Teradek User Guide

CTRL.1 Quick Start Guide

Updated on

The CTRL.1 is a powerful, single-axis wireless controller with lens mapping support and data storage, saving time on calibration during lens swaps. When paired with a compatible SmallHD monitor, the CTRL.1 can overlay lens map information directly on the monitor, creating the world’s first all-in-one wireless video and lens control solution. In addition to F/I/Z control, the CTRL.1 system enables you to remotely start/stop select cameras such as ARRI, RED, Sony, and LANC-compatible models.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RESOURCES

  • FIRMWARE UPGRADE: Click here to update your product to the latest firmware before use.
  • PRODUCT REGISTRATION: Click here to register your eligible products and gain access to premium technical support.
  • TERADEK RT APP: Click here (only available on iOS) to download the Teradek RT App. 
  • RT MANAGER DESKTOP APP: Click here (Windows/Mac OSX) to download the RT Manager Desktop App.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • CTRL.1 Controller
  • 1x Mini-USB (5pin) to USB - 18 in Cable
  • 1x Controller Neckstrap

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

POWER AND CONNECT

  1. Connect power to the receiver’s PWR port.
  2. Attach the motor(s) to the rods/lens.
  3. Connect the motor(s) to the receiver using a 4-pin connector. If connecting two or more motors, use a 4-pin to 4-pin connector to daisy-chain them together. The motor(s) will then begin calibrating.
  4. Insert an LP-E6 battery in the controller, then press the REC/PWR (C) button to
    turn on the controller.
  5. Use one of two methods to pair your controller with the receiver.


PAIR CONTROLLER AND RECEIVER

If the controller you are using has not been paired with the receiver, you can use one of the following methods to pair both devices.

Wireless Pairing

Press the MENU button (B) on the controller, then navigate to WIRELESS>FIND RECV to scan for active receivers and automatically pair. The LED on the controller will turn green once paired.

Wired Pairing

Connect a 5-pin connector from the controller’s wired-mode input (H) to the IN-1 input on the receiver. The controller and receiver will remain paired even after disconnecting the 5-pin connector. The LEDs on the controller and receiver will turn blue once paired.

CAMERA RUN/STOP

  1. Connect a camera cable from the CAM/Control port on the receiver to the camera, then navigate to MENU>CAMERA on the CTRL.1 to indicate which camera you have connected.
  2. Press the REC/PWR button on the controller (C) to start/stop recording on
    the camera.

NOTE: If using a RED camera, the camera serial communication setting must be set to RCP (Redlink Command Protocol) for the unit to operate.

CTRL.1 MENU OPERATION

Press the MENU button, then use the UP, DOWN, and SET button to navigate through the different menu options.

  • POWER OFF - Turn OFF the controller
  • LENS - Configure lens mapping function
  • RANGE FNDR - Configure/Calibrate TOF.1
  • MOTORS - Configure the attached motor(s)
  • INPUTS - Configure the controller’s knob
  • WIRELESS - Configure the wireless settings
  • CAMERA - Select the make of the camera
  • LIMIT - Configure the limit range for either the Focus, Iris, or Zoom controls
  • SCREEN - Change display settings
  • BUTTONS - Assign functions to the buttons
  • RX CONFIG - Configure auxiliary controllers
  • IO CONFIG - Configure communication mode
  • STATUS - Contains a list of connected devices
  • ADV - Contains device info menu, licenses, and advanced functions for debugging

CTRL.1 STATUS LEDS

The CTRL.1 status LED indicates when the system is ON and provides the system’s current status during operation.

  • OFF - Unit is powered off
  • YELLOWNo wireless connection
  • REDCamera is recording
  • ORANGEPC/Bootloader mode
  • WHITEChecking RF module status
  • GREEN - Wireless is synched
  • BLUEWired-mode connection

TERADEK RT APP

The Teradek RT App for iOS devices allows users to configure all of the major functions via Bluetooth such as motor axis selection, creating lens maps, start/stop, and includes virtual sliders for calibrating FIZ controls on the MDR.S. 

