Intuitive Aerial Newton S2 3G User manual

NEWTON S2
SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
1.2.0
INTUITIVE AERIAL AB
2019-04-10

NEWTON S2 i
SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
CONTENTS
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Overview ......................................... 1
1.2 Warnings and Notices .................................. 1
2 Physical Layout 3
2.1 Newton S2 ........................................ 3
2.1.1 Newton S2 3G .................................. 3
2.1.2 Newton S2 Fiber ................................ 6
2.2 Dominion ......................................... 9
3 Setup 10
3.1 Unboxing and Attaching ................................. 10
3.2 Attaching Camera .................................... 10
3.3 Camera Power and Signals ................................ 11
3.4 Balancing ......................................... 11
3.4.1 Balancing with Generic Mount ......................... 11
3.4.2 Balancing with Cage ............................... 13
3.5 Power ........................................... 13
3.5.1 Powering Newton S2 .............................. 13
3.5.2 Powering Dominion ............................... 13
3.6 Communications ..................................... 14
3.7 Tuning .......................................... 14
4 Operation 16
4.1 User Interface and Controls ............................... 16
4.1.1 Dominion .................................... 16
4.1.2 Newton S2 .................................... 17
4.2 Operating the Head ................................... 18
4.3 Lens Control ....................................... 19
4.4 Advanced ......................................... 19
4.4.1 Zoom Desensitise ................................ 19
4.4.2 Pan Follow .................................... 20
4.4.3 Motion Record .................................. 20
5 Settings 21
5.1 Controls .......................................... 21
5.2 Head Configuration ................................... 21
5.2.1 Motor lock mode ................................ 23
5.2.2 Max/min angles ................................. 23
5.2.3 Pan follow mode ................................. 23
5.2.4 Automatic pan drift compensation ....................... 24
5.3 Lens Control ....................................... 24
5.4 Communications ..................................... 25
5.4.1 Radio ....................................... 25
5.4.2 Ethernet ..................................... 26
5.5 Advanced ......................................... 27
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SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
5.5.1 Control Remapping ............................... 28
5.5.2 About Tab .................................... 28
5.6 Newton S2 Local Settings ................................ 29
5.6.1 Radio ....................................... 29
5.6.2 Ethernet ..................................... 30
6 Maintenance 31
6.1 Cleaning and Caring ................................... 31
6.2 Firmware Update ..................................... 31
6.3 Calibration ........................................ 31
7 Troubleshooting 32
7.1 Error codes ........................................ 32
7.2 Basic Troubleshooting .................................. 32
A Technical Specification 33
A.1 Newton S2 ........................................ 33
A.1.1 Mechanical .................................... 33
A.1.2 Power Supply .................................. 33
A.1.3 Drawings and Dimensions ........................... 34
A.1.4 Connectors .................................... 34
A.1.5 Newton S2 Fiber Connectors .......................... 35
A.1.6 Shipping/hard-case ............................... 36
A.2 Dominion ......................................... 37
A.2.1 Mechanical .................................... 37
A.2.2 Power Supply .................................. 37
A.2.3 Connectors .................................... 37
A.2.4 Shipping/hard-case ............................... 38
B Revisions 39
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NEWTON S2 1
SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
1 Introduction
This manual describes the handling and operation of the Newton S2 remote controlled, stabilized, head
together with the Dominion controller.
1.1 OVERVIEW
Newton S2 is a fully electronically stabilized three-axis remote camera head with 360 degree free pan
made for broadcast and film production from wires, rails, crane, vehicles and other moving platforms.
The full system comprises Newton S2, the Dominion controller connected via a wireless or wired link,
lens control dongles, mechanical mounting accessories and a power supply solution. In addition to this
the user supplies the moving platform, any passive stabilization required and the camera.
This manual covers both the Newton S2 3G and Newton S2 Fiber products.
1.2 WARNINGS AND NOTICES
WARNING
Before connecting or turning on the Newton S2 remote head or Dominion
controller, read this manual and any warnings provided carefully.
