ABC-Products ALEX DIGITAL User manual

Remote Head ALEX DIGITAL
MANUAL ALEX DIGITAL
Original - English

Alex Digital Manual English
2
Remote Head ALEX DIGITAL
Date:
2019 /12

Alex Digital Manual English
3
Table of contents Seite
1.
Information about the device
4
1.1
Scope of delivery
5
1.2
1.3
Responsibilities of the manufacturer/ EC Declaration of Conformity
Responsibilities of the operator
6
7
1.4
Exploded drawing Spare part numbers
7
1.5
External interfaces
7
1.6
Legal information
7
2.
2.1
Manual
How to understand the operating instructions correctly
8
9
2.1.1
Marking on the device
9
2.1.2
Marking in these operating instructions
9
2.2
Service address
10
3.
3.1
Safety Instructions
General safety instructions Manufacturer
10
10
3.2
General safety instructions use
11
3.3
General safety instructions Testing
11
3.4
Intended use of the ALEX DIGITAL
11
3.5
Staff requirements
12
3.6
Safety relevant environmental conditions
12
3.7
Possible misuse
12
3.8
Residual risks and protective measures
13
4.
Technical information
13
4.1
Technical data
13
5.
Set up and operation
14
5.1
Main components
14
5.2
Optional accessories
16
5.3
Assembly
16
5.3.1
Assembly ALEX DIGITAL 2-axle / base frame drive unit
17
5.3.2
Mounting camera on base plate
18
5.3.3
Main cable connection
18
5.3.4
Taring the camera in 3 axes (Pan/Tilt/Height)
19
5.4
Control panel
20
5.4.1
Connections of the control panel
21
5.5
Single man control
21
5.5.1
Panel single man control - front side
23
5.5.2
Panel single man control - left side
23

Alex Digital Manual English
4
5.6.1
Connection plate Remote Head
25
6.
Maintenance of the remote head
26
7.
General notes and safety instructions for operation
26
8.
Spare parts Alex Digital
27
5.5.3
Panel single man control –right side
24
5.6
Mounting Zoom/ Focus cable
24

Alex Digital Manual English
5
1. Information about the device
1.1 Scope of delivery Alex Digital
1.
1 x Remote Head
O
2.
1 x Camera base plate (wedge plate) incl.
1/4“ & 3/8“.
O
3.
1 x Panel
O
4.
1 x Single man control - Panel
O
5.
1 x Handle Joystick
O
6.
1 x Handle Zoom & Focus
7.
1 x Cables Zoom/ Focus Fujinon SD/HD
O
Optional: 841220-0
8.
1 x Cables Zoom/Focus Canon SD
O
Optional: 841210-0
9.
1 x Cables Zoom/Focus Canon HD
O
Optional: 841212-0
10.
1 x Cables Zoom/Focus Canon HDS
O
Optional: 841213-100
11.
1x Adapter V-Mount Batteries
O
12.
1x CD-ROM (Software Faulhaber)
O
13.
1 x Allen key
O
14.
1 x Main cable Bus 20m
O
16.
1 x Manual
O
17.
1x Power Supply 24V
O
Optional: 8412-500
Gepackt am (Datum):
_________________________
Unterschrift:
__________________________________________________

Alex Digital Manual English
6
1.2 Responsibilities of the manufacturer / EC Declaration of Conformity
EC Declaration of Conformity according to Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC Annex
II 1.A
The manufacturer / distributor MovieTech AG
Martin-Kollar-Str. 9
D-81829 München
hereby declares that the following product
Product name: ALEX DIGITAL
Fabrikat: ABC-Products
Serial number:
Serial-/Type: Remote Head
Description:
The ALEX DIGITAL is a product developed for the photo and film industry to enable motor
controlled camera movements.
complies with all relevant provisions of the above-mentioned Directive and the other Directives
applied (hereafter referred to as the "Directives"), including their amendments in force at the date
of this declaration
The following harmonised standards have been applied:
EN ISO 12100-1:2003 Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design -
Part 1: Basic terminology, methodology (ISO 12100-1:2003)
EN ISO 12100-2:2003 Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design -
Part 2: Technical principles (ISO 12100-2:2003)
EN ISO 14121-1:2007 Safety of machinery - Risk assessment - Part 1: Principles (ISO
14121-1:2007)
The following national or international standards (or parts/clauses thereof) and specifications have
been applied.
The name and address of the person authorised to compile the technical file
MovieTech AG, Martin-Kollar-Str. 9, 81829 Munich
www.movietech.de / info@movietech.de
Mr Sigfried Käser Mr Ch. Käser
Place: Munich
Date: 16.11.2019

