CDA-TEK AFX User manual

AFX
USER GUIDE
INCLUDES MMX GUIDE
User Guide Version 1.1 Rev 3
AFX USER GUIDE
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Thank you for purchasing the AFX by CDA-TEK.
With the AFX, you will be able to control and monitor the primary controls of your
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera wirelessly via Bluetooth LE as well as use its focus
controls to provide autofocus functionality.
The autofocus functionality of the AFX is also available for any camera and lens by using
optional Tilta Nucleus N and M motors (not included) attached to the AFX’s interface port.
In addition, using our optional MMX expander, you can also control the zoom and iris
functionality of lenses as well the focus by attaching multiple motors.
Preparing your AFX for first use.
Your AFX package includes the items shown below.
1. AFX unit
2. R1 Controller
3. Motor interface cable
4. Mini-ball head mounting adapter
5. USB-C power/charging adapter for AFX (charging time approximately 120 mins)
6. Interface adapter for Tilta Nucleus-N Motor
7. USB power/charging cable for R1 Controller (charging time is approximately 60 mins)
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WELCOME TO THE AFX

How the AFX’s AUTOFOCUS functionality works
In order to generate the distance to the focus target that is required to move the lens focus
to the correct position, the AFX incorporates a LIDAR sensor.
The LIDAR sensor calculates distance by transmitting an eye safe beam towards a target
and then measuring the time it takes to return when it is reflected back. This process,
known as Time Of Flight, produces an accurate measurement with an effective range of
between 2 cm and 12 metres and has the advantage of being able to be used in low and
even no light situations.
The AFX uses this measurement to automatically move the lens on your camera to the
relevant position for that distance thereby adding a centre point continuous autofocus
capability to cameras that do not provide it and also, with the use of optional Tilta Nucleus
N or M motors, to manual focus lenses.
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GENERAL OVERVIEW

How the AFX system’s components connect
The standard and optional components that make up the AFX system connect with a
combination of wireless and wired connections.
The primary hub of the system is the AFX main unit which contains the LIDAR sensor and
processes communications with the camera, the R1 Controller, single Tilta Nucleus N or
M motor connected to its integral interface port, the optional MMX unit to control up to
three motors and the optional Tilta Focus Wheel.
Using the optional MMX unit, the AFX can use the additional motor capability to provide
zoom and iris control as well as focus. For setup and operational instructions for the MMX
please refer to the OPTIONS - MMX section of the User Guide.
You are able to use all of the AFX’s focus controls in the same way, irrespective of if are
using it to control a native electronic lens on a Pocket 4K or Pocket 6K camera, via a
motor on its integral interface port or via a motor connected to the MMX.
All motor interface ports on the AFX and MMX use 4 pole 3.5mm cables (included) and
these connect to Tilta Nucleus N motors with the included adapter. For Tilta Nucleus M
motors, we offer adapter cables and these are connected to the EXT 2 port of the motor.
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SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Battery charging and power on.
The internal battery of the AFX is charged using the supplied USB-C cable and a full
charge from flat should take approximately two hours and we recommend doing this
before following the rest of the guide. Similarly we also recommend fully charging the R1
controller, which should take approximately 60 minutes.
The AFX is powered on using the reset switch of the unit, or by pressing the Bbutton if it
is in Hibernate mode or automatically by applying USB power when the battery is empty.
Prior to using the AFX for the first time, you will need to configure it for use with your type
of camera, which is selected in the SETUP MENU.
When you power on the AFX unit, you can access the SETUP MENU during the period
that the message above is on screen by pressing the B button.
The process for selecting your camera control type is described in the next section of the
User Guide.
"
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GETTING STARTED