WARNING
Do not power or charge the Newton S2 remote head or Dominion
controller with anything but external prower supplies delivered by and/or
approved by Intuitive Aerial for use with the respecitve product. Doing so
can permanently damage or destroy the product.
Newton S2 accepts extenral power between 12 and 36 Volt. Powering it
with a supply outside this range will permanently damage it.
WARNING
When using attached batteries to power the Newton S2, make sure they are
fully charged before starting operations.
WARNING
Make sure the camera and any other equipment is properly mounted and
secured before turning on the Newton S2.
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NEWTON S2 2
SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
WARNING
The Newton S2 and the Dominion controller are rain protected but is not
water proof, so do not expose them to direct spraying or submersion into
water.
WARNING
Performing any disassembly, modification or service not explicitly
described in this manual will void any warranties for the system.
! NOTICE !
When utilizing the wireless connection between the Newton S2 and the
Dominion, always extend antennas veritcally and make sure there is a free
line of sight between the units to get the best possible range and most stable
connection.
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SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
2 Physical Layout
2.1 NEWTON S2
2.1.1 NEWTON S2 3G
1
3
2
7
5
4
9
24 4
8
6
Figure 2.1: Newton S2 Overview 1
Table 2.1: Overview Descriptions
Item Description
1,3 Battery
2 Attachment points
4 Battery clamp
5 Side-to-side lock clamp
6 Cradle connectors
7 Pan balance adjustment screw
8 Pan-box connectors
9 Primary antenna connector
24 Secondary antenna connector (currently unused)
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NEWTON S2 4
SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
10
11
12
23
22
21
20 19 18 17
16
14
15
25
Figure 2.2: Newton S2 Overview 2
Table 2.2: Overview Descriptions
Item Description
10 UI buttons
11 Display
12 Power switch
14 Vertical adjustment screw
15 Cradle connectors
16 Vertical lock clamp
17 Cradle release clamp
18 Cradle
19 Camera dovetail
20 Horizontal adjustment screw
21 Front-back lock clamp
22 Top-mount attachment
23 Pan balance lock clamp
25 Status diode
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SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
Figure 2.3: Newton S2 Pan-box Connectors
Figure 2.4: Newton S2 Cradle Connectors
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SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
2.1.2 NEWTON S2 FIBER
1
7
4
8
9
24
27
26
3
2
5
6
4
Figure 2.5: Newton S2 Fiber Overview 1
Table 2.3: Overview Descriptions
Item Description
1,3 Battery
2 Attachment points
4 Battery clamp
5 Side-to-side lock clamp
6 Cradle connectors
7 Pan balance adjustment screw
8 Pan-box connectors
9 Primary antenna connector
24 Secondary antenna connector (currently unused)
26 Pan-box fiber connector
27 Camera fiber connector
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NEWTON S2 7
SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
10
11
12
23
22
21
20 19 18 17
16
14
15
25
Figure 2.6: Newton S2 Fiber Overview 2
Table 2.4: Overview Descriptions
Item Description
10 UI buttons
11 Display
12 Power switch
14 Vertical adjustment screw
15 Cradle connectors
16 Vertical lock clamp
17 Cradle release clamp
18 Cradle
19 Camera dovetail
20 Horizontal adjustment screw
21 Front-back lock clamp
22 Top-mount attachment
23 Pan balance lock clamp
25 Status diode
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NEWTON S2 8
SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
DC IN max 36V
HD-SDI
SM/UPC
15V
PASSTHROUGH
CONTROL
RS 232
IA CAN
RADIO B
2.4GHz
RADIO A
Figure 2.7: Newton S2 Fiber Pan-box Connectors
HD-SDI
15V
max 150W
Figure 2.8: Newton S2 Fiber Cradle Connectors
SM/UPC
Figure 2.9: Newton S2 Fiber Camera Fiber Connector
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NEWTON S2 9
SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
2.2 DOMINION
7
6
30 3129 27 2
1
3
4
5
9 28
12 13 14 15 16
22 23 24212019 17 18 26
8
11
10
25
Figure 2.10: Dominion top view
