Teradek User Guide

MDR.X Quick Start Guide

Updated on

Teradek’s MDR.X is a modular receiver with integrated Bluetooth for reliable smart device connections. MDR.X can command up to three motors for FI+Z control (Focus, Iris, and/or Zoom), offers RED camera control, supports all current Latitude functions and integrations, and features several configurable options accessible via the built-in OLED display.

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.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES



POWER AND CONNECT

1. Connect power to the MDR.X’s PWR port. 

2. Attach the motor(s) to the rods/lens.

3. Connect the motor(s) to MDR.X motor inputs using a 4-pin to 4-pin cable.The motor(s) will then begin calibrating.

4. Use one of three methods to pair your controller with MDR.X.


PAIR MDR.X AND CONTROLLER

If the controller has not been paired to the MDR.X, you can use one of the following methods to pair both devices.

Wireless Pairing via MDR.X

Press the MENU button on the MDR.X, then navigate to WIRELESS>CHANNEL and select the same channel number as the controller to begin pairing.

Wireless Pairing via Controller

Press the MENU button 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 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 MDR.X to the camera, then navigate to MENU>CAMERA on the MDR.X to indicate which camera you have connected.

2. Press the REC/PWR button on the controller 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.

MDR.X MENU OPERATION

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

  • MOTORS - Configure the attached motor(s)
  • CAMERA - Select the make of the camera
  • RANGE FNDR - Configure/Calibrate TOF.1
  • WIRELESS - Configure the wireless settings
  • SCREEN - Change display settings
  • BUTTONS - Assign functions to the buttons
  • RX CONFIG - Assign a specific function or class to the receiver’s auxiliary port(s)
  • STATUS  - Contains list of connected devices
  • ADV - Contains device info menu, licenses, and advanced functions for debugging.

MDR.X STATUS LEDS

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

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

AUX PORT MODES

WIRED MODE

A compatible controller is connected directly to the MDR.X IN-1 port, disabling the wireless functionality. The Status LED on both devices will turn blue to indicate that a connection has been established.

KNOB OR ROCKER MODE (SLAVE CONTROLLERS)

A compatible Slave controller (thumbwheel, zoomrocker, or Smartknob) is connected directly to one of the MDR.X AUX ports and can be configured to control any available axis (Focus, Iris, etc.). 

AUX Port Configuration

1. Connect a 5-pin cable from the device (controller, smartknob, zoomrocker, or thumbwheel) to one of MDR.X AUX ports.

2. Navigate to RX CONFIG, and select the corresponding mode for the device (Wired, Knob, or Rocker).

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 Bolt App.

2. Navigate to ADV>BLUETOOTH on the MDR.S, then select YES to enable.

3. Enable Bluetooth on your cellular device, then open the Teradek RT app. Your device will automatically detect your MDR.S if it is within range.

4. Select the RT device(s) you want to configure.

ASSIGN AN AXIS TO A MOTOR

1. Open the RT app, then select the device (MDR.S or controller) the motor(s) are configured to.

2. Tap the Settings icon on the top-right corner, select Device Settings, then scroll down to the motor you want to assign a specific axis to.

3. Tap the Class button to select an axis. From this menu, you can also configure the motor’s response speed and orientation. 




CREATE A LENS MAP

1. Open the RT app, then select your MDR.S 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 MDR.S 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. 

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