Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Technical Questions
Q: How much weight can Orbit hold?
A: The arms and joints are tested to hold 10lbs on each side when fully extended, though it can probably hold a little bit more.
Q: How much can the motor hold?
A: The motor is been designed to hold about 75LBS total, (arms, joints, payload, and counter weights). Though it has been tested to hold quite a bit more. We don’t recommend more, as it can damage the motor housing.
Q: What’s the longest arm reach possible?
A: There are three ways to configure the Orbit for different reach. 183cm is the longest with current hardware.
Normal configuration with both arms an equal 120cm.
Long Arm configuration , stacks the longer poles on one side to get more length, arm span on longest side is 140cm.
Super Arm configuration is the longest arm span possible, by removing both the arm joint and the longest pole and stacking them on one side the arm span balloons to 183cm.
Q. How do I balance counter weights with “Super Arm Configuration”?
A: 183cm is the furthest distance one can get the camera orbiting out from the center with the stock kits. It requires additional weight, possibly a 15lbs sand bag, in addition to the included 3lbs counter weight. Keep in mind, the further a camera is mounted on an arm, the more weight is required to counter act the leverage. The weight in this case would not be equal, as demonstrated in the photo of the Super Arm configuration .
Q: What if I want longer arm reach?
A: We are working on additional arm receiver for kits that will allow a Speedrail 1-1/4 Schedule 40 aluminum (1.66 OD) . This will be available for purchase summer 2022. We also have a few other accessory kits we are working on with longer arms, and support brackets coming soon.
Q: What if I want to mount other accessories? Like C-stand Arms?
A: While we have not fully tested this, and cannot recommend, the Dual Arm Receiver can theoretically fit a standard 17mm C-stand arms. The receivers are designed to fit poles of 25mm. There are two additional threaded holes in the receiver arm for support with smaller size poles. These require purchase of (2) M10 allen bolts to secure the arm.
Q: What size Speedrail do I need For Pro Kit use and where do I buy?
A: Speedrail is also known as schedule 40 1-1/4 aluminum rail. This is aluminum tubes used for banisters and railings and can be sourced at any metal manufacturing supply house in the USA. It can come in a few different sizes but the outdoor brackets that we have included in the Pro kit currently only fit the standard USA speedrail size. The measurements are 1.66” OD.
Q: What size is does Speedrail come in? I see there are a few different sizes for USA and Europe.
A: Here is a chart explaining the different sizes of Speedrail, from our friends at CineMill. Currently Orbit’s outdoor brackets work with American Speedrail with OD (outside diameter )of 1.66'“. If we change this or add alternate sizes, we will let everyone know.
Q: How can I stay in touch with future updates?
A: The best way is to visit our Kickstarter updates page here or with our Facebook Owners user group. We also have the Marbl Instagram account that is run by MAKE ART NOW, and he posts a ton of cutting edge footage and set ups from his Orbit shoots. Also subscribe to our e-mail list by entering your email at the bottom of this page.
Q: What combo stands or c-stands do you recommend for using with the Pro Kit?
A: We don’t sell the stands, but we strongly recommend the Overhead Roller stands from B&H. They are expensive, but are on wheels and very sturdy and have a 14ft reach. We have a 3rd party accessories page with more gear we recommend.
Questions from Backers
Q from Andy: Can this mount on some grip rail or truss suspended by stands? Or does this need to be surface mounted?
A: The Pro version comes with 3 adapters that fit C-stands and Speed rail. interact with your C-Stands and Speed Rails so you can surface mount the ORBIT wherever you’d like. C-Stands and Speed Rails aren’t included.
Q from Eric: Too bad my "studio" (cough* bedroom cough*) would never be able to fit it.
A: Fun fact, these screw right into the ceiling fan mount on your ceiling. Also, at its smallest wing span, it’s 3 feet 8 inches. Enough to go around your head while you’re creating whatever magic you’re great at creating.
Q from Just Ice TV: Does it come with the “C-stand” for outside?? Because if so I wanna order one.
A: The Pro version comes with adapters that interact with your C-Stands and Speed Rails so you can bring the ORBIT outside. C-Stands and Speed Rails aren’t included.
Q from Josh: I’m interested in the pro model so I can use it anywhere, any more info on that ?
A: Yeah! The Pro Version has 3 adapters. They look like this: Two go on top of your C-Stands, and one goes on top of your ORBIT. Speed Rails are slid between the 3 points, and you’re golden :)
Q from KNIGHT_RAV3N: Is there any chance that it would support the weight of smaller cine cams? such as the FS5M2?
A: Oh yes. Very much yes. The base and studio can support up to 6.5lbs (3.7x the weight of your FS5M2 body). The Pro… 8 ;) (4.5x the weight of your FS5M2 body). Kit up your cinema camera. The ORBIT will hold it
Q from David: Hey Josh! You said "we don't have an app" - do you want one?
A: Yes! And we’re almost done creating it. We have already designed the entire app, and we have also mapped the functionality of every single button the app will have. Our last step is to send over our vision to be created by a team we have already picked. We will use part of the funding from the initial sales of the Orbit to fund the creation of the app. You can expect the app to arrive on your phones by the time you receive your personal ORBIT.