I spent some time watching the videos Puran Bhat sent me to see how he manipulates the strings. I learn more each time I watch and practice. I have some basic control for walking and head movement, but I have more to learn about doing that and being able to control the hands at the same time. I saw that closing down the camera lens to f18 does give me more depth of field (more in focus) using a long lens. I used the Mamiya 210mm, Pentax 67 165mm and the Mamiya 80 1.9 (this one wide open with a single light bounced off the wall).
I adjusted the strings on Bijal a bit to connect the head/back strings with a loop to the hands. The hands can be slid on either side. I do need to figure out how to stay out of frame while puppeteering on a wider shot. From a distance, 80mm can give me a pretty good wide shot. I need something more sturdy than a chair to stand on. I think that would help me lean over, out of view of the camera. Perhaps some apple boxes?