User's Manual

3
I. Introduction
A. System.
The classic FI+Z, wireless lens and camera control system is known worldwide
for its combination of precision, simplicity and ruggedness. It consists of the Hand Unit,
Motor Driver, a set of Digital Motors, a Micro Force zoom control, and a variety of optional
controls including wireless Focus/Iris, Zoom, and F/X units. The FI+Z system controls the
complete array of both lens and camera functions
B.
The Hand Unit 3 adds impressive new features and functionality to the system. It
integrates its 30 channel 2.4GHz wireless link into a new splash-resistant housing. The
built-in microwave antenna is protected from impact. The iris slider uses a unique non
contact technology to eliminate the opening required for a conventional sliding seal. The
Hand Unit digitizes focus, iris, and zoom commands to 16 bits of resolution (1 part in
65,536). This data is sent to the 3 Channel Motor Driver either through a cable or the
Microwave Link. The cable link uses the RS422 standard protocol to transmit data over a
single twisted pair of wires. This enables reliable transmission over long distances (1 km).
New software called "Lens Mapping" matches the focus distance marks of a lens to a set of
five pre-printed Focus Marking Rings. These rings differ in their minimum focus distance
from 9" (.35m) to 6' (2m). Once a lens is calibrated, it can immediately be used with any of
the focus rings. The on-board lens library holds data for 150 lenses. Calibration for a lens
change only requires the few seconds needed to choose the lens from the library.
A bright, sharp, organic LED display shows camera, lens, and Hand Unit set-up status. Focus
distance settings can be displayed digitally for Cooke i-Lenses, or any lens which has been
calibrated to the unit. Data from compatible ultrasonic or laser measuring devices
(Panatape, Cinetape, Sniper ) can be displayed .
A new focus display mode "Marks" gives an easy to interpret bargraph representation of
the difference between the distance set by the focus knob and reference marks entered by
the user. Multiple reference marks can be set by entering their position with a "soft key"
located below the display.
Ergonomics have been improved with the addition of an integrated hand grip and a molded
grip for the focus knob. The focus marking ring is automatically illuminated in low light
conditions by a pair of white LED's. The zoom bargraph shows both the zoom lens position
as well as user set end limits. End limits are set with Set/ Reset tactile switches arranged in
three groups. An LED in each group indicates when limits are active.
The HU3 allows for programming camera speed and shutter angle. Despite all of its
additional functionality, the weight of the new hand unit is about 20% less than its
predecessor. Power is provided by widely available FM-50 Li-Ion batteries.
C. The zoom function is implemented by a Micro Force control. It can be directly
connected to the Hand Unit using a bracket or operated remotely using a cable. The
camera may be started either from the Micro Force or from the Hand Unit.
D. The Remote Iris Box provides a separate control for the Iris function. It is automatically
enabled when plugged into the Iris accessory connector on the Hand Unit.
E. Optional wireless units allow various lens and camera control functions to be split off
from the Hand Unit functions. The Focus-Iris unit is a single channel hand control. When
active, it takes over either the focus or iris function from the Hand Unit. The F/X unit adds
camera speed ramps with iris and/or shutter compensation as well as recording and