Brent Lestage Posted March 20, 2009 Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Anyone use this SKB cart option...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brent Lestage Posted March 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Scott, I really like this design. I'm just wondering if there's a way to securely fasten the cases to each other and to the vertical FilmTools cart? This design looks as if it just has a ratchet strap holding the SKB cases together and to the cart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brent Lestage Posted March 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2009 Thanks, Scott! I'm another convert to this design (see pic of top half SKB). My brother-in-law is a professional welder and he is going to fabricate a dolly base/lip (with a space for a pelican-battery and cart power) and some kind of fastener/connection system to mount the cases to the uprights -- that's why I'm asking. My wireless receivers live on a custom built C-stand "tree" that can live close to set and is fed via an 8-CH (6-returns/2-sends) breakaway snake with QR's at both ends, so no hi-gain antennas needed, and less weight in the SKB case. Meantime, I will check out the pics on your site. Best, Brent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan A Posted March 22, 2009 Report Share Posted March 22, 2009 Hey Brent, how is the cantarem? Im looking to get that myself for my cantar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Graff Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 Hi Brent. I'm just looking at this thread for the first time now. I'm assuming there were some responses from Scott Farr that have since been deleted, so I've only seen what remains. Initial picture is similar to my since modified setup, except with a Fusion instead of Cantar. Whose setup is that first picture? Not yours, I think. Anyway, in response to your first question, I really regretted buying the FilmTools cart and got rid of it (actually cannibalized it for parts to modify a magliner). The bottom plate is very heavy, the weight distribution is not good, and it does not collapse at all. Still use SKB carts, tho'. Your setup is very neat and clean and orderly. I like it. Thanks, PG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jimg Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 I really regretted buying the FilmTools cart and got rid of it (actually cannibalized it for parts to modify a magliner). The bottom plate is very heavy, the weight distribution is not good, and it does not collapse at all. Hey, Paul, I'm thinking about the FT upright. Can you elaborate on the weight distribution issue? Best regards, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
André Boisvert Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 I'm assuming there were some responses from Scott Farr that have since been deleted Unfortunately, it looks like Scott's left the building with all his posts. Again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthias Richter Posted March 23, 2009 Report Share Posted March 23, 2009 with ALL his posts. Why is that Scott?? I think your posts are of great value to this group. Must be a wrong click on the wrong button?! and Jim - the SKB cart doesn`t need a seperate base if you use the lower case as the base ... http://www.schallrichter.de/soundcart.html Matthias Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brent Lestage Posted March 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2009 Paul, Yes, hmm.... apparently all Scott's posts were removed, which is too bad because he had made some interesting comments -- one of which was whose cart the first picture in this thread really belonged to (Sorry Alan, the Cantar is not mine). Anyway, that's interesting about the FilmTools vertical cart base being very heavy and not collapsible. I had asked FilmTools if the upright section that you mount the handles onto was removable and they assured me that it was. It will be interesting to see what is realistically modifiable and what is not. One of the reasons I decided to go this route was to be able to transport in a small SUV without a gazillion cases or a complete cart build-out. I almost purchased this crazy garden hose caddy thing from Home Depot (see photo below) to modify/weld as a base for the 12U SKB. On paper, it's hard to beat for $79 with four 10" pneumatics. We'll see... If the FilmTools vertical cart proves to be unruly, then I will return it and consider another option such as this. The one thing I will definitely have welded to the FT nose/base is an aluminum flange to fit into the SKB case recess for additional security. The flange will also have a slot cut out for a tie-down strap to secure the top SKB case together with the bottom. Cheers, B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Palmer Posted March 24, 2009 Report Share Posted March 24, 2009 Unfortunately, it looks like Scott's left the building with all his posts. Again. Looks that way. Just did a search and he's packed it in... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Posted March 31, 2009 Report Share Posted March 31, 2009 it's great to read about all the ideas on this thread, and others concerning carts. I would like to know what is the simplest way of securing the equipment to shelves, be it in a SKB cart or open vertical. My cart is completely colapasable, and I use a modular system for the equipment. I just have difficultly securing the equipment in the cases for safe transit. Unlike studio gear, my SD and monitor and other bits don't not come with 1u/2u rack mounds, and I would hate to put valcrow on the gear. Any suggestions out there ? Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthias Richter Posted March 31, 2009 Report Share Posted March 31, 2009 well I was to suggest to use Velcro but since you hate it ... I have velcroed everything on my cart. From the Cooper 208, SD744, monitor - everything. Velcro is fast to install, fast to secure / unsecure, cheap, good for heavy stuff and all the little bits and pieces. If your cart got SKB velcro-sliders it makes more than sense to velcro your gear. I went to Kenya for shooting a couple years ago and had secured my (rented) gear with screws into wooden sliders. That was an aweful idea. When we drove the "highways" through out Kenya I often had to fix my gear afterwards again as everything had become loose. Since I use Velcro I have no trouple at all. And rigging my gear for major travelling (airplane) is very easy as it all gets out of my cart in minutes. Matthias Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPSharman Posted March 31, 2009 Report Share Posted March 31, 2009 Velcro rules. It's on my gear. It's partly the reason I used a carpeted rack case instead of the SKB. I have my Comtek base