Table 2.5: Top View Descriptions
Item Description
1 Joystick
2 Mappable wheel (default unmapped)
3-5 Invert axis
6 Focus wheel
7 Iris wheel
8 Zoom rocker
9-11 Mappable buttons (default unmapped)
12-16 Menu buttons
17 Mode switch
18 Record switch
19-21 Speed for tilt, pan, roll
22 Pan trim compensation
23 Ease in/out
24 Mappable wheel (default unmapped)
25 SD card slot
26 Extendable support
27 Neck-strap rails
28 Display
29 NATO accessory rail
30,31 Antennas
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NEWTON S2 10
SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
3 Setup
3.1 UNBOXING AND ATTACHING
The Newton S2 and the Dominion controller are delivered packed into hard-cases with shape fitting
foam. In the Newton S2 hard-case, the top layer has space for cables and accessories while the Newton
S2 itself is placed in the second layer. It is recommended to use the hard case for storage and transport
to reduce the risk of damage to the head or controller.
Unbox the Newton S2 by pulling it straight up and place it on a stable surface such as a table, or
directly attach it to the platform it will be used with, such as the rail or wire dolly. Make sure it is
properly and securely attached so it cannot fall over. The generic mount can be used for mounting a
camera to the head and has two parts, the camera cradle (point 18) and the camera dovetail (point 19).
When delivered, the generic mount is not attached to the remote head. If using the generic mount,
attach the camera cradle by engaging the cradle release clamp and then sliding the cradle straight down
until attached. Release the clamp and verify that the clamp cannot be moved.
The Dominion controller is also unboxed in the same way by pulling it straight up out of the foam.
3.2 ATTACHING CAMERA
The camera can be attached either by using the included generic mount or by using a Newton camera
cage, which is sold separately. Using the cage provides a more stiff mounting of the camera, attachment
points for accessories and reduces the se tup time when removing and reattaching the same camera
package. For instructions on how to assemble and attach the camera cage, see the documentation
included with the cage.
To attach a camera using the generic mount, use the following procedure:
1
2
3
4
6
7
5
Figure 3.1: Attaching camera
1. Remove the dovetail from the cradle
1.1 Release the front-back lock clamp (point 21)
1.2 Pull down the adjustment pin
2. Attach the camera to the dovetail with two or more screws
3. Reattach the dovetail to the cradle
3.1 Pull down the adjustment pin
3.2 Slide the dovetail into the base, position it at approximate front-back balance.
3.3 Lock the front-back lock clamp (point 21)
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SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
If using a long lens it is recommended to mount a forward lens support on rods; 15mm rods for
lens support or lens drive motors can be attached to the dovetail base. After attaching the camera,
attach any auxiliary devices such as lens drive systems, lens control dongles and cabling. Make sure
everything is tightly attached and cannot move or vibrate. Strap together all cables tightly with cable
straps or Velcro.
! NOTICE !
It is highly recommended to always use a top mount on the camera, or a
full cage solution that gives the same function. The extra rigidity such a
solution gives is very important for optimal stabilization.
3.3 CAMERA POWER AND SIGNALS
3.4 BALANCING
In order to use the Newton S2 the head must be properly balanced. First and foremost the balance must
be done so that the motor can stabilize the payload, too much offset in one axis can make it impossible
to steer and stabilize that axis. The more carefully balanced the head is, the better the stabilization will
work, especially in highly dynamic environments.
3.4.1 BALANCING WITH GENERIC MOUNT
Before you start the process of balancing the Newton you need to make sure that everything that’s
needed is mounted to the head as the addition of accessories will affect the balance. Remember to
loosen any top mounts and similar before trying to balance the camera and to re-tighten them when
done.
