RTMOTION MK3.x Lens Control System User Guide REVISION: 2013-09-05 www.rtmotion.
MK3.x Lens Control System 1 MK3.x Lens Control System Table of Contents 1. MK3.x Lens Control System.........................................................................2 2. Quick Start Guide .........................................................................................3 Initial Setup............................................................................................................................ 3 Camera Run/Stop.....................................................................
Quick Start Guide 2 Quick Start Guide Initial Setup 1 Plug 12V into the RECEIVER's “PWR” port. Max voltage is 17V. If the voltage is over ~17.5V or polarity is reversed, The Receiver will block the dangerous voltage and not start. 2 Affix one or more MOTORS to the rods/ lens. Note that the motors are labelled as FOCUS, IRIS, etc. 3 Plug the motors into the RECEIVER unit. The motor port that the motors attach to isn't important. The motors will begin calibrating.
System Overview 3 System Overview Introduction The RTMOTION MK3 Lens Control system is optimised for high-end Wireless and Wired remote control of Cinema and Still camera lenses. The range is specifically designed to enable a low-cost entry point (single motor), with a broad expansion capability. A large number of accessories are in development to further expand on the range's capability (gimbal controllers, underwater controllers, etc.
System Overview Receiver Unit Offloading some electronics into the smart motors has enabled us to dramatically shrink the Receiver in size. It handles only NETWORKING and CAMERA INTERFACE operations. This has enabled a system with low cost, high flexibility and very small size. Controller (Hand Unit) The Controller is the main brain of the unit. Via its OLED screen it also handles the remote-configuration of the Receiver and Motor. Wireless RF3 Generation From MK3.
System Overview Usage Chart 6
Components 4 Components Table of Contents MK3.x Controller .................................................................................................................. 8 MK3.x Receiver................................................................................................................... 13 MK3.x Motor........................................................................................................................ 15 Slave Controller – Thumbwheel MK1..................................
MK3.x Controller MK3.x Controller The MK3.x CONTROLLER gives from 3 to 6 axis control. Note: Picture shows MK31/Z variant with optional Force Zoom Joystick. Configurations Any INPUT (Large knob, Side Knob A, etc.) can be assigned to any LENS AXIS. For example, an MK3/B “Basic” controller can be configured so that the MAIN KNOB controls Focus, SIDE KNOB A controls Iris, and SIDE KNOB B controls Convergence.
MK3.x Controller There are however significant ergonomic advantages to industry standard controls, so for fine control it is recommended that the Force Joystick is used for Zoom, and the Slider is used for IRIS. MK3 Variants MK3 versions have RF2 wireless modules. See section page 29. 1 MK3/B, “Basic”. 3 Axis Control Large Focus Knob, 2x Side Knobs (A and B). 2 MK3/S, “Stereo”. 4 AXIS CONTROL Large Focus Knob, Slider, 2x Side Knobs (A and B). 3 MK3/Z, “FIZ”.
MK3.x Controller Operation 1 Power On Hold down the POWER button for 2 seconds to turn the unit ON / OFF. 2 Camera Run/ Stop Press the REC button to start recording. Press REC again to stop recording. Note: you must use the correct Run/Stop cable for your camera and select the correct option in MENU / CAMERA.
MK3.x Controller CONTROLLER MENU Press the MENU button to enter the menu. You can then navigate with the UP, DOWN and SET buttons. To go back one step, press MENU. To abort and pull out of the menu, press POWER. For a full breakdown of menu functions, go to page 27.
MK3.x Controller Low Battery Indication The Controller will give a warning and automatically shut down when the battery voltage falls to approx 6.1V. This is to protect the Battery from being over-drained and reducing its life. If your battery is fully drained and you wish to continue on USB power, you must remove the LP-E6 battery from the unit. Power Requirements Canon LP-E6 battery: 6.2V to 8.4V. USB Socket: Approx 4.75V to 9V max.
MK3.x Receiver MK3.x Receiver The MK3.1 Receiver is a unique, ultra-compact design. From version MK3.1, the antenna is integral and the length reduced even further. Note: Picture shows MK3.1 version. Variants MK3 versions have RF2 wireless modules, and no AUX port. MK3.1 versions have RF3 wireless modules. See section page 29 for more info. Supported Motors 3x RT Motion motors are supported. The Receiver does not natively support motors from other manufacturers.
MK3.x Receiver Operation Connection MOTORS Lemo 0B 4-pin Any motor can connect to any port. PWR Hirose HR10 4-pin Power Input, 1=GND, 4= Voltage. CAM Hirose HR10 4-pin Trigger (Output) for CAMERA. AUX Lemo 0B 5-pin Analogue controllers, Wired Mode, etc. USB Micro USB For connection to a PC.