Selecting your AFX CONTROL TYPE.
With the SETUP MENU open, you can now choose the type of control type you want to
use with your AFX.
IMPORTANT NOTE : As the AFX will restart and launch into the main application when
this procedure is completed, please refer to the POWER ON SEQUENCE section of this
User Guide to ensure that you have all necessary units powered correctly before
completing it. If you are using an MMX it must be active for all CALIBRATION steps.
The full description of each AFX CONTROL TYPE can be found in the AFX CONTROL
TYPE DEFINITIONS section of the MENU REFERENCE GUIDE so you should consult
that first to determine the correct one to choose for your particular system before
proceeding.
When you have determined which type to use, navigate to the AFX Control Type field
using the B button on the AFX unit and then press the A button to step through the
available options until the one you require is displayed.
To save this configuration, you should then press the Bbutton to navigate to the Restart
field and press the Abutton.
The preference will then be retained and used by the AFX until you choose to change it by
using the SETUP MENU to choose a different type.
The AFX will now restart and launch the main application."
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GETTING STARTED (continued)

Bonding the AFX to your Blackmagic Pocket 4K/6K Cinema Camera.
Before you can use the AFX to control your camera for the first time, you must first
perform the initial bonding process.
To initiate this process, switch your camera on before booting the AFX, navigate to the
Bluetooth control page of its SETUP menu and ensure that Bluetooth is set to ON.
When the AFX boots with the Pocket 4K or Pocket 6K variants set as its AFX Control
Type, it will scan for the camera and automatically connect to it when it finds it.
Your camera will display a PIN number to be entered and the AFX will invoke its PIN entry
screen below.
Use the Abutton on the AFX to increase the value of the number to match the first one in
the requested PIN, then press the Bbutton to move to the next number and repeat the
process until you match all six numbers. Finally, move to the OK field and press the A
button to submit the PIN after which you should see a confirmation message on the
camera screen and the AFX will reboot and you will be able to control your camera.
If you make a mistake, simply wait for the AFX to reboot and the camera will display a new
PIN for you to try again. This bonding process is only performed the very first time you
connect to your camera and all subsequent connections will be automatically authorised.
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FIRST LAUNCH - P4K/P6K Cameras Only

Overview.
To perform focus control of the lenses attached to your camera, whether electronically in
the case of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras or physically through an attached
Tilta focus motor, each lens must have its focus positions mapped to a specific distance.
This is achieved with a semi-automated calibration process with the AFX moving the lens
to a set of focus positions, you moving the camera until the subject is in focus and, once
confirmed, the range sensor capturing the value of the distance to the subject.
This calibration procedure is performed once for each lens and the resulting data
generated is then stored in a CALIBRATION FILE in the AFX’s LENS DATABASE.
The CALIBRATION FILE is then loaded from the LENS DATABASE each time the
specific lens is subsequently used and up to 128 CALIBRATION FILES can be stored on
the AFX.
To aid with the calibration process, you can download the focus target chart above from
our website at www.cdatek.com and either print it out or display it as an image on a tablet
or monitor screen.
The accuracy of the AFX’s auto-focus performance for each lens is directly linked to the
accuracy of its initial calibration so it cannot be stressed enough that care must be taken
to follow the calibration procedure correctly and allocate a suitable amount of time to do it.
The amount of time will vary between approximately 5 minutes and 20 minutes depending
on the lens type used as the AFX uses a different number of calibration “TRACKS” for
different lens types but this will only ever need to be done once for each lens.
IMPORTANT NOTE : If you are using an MMX it must be active for all CALIBRATION steps.
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FIRST LAUNCH - Lens Calibration Intro

The Lens Calibration journey.
The full CALIBRATION process is detailed in the upcoming section but this overview of
the journey will be useful as a reference of the overall process before you begin.
1] Add new lens (auto for P4K/P6K) 2] Lens Details (Motor Lenses) 3] Lens Details (P4K/P6K Lenses)
3(ii)] Lens Profiling Start (P6K Only) 3(iii)] Lens Profiling End (P6K Only)
4] Set focal Length (auto for P4K/P6K) 5] Increment Calibration Point * 6] Store Calibration Point *
7] Set Infinity Point 8] Set Infinity Point 9] Write CALIBRATION
* NOTE : Steps 5 & 6 are repeated for all calibration points
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FIRST LAUNCH - Lens Calibration Steps

