Topic: Tripod stands on a hill?

[ScoobieKW]

OK, I've been actively taping indoors for the last year. Haven't recorded much outdoors.

What do you do when your taping position is on a hill?

I get staking them down, but what do you use to level the stand?

[Brian Skalinder]

I've usually had soft enough ground that I could jam the uphill leg(s) into the ground to achieve a reasonably vertical stand.  Other times, depending on the angle of the lean, I've simply staked down the stand and adjusted my mic mounts to account for the lean.

[mattmiller]

Once you stabilize your base, this makes funny angles go away (if your mounts don't have enough adjustment themselves):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/74314-REG/Manfrotto_237HD_237HD_Heavy_Duty_Flex_Arm.html

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

Once you stabilize your base, this makes funny angles go away (if your mounts don't have enough adjustment themselves):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/74314-REG/Manfrotto_237HD_237HD_Heavy_Duty_Flex_Arm.html

As Heavy Duty as the flex-arm was (is), it wouldn't hold my TLs...  Recommended only for SD or smaller mics... 

Terry

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

Other times, depending on the angle of the lean, I've simply staked down the stand and adjusted my mic mounts to account for the lean.

Tent stakes...  the plastic ones... 

Terry

[bryonsos]

I use an Avenger with a leveling leg. This is similar to mine, but shorter:

http://www.avenger-grip.com/cms/site/avenger/home/search_product/product_detail?productCode=A0030B&cat01=stands&cats02Selected=baby_lightewight_stands&txtCurrentSommetric&isLinkFromProductList=true#

[tim in jersey]

Nothing much to add other than 2/3 of the legs should be on the low-side of the incline.

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

I use an Avenger with a leveling leg. This is similar to mine, but shorter:

http://www.avenger-grip.com/cms/site/avenger/home/search_product/product_detail?productCode=A0030B&cat01=stands&cats02Selected=baby_lightewight_stands&txtCurrentSommetric&isLinkFromProductList=true#

That's hot...

Terry

[cashandkerouac]

yeah, very cool.  how much of a grade can you compensate for using that "leveling arm"?

I use an Avenger with a leveling leg. This is similar to mine, but shorter:

http://www.avenger-grip.com/cms/site/avenger/home/search_product/product_detail?productCode=A0030B&cat01=stands&cats02Selected=baby_lightewight_stands&txtCurrentSommetric&isLinkFromProductList=true#

That's hot...

Terry

[F.O.Bean]

Sweet stand Bryon

Sam from Philly[Schoeps/MG taper] has a KILLER stand for FOB at Allgood w/ a leveling leg. makes taping FOB there alot easier. I stake my stands down w/ metal tent stakes and when on a hill it just determines on exactly how the hill is. I put my one main leg front and center and my 2 ;legs in back so it wont fall down frontward

[bryonsos]

Sorry for the incomplete answer earlier, I was trying to get out the door to tape a bunch of hipsters having social hour during a Kimock show. 

Here's the link to the actual stand I have:

http://www.avenger-grip.com/cms/site/avenger/home/search_product/product_detail?productCode=A0045B&cat01=stands&cats02Selected=baby_lightewight_stands&txtCurrentSommetric&isLinkFromProductList=true

I just measured the amount that the leveling leg extends, it's ~8in. How much grade can it compensate? I'm guessing if it's staked down, you might go as far as a 45 deg slope. Realistically, it will handle any lawn slope or festy field I've encountered with no problems. This sucker is big time overkill, but with a bunch of full body SDs and LDs clamped, is it really overkill? I got a great deal on it from Adorama, so it was the same price as the smaller version from most vendors. Aside from the leveling leg, it has square legs instead of tubular ones which makes a HUGE difference in stability. The only problem is it's big. At a local fest, I put it out there, staked it down, and left it there for four days. Not looking forward to carrying it in every day at other fests.

[twalker]

I possibly see another new stand in my future. 

But, I pretty much do the same as everyone else...one leg in front and staked down with 12" tent stakes.  And, for good measure I usually tie off to one of the crowd gates around FOH.

[bryonsos]

I possibly see another new stand in my future. 

But, I pretty much do the same as everyone else...one leg in front and staked down with 12" tent stakes.  And, for good measure I usually tie off to one of the crowd gates around FOH.

Even though I got a great deal on the 45B, and the stand is killer, I would probably go with the 30B if I had it to do over again. A foot shorter when collapsed, a kilo lighter, same load capacity. A bit smaller footprint, but mine is so stable I have to believe the smaller one would be more than adequate especially staked down.