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SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
21
24
20
16
14
5
20
7
23
Figure 3.2: Balancing
Front-back balance
The first step is to adjust the front-back balance. Start by releasing the front-back lock clamp (point
21) and then push the adjustment pin button and move the camera package to the fixed position where
the balance is the best. Release the pin and then use the adjustment knob (point 20) on the side of the
cradle to do the last fine adjustments.
Some camera/lens setups that are long and front-heavy may need counterweights or a special cam-
era cage in order to be properly balanced.
Vertical Balance
Rotate the tilt axis 90 ° forward or backwards. Release the lock (point 16) and adjust the vertical slider
(point 14) until good balance is achieved. To test the front-back and vertical balance, rotate the cam-
era around the tilt axis to different angles and check if it stays in same angle. If not, make further
adjustments of balance.
Roll Balance
The roll balance is adjusted with the same knob (point 20) that was used for doing fine adjustments in
tilt. Make sure the front-back lock (point 21) is closed and loosen up the horizontal slider side-to-side
lock (point 5).
Pan Balance
The pan balance can be adjusted by turning the knob (point 7) on the back of the spine. Start by
loosening the pan lock (point 23). By tipping the base of the head slightly to its side it should not move
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SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
if the head is balanced. If the back of the head moves to the opposite side it is back heavy and the
knob should be turned clockwise. If it moves to the other side the head is front heavy and the knob
should be turned counter clockwise.
3.4.2 BALANCING WITH CAGE
Vertical and Pan Balance
Vertical and pan balancing when using a Cage is identical to when using generic mount, so see the
section above about pan balance.
Front-back and Roll Balance
Both the front-back and the roll balance needs to be simultaneously tuned when using the cage, as
both are affected by placement and orientation of the counter-weights. Start by adjusting the rough
front-back balance by moving the counter-weights and the cage clamps until you reach a position with
the desired balance. Keep the roll axis stable and rotate the tilt axis to different positions to verify
correct balance.
As a second step, rotate the counter-weights to adjust the balance in the roll axis. If you need to
rotate a lot, it could be needed to afterwards re-adjust the weights front-back to keep tilt axis balance.
3.5 POWER
3.5.1 POWERING NEWTON S2
Newton is powered through connections on the pan box, either using the internal battery bays or
through the DC input connector. When using external DC power the Newton must be supplied with
between 12 and 36 volt, recommended 24-36 volt for maximum performance.
To protect both the internal circuitry, connectors and also the power supply while maximizing
performance Newton S2 implements a dynamic power limiting scheme. Depending on how the unit
is powered the maximum power available for camera and motors will be adjusted.
Table 3.1: Power limit modes
Input Power Power Mode Camera Power Motor Power
DC, >22 V Full power 150 W Enhanced
DC, <22 V Standard 60 W Standard
Battery Battery 60 W Standard
! NOTICE !
When using Newton S2 in full power mode it can consume in excess of
400 W. Make sure the power supply you use can meet this requirement.
The Newton S2 is turned on by switching the power switch (point 12) to 1.
3.5.2 POWERING DOMINION
The Dominion has two ways of receiving power. It can either be powered by an external input (point
38) or by the internal Li-Ion battery. The Dominion will automatically charge the internal battery as
soon as there is external power in, no matter if it is turned on or not.
Before first use it is recommended to fully charge the internal battery. That way any accidental
disconnection of external power will not result in the Dominion turning off or disconnecting from the
remote head. First time it is recommended to let the Dominion charge for at least six hours before use.
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SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
To turn on the Dominion press the power button (point 39). The same button is used to turn the
Dominion off.
3.6 COMMUNICATIONS
The Newton S2 and the Dominion controller has two different possible communication channels,
either the built in 2.4GHz radio modem or an Ethernet link that in turn can be transported over cable,
fiber or radio.
