Details on how to have your ARC Product modified
Dear friends,
In 2021 we set out to make the most advanced dovetail system in the world, resulting in our new Adjustable RRS-Lock Compatible (ARC) technology. The ARC system improved upon our previous design by adding adjustable clamping pressure, user-adjustable lever throw direction, a 2-stage safety for the lever, and an anti-slip RRS-LockTM pin. Since then, we’ve integrated the ARC technology into many key products, including the Anvil-30 ARC, allowing us to redefine what is possible.
As more ARC Clamps are out and being used, we’ve noticed an increase in customers reporting the RRS-Lock pin popping out of place. The issue is that some units have excessive play in the latch system where upon manipulation or shock, the pin and spring get dislodged, rendering the pin function useless. We’ve determined the known failure rate to be less than 3 in 1000. Out of an abundance of caution, we made a fail-safe design change and will apply it to all ARC products going forward.
Our engineers have also determined that it is possible to modify all existing ARC products to prevent the RRS-LockTM pin from physically being able to pop out. This modification requires precision CNC machining equipment, a new custom replacement pin, and full disassembly. We need to perform these modifications in our facility to ensure they are done correctly. If you are experiencing this issue, please send in your product and we will take care of the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How can I tell if my RRS ARC product is affected by this issue?
- Here is a quick video on how to check your clamp.
- Written instructions:
- Bring the ARC product to a clean, well-lit indoor environment and remove any plates that are clamped into the product.
- Over a clean table, place a towel under the product.
- Bring one end of the towel over the top of the clamp (to catch the pin if it pops out).
- With the lever in the locked position and the latch engaged, give the lever a firm tug as if you were trying to open it but forgot it was latched.
- If your unit was affected, the pin will pop out of place with the spring.
- If this happens to you, please put the product with the pin and spring in a zip-top bag and send it in for modification using the procedure below.
- I have an RRS ARC product and want to get this modification done. What do I need to do?
- There is no need to contact us ahead of time. Simply send the ARC product to us with a note including your name, phone number, email address, and return shipping address. We suggest typing it up and printing the note so that we can ensure it gets back to the right place. Send the product and note to us at:
ATTN: ARC Modification
Really Right Stuff
720 South 850 East
Lehi, UT 84043
USA
Once the item is received, please allow 2-3 weeks for the modification to be completed. We will ship the product back to you at our expense using a standard economy shipping service. Please, ensure the product is well-protected from damage during shipment. We are not responsible for repairing any damage that occurs prior to arrival at our facility, either from use or during transit. To help keep shipping costs at a minimum, please remove the product from any tripods, bipods, or other unaffected products.
- I am unsure if I have an RRS ARC product. How can I tell?
- The easiest way to tell is by looking at the lever style. All RRS ARC products have this style of lever with a U-shaped latch around the shaft.
- If you have your order history, the following are product names that could be affected.
- Anvil-30 ARC Ballhead
- BH-30, 40, and 55 SCR
- SC-ARC (including packages like the HBA w/SC-ARC and PT-Scout w/SC-ARC)
- ARC-LR
- STAK
- TFCT Tripods with Anvil-30 ARC (all leg configurations)
- Contact us by phone or send an image to info@reallyrightstuff.com if you are still unsure if your product is affected.
- I don’t have any issues with my RRS ARC product. Do I still need to send it in?
- This is an optional modification for any product owners who would like it done, regardless of whether you are experiencing an issue or not.
- I lost my pin and spring a long time ago. What do I do now?
- If you’d like to restore the original functionality, please send it in and we will replace the missing components free of charge and perform the modification.
- I don’t have time to send in my unit for modification. Is there anything I can do to fix it myself?
- The clamp still holds a dovetail rail without the pin in place, but you lose the locating functionality. We suggest timing the clamp tight to avoid slipping without the pin present. The modification cannot be done without special equipment. If your pin is popping out of place, we suggest leaving it out of the assembly and placing it in a marked zip-top bag. Store it safely to avoid losing it until you can send the unit in.
- What will the clamp look like after modification?
- We will drill and thread a small hole in the side of the clamp that allows us to insert a screw that retains the RRS-LockTM pin. Here are some examples of what it will look like when finished:
- Will this cost me anything to have the modification done?
- We will cover the cost of the modification and return shipping. You are responsible for getting the product to our facility. If you need any special shipping arrangements, please contact us at info@reallyrightstuff.com and we will be happy to assist you.
- I didn’t buy my RRS ARC product directly from you. Does this affect the process?
- No, this modification is available to any of our users, regardless of where or when it was purchased. Just follow the instructions above.
- Please contact us at info@reallyrightstuff.com if you have any further questions.
We are committed to our customers and stand by every product sold. If you have been affected in any way, we want to make it right for you. Please reach out if you have any questions and let us know how we can help.