[jagraham]

ran into this issue at my wedding back in the fall.  it wasn't mics but it was for large speakers.  issue was solved by shoving bricks into the ground at the appropriate levels for the downhill legs.  as far as mic stands ill echo the above comments about using stakes.  if you are taping with a stand outdoors you might as well stake it down anyway because you are able to.

[ArchivalAudio]

2 legs back one front tent stakes, slim metal one,
 
One newer trick ~ a piece of PVC pipe that can fit over the forward leg, with a 45° angle piec on the end - you'll want it to fit kind of snug.
I have used this both indoh' (with duct or gaffers tape) and outdoh'  (tent stakes).
I have used 3/4" PVC pipe which fits over my stand leg, it raises the front leg enough that that the stand is wither vertically straight or nearly so.
the piece of pipe I use is only about a foot long and can attach to the outside or inside of my bag - it could even slide over the top of the stand.
I thought about painting it black to be stealthy, however I like the bright white as an alert for wookies.

--Ian

[twalker]

2 legs back one front tent stakes, slim metal one,
 
One newer trick ~ a piece of PVC pipe that can fit over the forward leg, with a 45° angle piec on the end - you'll want it to fit kind of snug.
I have used this both indoh' (with duct or gaffers tape) and outdoh'  (tent stakes).
I have used 3/4" PVC pipe which fits over my stand leg, it raises the front leg enough that that the stand is wither vertically straight or nearly so.
the piece of pipe I use is only about a foot long and can attach to the outside or inside of my bag - it could even slide over the top of the stand.
I thought about painting it black to be stealthy, however I like the bright white as an alert for wookies.

--Ian

Nice idea.  I'll have to try that out...if I don't order a new stand. 

[bryonsos]

2 legs back one front tent stakes, slim metal one,
 
One newer trick ~ a piece of PVC pipe that can fit over the forward leg, with a 45° angle piec on the end - you'll want it to fit kind of snug.
I have used this both indoh' (with duct or gaffers tape) and outdoh'  (tent stakes).
I have used 3/4" PVC pipe which fits over my stand leg, it raises the front leg enough that that the stand is wither vertically straight or nearly so.
the piece of pipe I use is only about a foot long and can attach to the outside or inside of my bag - it could even slide over the top of the stand.
I thought about painting it black to be stealthy, however I like the bright white as an alert for wookies.

--Ian

Nice. You could even drill a few spaced holes in it for a bolt to make it adjustable.

[ArchivalAudio]

2 legs back one front tent stakes, slim metal one,
 
One newer trick ~ a piece of PVC pipe that can fit over the forward leg, with a 45° angle piec on the end - you'll want it to fit kind of snug.
I have used this both indoh' (with duct or gaffers tape) and outdoh'  (tent stakes).
I have used 3/4" PVC pipe which fits over my stand leg, it raises the front leg enough that that the stand is wither vertically straight or nearly so.
the piece of pipe I use is only about a foot long and can attach to the outside or inside of my bag - it could even slide over the top of the stand.
I thought about painting it black to be stealthy, however I like the bright white as an alert for wookies.

--Ian

Nice. You could even drill a few spaced holes in it for a bolt to make it adjustable.

^^^ That's an awesome Idea! 
why didn't I think of that?  likely I don't tape on a slope very often...

[StuStu]

I have an an Avenger with a retractable leg too. Mine is pretty big and bulky. That said, it is solid.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/67805-REG/Avenger_A400B_A400B_Alu_Baby_Light.html

[tim in jersey]

I'll say it again. Keep 2 legs on the decline and 1 on the incline.

[capnhook]

I'll say it again. Keep 2 legs on the decline and 1 on the incline.

You'd need one leg that would get shorter, or TWO legs that would get longer to do that.

Any of these aforementioned stands capable of that?.....Aren't they constructed of a single leg that can only be lengthened?   

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

I'll say it again. Keep 2 legs on the decline and 1 on the incline.

You'd need one leg that would get shorter, or TWO legs that would get longer to do that.

Any of these aforementioned stands capable of that?.....Aren't they constructed of a single leg that can only be lengthened?   

The Avenger Stands that Bryon et al linked above is described on B&H as having a "lazy leg":

This Avenger/Manfrotto A400B Alu-Baby black aluminum light stand features an adjustable "lazy" leg which can be unfolded to level the light stand on uneven terrain such as hillsides or stairs.

If you have questions, talk to Bryonsos...

