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When software updates become available for your Volt 3, download the files and use the included Steadicam USB drive. Only use the provided USB drive as others may not be compatible with Volt 3. The drive has both USB-A and USB-C for compatibility with your computer. Do not attempt to use the Volt3 USB-C port for any other connection. It will not charge your phone...
This Volt-3 STAGE Update is for units supplied before October 1 2025. All units supplied after October 1 already have this firmware pre-installed. There is no Volt-3 Gimbal update at this time.
Software Release Bulletin – Volt-3 October, 31, 2025
We're excited to announce the release of version 1.1 for the Steadicam Volt-3.
This update introduces notable performance improvements and valuable new functionality to enhance shooting precision and workflow efficiency. The update is intended for Stage re-programming only as the Gimbal software will remain the same at version 1.0.
Note that all Volt-3 systems shipped from Tiffen after October 17 2025 will have the latest software already installed. The easiest way to check, is if the Notch Filter is active in Menu 2.
Performance Improvements
• Enhanced Motor Strength: Roll and Tilt motor power has been increased by 18% allowing for faster and more controlled stabilization transitions and better holding power for horizon and Tilts.
• Pan settings have noticeably greater effect at large tilts of 45 degrees or more.
New Features:
• Notch Filtering: To help address the tendency of some particularly lighter or less stable camera builds that may produce unwanted vibrations. The Rightmost knob in Menu 2 is now active. To use, turn up the pan strength with various inertia and or drag settings until oscillation occurs then slowly sweep the notch knob to null out the oscillation. Set to between 4 and 5 for an "average" notch filter as implemented in the previous software version. Notch filter settings are universal across all Scene settings
Volt 3 Stage Firmware Upgrade V.1.1
Here are some recommended settings for different situations you may encounter. Because every build is
different, these recipes are just starting points; experiment, starting with reduced strength and find exactly
what works best for you, for each setup and for each shot. Adjust and test settings individually to better understand how the feel and behavior of the sled changes with each.
Answer: No, original Volt and Volt 3 components are not compatible with each other. Do not plug one
into the other! The original gimbal is cable cross-compatible, but it consists of one straight and one 90˚
LEMO connector whereas the Volt 3 cable has two 90˚ LEMO connectors.
Answer: No, the Volt 3 electronics and hardware are factory calibrated using specific procedures and
calibration jigs. There are no user-serviceable components within the Volt 3. In fact, if some internal
controls are tampered with, the Volt 3 could become inoperable and require factory re-calibration.
Additionally, keep strong magnets away from the main gimbal housing as this may damage the Volt 3’s
internal encoder. Also, do not disassemble the pan bearing as the encoder magnet requires specific
handling techniques to prevent damage.
Answer: There is currently no function to restore the original scene settings. However, you may manually reset the scenes:
Answer: No, the tilt and roll controls adjust motor feedback directly aligned with the camera’s tilt and
roll axes, independent of the pan orientation.
Answer: recommended operating temperature of the Volt 3 is between -10° and +60°C (14° to 140°F).
NOTE: Lower operating temperatures may result in increasingly sluggish response times for the Volt 3, so it
is a good idea to let the Volt 3 warm up for a few minutes before operating in cold temperatures.
Answer: The normal response time for the Volt 3 to obtain a stable level when transitioning between
high and low modes is dependent on the operating temperature and a few other factors. Low tilt and roll
strength settings may increase the time it takes the Volt 3 to obtain level as more motor power equates
to a faster response. In addition, a rig that is NOT neutrally balanced may take longer to achieve level
because the motors need to work harder to move the sled.
Answer: The Volt 3 is meant to be powered while operating. When not powered, normal magnetic
cogging of the pan motor translates into what is perceived as friction.
Answer: Yes, though pan operation will feel a bit sluggish, especially with low physical pan inertia (a
whip rig). If absolutely necessary, the belts can be removed from the tilt and roll motors for better non-Volt 3 performance.
Answer: The belts are automatically tensioned by springs when installed. To confirm tension is correct,
loosen the motor screws by one turn each to allow the spring to tighten the belt, then re-tighten the
screws. Precise belt tension is not critical for operation and should not require regular attention.
Answer: No periodic calibration of the Volt 3 is required under normal conditions. However,
periodically verify that your gimbal has remained electronically centered/indexed to the yellow line on
the post and has not been accidentally adjusted. See manual page 17.
Answer: Try removing and re-inserting the USB drive fully or reverse the direction it gets plugged in
and try again. Also, confirm the programming button is being fully depressed.
Answer: No. Like other equipment with precision bearings and electronics, if the Volt 3 is being exposed
to water or contaminants, it is always best to protect it as much as possible. Consider using the Volt
weather cover (VOLTRC3) to limit exposure.
Answer: Simply wipe it down with a damp, lint-free cloth. A small brush can be used to get into any
tight to reach places. Avoid the use of cleaning fluids or oils.
Answer: Perfect static balance is not required for the Volt 3 to operate properly. You can be off by 10°
or more and the Volt 3 motors will correct it when active. Neutrally balanced sleds will show more
balance offsets than sleds with a 2-3 second drop time because this configuration is more sensitive to
imbalance and the friction caused by the Volt 3 motors and belts.
Answer: Two things: One, when a sled is neutrally balanced, it requires minimal force for the sled to be
tilted or rolled in any direction. This allows the Volt 3 motors to move the sled with very little applied
force. This translates into quicker response times for the Volt 3 and a smaller power draw by the motors
to adjust the sled position. Two, a neutrally balanced sled does not pendulum as it is accelerated
or decelerated. Therefore, the Volt 3 motors have even less work to do to hold the sled at the right
attitude as the sled moves and stops.
Answer: A sled in dynamic balance pans flat without any input from the operator or the Volt 3. The
less work the Volt 3 motors must do, the better the response and the lower the power draw. Faster
pans, and whip pans in particular, generate a lot of force. The better the dynamic balance, the less
compensating force needs to be applied by the operator or the Volt 3 motors, and the better your
operating looks. The Steadicam Operator’s Handbook includes much more about the nuances of
balancing and the physics behind dynamic balance.
