If you’re using a Matterport Pro3 LiDAR Camera, chances are you’ve discovered the magic of a tripod dolly. It’s one of those small bits of kit that makes a big difference — helping you capture faster, save your back from strain, and glide smoothly even across tricky mesh floors. But like any piece of gear, your dolly needs a little TLC to keep it rolling.
Why Bother with a Dolly?
Faster Capture
Without a dolly, every time you move your tripod there’s a good chance the legs close in a bit — meaning you’ve got to stop, check, and reset them before scanning. With a dolly, you just roll to the next spot. No faffing about. Faster scans, less hassle.
Save Your Back
The Pro3 isn’t exactly feather-light. With the tripod, leveller and battery, you’re hauling over 5 kg around all day. That adds up fast. A dolly takes the heavy lifting out of the equation — your back will thank you, especially after a long day of scanning.
No More Wobbles on Mesh Floors
Mesh floors are everywhere — in breweries, distilleries, factories, recycling plants… you name it. Balancing a tripod on them is a nightmare, and sooner or later a leg is bound to slip through. A dolly keeps everything stable and safe, gliding across the mesh without drama.
Keeping Your Dolly in Shape
Here’s the thing: dollies are tough, but they’re not maintenance-free. The wheels are the weak spot. Most dollies use bolts that screw into the frame to hold the wheels on, and those bolts can vibrate loose over time. Worst case, a wheel drops off mid-capture — not ideal.
Quick Fix: Thread Lock
The easiest way to stop wheels from working loose is to give the bolts a bit of extra grip. A dab of thread lock will keep things tight for longer, saving you from having to constantly screw them back in.
What You’ll Need
- Isopropanol alcohol
- A clean cloth or pads
- Thread lock
Step-by-Step
- Pop the wheels off.
- Clean the bolt threads with isopropanol and your cloth.
- Do the same for the threaded holes on the dolly.
- Let everything dry fully.
- Add a small drop of thread lock to each bolt.
- Screw the wheels back in.
- Wipe off any excess and let it cure for the recommended time.
That’s it! A few minutes of care now means your dolly will stay solid and smooth-rolling, so you can focus on capturing great scans without interruptions.
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Need additional help with your camera or scanning process? Check out our 3D Capture Training Courses.