TIPS ON HI-POD USAGE

Please also examine the following two web pages for further HI-POD instruction

http://www.setup.hi-pod.com

http://www.operation.hi-pod.com

TUBES JAMMING (can't compress tubes completely)

The HI-POD contains a coiled cable that expands and contracts as the HI-POD telescopes up and down. It is this cable (as well as the new spring retraction handle ) that makes the HI-POD so fast and easy to use.

As the weather changes so do the properties of the tubes and the internal coiled cable. Our experience has demonstrated, that during cold weather the tubes slightly contract and condensation forms on the surface of the cable. This may lead to the cable "bunching up" inside the tubes as you compress the tubes at the end of a game.

To solve this problem we have opened up slots in the bottom tube (as well as in the base). If you are trying to contract the HI-POD and you find that you can't completely close the tubes, tug on the cable at the opening at the bottom of the tube. This will release the "bunching" problem and make it easy to compress the tubes. When packing the unit make sure to insert the excess cable back into the HI-POD to protect it.

WATCH FINGERS WHEN LOWERING STAGES!

Be careful of not pinching your fingers when lowering each HI-POD STAGE.
Use Caution when raising and lowering the HI-POD STAGES.

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO HOLD THE POLE AND THEN OPEN THE CAM-LOCK.

(If you open the lock first, the pole will shoot down, potentially pinching a finger if you are not careful)

REDUCE HI-POD POLE MOVEMENT

After inserting the HI-POD into the base and locking it into place, tighten the knobs at the top of the base. Notice that all 3 knobs are screws with soft tips. By turning the knobs they will apply pressure to the sides of the HI-POD. Apply enough pressure (with all 3 knobs) to secure the hi-pod from unwanted movement. But only apply enough so that the hi-pod can still be rotated. Notice that there is a second set of knobs in the middle of the base. Repeat action on second set of knobs.

UNLEVEL GROUND (use leveling cranks on base)

If the ground behind the endzone is unlevel, it could affect the quality of your shot. That is why, we have included leveling cranks on the base.(Left and Right side) Simply turn the crank to elevate the side of the base that needs to elevate. Don't overelevate the base . This could make the base unstable and thus make the HI-POD unstable. Use caution and common sense. Place the base in an area that only needs slight leveling. If the location requires drastic leveling , reposition the base to a location that needs less leveling. REMEMBER ALWAYS ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION.

TANGLED PULLEY ROPES (untie at pulley)

Although the chances of a tangle in the pulley ropes is much more remote than in earlier HI-PODS, it can still happen. So how do you untangle the ropes?

1. Untie the knot in the pulley. Follow one of the ropes to the top of the HI-POD. Notice it fits into a hole. A knot prevents it from coming out of the hole. Simply untie one of these ropes find the tangle. Untangle the ropes. Extend the rope back to the hole in the pulley. Insert the rope and tie a knot to prevent the rope from falling out of the hole. Done. Could not be more simple.

Becareful not to let the rope go. Since the new handle is spring retracted it could retract the entire rope, making it difficult to retrieve.

NO PICTURE ON LCD SCREEN

If you do not have picture on the screen try these solutions:

1. Make sure the monitor button is on.
2. Make sure the y-split cable is fully inserted into the monitor and the battery.
3. Make sure the charger light was on when charging the battery. If no light is on during the charging process, then no charge is being passed to the battery. (Green= fully charged, Red= charging) If battery has no charge then the monitor will not turn on.
4. Make sure the male video plug (from the bottom of the HI-POD) is plugged into the yellow female plug of the y-split cable. (If it is plugged into the red female cable, you will have to toggle the video source on the monitor- that is correct, your monitor can take 2 video sources. )

SUN GLARE- (HI-POD Visor)

Although the HI-POD LCD has an excellent anti-glare screen. We have included a visor to help when using the monitor on sunny days. It covers the sides to prevent unnecessary sun rays from hitting the screen. The visor also covers the back of the monitor , to protect it from unnecessary moisture. (unexpected rain)

the bottom has been left open to make it easy to access the monitor buttons.

All the sides connect with simple velcro. Simply attach velcro to the side of the monitor and the visor will easily attach to the monitor.

LOOSE PULLEY ROPES- (Tighten cam-lock)

Let's say you have extended the stages and tightened the pulley ropes, but the ropes still feel loose? This means one of the tube stages is slipping. SOLUTION: Tighten the cam-lock. If the cam lock is not tight enough the tube will slip from the pressure of the pulley. Just find which stage is slipping and tighten knob of the cam-lock.

Extending HI-POD stages

Depending on which HI-POD unit you have, it can be easily extended from 15 - 25 feet.
Start with the highest stage. (That is the smallest tube at top of unit). Hold the pole with left hand, loosen the cam-lock with the right hand and manually extend the pole with both hands. Each stage has a recommended height as indicated by a white line.

DO NOT EXTEND EACH STAGE BEYOND WHITE LINE.

The pole will never come out completely, because there is a stopper mechanism to prevent such an accident. (there is approximately 6 inches between the white line and the stopper mechanism), Extend stage to desired height and then close the cam-lock. Locking the cam-lock secures that stage of the HI-POD. Now repeat with each stage until desired height is achieved.

RAIN- clear sandwich bags

The most delicate elements of the HI-POD are the monitor, the controller, the battery and the camera. Electronics do not like water-- that is why it is important to cover them up if it starts to rain during a practice or game.

The use of clear sandwich bags is an excellent and inexpensive technique to protect your monitor, controller, camera and battery. The bags are waterproof , and also give you the ability to see through them.

MONITOR: Slide the bag over the monitor and cinch it at the bottom. (If cinched at the bottom and the bag opens by accident no water will get in.) Cut a hole for the support rod that connects the LCD monitor to the HI-POD.

CONTROLLER: Use a smaller bag to cover the controller, making sure you can easily access the speed rocker on the controller.

CAMERA: Many waterproof camera bags exist on the market today, but a clear sandwich bag is the easiest and least expensive way to go. Make sure the camera is covered, but cut a hole for the lens . This way the only part of the camera exposed to the elements is the Lens.

BATTERY: CAUTION!!!! The battery if wet can cause serious harm and electrocution. Cover the battery carefully during the rain. Pay particular attention to the charger socket. This cigarette lighter socket is open and water can get into it. Make sure to cover this opening completely if rain starts during usage.

TEXT ON LCD SCREEN

We have already programmed your camera to have TEXT ON LCD SCREEN

This might not seem important, but we think it is. Zoom controllers can be fooled. They can tell you that the camera is recording , when in actuality the camera is not. This is why we encourage you to turn on the "text on video out" function of your camera. When this is done, your HI-POD LCD Monitor will have text in front of the video image. This text will tell you how much battery life is left, how much tape is left, and most importantly whether you are recording or not.

This text will not record on your tape, it is simply a tool to help you shoot better.