:01:00.001-07:00

The HI-POD X4 comes with the Canon ZR850 camera. (The HI-POD X5 comes with the Canon ZR950 or the Sony DCR-HC52.) This section will describe how to connect the camera to the hi-pod camera plate.

Position the camera on any of the slots. Whatever you are comfortable with. Generally position so the weight is centered. This way camera will always be level.

Use the screw to attach the camera to the camera plate. (Mount camera on top of plate and position the screw underneath the plate. Now push screw from the bottom up thru one of the openings in the plate into the camera screw opening. Once you have tightened the screw as far as it will go, then use the thumbscrew to press up against the bottom of the camera plate. This action will secure the camera to the plate. Notice that camera plate has a rubber surface to prevent the camera from slipping out of position.

Try and position so it is easy to remove the battery without having to remove the entire camera. This is great when all you want to do replace a dying battery. Good time saver.

Camera, Cables & HI-POD

2008-08-16T14:10:00.006-07:00

This section will describe how to connect the camera (Canon ZR-850) to video and lens control cables.

You will notice that the front of the canon camera has a black piece of velcro. This velcro is to hold the infra-red sensor in place. This is how the camera receives commands for zooming and recording.The front of the camera has a black circular sensor built into the camera. Place the small Lens control cable directly on top of this circular sensor. Notice the end of the Lens control cable might have white tape on the back. Remove this white tape to reveal the sticky surface. Place this sticky surface directly on the camera's black circular sensor. Then secure in place with the velcro strip again. You will notice the back of the lens control cable has velcro as well. This velcro mates with the longer velcro strip.

NOTE: If you have the CANON ZR950, sensor is on the pull out window. The sensor is on the top left. You will have to adhere the IR sensor to this IR receiver.

NOTE: If you have the Sony DCR-HC52 you do not have to use the IR system. Simply connect the special Dshaped connector to the AV/R jack. You will notice this cable ends in RCA males (red, white, yellow, & black) Connect these cables to the 32 foot hi-pod cabling. To connect the two black female ends with the 1foot male-to-male pigtail cable.

Now find the small video cable approximately 6 inches long. It starts with 1 pin and breaks out into three male pins (yellow, red, and white). Connect these male pins to the same colored cables of the 32 foot cable. Notice that the white cable will be left unconnected because there is not white cable on the 32ft video cable. The top of the 32 foot cable has a red and yellow female connector, and a black female connector. Match the colored connectors (male to female) The black female connector receives the male end of the infra-red sensor that is velcroed to the front of the camera. Now that these cables are connected we will follow signal down the length of the HI-POD..