Alex Digital Manual English
7
Note
1.3 Responsibilities of the operator
Regulations Repair
Repair of the ALEX DIGITAL is only permitted by MovieTech AG or authorized contractors.
Disposal
The ALEX DIGITAL must not be disposed of in the household waste. It must be disposed of at a
collection point (please contact your local authority) or by your dealer/manufacturer.
Care
It is recommended to clean the ALEX DIGITAL with a damp, clean cloth when dirty. Avoid caustic
or aggressive cleaning additives.
1.4 Exploded drawing with numbering
Please use the indicated numbers for ordering spare parts! Please see
page 27, point 8. spare parts
1.5 External interfaces
The ALEX DIGITAL can be mounted hanging or standing (upside down) on a sufficiently stable
carrier (crane or dolly) suitable for the load.
The ALEX DIGITAL is equipped with a Euromount adapter (80mm outer diameter) for attachment
to film equipment such as dollies or camera cranes.
1.6 Legal information
The limit values specified by the manufacturer must be strictly observed. Any exceeding of these
limits must be avoided under all circumstances.
In the event of accidents due to negligent or improper use, the manufacturer is not liable for any
damage or injury. The order of assembly and disassembly specified in the operating instructions
must be observed.

Alex Digital Manual English
8
Only original parts must be used for the maintenance of the product.
Accessories from other manufacturers must not restrict the use or safe operation of the ALEX
DIGITAL!
The persons entrusted with the use of the ALEX DIGITAL must have read and understood the
manufacturer's original operating instructions. The manufacturer must be contacted for any
questions regarding safe use. The contact can be found in these operating instructions, among
others.
MovieTech AG
Martin-Kollar-Str. 9
81829 Munich
49 (0) 89 43 68 91 3
e-mail: info@movietech.de
Lifetime of the device:
The service life is limited by material wear and material fatigue. Therefore, the service life
depends on the frequency of use and the environmental conditions to which the ALEX DIGITAL is
exposed.
2. Manual - operating instructions
Thank you for choosing ALEX DIGITAL, thank you for your confidence.
The ALEX DIGITAL enables you to make gliding motorized camera movements in horizontal and
vertical directions.
We wish you much pleasure and success with your new ABC-products ALEX DIGITAL!
Your ALEX DIGITAL has the following main features:
- quiet drive concept
- Access to the programming
- 360° swivel radius over the horizontal (Pan) and vertical (Tilt) axis
- short assembly and dismantling times
Read this manual carefully before using your new appliance for the first time. It contains all the
information you need to know about the application in order to avoid personal injury and damage
to property.
Please observe all safety instructions in this operating manual!
Keep these operating instructions in a safe place. Pass this operating manual on to the new
owner if you sell or otherwise transfer the unit.
Inform other users that it is essential that they read and understand this operating manual before
using the unit for the first time.