To use the internal radio modem, make sure correct antennas are mounted and if possible utilize
an external antenna on the Newton S2 mounted in a location that gives free line-of-sight between the
antenna and the Dominion. Make sure the radio modem is enabled on both Newton S2 and Dominion
and that the units are paired as seen in section 5.4.1.
To utilize the ethernet link for communication, establish ethernet connectivity between the Newton
S2 and the Dominion either via a direct cable1, or using any suitable ethernet infrastructure such as
switches, fiber-converters and fiber cable, or ethernet-over-radio2or WLAN links. Once the physical
connectivity is established use the settings in section 5.4.2 to establish a connection between the units.
The ethernet traffic between Newton S2 and Dominion can be shared with other traffic such as
camera control, however make sure this does not negatively impact the control latency before operating
the Newton S2 in a live production.
3.7 TUNING
When setting up the Newton S2, after attaching the camera and carefully balancing it, the remote head
needs to be tuned for the specific setup to get good stabilization and avoid vibrations. The tuning
depends on the mass distribution of the whole camera and lens package (including any other devices
attached to it) so while general guidelines and rough values can be provided for a specific setup, a full
tuning is still required after each assembly of the system.
Tuning is done through the user interface on the Dominion controller, in the settings menu, RMT
SETTINGS tab. For each axis there are three principal tuning parameters and one auxiliary parameter,
namely:
PControls how strongly a disturbance or steering input is compensated. The main tuning parameter
ICompensates for residual errors on longer movements
DDampens reaction to quick external disturbances
Pos Gain Controls how quickly the head returns to correct position after a larger deviation. Normally
no need to tune this
The recommended procedure for tuning the Newton S2 is as follows:
1. Make sure the remote head and camera is balanced and that nothing is loose or rattles
2. Set the P, I, and D for all axes to a low value. A good starting point is (4, 0.05, 0) for tilt, (3.5,
0.05, 0) for roll and (8, 0.05, 0) for pan. Let Pos Gain be at default value of 6
3. Doing one axis at a time, in the order tilt, roll, pan, tune
3.1 Increase P until a high frequency oscillation begins, then back down to 80% of the value.
Use the controller and move the axis from endpoint to endpoint, if oscillations begin at
any angle reduce the P value further
1If having more than 25 meters between the unit, Intuitive Aerial recommends either a repeater or a fiber link to ensure
signal integrity
2Intuitive Aerial has a number of tested links with instructions on how to use them. Contact the support hotline or your
sales contact for more information
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NEWTON S2 15
SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
3.2 Increase I until a low frequency oscillation begins, then back down to 80% of the value.
Again check if there is any angle that is more prone to oscillation and if so reduce the I
further
3.3 Check that the head responds well to external disturbances by pressing lightly on the axis.
If the remote head is prone to oscillation when returning to the starting position, increasing
D to about 5-10 should dampen it
4. After all axes are tuned, return and check so that there is no angle more prone to oscillation. If
so, repeat the entire process for all three axes
For further information and guidance on tuning, see the Intuitive Aerial website where you can
find videos and other help to tune the system.
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SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL
4 Operation
4.1 USER INTERFACE AND CONTROLS
! NOTICE !
This manual describes controls and interfaces when using the default
mappings. Most buttons and rotary dials on the Dominion can be
remapped by the user, if this has been done the exact references in this
manual will not be correct.
4.1.1 DOMINION
The graphical user interface is the main way to interact with and get feedback from the Dominion.
User feedback is given on the display (point 28) and input is given using the buttons under it (point
12-16). The exact functionality of the buttons are context dependent and displayed at the bottom of
the display.
The main page, shown after startup, provides feedback on all major functions. It is divided into two
major parts; the left hand part of the screen displays feedback for lens and camera control (collectively
referred to as FIZC) while the right hand part provides feedback for the remote head, the Dominion
itself and the communication link.
Focus indicator
Zoom indicator
Iris indicator
Mode indicator
Connection status
Record status
Communication interface
Figure 4.1: Dominion Main Page
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