READY RIG EDUUpdated 9 hours ago
Getting Started with your new Ready Rig Nimbus Pro Combo.
Table of contents
Recommended camera build for Nimbus
The goal
On the Nimbus, the camera is supported from a top mounting point. That creates a natural pendulum. Your build and hand placement should help you cancel that sway.
The recommended build
Ready Rig recommends a two-handed setup:
Front/side handle: positioned in line with (or close to) the end of the lens
Rear handle: positioned directly on the back of the camera build
This layout gives you “two points of control” on a floating, weightless camera.
How your hands control the camera
When the Nimbus is tuned properly, the camera floats weightless in front of you. Your hands aren’t “holding weight.” They’re steering.
What each hand does
Rear hand (back handle): controls tilt and pan
Think of it like a rudder.
Side/front hand: controls roll
This is critical on Nimbus because the top support point can encourage sway.
Why this matters on Nimbus
Because the camera hangs from a top pick point, it can:
sway left/right as you walk
bob slightly as you run
rotate (roll) if you don’t actively stabilize it
Your job is to stabilize the sway while still keeping movement organic.
Monitor mounting: 3 recommended options
Monitor placement is a comfort and performance issue. Too high and you’ll crane your neck. Too low or off-angle and you’ll fight your framing.
Must-have: add a quick release
Build your monitor mount with a quick release.
It helps when you’re getting in/out of the vest. Your monitor is cabled to camera. You want separation to be fast.
Also consider a quick release on the camera side so you can swap monitors quickly.
Option 1: Inside the Nimbus structure
Mount the monitor inside the Nimbus structure, between:
where the camera comes out, and
the connector area
Why this works:
clean viewing angle
monitor doesn’t interfere with the string/rope
easier to keep your eyeline lower (less neck strain)
This is the optimal positioning if you want clearance and comfort.
Option 2: Off the top, in line with the Nimbus crossbar
Mount the monitor coming off the top, aligned with the Nimbus crossbar centerline.
Why this works:
monitor sits closer to you
clear, clean viewing angle
your neck stays more neutral
good rope clearance while operating (rope moves through different angles)
Watch-outs:
it’s closer to your body, so stay mindful of proximity when moving fast
Option 3: NATO rail on the nose of the crossbar
Nimbus includes a machined NATO rail on the nose of the crossbar.
How it works:
slide a NATO-compatible monitor mount on
lock it in place
enjoy a quick-release style option
What changes in operation:
the monitor motion becomes de-linked from the crossbar/camera motion
your eyeline tracking will feel different
This is an “experiment and see” option. Many operators still prefer Option 2 because it’s simple and fast.
Vest fit: fast setup checklist
Before you tune anything, make sure the vest is sized to your torso.
Fit checklist
Put the vest on (system set for your torso length)
Start with shoulder straps loose
Don’t over-tighten.
Loosen the belt, then tighten the belt
Many operators tighten it twice to get it firm.
If you use lumbar support, add it now
Why: the belt carries the load. Over-tight shoulders just create discomfort.
Load the arms safely
You’re about to put the system under tension. Stay controlled.
Loading steps
Open the arm latches
Grab the Nimbus crossbar and pull down
Keep the crossbar parallel to the horizon
Understand the “horizon line”
When the arms are under tension:
lift the crossbar above horizon → it wants to pull back
pull the crossbar below horizon → it wants to fall forward
Best practice: keep it parallel.
That makes forward/back tuning smooth and predictable.
Grip tip
Grip the carbon tube so if it slides back, you can control the shoulder fulcrum + tube together. That prevents it from slamming.
Initial tension
Add about two to three fingers of tension on each side.
Now you’re ready to calibrate to the camera payload.
Connect the camera with the Locking Quick Connect
Safety warning (read this)
The system is under load. The Locking Quick Connect has weight. If it’s free-swinging, it can hit you. Control it at all times.
Parking tip: attach the ball mount to the side thread (1/4-20 or 3/8) so you can securely park the Locking Quick Connect when not attached to camera.
Connection steps
Firmly grip the top of the Nimbus crossbar
With the other hand, depress the locking mechanism on the Locking Quick Connect
Pull the plate up to release it
Push the Locking Quick Connect down onto the mount until you hear the click
Do a safety check: tug lightly to confirm it’s secure
If you struggle with the mechanism, follow the official Quick Start Guide for the Locking Quick Connect operation.
Tune the system to your payload
If the camera feels heavy, it isn’t tuned yet.
A tuned Nimbus gives you a “zero gravity” float through the whole boom range.
The safest tuning method
Always tune over a cart or safe surface.
Steps
Put the camera down on the cart
With both hands, open the latch
Firmly grip the carbon rods
Pull up and allow the arm to slide back slightly
Keep the crossbar parallel to the horizon
“Bounce” gently up/down while sliding against the shoulder fulcrum
Stop when the arms settle parallel to the ground
What “correctly tuned” feels like
camera feels weightless
the rig holds position wherever you place it
you can move anywhere along the boom range without fighting the load
If you let go and the camera drops hard, you’re not tuned yet.
Operating technique: reduce the pendulum effect
Don’t operate straight-on
Instead, pick a side.
shift your hips
open your shoulders
let the camera float slightly off your centerline
This body position helps you control sway without over-muscling.
Stabilize the pendulum
Any mass hanging from a single top point will act like a pendulum. That’s normal.
Your two-handle build is your solution:
Side handle: stabilizes sway/roll in one axis
Back handle: stabilizes sway in the other axis and controls pan/tilt
Walking technique mindset
When you walk or run:
constantly monitor your horizon
anticipate the sway
apply small corrections instead of big ones
You’re not “fighting” the rig.
You’re “damping” motion.
Safe exit: disconnect and take off the vest
Getting out safely matters as much as getting in.
Disconnection checklist
Go to your cart
Put the camera down
Take all tension off the arm
Do not disconnect under load.
Push the red button
Push down to release while controlling the locking mechanism
Remove the Locking Quick Connect cleanly
Slide the Locking Quick Connect onto the ball mount to secure it
Take tension off the arm
Remove the vest
Now you’re safe, secure, and ready for the next setup.
Quick troubleshooting
“The camera drops when I let go.”
You’re not tuned. Re-tune until the arms settle parallel to the ground and the camera floats.
“The crossbar wants to slam backward.”
You’re lifting above the horizon line while under tension. Keep the crossbar parallel to horizon and maintain a controlled grip on the carbon tube.
“My neck hurts.”
Your monitor is likely too high. Lower the monitor so you’re not looking up for long periods.
“The rope/string is getting in my way.”
Move the monitor to a placement with better clearance (commonly the inside-Nimbus location or centerline off the crossbar).
“I can’t keep roll stable.”
Confirm you have the recommended two-handle build. Then use the side handle to actively damp roll while walking.