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.

Pin-Out Connection

Pin Descriptions

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

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. Ensure a motor is attached to the corresponding ring, and 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 for the Lens Map to be more accurate.
  7. Press the MENU button, then select TABLE DONE.
  8. Depending on the lens type, You will then be prompted to create an iris or focus distance table. 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.

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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