DollyTrax™ Features

• Optimized for single operator:
  • Plenty of room to walk without tripping over axles
  • Push the dolly, frame your shot, and pull focus at the same time (using camera focusing aids)
  • The perfect weight for even and consistent speed...not to heavy, not too light
• Instantly convert from straight to curved motion without track
• Unlimited curved angle possibilities- your shots aren't limited by 45° turns of fixed curved track
• The 4-ply pneumatic slicks provide smooth motion on most any surface…concrete, carpet, wood, tile, even streets and asphalt. Adding more weight (like a rider or sandbags) increase the smoothing effect.
• Tires never have the dreaded "flat spots" as polyurethane dolly wheels are prone to
• Waterproof textured rubber coating provides a non-slip surface for holding tripod feet
• FAQ: Attaching tripod to DollyTrax: Elastic tie-down straps are included for quickly securing tripod legs on the dolly. Just hook or loop the strap on any protrusion from your tripod and it will not lift off. Most find that they rarely need to use the straps when the tripod is in a normal spread position, as the slightest push on the tripod will move the dolly and not tip it over.
  
  
  
  If you do not have any protrusions from your tripod feet, then you can simply wrap the straps once around the tripod leg to help it grab on. Also, you can use the heavy duty bungee straps that are used to hold the collapsed dolly together, as additional strap downs (like when using a jib with heavy weights).
• Set up your shot in 30 seconds or less…no calculating formulas for the radius or measuring angles for curve track… just eyeball the axle toward your center point and lock down
• Convert any uneven surface like grass by using standard hardware store plywood or 2x6s
• Weighs only 30 pounds…easily pick up with one hand to move to your next shot. 
• Breaks down in 1 minute for easy storage and transportation
• Fits into standard vehicle trunk or backseat when broken down...no need for a truck or SUV to transport
• Add an optional carrying case for airline travel
• Option to add a seat and pushbar for two operators for a conventional two crew setup. Supports up to 300lbs.
• Add motion to other items: jibs, lights, foggers, etc., for unlimited creative potential
• Unbeatable price for independent shooters
• 3 year limited warranty

How to Get the Most Out of Your DollyTrax:

• When using on carpet, industrial or berber works best.  The larger the nap of the carpet, the more drift you might notice.
• Be sure to point the line of sight of axles at the center of the object, not necessarily the front.
• When on asphalt or sidewalk, be sure to bring a large broom with you to sweep away rocks and debris before the shoot.
• The more weight on the dolly, the more the tires will be able to absorb bumps and imperfections.  Add sandbags (or a rider) to the dolly if the surface is causing bumps in the footage.
• The more flexible your tripod, the more positioning options you will have on the dolly.  A two stage tripod with adjustable bowl and spreader removed will provide the most flexible shooting combinations.
• Always push the tripod with your fingertips, to provide a cushioning effect that will filter out imperfections in speed consistency.
• Always tighten the knobs fairly tight, to minimize drift.
• DollyTrax is designed for very slow rolling motion, not fast chase scenes. The faster you go, the more imperfections in the floor will be magnified up the tripod and make bumpier footage.  If you must go fast and want the smoothest footage possible, increase weight on the dolly to absorb surface imperfections.
• A camera with optical image stabilization will greatly help filter out surface imperfections, especially on asphalt where it’s needed most.  If you’re using a 35mm DOF adapter and turn off OIS, consider adding more weight to the dolly with sandbags or a rider if on rough pavement.  Or, zoom in on your adapter achromat a bit to allow OIS movement a buffer zone.
• If the surface contains deep cracks or grooves, try to setup your shot where DollyTrax can roll over the grooves at an angle, as opposed to hitting them head on at a perpendicular angle.
• The threads on the mounting plate for the seat may have a “break-in” period, where it may need to be tightened after several uses.  If the seat/pushbar tightens past the proper alignment with the main chassis, just rotate tighten the seat a quarter turn past the chassis, remove the nuts from the mounting plate, lift the seat vertically, along with mounting plate and bolts, and re-insert at a forward facing angle.
• For sidewalks or streets that have deep grooves, try packing wet play sand into the grooves and cracks.
• Deflate the tires until they start to bulge a bit (but not wobble) to help act as shock absorbers.
• When using the dolly with a circling motion and the support bar is extended, be careful not to push down on the tripod as you push forward.  Even the slightest downward pressure can cause noticeable “bouncing” of the tripod.  This is due to the natural flex of chassis material (which absorbs bumps), and the leverage that the extended support bar can have.  For best results, try to place the tripod leg as close to the main bar as possible, to avoid downward bouncing pressure.
• For bumpy surfaces where you can’t use wood, sandbags, or a rider to absorb imperfections, or you forgot to bring a broom to sweep away stones and debris, try moving the tripod legs off the axles and onto the extension bar and center frame.  The bend and flex of the chassis helps absorb bumps at the wheels, but keeps the center of the dolly level.  We’ve shot footage in construction areas where there were stones and clumps of dirt on the sidewalk but didn't have a broom handy. By moving the tripod legs to the center of the dolly, combined with OIS, we were able to get surprisingly smooth footage.
• In the very worst case scenario, you can buy $150 worth of "smoothing" software for removing camera bump and jitter in post.
• If you must shoot on grass or fields, level out the dolly with standard 2x6 boards from your local hardware store for straight shoots, and 4x8 plywood (1 inch) for radial shots.  Also bring some bricks/cinder blocks and shims to level everything out.  When selecting your straight boards at the hardware store, be sure to make sure the board is not warped, by laying it flat on the ground.  All edges should be flat on the ground.  Also hold it up to your eye and look down the length of the board… it shouldn’t curve or turn off in any direction.  If you are going to be using the dolly for faster than average motion shots, you may want to opt for composite decking boards, as they are very precisely made and not subject to warping.

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