RTMOTION MK3.x Series User manual

RTMOTION MK3.x
Lens Control System
User Guide
REVISION: 2014-04-22 (#18)
rtmotion.com/knowledge

M K 3 . x e n s C o n t r o l S y s t e m
1 MK3.x ens Control System
Table of Contents
1. MK3.x ens Control System.........................................................................2
2. Quick Start Guide .........................................................................................3
Initial Setup............................................................................................................................ 3
Camera Run/Stop................................................................................................................. 3
3. System Overview..........................................................................................4
T eory of Operation............................................................................................................ 4
Usage C art........................................................................................................................... 6
4. Components..................................................................................................7
MK3.x Controller .................................................................................................................. 8
MK3.x Receiver................................................................................................................... 13
MK3.x Motor........................................................................................................................ 15
Slave Controller – T umbw eel...................................................................................17
5. AUX Port (MK3.1 Receiver only)................................................................18
6. Updating Firmwares...................................................................................20
7. Menu Tree....................................................................................................26
8. Technical Reference....................................................................................30
Compatibility Guidance.................................................................................................. 30
Pin-Outs................................................................................................................................ 30
Sizes & Weig ts................................................................................................................... 34
9. Quick Troubleshooting..............................................................................36
10. Usage and Care.........................................................................................38
Usage & Environment...................................................................................................... 38
Accidental Damage.......................................................................................................... 38
11. Warranty and Servicing...........................................................................39
12/24 Mont WARRANTY................................................................................................ 39
Info & Troubles ooting.................................................................................................... 40
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Q u i c k S t a r t G u i d e
2 Quick Start Guide
Initial Setup
1 Plug 12-17V into the RECEIVER's “PWR” port.
The ideal source is a ~14.8V battery, such as 4S ithium cells.
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.
Each motor is factory-set to a certain class (Focus, Iris, Zoom) and labelled
accordingly. You can re-assign motor classes via the menu.
3 Plug the motors into the RECEIVER unit.
The motor port that the motors attach to isn't important. The motors will begin
calibrating.
4 Put a Canon P-E6 battery in the Hand Unit and hold down
the PWR button.
Camera Run/Stop
1 Connect the appropriate Run/Stop cable from the CAM
port on the Receiver to your Camera.
2 Enter the Controller’s MENU, Select CAMERA, then select
which camera you have connected.
3 You can now Run/Stop the camera with the REC button.
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S y s t e m O v e r v i e w
3 System Overview
Introduction
T e RTMOTION MK3.x Lens Control System is optimised for ig -end Wireless
and Wired remote control of Cinema and Still camera lenses.
T e range is specifically designed to enable a low-cost entry point (single
motor), wit a broad expansion capability.
A large number of accessories are in development to furt er expand on t e
range's capability (gimbal controllers, underwater controllers, etc.), and we
always welcome feedback on ow we can better serve your needs.
Theory of Operation
Smart Motors
T e MK3 MOTOR units are intelligent smart motors, wit built-in electronics
w ic andle all seeking and calibration be aviour. W en powered up, t e
motor will find t e lens end-stops and learn t e c aracteristics of t e attac ed
lens. It does all of t is wit out any elp from t e Receiver or Controller.
Eac motor remembers its CLASS (focus, iris, zoom), and its RESPONSE
(normal, fast, slow). You can t erefore plug any motor into any Receiver port.
To re-configure a motor, you need to use t e CONTROLLER menus.
Since t e motors ave t eir own intelligence, t ey need only a small 4-pin
lemo cable for operation.
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S y s t e m O v e r v i e w
Receiver Unit
Offloading some electronics into t e smart motors as enabled us to
dramatically s rink t e Receiver in size. It andles only NETWORKING and
CAMERA INTERFACE operations. T is as enabled a system wit low cost,
ig flexibility and very small size.
Controller (Hand Unit)
T e Controller is t e main brain of t e unit. Via its OLED screen it also andles
t e remote-configuration of t e Receiver and Motor.
Wireless
RF3 Generation
From MK3.1 onwards, devices include our latest RF3-Generation wireless
modules. We strive to stay at t e forefront of performance, and t erefore we
ave jumped at t e opportunity to offer w at we believe is t e longest range,
most interference-immune wireless solution on t e market. FCC and CE
certification is of course retained, and we are now rig t up to t e legal limit.