stations, speaker and SD744Tall Velcroed to the top of my case when in use. Velcro also holds my mixer to its shelf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brent Lestage Posted April 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2009 Velcro rules. It's on my gear. It's partly the reason I used a carpeted rack case instead of the SKB. I have my Comtek base stations, speaker and SD744Tall Velcroed to the top of my case when in use. Velcro also holds my mixer to its shelf. Ditto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Posted April 1, 2009 Report Share Posted April 1, 2009 Okay I will check it out. Thanks for the vote of confidence in the use of Velcro. I will also look into carpeted shelving instead of rubber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Graff Posted April 1, 2009 Report Share Posted April 1, 2009 Hey, Paul, I'm thinking about the FT upright. Can you elaborate on the weight distribution issue? Best regards, Jim Sorry about that, Jim. I have not checked this thread again until now. I would really recommend against the FT cart unless you have seen it live and decide you like it. The bottom plate weighs a ton and is not long enough for a rack-cart based system to be stable. The wheelbase is too short. The quality is fine and the price is fair, but if you want something to get in and out of any vehicle but a stakebed truck I think you will find it very unwieldy. I went to Backstage in Burbank and figured out what I wanted and what I could use from the FT cart combined with parts I bought from them. Only the bottom plate and the handle went to waste. The rest is part of my current cart, which I am very happy with. PG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jimg Posted April 1, 2009 Report Share Posted April 1, 2009 Sorry about that, Jim. I have not checked this thread again until now. I would really recommend against the FT cart unless you have seen it live and decide you like it. The bottom plate weighs a ton and is not long enough for a rack-cart based system to be stable. The wheelbase is too short. The quality is fine and the price is fair, but if you want something to get in and out of any vehicle but a stakebed truck I think you will find it very unwieldy. I went to Backstage in Burbank and figured out what I wanted and what I could use from the FT cart combined with parts I bought from them. Only the bottom plate and the handle went to waste. The rest is part of my current cart, which I am very happy with. PG No worries, Paul. I've actually reconsidered my options, and will do something a little different. Thanks, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Flores Posted April 8, 2009 Report Share Posted April 8, 2009 No worries, Paul. I've actually reconsidered my options, and will do something a little different. Thanks, Jim Jim: Backstage Equipment did a modification on a Magliner cart I own(lowered the nose) so as to make it easier to load in my car(Honda Element). No matter what type of cart one purchases, it will probably be modified based on your needs(and imagination). George Flores Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brent Lestage Posted April 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2009 Well, I ended up going with the standard fare FilmTools Vertical Cart... My Brother-in-Law and I came up with a simple design to lock the SKB cases to the Magliner upright vertical frame. Utilizing (2) extra sets of FilmTools tubes/bolts, we welded on an L-shaped aluminum bracket to grab one of the SKB case carry handles. When tightened, these 'case locks' secure the SKB cases securely to the frame. Also added was a spot welded aluminum 'toe plate' to the nose to secure the opposing side of the SKB bottom case in place. A simple tie-down strap run between the two case handles' opposing sides, while not necessary, adds further security. My B-i-L also fabricated (bent) a sheet of aluminum diamond plate and spot-welded it onto the frame and axle creating a convenient battery holder for my pelican back-up battery. All-in-all I really like the setup, but I do understand now what Paul meant by it being a bit unstable. I believe this is due to it having a narrow wheelbase and all the weight being vertical (high) rather than spread out horizontally (low). However, the fact that the cases are now securely locked to the frame, I feel better about hopping curbs and moving over uneven terrain. The great news is that the cart breaks down and sets up very quickly, the equipment is protected somewhat from the elements, and I can fit it all in a smaller vehicle. Keep in mind that this rig was designed for day hits -- commercials, 2nd units and the occasional low-budget indie! Pictures below... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brent Lestage Posted April 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2009 More Pics of my SKB Cart... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPSharman Posted April 19, 2009 Report Share Posted April 19, 2009 Brilliant!! A really nice cart. Good job. My favorite thing about your design (like mine) is that with big flat surfaces it is so easy to strap into any vehicle, including the sometimes troublesome stake-bed. The handles and rear wheels also line up so that can be the wall side, if desired, keeping the cables free for being hooked by the camera carts as they load/unload their stuff. Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ken Mantlo Posted April 19, 2009 Report Share Posted April 19, 2009 Nice cart. Where do you put the radio's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Stalder Posted April 19, 2009 Report Share Posted April 19, 2009 Nice job by you and your brother in law Brent. Skillfully uncomplicated. Rob Stalder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brent Lestage Posted April 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2009 Thanks for the compliments... *Rob Stalder* I still miss "Matilda" though... *Ken Mantlo* See my earlier posts on Page 1 of this thread. I have all my radios living close to set on a wireless "tree" attached to a C-stand, follow cart, or whatever. A multichannel snake (of various lengths... 100', 200') runs between wireless and cart. *Robert* Your cart is sweeet... Dig those massive rear wheels! Cheers, Brent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip Perkins Posted April 20, 2009 Report Share Posted April 20, 2009 Nice clean rig. Can you pick up the box w/ the mixer etc in it by yourself? Do you break the rig down to travel or leave it together and roll it into a van etc? It looks like all the electronics are in the top box--the bottom is just storage? Will you add a computer to this setup? Philip Perkins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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