Here is the new version of the 400 that stustu has:  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/611463-REG/Avenger_A0030B_A0030B_Alu_Baby_Light_Stand.html

I hardly ever tape outdoors or in a situation that would require an adjustable leg, and considering I got my Bosh stand on ebay for less than $50, I'm gun-shy about getting this one...

Terry

[capnhook]

Hey byronsos, does the "lazy leg" get shorter, or longer?  Does it have one, or two of these magic "lazy legs".....can't tell from the stinkin' picture.....


An overly-inquisitive Team Hodge Podge t-shirt wearer would like to know....

capn

[capnhook]

I hardly ever tape outdoors or in a situation that would require an adjustable leg, and considering I got my Bosh stand on ebay for less than $50, I'm gun-shy about getting this one...

Yeahyouright, you need to get out more....

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

I hardly ever tape outdoors or in a situation that would require an adjustable leg, and considering I got my Bosh stand on ebay for less than $50, I'm gun-shy about getting this one...

Yeahyouright, you need to get out more....

My wife just pooped out a 9day old kid...  I'll see in about 5 years?!?  LOL!

Tho I'm hoping Tim Fraley et al can get me a day-off during HopScotch to tape the Pour House...

Terry

[bryonsos]

Cap'n - it has 1 adjustable leg so it would be downhill in most situations. Terry, I shopped around and found the 45B at the Adorama eBay store for the same $$ as the 30B at B&H. Yes, still on the spendy side, but I figure this was a good investment since I won't have to make it again, ever, unless it gets run over by a semi. It might actually survive that. I watched a tree hit the dirt at the Cradle with my TLs on it one night, and vowed that won't ever happen again. I wouldn't hesitate to put 2 LD pairs and 3-4 full body SD pairs up 11ft in the air, on a slope with the 45B if it's staked down. I figure I bought peace of mind.

[twalker]

I'll say it again. Keep 2 legs on the decline and 1 on the incline.

I am a little confused, if you put 2 legs on the decline it is going to fall forward should it get hit, down the hill.  When you put a single leg out front on the decline it can only tip the direction of the 2 legs or tipping point.

I am sure you have not had either happen.  I have however had speaker stands and mic stands tip, because they were not positioned properly, before they were staked or tied off.  And, the last thing you want to is a multi thousand dollar pair of mics hit face first.  But, what's even worse is the possibility of a speaker popsicle or lighting tree hitting someone.

[capnhook]

OK, then in conclusion:

The "lazy leg" only gets LONGER, so it must point forward on a downward slope.   

[StuStu]

Hey byronsos, does the "lazy leg" get shorter, or longer?  Does it have one, or two of these magic "lazy legs".....can't tell from the stinkin' picture.....


An overly-inquisitive Team Hodge Podge t-shirt wearer would like to know....

capn

Mine has one leg that gets longer.

[tim in jersey]

OK, then in conclusion:

The "lazy leg" only gets LONGER, so it must point forward on a downward slope.   

Bummer. 2 legs on the decline would be more stable.

[ArchivalAudio]

OK, then in conclusion:

The "lazy leg" only gets LONGER, so it must point forward on a downward slope.   

Bummer. 2 legs on the decline would be more stable.

Actually  - That's what I used to think...

I can't explain it  really ... but some one with more knowledge in physics could tell you why.

As far as I understand the force of the center pole  is in direct opposition with the forward leg  it shouldn't fall forward. Unless the pole is not vertical
the one single leg reaches farther forward  than the  two legs...

someone else explain this please...

peace

[SmokinJoe]

Ain't you guys ever heard of a stick?  Or a rock?  The other day we used a chunk of styrafoam that was there...

The lazy leg thing is sweet, but a new stand would cut into my mic-slutting habit.

[dlh]

OK, then in conclusion:

The "lazy leg" only gets LONGER, so it must point forward on a downward slope.   

Bummer. 2 legs on the decline would be more stable.

Actually  - That's what I used to think...

I can't explain it  really ... but some one with more knowledge in physics could tell you why.

As far as I understand the force of the center pole  is in direct opposition with the forward leg  it shouldn't fall forward. Unless the pole is not vertical
the one single leg reaches farther forward  than the  two legs...

someone else explain this please...

peace

I'll take a stab (I ain't no rocket surgeon.)
You pretty much have it.  The single leg reaches farther.  This puts the center of gravity "uphill" from the center of an imaginary triangle connecting the three legs.
Just draw an equilateral triangle, put a dot in the center and compare the distance to the "top" vertex and the base of the triangle.
"There, I fixed it"
(or just use duct tape)

[Taper Chris]

if the ground is soft enough, I put two legs in front and push the back leg into the ground, then stake it down.