Accessories
Slave Controllers
Slave Controllers are simple (affordable) devices—suc as joysticks,
t umbw eels, record buttons—w ic rely on external electronics to function.
To use a Slave Controller, you need to attac it to an RTMOTION device wit an
AUX socket. For example, RECEIVER MK3.1.
Smart Controllers
Smart Controllers contain electronics, and t erefore do not require a
Controller or Receiver. You need only POWER and a MOTOR. Our range of
smart controllers are estimated for s ipping in late 2013.
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S y s t e m O v e r v i e w
Usage Chart
6

C o m p o n e n t s
4 Components
Table of Contents
MK3.x Controller .................................................................................................................. 8
MK3.x Receiver................................................................................................................... 13
MK3.x Motor........................................................................................................................ 15
Slave Controller – T umbw eel...................................................................................17
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M K 3 . x C o n t r o l l e r
MK3.x Controller
T e 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 ENS AXIS.
For example, an MK3/B “Basic” controller can be configured so t at t e MAIN
KNOB controls Focus, SIDE KNOB A controls Iris, and SIDE KNOB B controls
Convergence.
All variants are capable of simultaneously controlling at least 3 axis, so are
effectively “FIZ” and “3D” capable.
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M K 3 . x C o n t r o l l e r
T ere are owever significant ergonomic advantages to industry standard
controls, so for fine control it is recommended t at t e Force Joystick is used
for Zoom, and t e Slider is used for IRIS.
MK3.1 Variants
MK3.1 versions have RF3 wireless modules. See section page 30.
1 MK3.1/S, “Stereo”. 4 AXIS CONTRO
Large Focus Knob, Slider, 2x Side Knobs (A and B).
2 MK3.1/Z, “FIZ”. 6 AXIS CONTRO
Large Focus Knob, Slider, Force Joystick (X/Y), 2x Side Knobs (A and B).
MK3.0 Variants
MK3.0 versions have RF2 wireless modules. See section page 30.
1 MK3/B, “Basic”. 3 Axis Control
Large Focus Knob, 2x Side Knobs (A and B).
2 MK3/S, “Stereo”. 4 AXIS CONTRO
Large Focus Knob, Slider, 2x Side Knobs (A and B).
3 MK3/Z, “FIZ”. 6 AXIS CONTRO
Large Focus Knob, Slider, Force Joystick (X/Y), 2x Side Knobs (A and B).
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M K 3 . x C o n t r o l l e r
Operation
1 Power On
Hold down t e POWER button for 2 seconds to turn t e unit ON / OFF.
2 Camera Run/ Stop
Press t e 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.
3 Status ED
OFF – Unit is OFF ORANGE – No Connection GREEN – Unit is Connected
B UE – Wired Mode RED – Camera Running PURP E – Please Wait
4 PC Mode / Bootloader
Turn off t e Controller. Hold down t e SET button. Keep SET eld, and also
old down t e POWER button. T e Status LED will go Orange, and t e screen
display: “PC MODE”. You can now connect t e controller to a PC and it will
s ow as a USB device.
5 Battery / Power
T e Controller takes a CANON TYPE LP-E6 BATTERY, as used in t e Canon 5D,
7D, etc.
It can also run from t e MICRO USB connector (5V). Please note, minimum is
approx 4.65V- some laptops, etc. don't provide quite enoug voltage.
6 Factory Reset
Enter t e MENU / ADVANCED / FAC RESET.
S ort-cut: You can also old POWER and press MENU.
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M K 3 . x C o n t r o l l e r
CONTRO ER MENU
Press t e MENU button to enter t e menu.
You can t en navigate wit t e UP, DOWN and SET buttons.
To go back one step, press MENU.
To abort and pull out of t e menu, press POWER.
For a full breakdown of menu functions, go to page 28.
Default Configurations
MK3/B “BASIC” MK3/S “STEREO” MK3/Z “FIZ”
arge Knob →FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS
Slider →(not present) IRIS IRIS
Force Joystick Y →(not present) (not present) ZOOM
Force Joystick X →(not present) (not present) (Inactive)
Side Knob A →IRIS ZOOM ZOOM SPEED
Side Knob B →ZOOM INTER-OCU AR INTER-OCU AR
Wireless Channels
Please note, t e default c annel on t e controller is #3 for RF2 (MK3.0), and
#23 for RF3 (MK3.1). We recommend changing to a random channel to
avoid clashing with another RT Motion system if you are in a busy
environment.