Creating a new lens CALIBRATION FILE.
The actual process for creating a new CALIBRATION FILE is identical for both electronic
lenses on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras and manual lenses controlled through
an attached Tilta focus motor but the process of initially invoking it will differ dependent on
which type of lens control you are using.
For the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras, the process is invoked automatically upon
the AFX detecting that you have a lens attached which does not already have a
CALIBRATION FILE in the LENS DATABASE.
If you are using a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, please skip to the next page.
For cameras using manual lenses controlled through an attached Tilta focus motor, the
process is invoked by a long press of the Abutton on the AFX unit to invoke the AFX
LENS DATABASE MENU.
With this menu invoked, navigate to the Calibrate New Lens field using the Bbutton on
the AFX unit and then press the A button to invoke the ADD NEW LENS MENU.
IMPORTANT NOTE : If you are using a Tilta Nucleus-N or M motor for focus control either
connected directly to the AFX or via the optional MMX you must use the motor’s own
calibration routine before using the AFX calibration process and when changing to a
different lens.
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FIRST LAUNCH - Calibrating A Lens

Creating lens details for the new lens to be added to the LENS DATABASE.
This menu provides detail fields about the lens for which you are about to create the
CALIBRATION FILE and navigation between the fields is achieved using the Bbutton on
the AFX unit, with the Abutton used to select values.
The “C” field indicates the Camera name and the “L” field indicates the Lens name and for
the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras, these fields are filled automatically from the
metadata read by the AFX from your camera. For calibrations of motor controlled lenses,
the Camera and Lens fields are selected by moving to the relevant field and selecting the
next value from the extensive list of manufacturer names built in to the AFX with the A
button.
The next field indicates the type of Lens that you will be calibrating and the options are
Prime, Zoom, Linked and F.I.Z.
The optional “V” field is to provide an indicator of which Variant of calibration that you are
creating to enable you to store multiple versions calibration of the same lens. The two
“mm” fields denote the lower and upper focal length of the lens being calibrated and the
optional “f” field is for denoting the maximum aperture of the lens and is purely for
identification purposes when recalling lenses from the database.
Please consult MENU REFERENCE GUIDE - PART 7/8 for detailed definitions of these
fields.
Once all fields have been selected to your satisfaction, moving the cursor to the “Begin
Calibration” field and pressing the AFX’s Abutton will begin the main calibration process."
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FIRST LAUNCH - Calibrating A Lens(pt 2)

Profiling Lens - POCKET 6K ONLY.
This page is only applicable if you are using a Pocket 6K camera with your AFX and
should be skipped if you are using a Pocket 4K or Motor based configuration.
As the focus control system of the Pocket 6K is entirely different to the Pocket 4K and,
due to the variance in the focus control resolution of different EF lenses, each lens must
be profiled individually prior to the main calibration process being started.
Therefore, when “Begin Calibration” has been selected in the ADD NEW LENS MENU,
the following screen is automatically invoked.
The profiling process consists of the AFX automatically moving the lens to its minimum
focus position and then incrementing the focus position in single steps towards the
maximum focus position of the lens.
Although the stepping process is automatic, the determination of when the lens has
reached its maximum focus position is user controlled so you must observe the image on
the camera and press the B button on the AFX unit when it has reached that position.
Due to variance in the focus control resolution of different EF lenses, even in lenses from
the same manufacturer, the number of steps can vary greatly from anything less than 30
steps to over 650 so please be prepared to press the B button accordingly. If you make a
mistake at this point, then restart the AFX and begin the calibration process again.
Once the profiling process is complete, the calibration process will automatically move to
the next step."
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FIRST LAUNCH - Calibrating A Lens(pt 3)

