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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Another Remote FF thread...

C

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Ok, some I'm about to pull the trigger on some prototypes in the next couple weeks and I need Redusers' valuable input. Since our last posting regarding our FF we have decided to take another direction. Originally we were going to make one full featured remote that can do some amazing things but we don't want to rush our design and make a crappy product so now we are making two versions, a simple one to be released asap, and a more feature rich version early next year.

Here's the specs for the simplified remote... please note the the receiver will not be dumbed down.. that way when we do make the enhanced remote you won't need to buy another receiver.

  • Wireless (Zigbee) and Wired control options - wireless range: 1Mile in open, 300 ft indoors
  • Encrypted transmission - avoids radio interference and no addressing is necessary (no dips to set)
  • Solid construction - water resistant glass reinforced nylon case, o-ring seals, minimal mechanical components
  • 3 channel selectable control - one axis at a time
  • Transmitter runs on 3 AAA batteries
  • Receiver unit accepts 12V-24V power source and connects to three motors
  • Includes usb connection for use with Red one (TBD)
  • Receiver has an internal amplifier for control of legacy lens motors with encoder feedback.
  • Camera start/stop outputs, both toggle and pulse.
  • Receiver unit dimensions are approx. 3.5"x2.6"x0.75" - the same size as a deck of playing cards
  • Works with Mirus motion control system - Record FIZ tracks separately or during a moco shot
  • Selectable control of certain camera functions (TBD)

As was said before, the motors are going to be available from Red. We are going to be supplying the remote. Feel free to ask any questions, and thanks for the help.

BTW...
Price for the impero standard: Transmitter, receiver, and all necessary cables is expected to be around $750 or less.
 
That looks really nice, what price are you thinking for that setup?
 
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Sorry, just added that in. The current estimate is $750 which doesn't include the motor.
 
Oh that is a good price! So...how much for the motor?
 
Very cool, Curt! So, what would you consider the main differences between the "standard" and "super-sized" remotes? And what would the price be like for that other one?
 
Curt,

Will it work with other brand motors?
Even if it doesn't, at your price point if it works well some other companies are going to be sweating bullets. Best build lots.
 
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Shawn.... Thats a good question... Unfortunately I can't say. Red is working on a number of things at the moment and I'm sure that when they get the opportunity they will post a price. I can say that the price of the motor will be lower than anything else on the market which is good right?

Jaime... the standard remote as opposed to the pro will be missing the lcd screen, multiple inputs/buttons, as well as the ability to record and repeat moves. It will also not have the lens database and automatic presets. We are going to try and get the lens breathing compensation (LBC) built into the receiver so theres a chance that there may be some camera integration in the future that will allow it to do LBC. The standard unit will also not be modular... thats something that takes a little time to work out and we are kinda short on that lately ;)

Chuck... yup, it will be able to control one dumb motor (anything thats not a red motor). As long as the motor has an encoder output it will work. We are looking into getting the setup to work with potentiometer based motors as well.. thats TBD. The unit can also toggle a relat circuit to start and stop a camera. We have a serial output/input for interfaceing to other things (TBD) and that port also doubles as a hardwired connection to the receiver when you don't want to use the wireless. There is a USB port on the receiver that will facilitate firmware updates in addition to interfacing to the camera - still working on that too. The main thing is that the hardware will be in place to support future firmware updates.
 
Wait, so you are making the transmitter and receiver but Red is making the motor?

I was hoping you were making the motor. Red is not that cheap on the accessories (Exhibit A: the premium production pack). Would you guess that the motor would be cheaper than the receiver/transmitter combo?
 
Curt,

I take it the DIR buttons are reversing switches.
Now about your taste in beers. Looks like I'm going to have to bring down a case of Caldera from Ashland, Or. for the LART testing.
 
Hi Curt

Looks and sounds fantastic.
When do you expect the unit to be available?

Focus is a major issue and the cameras are almost here :-)
 
Shawn, I wouldn't worry too much about the price... You will be pleased and its going to be an awesome system... I don't want to steal Red's thunder by spilling the beans on pricing.

Chuck, I'm actually a heineken guy.. I choose to use PBR because it so nasty that it always sparks conversation.

- And yes, the DIR buttons are for reversing the motors. I went with momentary buttons because I may be duplicating the same buttons on the remote and its always nice to be able to control the state of a user input through software.

Rory, we're trying to get them out around the same time as our moco system - November---ish. We need to get some field testing so there may be a small delay but we are going to have protos up and running in a few weeks.
 
Awesome! Count me in!
 
Hi Shawn,

Wouldn't count on the motors being much if at all cheaper then the controller. The motor itself combined with the required precision of the drive mechanics (gears, bearings, shafting etc.) can add up quickly. And in the quanity made I don't see custom robotic assembly in the picture. But then again I might be absolutly wrong. lol
 
Rory, soon. :)

Chuck, yeah, the gear train in those motors is crazy. Theres also a full set of pcbs/electronics inside that adds to the packaging nightmare. Keep in mind that there are going to be thousands of red cameras in the market place next year and every one will need to have the red motors if they want to keep the lens meta data with their footage. I'd anticipate that the volumes will be very good - and that does wonders for pricing. I guess the question is.... what do you guys think the motors should sell for?
 
Ideally? $500. $750 would be okay too, so that a bare-bones kit would be $1500.

Compare this to Birger's setup. He is delivering the mount with wireless and everything you need for just $1450. Now I realize it's different, but it's the closest I have to compare.
 
Keep going Curt, I'm just figuring out how big of a check I need to write you in between this and the matte box :-)
 
LOL... FYI.. what others are charging focus motors...

Heden M28VP $5,154.00
Heden M28VPT $5,595.00
Heden M28VT $5,100.00
Preston DM1 $2,400.00
Preston DM2 $2,400.00
Palomar M-One $2,100.00
MK-V $2,594.00
Arri CLM-1 $3,320.00
Arri CLM-2 $3,030.00
AVERAGE $3,510.33

With that in mind and withs Red's philosophy what do you think a fair price would be? (I feel like a sales guy on the late night paid ads)
 
$500. Red's body is $17,500. A Dalsa body is what...? Red's pattern is somewhere between $0.10 and $0.20 on the dollar. So, by that standard the motor should be somewhere between $250 and $750.
 
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