Alex Digital Manual English
9
2.1 How to understand the operating instructions correctly
2.1.1 Marking on the device
CE mark:
This symbol means that your device meets the
safety requirements of all applicable EU
directives
Garbage can:
This symbol means that you may only dispose
of the device at a local disposal centre
2.1.2 Marking in these operating instructions
Identification Meaning
Draws your attention to the handling and impact
of safety information.
WARNING
Draws your attention to a dangerous situation
that could result in serious injury or death if not
avoided.
ATTENTION
Alerts you to a hazardous situation that could
result in minor to moderate injury if not avoided.
NOTE
Draws your attention to possible damage to
property and other important information in
connection with your device.
Foot protection
Safety shoes:
Command sign according to ANSI
(according to Z 535.3 - 2007)
Meaning: Foot protection

Alex Digital Manual English
10
Fall down/ drop: falling down
Warning sign according to ANSI (according to Z
535.3 - 2007)
Meaning: Falling down / downward movement -
Danger to feet
SQUEEZING
Bruise/ crush: Squeezing
Warning sign according to ANSI (according to Z
535.3 - 2007)
Meaning: Squeezing - danger to hands
2.2 Service address
MovieTech AG
Martin-Kollar-Str. 9
D-81829 München
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.movietech.de
Tel.: +49 (0) 89 43 68 91 3
3. Safety instructions
3.1 General safety instructions Manufacturer
Before initial commissioning, ensure that the operating instructions have been read
and understood.
Do not leave the assembled remote head unattended. Secure against unauthorized
use.
The limit values specified by the manufacturer must be observed. Any exceeding of
these limits must be avoided under all circumstances.
The remote head must not be assembled under the influence of alcohol, drugs or
other narcotics.
Only competent persons may be entrusted with the assembly, disassembly and
operation of remote heads. If necessary, the assignment must be made in writing.
Take care to avoid possible pinching during assembly and disassembly and during
operation (please refer to the chapter on assembly and special warnings for each
operating phase). Warning signs on the product and in the operating instructions
must be observed!

Alex Digital Manual English
11
The secure fixing of a camera on the remote head must be checked and
guaranteed before each use. Use additional tension straps for secure fixing.
Electrical equipment such as monitors must always be protected from moisture and
humidity.
Never move the remote head mechanically by hand while it is switched on!
3.2 General safety instructions use
Please note the instructions for maximum use of 15kg camera weight in 2-axis operation.
Observe the warnings on the unit, special notes on stability and safe use.
Do not leave the mounted ALEX DIGITAL unattended. Secure against unauthorized use.
Due to the danger of lightning strike, stop operation in case of an approaching thunderstorm.
The ALEX DIGITAL may be used at an ambient temperature of -5 - +40°C.
No assembly or disassembly if the maximum permissible wind speed of 50 km/h is exceeded.
The ALEX DIGITAL is suitable for studio and limited outdoor use. For the installation site, a
sandy, dusty, salty and wet environment should be avoided.
Impact of the remote head on objects and obstacles must be avoided because of possible
damage to the materials and the drive. Damaged, especially safety-relevant parts must be
replaced by the manufacturer.
3.3 General safety instructions testing
Before each use, the safety in use must be checked by visual and functional inspection
(according to DIN 15999)
Particular attention should be paid to the following criteria
Noise during movements
Deformations (e.g. bending, twisting),
Damage (e.g. cracks, corrosion)
Missing parts (e.g. safety pins, fastening parts)
defective clamping functions of the adjustment units
defective cables
Please contact the manufacturer if the shape is changed or damaged!
Please observe all further safety instructions in the following chapters!
3.4 Intended use of the ALEX DIGITAL
The ALEX DIGITAL may only be used according to its "intended use". The ALEX DIGITAL is
intended for horizontal and vertical camera movements around the centre of rotation of the centre
section. The camera has a weight between 0.5 and 15kg. The balancing of the camera over all
Rotary axes are required before each use to avoid damage to the drive units.