Setting the FOCAL LENGTH for the current CALIBRATION TRACK.
Depending on the Type of lens being calibrated, each CALIBRATION FILE can consist of
between one and five “TRACKS”.
For example, a “PRIME” lens only has one focal length so requires only one “TRACK”,
whereas a “ZOOM” lens has multiple focal lengths so requires more “TRACKS” to
take into account focus variations at these different focal lengths.
The focal length of the current “TRACK” is set in the SET FOCAL LENGTH MENU which
is the first step in the main calibration process.
The “Calibration FL” indicates the focal length to be calibrated and is automatically filled
when using Pocket 4K and Pocket 6K cameras when used with electronic lenses and by
the zoom position when calibrating with an MMX with multiple motors. When calibrating
“ZOOM” or “F.I.Z.” lenses with the MMX, the zoom position is automatically incremented
for the next track.
For other configurations, the focal length is set manually using the B and Abuttons on the
AFX unit to move fields and increment the value.
The optional “Motor Direction” field is used to change the direction of an attached focus
motor, either directly or via an MMX, and is toggled using the Abutton on the AFX unit.
When these fields are set, navigate to the the “OK” field using the B button on the AFX
unit and then press the Abutton to confirm and proceed to the main calibration process.
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FIRST LAUNCH - Calibrating A Lens(pt 4)

Calibrating Focus for the CURRENT CALIBRATION TRACK
With the preparation steps completed, the LENS CALIBRATION screen is invoked and
you are ready to begin setting the CALIBRATION POINTS for the current TRACK. Please
ensure you have initialised the R1 Controller using (Mode + C) command first
Although you are able to perform the calibration whilst hand holding the camera, we do
recommend for accuracy and best results that you use a tripod and affix the focus chart to
a large flat surface such as a wall.
Whichever method you choose, the first step is to move the camera to be close to the
focus target and then press the Cbutton on the R1 Controller to confirm that you are
ready to begin.
With that done, pressing the Abutton on the R1 Controller will move the lens focus
position to its minimum point and you should then move the camera until the image is in
focus.
When you are satisfied that the image is in focus, pressing the Cbutton on the R1
Controller will cause the AFX to take a distance reading to match to this focus position. If
you have made an error and wish to move the camera for better focus, pressing the C
button again will take another reading.
When you are ready, pressing the A button on the R1 Controller will move on to the next
CALIBRATION POINT and you repeat the process of moving the camera and pressing
the C button to capture the distance. This process is repeated until you have reached the
maximum focus position of the lens.
(continued on next page)!
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FIRST LAUNCH - Calibrating A Lens(pt 6)

Calibrating Focus for the CURRENT CALIBRATION TRACK (continued)
Depending upon the lens, you may find that the difference in focus positions is very small,
particularly in the first 25-50% of the focus positions, so it may not be necessary to
physically move the camera on every single CALIBRATION POINT.
If you are calibrating a “Link” lens type then for each calibration point, you must also set
the secondary focus motor position using the LEFT and RIGHT joystick on the R1
Controller before pressing the Cbutton in order to capture the linked positions for both.
When you have calibrated each CALIBRATION POINT (which should not exceed 50
points), pressing the Dbutton on the R1 Controller will complete the process for the
current CALIBRATION TRACK and invoke the INFINITY CALIBRATION screen.
The purpose of the INFINITY CALIBRATION screen is to establish the actual infinity focus
point as some MFT and EF lenses in particular can be focused beyond that point.
Whilst having the camera directed to the infinity point that you wish to calibrate, you
should then press the A and B buttons on the R1 Controller to adjust the focus on the
lens until you are satisfied that the infinity point is now in focus and then press the D
button to confirm and complete the process.
If you are calibrating a “Prime” type of lens then the AFX will now write the completed
CALIBRATION FILE to the DATABASE and the AFX will reboot into the main application.
However, if you are calibrating a “Zoom”, “Linked” or “F.I.Z.” type of lens then you will
be returned to the SET FOCAL LENGTH menu to repeat the calibration steps for the
remaining “TRACKS”. See LENS TYPES in MENU REFERENCE GUIDE - PART 8 for
more information."
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FIRST LAUNCH - Calibrating A Lens(pt 7)

