Dana Dolly Integration Kit - Getting Started

Here's what you need to get started:

1. Check your firmware of the spectrum st4 (shown on startup of the spectrum in upper left corner).  If you aren't on RC008 and above, you need to update your firmware. We have included specialized motor profiles specific to the Dana Dolly. 
2. Get started by mechanically mounting your spectrum to the Dana Dolly carriage.  If you don't have a half ball leveler in 100mm or 75mm, you need one. You can get one from all the usual shops - 100mm Half Ball    &  75mm Half Ball  .  The spectrum ST4 and eMotimo Clamp Riser are included in the eMotimo Kit.  The ball Adapter (receiver) is included with new versions of the Dana Dolly kits.
3. Route your belts and attach your motor, there are lots of supported configurations. Open and peruse these well-written and illustrated instructions (attached to this article).   MANY USERS DO NOT FOLLOW THIS STEP AND IT GREATLY AFFECTS YOUR SHOT. Additionally, incorrectly routed belts will stretch permanently over time and cause issues with repeatability and tracking. This is not a warranty covered issue and belts are about $40 to replace. 
4. Power with a VMount/Gold Mount battery if you can.  We include a 24V AC Adapter, but freeing yourself from one more wire is powerful and enables faster setups.
5. Play!

To help with stability, here are some additional tips and tricks to get your shot more steady:

Tip  - Belt routing is critical -review step 3 above, and also check out Dana Dolly Belt Setup

We have had several users who have rigged their belt incorrectly and left it for days, weeks and months. Incorrectly rigged belts get very tight as you approach the ends and loosen up in the middle.  The repeated strain of this on the belts with eventually stretch them and make it so the motor will not track well and teeth can skip during regular runs. The signs of this are ping pong moves that don't return the same position each time on the dolly and eventually run into the ends.  Please take a moment to make sure you know how to set up that belt so you don't damage your belt and need a replacement.

In the attached instructions - there are illustrations of for each setup - make sure you have reviewed it at least once. Correctly routed belts will last for years before needing replacement.  Belts' are about $40 to replace and stretched belts are not covered under warranty.  

 Tip #1 Get rid of the springs and suspension - tighten down the bolts from the top with the tool included with the Dana Dolly.  You are looking to compress the triangle section to the main chassis while the dana dolly sled is mounted to the track.  The wheels, without the belt attached, should not make any noise.  If you are hearing squeaking, it indicate that the wheels are skidding, rather than rolling.  Start over and get those wheels perfectly inline.

Tip #2 - Lighter is not necessarily better on the sled.   Sandbags /  shot bags can help to lock the an place them on one side of the sled to allow it to make better contact and prevent minor bumps from causing issues.

Tip #3 - Support the rails every 3-4 feet.   If your end are solid on the ground, but the middle is floating, the rails may bend and flex and won't provide good support or damp out vibrations quickly.