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M K 3 . x C o n t r o l l e r
ow Battery Indication
T e Controller will give a warning and automatically s ut down w en t e
battery voltage falls to approx 6.1V. T is is to protect t e Battery from being
over-drained and reducing its life.
If your battery is fully drained and you wis to continue on USB power, you
must remove t e LP-E6 battery from t e unit.
Power Requirements
Canon LP-E6 battery: 6.2V to 8.4V.
USB Socket: Approx 4.75V to 9V max.
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M K 3 . x R e c e i v e r
MK3.x Receiver
T e MK3.1 Receiver is a unique, ultra-compact design. From version MK3.1, t e
antenna is integral and t e lengt reduced even furt er.
Note: Picture shows MK3.1 version.
Variants
MK3.0 versions have RF2 wireless modules, and no AUX port.
MK3.1 versions have RF3 wireless modules. See section page 30 for more info.
Supported Motors
3x RT Motion motors are supported.
T e Receiver does not natively support motors from ot er manufacturers. It is
oped to support 3rd party motors via an inline-dongle soon.
Camera Support
Attac t e corresponding cable between t e CAM port and your camera.
T ere are cables available for all major cameras (EPIC, ARRI, etc.). You must also
select your camera-type from t e Controller Menu, see page 26.
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M K 3 . x R e c e i v e r
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.
Status ight
SO ID GREEN – CONNECTED PURP E – Please Wait
ORANGE – No Connection (or PC Mode) RED (solid) – Cam running
B UE – Wired Mode RED (pulse) – Cam trig
Power Requirements
5 – 14V DC (17V absolute max - e.g. 13.8V battery fres off a c arger). T e
Receiver will block any voltage over ~17.5V, or any reverse voltage.
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M K 3 . x M o t o r
MK3.x Motor
A powerful and quiet lens motor wit smoot
performance. T e brus -less vector-drive
gives unparalleled smoot ness during ig -
torque / slow-speed moves.
Warnings
T e motor is a powerful device w ic is
capable of causing injury or damage.
•Never touc t e drive gear w en t e
device is powered on.
•T e motor is not to be used on
extremely stiff or damaged lenses.
•T e motor requires no user
maintenance. Please note t at
opening t e motor can affect its
internal calibration and voids t e warranty.
•T e motor body is used as a eat-sink for t e brus less windings,
t erefore it will get warmer t an an older brus ed motor in use.
Variants – MK3.0 and MK3.1
T e MK3.1 revision features a dual-sided ub (allowing t e gear to be fitted to
eit er side, or bot sides simultaneously). T e gearbox as also as improved
efficiency and a furt er reduction in operating noise level.
MK3 and MK3.1 models use identical firmwares and have identical compatibility.
Attaching to a rig
Affix t e motor to t e rods, but don't yet mes t e drive gear to t e lens gear.
Rotate t e focus ring so t at it is not too close to eit er end stop. Now mes
t e gears, and plug t e Digital Motor into t e Receiver. T e Digital Motor will
begin its Auto-Calibration Routine.
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M K 3 . x M o t o r
Accuracy & Electronic Backlash Comp
T e MK3.x motor features a ig -precision encoder t at will never lose steps.
If you see evidence of backlas affecting accuracy, please make sure t at your
mount, rails and camera are extremely rigid, as mounting flex is t e main
cause of inaccuracy. Unique electronic backlas compensation is calibrated at
t e factory.
Focus/ Iris/ Zoom Assignment
T e Digital Motor is internally assigned a “Motor Class”, w ic is saved to non-
volatile memory. T e motor will identify itself to t e CONTROLLER via its
SERIAL NUMBER (lasered onto t e motor back, example: 0500). To c ange t e
class of a Digital Motor, or ot er performance parameters (performance mode,
direction of rotation, etc.) please refer to t e manual for t e Controller.
Specifications
Max Allowable Torque 2.2Nm
Standard Gear 0.8 mod, 50 Teet
Nominal Current Approx 0.6A loaded
Power Requirements 6.5 - 17V
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Slave Controller – Thumbwheel
Features
- Strong, lig tweig t Alu construction. Knurled t umb/finger w eel.