Calibrating Iris Position (F.I.Z. Lens type only)
The section is only relevant when calibrating a “F.I.Z” lens TYPE with the optional MMX
unit so if you do not have this configuration then you can skip this page.
When calibrating a “F.I.Z.” lens TYPE, the CALIBRATION file consists of five “TRACKS”
with the first four being for focus at different focal lengths and the fifth being for the
calibration of the Iris position.
The F-STOP CALIBRATION MENU is invoked after the first four “TRACKS” have been
completed.
To calibrate the F-STOP, press the A and Bbuttons on the R1 Controller to indicate the
value that you wish to use and then use the JOY UP and JOY DOWN keys to drive the iris
control of the lens via the motor attached to PORT 3 of the MMX to the corresponding
position.
When you have set the correct position, pressing C on the R1 Controller will store the
position and you repeat this process for the other F-STOPS.
With all F-STOPS calibrated, you can then press the Dbutton on the R1 Controller which
will write the CALIBRATION file for the whole lens setup and reboot the AFX.
When you are using a “F.I.Z”, type lens with the AFX you can control switching to the next
F-STOP in either direction by pressing the Aand B buttons on the R1 Controller when
the AFX is in COMMAND mode and the currently set F-STOP will be displayed in both
the COMMAND and FOCUS screens."
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FIRST LAUNCH - Calibrating A Lens(pt 8)

Startup
With you first lens calibrated, you are now ready to begin using your AFX with it and after
power on you will see the following startup sequence.
The initial screen displays the version number of the AFX software and provides an
opportunity for you to enter the SETUP MENU by pressing the Abutton on the AFX unit or
got into HIBERNATE mode by pressing the Bbutton.
If you do not choose either option, the main boot process will begin and the AFX will first
initiate the LIDAR sensor and then go on to establish the necessary connections to
camera, focus motor, R1 Controller, MMX and Tilta Nucleus Focus Wheel as determined
by the options you have chosen in the SETUP menu. (Please see CONNECTION ORDER
to make sure you have these set up correctly).
Once booted, you will be presented with one of the following two screens, depending upon
which camera you are using.
The screen on the left is the COMMAND SCREEN and is the one you will be presented
with if you are using a Pocket 4K or Pocket 6K camera and the one on the right is the
FOCUS SCREEN which you will be presented with if you are using a different camera
type.
These screens will be described in detail in due course but prior to using them you must
now load a LENS CALIBRATION file to begin using the AFX."
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IN USE - BASIC OPERATION

Loading the LENS CALIBRATION file
When using the AFX with a Pocket 4K or Pocket 6K camera with a native lens, the
currently attached lens is detected automatically and the corresponding CALIBRATION
FILE is automatically loaded so if you are using either of these then you can skip to the
next page.
For all other camera types, you must select and load the lens from the AFX LIVE LENS
DATABASE MENU.
This menu is invoked by a long press of
the A button on the AFX unit.
With the screen loaded, you use the A button on the AFX unit to step to the next lens in
the DATABASE until you find the one that you want to load and then use the B button to
navigate to the “Load Lens” field and press the A button to confirm the selection which
will then invoke the CALIBRATION OFFSET screen.
If you have moved the position of the AFX unit from the position it was in when you
calibrated the lens that you are loading then you can set an offset amount for it in this
screen.
The “Calibration Offset” is set in cm using the B button on the AFX to navigate to the
unit and the A button to cycle through the values and the “Offset Direction” can also be
set in the same way.
If you have not moved the AFX position since calibrating the lens that you are loading,
then simply move to the “OK” field using the Bbutton on the AFX.
With the cursor on the “OK” field, press the Abutton to load the LENS CALIBRATION
and return to the main COMMAND or FOCUS screen and begin using the AFX’s focusing
functionality.
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IN USE - BASIC OPERATION (pt 2)