Alex Digital Manual English
12
3.5 Staff requirements
The operator of the ALEX DIGITAL should be able to control both the camera image and the
operating range of the ALEX DIGITAL. The use of the ALEX DIGITAL should always be assessed
with regard to safety aspects. The responsibility for safe use lies with the user. Distances between
the camera and objects must always be assessed correctly with regard to safety in order to avoid
accidents and damage. A responsible handling of the product in the respective environment is to
be assumed. The user must be familiar with and have understood the safety-relevant aspects of
operation via the operating instructions.
General work safety instruction:
During operation of the ALEX DIGITAL there is a risk that the head may hit an actor.
Within the action radius of the ALEX DIGITAL only the user's access is permitted during camera
mounting! When operating the ALEX DIGITAL, the radius of action must be kept clear.
For safety reasons, it is not permitted for persons to stand below an extension
arm with the ALEX DIGITAL remote head mounted! General work safety
instruction:
During operation of the ALEX DIGITAL there is a risk that the head may hit an
actor.
Do not stand on this area
Within the action radius of the ALEX DIGITAL only the user's access is permitted during camera
mounting! When operating the ALEX DIGITAL, the radius of action must be kept clear.
For safety reasons, it is not permitted for persons to stand below an extension arm with the
ALEX DIGITAL remote head mounted!
3.6 Safety relevant environmental conditions
The ALEX DIGITAL is suitable for use in the following environmental conditions:
Studio operation and limited outdoor operation.
For the installation site, a sandy, dusty, salty and wet environment should be avoided!
Heavy rain, snowfall and a very windy or gusty environment must be avoided for use!
The ground should be level and of a stable nature suitable for the required total load of the
ALEX DIGITAL.
Always remember that the pressure on a crane or dolly or individual tripod legs under load -
when the ALEX DIGITAL is loaded - increases many times over.
Avoid setting up the ALEX DIGITAL on snow, sand and swampy ground.
3.7 Possible misuse
The following applications are not permitted for the ALEX DIGITAL
The use of cameras with a weight over 15kg/ 2 axes
Use with unbalanced and unsecured cameras
The use of ALEX DIGITAL for holding lighting systems
The use of ALEX DIGITAL in a sandy environment
Use under water
Mounting and taring of the camera when the device is switched on
Connecting and disconnecting individual cables when the device is switched on
Adjustment of the camera base plate and L-bracket (tilt) when the unit is switched on

Alex Digital Manual English
13
3.8 Residual risks and protective measures
Transport/ Storage:
When transporting the ALEX DIGITAL, care must be taken to ensure that there is no point load on
individual parts.
The Remote Head should be stored in a dry room
The Remote Head must not be stored in direct sunlight
The remote head must not be transported or shipped without suitable packaging
The drive modules of the remote head must not be adjusted under load.
Loads must always be removed before adjustment in accordance with the operating
instructions.
All accessories must be dismantled for transport
4. Technical information
4.1 Technical data
Remote Head ALEX DIGITAL Digital
Control: RS485
Motor: DC-Motor 24V
Power Supply: 24V DC
Control panel: 2 axis joystick, controller for speed, ramp and direction
Zoom Speed and Direction, "0" point "Pan" and "Tilt" controls
Focus wheel and Direction, Power On/ Off, Button for REC
ON/OFF
Speed: Vmax. 360° Pan 2-Axes approx. xx sec
Own weight: 2-axis operation xx kg
Connection: Euromount diameter 80mm optional with Mitchell adapter
Frame size: 2-axle frame xx mm
Payload: Load capacity 2-axes 15kg
5. Set up and operation
5.1 Main components

Alex Digital Manual English
14
RemoteHead Frame 2-Axis
The remote head has two drive
units, "Pan" describes the
horizontal direction of rotation. "Tilt"
describes the vertical movement.
Connections for:
Main control cable
Video signal
Zoom cable (not included)
Focus cable (not included)
Programming tilt motor/ pan motor
(0 modem cable required)
Download/ Installation, the
Faulhaber software "Motion
Manager" required. CD Rom
included in delivery.
Basic bracket 2-axes
with mounting plate, 2x 3/8"
screws, clamping lever for locking
the height adjustment and for
releasing the connection
bracket/gearbox.
Drive module pan-axis with
Euromount adapter 80mm
The drive is provided by a drive
belt.
When taring the remote head,
make sure that the device is
disconnected from the mains. The
gears must run "freely" when taring,
otherwise there is a risk of
overstretching the drive belt if the
axis is moved against the gear
resistance.
Drive module Tilting axis
with height adjustment and
connecting axle