CONNECT VIA BLUETOOTH

  1. Download the Teradek RT App.
  2. Navigate to ADV>BLUETOOTH on the CTRL.1, then select YES to enable.
  3. Enable Bluetooth on your cellular device, then open the Teradek RT app. Your device will automatically detect your CTRL.1 if it is within range.
  4. Select the RT device(s) you want to configure.

LENS MAPPING

CTRL.1 features built-in lens mapping, which allows users to auto-calibrate lenses to pre-marked focus rings with the touch of a button. Lens Mapping is included when you purchase the CTRL.1 Lens Mapping Package, or available for purchase as a separate upgrade. After purchasing the Lens Mapping Package, the LENSMAP menu on the controller lets you create your own lens map(s) according to lens manufacturer and lens type.

Activate Lens Mapping License

  1. Press the MENU button, then use the τ button to navigate to the ADV menu. Press the SET button to access the menu.
  2. Navigate to the LICENSES menu. Press SET to display the UID number. 
  3. To generate a license key, enter the controller’s UID, the upgrade code, and your email address on activate.teradek.com.
  4. On the same screen displaying the UID number, select YES to enter the license key.

Create a Lens Map (Controller)

1. Navigate to LENS>LENSMAP>CREATE.

2. Select the lens brand, then create a name to identify the lens map.

3. Select Yes to map a prime lens, then enter the lens’ fixed focal length (e.g. 35mm,
85mm). Select No if mapping a zoom lens, then create a focal length (zoom) table
(e.g. 24-70mm, 70-200mm).

4. After setting the focal length, you will be prompted to create an Iris table. Make sure
a motor is attached to the corresponding ring, and both the motor and controller
are set to the same class (Focus, Iris, Zoom).

5. Move the controller knob so that the motor adjusts the lens ring to the minimum stop.

6. Using the ▲ and ▼ buttons on the controller, enter the corresponding mark, then
select OK.

NOTE: Entering every lens mark is not required, but it is recommended in order for the Lens Map to be more accurate.

7. Press the MENU button, then select TABLE DONE.

8. You will then be prompted to create an iris or focus distance table, depending on

the type of lens. Select YES, then repeat steps 5 through 7 for each motor you

want to map.

9. Attach a lens ring to the controller’s knob.

10. Navigate to LENS>LENSRING>SELECT and select the corresponding lens ring size.

Create a Lens Map (RT APP)

1. Open the RT app, then select your CTRL.1 from the main screen.

2. Tap the Settings icon on the top-right corner, select Lens Mapping, then tap the Create New Lens Map button at the bottom of the screen.

3. Select the lens manufacturer, then create a name to identify the lens map.

4. If the lens is a prime lens, tap the Prime Lens switch, then enter the Focal Length (e.g. 35mm, 85mm).

5. Select the axis you want to map (Focus, Iris, Zoom). Make sure a motor is attached to the corresponding ring, and that both the motor and CTRL.1 are set to the same axis.


6. Move the virtual knob for the motor to adjust the lens ring to the smallest mark.

7. Using the Up and Down buttons on the right, enter the corresponding mark, then select Insert. Repeat this step for all marks until they have all been mapped.

8. Press the Back button to select additional axis to map. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each axis you want to map.

9. Press the Back button once more, then tap Save at the top right corner. You will then be prompted whether or not to apply the Lens Map. 

LENS DATA OVERLAY

SmallHD monitors include a Lens Data Overlay feature that displays your CTRL.1 lens map on the monitor. Below are steps to enable Lens Data Overlay.

1. Update your CTRL.1 controller and SmallHD monitor with the latest firmware.

2. From the controller, navigate to LENS>LENSMAP and select one of the configured lens maps.

3. Press the MENU button to return to the main menu, then navigate to IO CONFIG>SMALLHD.

4. Select SMALLHD to activate SmallHD Comms.

5. Connect a cable from the controller’s wired mode connector to the monitor’s USB port.

6. Tap the SmallHD monitor’s screen and navigate to ADD NEW TOOL>ADD ONS.

7. Select TERADEK RT. The Lens Map Overlay will appear to the right and move according to the controller’s knob movements.

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