Stage Zero Assembly
Start by locating the end caps and mounting screws, if you purchased a rail from Dynamic Perception the blue inserts will be pre-installed in the ends of the rail, if you have picked up a #1030 rail from a different source we provide 4 extra inserts, simply pound them into the mount holes at the end of the rail with a hammer (don't be afraid to 'smash' the inserts in place)
Use the smallest point on the included hex tool to secure the end caps, make sure the middle cutout is on the bottom of the rail for access. Repeat the process on the other end again making sure that the middle cutout is on the same bottom orientation as the first.
Now locate the cart and the 3/8"-16 mount screws, typically some sort of mount head like a 'photographic ball head' is used to connect and level the camera. This mount head is not included with the kit but any type that will support the intended load will work great. Now is a good time to mount the head while the cart is off the rail.
Un-mount the motor to get it out of our way for next steps. The motor will simply 'snap' out of the motor mount with a firm tug.
Use the hex tool to secure the head to the cart using the 3/8-16 bolts, additionally you can secure the small lock screw next to the mount hole to lock the head in place and prevent rotation.
Now loosen the knobs that hold the lower slider mounts in place, this will make it easier to mount the cart on the rail. Or alternatively you can completely remove one slider mount side, but loosening liberally usually works fine. Note: there are 4 extra knobs included in your kit in case of loss.
Now line the slider pads up with the slots on the sides of the rail, the side cuts in the end caps allow the slider pads to pass through the ends. Carefully slide the cart onto the rail, if you have trouble you can continue to loosen the mount knobs or completely remove one of the slider mounts and re-install once the cart slider pads are lined up with the rail side slots.
The slider pads should lock into the side slots, the Zero system can ride upside down once the cart is secured onto the rail.
Now re-tighten the knobs to secure the cart onto the rail, the tightness of these knobs can be adjusted to get varying slider pressure on the rail.
Locate one of the belt clip assemblies (square with 4 small thumbscrews), loosen all four of the thumbscrews on the belt clips to prepare them for mounting. Slide the lower part of the clip into the side slot of the rail with the 'toothed clip' facing up on the same side of the rail as the motor mount.
Now locate the belt and with the belt clip thumb knobs still loose mesh the belt teeth with the belt clip teeth. The belt teeth should be orientated toward the center of the rail.
Tighten all 4 thumb screws securing the belt and clip to the side of the rail.
Thread the belt around the first idler from the center of the rail and then between the idler and drive pulley.
Loop the belt around the outside of the toothed drive pulley and thread it back between the drive pulley and idler pulley.
Thread the belt under the center of the cart between the two slider mount uprights.
Locate the second belt clip assembly and again loosen all four thumb screws in preparation for mounting, slide the lower clip into the side slot of the rail on the same side as the motor mount and other belt clip.
Make sure the belt is not twisted and is fully connected with the drive pulley and mesh the belt with the upper belt clip. Tighten the upper two thumb screws to secure the belt in the clip. Any excess belt can dangle or be coiled.
Using one hand pull all the slack out of the belt so it's taught. With the other hand secure the bottom two thumb knobs. The belt is now fully connected, double check that there are no twists and that it's fully meshed with the pulley system. With the motor still out of the system the cart should slide with the belt feeding though the pulley system relitively easily.
To remount the motor; line the flat part of the motor shaft with the flat part of the inner shaft, rotate the motor to mate with the motor mount and then firmly press the motor in place. It should 'snap' into place. The slider is now ready for motorized use.
To mount tripods or other supports to the rail use any standard quick release plate. Locate the square 'T-nuts' with 1/4-20 threads (Note: we include extras in case of loss).
Thread the T-nut onto the 1/4-20 stud only about one turn, make sure the flat side is facing toward the quick release plate and the beveled side is up.
With the T-nut partially threaded slide it into the bottom center slot on the rail.
Slide to the desired position on the rail and firmly tighten the quick release plate in place. You can now easily mount and un-mount your tripod using the quick release plate.
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