Alex Digital Manual English
15
5.2 Optional accessories
Joystick panel with control unit,
power on/off, safety, zoom, focus,
speed, ramp, direction
For description see please: p. xx
one-man
operation SET
Item No. XXX SET
Art. No,
Main control cable 20m
Art. Nr. 8412-500
Power Supply Alex Digital

Alex Digital Manual English
16
5.3 Assembly
For mounting the camera in the 2-axis version two 3/8" screws are included in delivery!
Caution!
Mounted accessories such as cameras must be additionally secured
against falling down by professional safety systems such as suitable steel
cables or tension belts!
Further safety instructions on page: 41
The remote head must be electrically switched off for the levelling procedure!
The axles of the Remote Head must never be moved under electrical tension; drive belts, gears
or motors can be damaged!
Make sure that the bracket of the tilt axles does not touch the base frame when turning.
Performing test runs at slow speed

Alex Digital Manual English
17
Caution!
5.3.1 Assembly ALEX DIGITAL 2 axes - base frame with drive unit
The mount of the remote head has an outer diameter of 80mm.
Make sure that the Euromount connector of the ALEX DIGITAL is
inserted vertically into the 80mm clamp and that it is securely
closed!
Make sure that the crane or crane dolly with which the ALEX
DIGITAL is to be operated is suitable for the given load!
Always secure a mounted camera with additional safety straps
(1) Open the clamping screw for
decoupling the drive axle
(2) Pull the L-bracket away from the
frame, thereby decoupling the L-
bracket from the gearbox. (A metal pin
is pulled out of a hole)
Tare the camera as described under
xx. When finished, push the pin back
into one of the drill holes. Then close
the clamping lever (1) securely again.
(1)
(2)

Alex Digital Manual English
18
5.3.2 Mounting the camera on a base plate
The camera base plate of the Alex Digital is included. Please make sure that the camera
is mounted with its centre of gravity approximately above the middle of the wedge plate.
This allows approximately the same adjustment travel for fine taring in the horizontal
axis.
5.3.3 Connection Main Cable
(Page 25) 5.6.1.

Alex Digital Manual English
19
5.3.4 Taring the camera in 3 axes (Pan/Tilt/Height)
Positioning of the tilt axis
Position the camera so that a level situation in
the tilt axis is created, the camera is in
"balance".
The adjustment is made in the longitudinal axis
via the camera base plate (2) or and in the
height via L-brackets (1). (3) Clamping lever for
camera base plate
open/close.
Positioning of the camera center in the
rotation axis (Pan) (1)
Position the camera so that the center axis is
vertically below the pivot point (pan).
Open the fixing screws (2) and (3) for
displacement. After moving the camera, open
the Tighten the screws again securely.
(2)
(3)
(1)
(1)
(2)
Button for unlocking the safety device for
the camera base plate.
To remove the button, keep it pressed
(3)

Alex Digital Manual English
20
Caution!
Avoid a too small distance of the camera to all frame parts!
Slowly test move the axes to determine distances. Move the axes by hand
only when the device is switched off
5.4 Control panel
1
Power On/ Off
9
Direction Focus
2
Display
10
Speed Zoom
3
Speed Pan Direction
11
Direction Zoom
4
Speed Pan Direction
12
Ramp Pan
5
Joystick
13
Direction Pan
6
Rec. On/ Off
14
Zero Point Function Pan
7
Focus Wheel
15
Ramp Tilt
8
Zoom
16
Direction Tilt
17
Zero Point Funktion Tilt
1
3
2
12
13
14
4
15
16
17
5
9
10
8
1
7
6
11
Table of contents