- Bracket sized for common professional stabiliser gimbals / andles.
- Hard stops. Lens maps to approx 200º rotation.
- Record trigger button.
- Adjustable mounting angle via ARRI-style rosette.
Usage & Configuration
Wire to t e AUX port on t e Receiver via a “Slave Controller” interface cable.
T e AUX port must be configured to accept a “Knob/ Potentiometer” input.
See page 19 for instructions on ow to configure t e AUX port correctly.
Please note, Receiver’s before t e MK3.1 do not ave an AUX port.
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A U X P o r t ( M K 3 . 1 R e c e i v e r o n l y )
5 AUX Port (MK3.1 Receiver only)
T e AUX port is a multi-use port, supporting t e use of Analogue controllers
(Knob/pot, Rocker, Force Joystick), Wired-Mode operation (connect t e
Controller to t e Receiver directly, to bypass t e wireless), as well as TTL-level
serial communication.
T e AUX PORT will feature on an increasing number of upcoming products,
and we will be releasing additional accessories to attac to AUX ports soon.
Available Modes of Operation
T e following functions are supported by t e AUX port. T e AUX port must be
configured in t e appropriate mode (see page 28) – it does NOT automatically
detect w ic of t e following modes you wis to enable.
Slave Controllers (aka, Analogue Controllers)
Slave controllers (t umbw eel, rocker, etc.) directly connect to t e AUX port,
and can be configured to control any available axis (Focus, Iris, etc.). Run/Stop
triggering is also supported, provided t at you ave an appropriate cable
connected to your camera from a CAM port.
Wired Mode (bypass Wireless)
Devices w ic ave a 5-pin WIRED MODE socket (suc as a Controller MK3.1)
can connect to t e AUX port via a suitable wired-mode cable. T e Status LED
on bot devices will go BLUE to indicate t at a connection as been made,
and t at Wireless transmission is disabled.
Cinetape, Fujinon Control, Cook I/ data, RS232
Support for t ese protocols is coming soon. It will require an RS232 dongle,
between t e AUX Port and t e 3rd-party device.
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A U X P o r t ( M K 3 . 1 R e c e i v e r o n l y )
Setting the AUX PORT's Mode
T e AUX port must be in t e correct mode. T e setting is remembered after
power-cycling.
To configure t e AUX PORT, use t e CONTROLLER. Enter t e MENU, t en
select AUX.
AUX Configure t e auxiliary port on t e RECEIVER. Note, if your Receiver
does not ave an 5 pin AUX port, you will not ave t is menu.
MODE W at function to assign to t e AUX PORT?
OFF Disable t e AUX port. Recommended if not in use.
WIRED Configure AUX port for WIRED MODE (i.e. wire from Controller ->
Receiver to bypass radio)
KNOB You ave a KNOB or THUMBWHEEL attac ed to t e AUX PORT.
ROCKER You ave a ROCKER attac ed to t e AUX PORT.
FORCE You ave a FORCE SENSOR attac ed to t e AUX PORT.
AXIS W ic axis to control wit t e attac ed AUX input device? N.B. T is
does not apply if you are in WIRED MODE.
FOCUS
IRIS
(etc.)
MODE B As “Mode” above, but for input axis B (for use wit splitter)
AXIS B As “Axis” above, but for input axis B (for use wit splitter)
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U p d a t i n g F i r m w a r e s
6 Updating Firmwares
Introduction
T is guide will take you step by step t roug t e process of updating t e
firmware on t e Controller, Receiver and Motors. Updating t e device
firmware is a normal process to take advantage of new features, bug fixes, and
general usability improvements based on feedback.
Cautions
Alt oug t e firmware updating process usually goes smoot ly, very
occasionally users may need additional support. For t at reason, we do not
recommend performing an update immediately before a s oot, in case of any
problems. See page 24 for firmware update troubles ooting.
Requirements
A PC running WinXP or newer, or a Mac running a recent version of OSX.
Download the atest Firmwares
Visit: rtmotion.com/knowledge
Download and install t e latest version for your platform. T e package
includes t e Firmware Updater application itself, plus t e latest Device
Firmwares.
Follow @rtmotion on Twitter to be alerted to new features and important updates.
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