MK3.x Motor MK3.x Motor A powerful and quiet lens motor with smooth performance. The brush-less vectordrive gives unparalleled smoothness during high-torque / slow-speed moves. Warnings The motor is a powerful device which is capable of causing injury or damage. • Never touch the drive gear when the device is powered on. • The motor is not to be used on extremely stiff or damaged lenses. • The motor requires no user maintenance.
MK3.x Motor Accuracy & Electronic Backlash Comp The MK3 motor features a high-precision encoder that will never lose steps. If you see evidence of backlash affecting accuracy, please make sure that your mount, rails and camera are extremely rigid, as mounting flex is the main cause of inaccuracy. Unique electronic backlash compensation is calibrated at the factory and will be tweak-able via future firmware update.
Slave Controller – Thumbwheel MK1 Features - Strong, lightweight Alu construction. Knurled thumb/finger wheel. - Bracket sized for common professional steadicam gimbals. - Hard stops. Lens maps to approx 200º rotation - Record trigger button. Usage & Configuration Wire into an AUX port via a “Slave Controller” interface cable. The AUX port must be configured to accept a “Knob/ Potentiometer” input. See page 19 for instructions on how to configure the AUX port correctly.
Aux Por ts 5 Aux Ports The AUX port is a multi-use port, supporting the use of Analogue controllers (Knob/pot, Rocker, Force Joystick), Wired-Mode operation (connect the Controller to the Receiver directly, to bypass the wireless), as well as TTL-level serial communication. The AUX PORT will feature on an increasing number of upcoming products, and we will be releasing additional accessories to attach to AUX ports soon. Available Modes of Operation The following functions are supported by the AUX port.
Aux Por ts Setting the AUX PORT's Mode The AUX port must be in the correct mode. The setting is remembered after power-cycling. To configure the AUX PORT, use the CONTROLLER. Enter the MENU, then select AUX. Configure the auxiliary port on the RECEIVER. Note, if your Receiver does not have an 5 pin AUX port, you will not have this menu. AUX MODE What function to assign to the AUX PORT? OFF Disable the AUX port WIRED Configure AUX port for WIRED MODE (i.e.
Updating Firmwares 6 Updating Firmwares Introduction This guide will take you step by step through the process of updating the firmware on the Controller, Receiver and Motors. Updating the device firmware is a normal process to take advantage of new features, bug fixes, and general usability improvements based on feedback. Cautions Although the firmware updating process usually goes smoothly, very occasionally users may need additional support.
Updating Firmwares Updating The Controller Firmware 1. Run the Program. 2. Make sure the controller is turned off. 3. Connect the USB cable from the Controller to your computer. 4. Hold down the SET and POWER buttons simultaneously on the controller for about 2 seconds. The screen will display: PC MODE. 5. The program will now detect and connect to the Controller. You should see, “Connected to Device” in the program. 6.
Updating Firmwares Updating The Receiver 1. Run the Program. 2. Make sure the receiver is not powered and that no motors are attached. 3. Connect the USB cable from the Receiver to your computer. The Receiver should power up. 4. The program will now detect and connect to the Receiver. You should see, “Connected to Device” in the program. 5. In the “Which Device to Update” section, select Receiver from the drop down menu. 6.
Updating Firmwares Updating a Motor 1. Run the Program. 2. Make sure the Receiver is not powered and that no motors are attached. 3. Connect the USB cable from the Receiver to your computer. The Receiver should power up. 4. The program will now detect and connect to the Receiver. You should see, “Connected to Device” in the program. 5. Attach 12V power to the Receiver. 6. In the “Which Device to Update” section, select Motor from the drop down menu. 7.
Updating Firmwares Firmware Updating Troubleshooting I get an “This application has failed to start because...” error. You may need to install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package. The installer should install this if it’s not installed but they can also be manually installed from the programs /runtimes/ folder or downloaded from the microsoft site. My PC is not detecting any of the devices.
Updating Firmwares I'm still having problems. Please contact us at support@rtmotion.zendesk.com To help us diagnose the problem please supply as much detailed information as you can.
M e n u Tr e e 7 Menu Tree RECALIB This is a short-cut to the MOTORS > RECALIB menu (below). CAMERA Select which CAMERA is attached to the RECEIVER. ALEXA ARRI Alexa (RS socket). EPIC RED EPIC (Sync socket). RED ONE RED ONE (Aux socket). PH FLEX Phantom Flex. PH FLEX BS Phantom Flex, Burst Mode. HOLD LOW For cameras which record while trigger is "held low". MOTORS Configure ATTACHED MOTORS. RECALIB RECALIBRATE one or more MOTORS. RECAL ALL Recalibrate all attached motors.