Introducing the R1 Controller
Please ensure you initialise the R1 Controller using (Mode + C) command after each restart
The R1 Controller is used for the live control of all operations of the AFX and consists of
ten different keys.
To increase the number of operations that can be controlled by these keys, they each
have different assignments depending upon keypress time or the current camera
type/.mode
* Pocket 4K/6K only | ^ Parks focus at 0 for Pocket 6K | <> Pocket 4K/6K only. Controls zoom motors on MMX units
We will now use the R1 Controller to perform some introductory operations to familiarise
you with the controls. "
KEY
SHORT PRESS (COMMAND
MODE)
SHORT PRESS (FOCUS
MODE)
LONG PRESS
A
Change Assigned Camera
Parameter A * or APERTURE
DOWN when using F.I . Z. Lens Type
Recall FOCUS POINT A
Store FOCUS POINT A
B
Change Assigned Camera
Parameter B * or APERTURE UP
when using F.I . Z. Lens Type
Recall FOCUS POINT B
Store FOCUS POINT B
C
Change Assigned Camera
Parameter C *
Recall FOCUS POINT C
Store FOCUS POINT C
D
Change Assigned Camera
Parameter D *
Recall FOCUS POINT D
Store FOCUS POINT D
JOY L
Tog g le AF-S/AF-C mode
Tog g le AF-S/AF-C mode
Change Assigned Camera
Parameter LEFT STICK <>
JOY R
Step to next TRANSITION value
Step to next TRANSITION
value
Change Assigned Camera
Parameter RIGHT STICK <>
JOY U
Manual Focus Offset +
Manual Focus Offset +
Manual Focus Offset +
JOY D
Manual Focus Offset -
Manual Focus Offset -
Manual Focus Offset -
UP TRIG
Tog g le Record ON/OFF *
Tog g le Record ON/OFF *
Tog g le COMMAND/FOCUS
mode ^
LOW TRIG
Tog g le AF ON/AF OFF
Tog g le AF ON/AF OFF
Tog g le Q-LOCK ON/OFF
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IN USE - BASIC OPERATION (pt 3)

Using the R1 Controller to operate the two different AF types
The AFX has two different Autofocus modes, Single (AF-S) and Continuous (AF-C).
In AF-S mode, the focus position will move to its calibrated position when you press the
LOW TRIG and remain there until you press the LOW TRIG again.
In AF-C mode, the focus position will move to its calibrated position when you press the
LOW TRIG and will automatically continue re-focusing when the AFX detects a distance
change until you press the LOW TRIG again.
For this initial operation we will be using AF-S mode and monitoring the settings in the
FOCUS SCREEN. If your AFX is currently displaying the COMMAND SCREEN then
simply press the A button on the AFX unit to switch to it.
The FOCUS SCREEN shows the current AF mode and if this is displaying AF-C instead of
AF-S on your AFX then do a short press of the JOY L on the R1 Controller now to
change it.
With AF-S mode active, aim your camera at a focus target and then press the LOW TRIG
on the R1 controller and the lens should now change focus to the target.
As you are in AF-S mode, the focus will not automatically change when you aim your
camera at a different focus target but if you move it to a new one now and then press the
LOW TRIG again it will then change focus to the new target.
After you have familiarised yourself with AF-S mode, you can now move on to AF-C mode
which you select by pressing the JOY L to toggle to it.
When you select AF-C mode the AF Mode indicator will change to
However, although AF-C mode is now selected, it is still not currently active.
(continued on next page)!
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IN USE - BASIC OPERATION (pt 4)