M e n u Tr e e inside the motor. SCREEN Change OLED settings HIGH Full brightness for daytime. Status LED also bright. LOW Low brightness for night/indoor. Status LED dim. OFF OLED disabled (menu is still active). Status LED dim. FLIP KNOB Short cut which flips (reverses) the MAIN KNOB rotation. WIRELESS Settings for CONTROLLER MK3 generation (RF2). CHANNEL WIRELESS RANGE #1 - 13 Settings for CONTROLLER MK3.1 generation (RF3). Select Controller transmission power.
M e n u Tr e e does not have an 5 pin AUX port, you will not have this menu. MODE What function to assign to the AUX PORT? OFF Disable the AUX port. WIRED Configure AUX port for WIRED MODE (i.e. wire from Controller -> Receiver to bypass radio). KNOB You have a KNOB or THUMBWHEEL attached to the AUX PORT. ROCKER You have a ROCKER attached to the AUX PORT. FORCE You have a FORCE SENSOR attached to the AUX PORT. AXIS Which axis to control with the attached AUX input device? N.B.
M e n u Tr e e mode is used). 8 Technical Reference Compatibility Guidance Motors All MK3.x generation motors will work with any MK3.x generation Controller/Receiver sets. Controller / Receiver Sets – RF2, RF3 Controllers and Receivers must be of the same “RF” generation. You can see the RF2 or RF3 logo lasered onto the Controller and Receiver. MK3.0 Controller/Receiver sets have RF2 generation wireless modules. MK3.1 Controller/Receiver sets have RF3 generation wireless modules.
Te c h n i c a l R e f e r e n c e Pin-Outs Controller MK3.0 WIRED-MODE SOCKET—Lemo 4-pin 0B 1 GND 2 Signal A 3 Signal B 4 Early models, Not connected. Later models, Vhigh (Pwr in, 17V max) Controller MK3.1 WIRED-MODE SOCKET—Lemo 5-pin 0B 1 GND 2 Signal A 3 Signal B 4 Power In, 5-17V DC 5 (nc) Motor MK3.0, MK3.
Te c h n i c a l R e f e r e n c e Receiver MK3.
Te c h n i c a l R e f e r e n c e Receiver MK3.1 3x MOTOR SOCKETS—Lemo 4-pin 0B 1 GND 2 Signal A 3 Signal B 4 Power OUT POWER SOCKET—Hirose HR10 4-pin 1 GND 2 CAM TRIG (Output) 3 (currently not used) 4 Power IN, 5-14V DC (17V absolute max) CAMERA SOCKET—Hirose HR10 4-pin 1 GND 2 CAM TRIG (Output) 3 (currently not used) 4 (nc) AUX SOCKET—Lemo 5-pin 0B 1 GND 2 Analogue-in X (/Signal A) 3 Analogue-in Y (/Signal B) 4 3V3 out (0.
Te c h n i c a l R e f e r e n c e Sizes & Weights PART APPROX SIZE APPROX WEIGHT Controller MK30 140x70x30mm (ex. knob). 170x115x85mm (inc. knob and stub antenna). 560g (ex battery and marking disc). Controller MK31 140x70x31mm (ex. knob). 155x110x75mm (inc. knob and antenna). 576g (ex battery and marking disc). Receiver MK30 85 x 30 x 21mm (ex. 5mm stub). 95g Receiver MK31 100 x 30 x 23mm (inc. antenna 118g cap). Motor MK30 106x43x24mm (ex. gear). 215g (with gear).
Te c h n i c a l R e f e r e n c e Motor Cable 34g All Run/Stop Cables 30- 39g Slave Cable 37g XLR Power Cable 66g Sony F55 Cable 41g Red Epic +1 Cable 42g MK-V Power Cable 51g DC 2.1mm Power 19g DTAP Cable 38g Proline Power Cable 51g 1.2 Metre Wired 29g 2 Metre Wired 40g 5 Metre Wired 93g Note: These weights are guidelines only- batch variation, incremental improvements and attempts to trim down weight could all result in small variations to numbers quoted.
Tro u b l e s h o o t i n g 9 Troubleshooting Table of Contents 9. Troubleshooting.........................................................................................35 1. The Wireless won’t connect ........................................................................... 35 2. My Motor calibrates but then won’t move...............................................35 3. The Motor rotates in the wrong direction.................................................35 4.
Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g 4 The Motor is in a strange mode, it is slow (or very fast) Each motor is given a RESPONSE, and the motor remembers its response even through a power cycle. To change it, Enter the Menu … MOTORS … SET RESPONSE. 5 The Zoom Motor calibrates but then doesn’t respond ZOOM SPEED might be set to minimum. This is usually set by SIDE KNOB A. 6 When very close to camera, the wireless cuts out This is normal. The MK3.
Additional Information 10 Additional Information Usage & Environment The system should not be opened, doing so can cause damage on closure, and voids the warranty. The MK3 system is not water proof- do not expose the system to any type of water, or condensation-prone situations.
