Teradek User Guide

Controllers

Updated on

CTRL.1

The CTRL.1 hand unit is a powerful, single-axis wireless controller with lens mapping support and data storage, saving time on calibration during lens swaps. Paired with compatible SmallHD monitors with integrated Bolt receivers, the CTRL.1 can overlay lens focal distance 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 HD cameras such as ARRI, Blackmagic, Phantom Flex, RED, Sony, and LANC-compatible models. 

CTRL.3

The CTRL.3 is a lightweight, ergonomic 3-axis lens controller with built-in lens mapping and data storage. When paired with any compatible SmallHD monitors with integrated Bolt receivers, the CTRL.3 can overlay lens focal distance directly on the monitor, creating the world’s first all-in-one wireless video & lens control solution. In addition to F/I/Z control, the CTRL.3 system enables you to remotely start/stop select HD cameras such as ARRI, Blackmagic, Phantom Flex, RED, Sony, and LANC-compatible models.

PIN-OUT CONNECTIONS

STATUS LEDS

  • OFF - Unit is powered off
  • WHITE - Checking RF module status
  • YELLOW - No wireless connection
  • GREEN - Wireless is synced
  • BLUE - Wired-mode connection
  • ORANGE - PC/Bootloader mode
  • RED - Camera recording

CTRL.1 / CTRL.3 MENU SETTINGS

LENS

The Lens Menu contains lens map configurations and lens ring options that can be accessed once you have purchased and activated the Lens Mapping license. NOTE: For detailed instructions on how to activate the lens mapping and lens data overlay features...

LENSMAP

  • SELECT - Select a stored lens map
  • EDIT - Edit a stored lens map
  • DELETE - Delete a stored lens map
  • CREATE - Create a new lens map
  • BEHAVIOR - Extend or maintain current lensmap limits
  • COC (CTRL.3 only) - Define the depth of field value

LENSRING

  • SELECT - Select the appropriate lens ring size
  • BEHAVIOR - Select whether the knob stops at the first mark of the lens ring, or if it continues past the first mark of the lens map

LENS SLDR (CTRL.3 only)
Select the appropriate iris strip slider according to the aperture values.

  • F/1
  • F/1.4
  • F/2
  • F/2.8

UNIT

  • METRIC - Applies the Metric units of measurements
  • IMPERIAL - Applies the Imperial units of measurements
  • AUTO - Automatically detects units
  • MATCH MAP - Match lensmap units of measurements
  • MATCH RING - Match lensring units of measurements

RANGE FINDER

Use the RANGE FINDER menu to calibrate and configure the TOF.1 Rangefinder.

  • AUTOFOCUS - Enable or disable Autofocus on the TOF.1
  • CALIBRATE - Adjust the range and offset according to the distance measured between the camera’s film plane and the subject (see CALIBRATE TOF.1)
  • AUTOSPEED - Adjust the Autofocus speed (Low, Medium, or High)

MOTORS

Use the MOTORS menu to configure any of the attached motors. After the motor(s) have been attached and calibrated (RECALIB), you can adjust the RESPONSE (normal, slow, fast), CLASS (focus, iris, zoom), or alter the serial number (SERIAL) and ACCURACY of the motors.

RECALIB

  • AUTO CAL - Automatically calibrate all attached motors
  • MANUAL CAL - Manually calibrate end stops for each motor
  • BY CLASS - Recalibrate motor(s) according to class (Focus, Iris, Zoom, etc.)
  • BY SERIAL - Recalibrate motor(s) according to serial number

RESPONSE

  • NORMAL - Moderately smooth movements (default)
  • SLOW - Very smooth movements, useful for Iris or Zoom assignments
  • FAST - Very sharp movements with low latency

SET CLASS (MOTR.X only)

  • FOCUS - Adjust the focal plane by moving the focus ring
  • IRIS - Adjusts the aperture 
  • ZOOM - Alter the apparent distance of the subject by moving the zoom ring
  • ISO - Modify the camera’s light sensitivity
  • SHUTR - Adjust the shutter speed
  • PAN - Move the focal plane horizontally
  • TILT - Move the focal plane vertically
  • ROLL - Move the focal plane from side to side
  • Z-SPD - Zoom speed

SET SERIAL
Change the motor’s internal serial number. This setting is stored inside the motor.

ACCURACY
Alter the motor’s factory-calibrated backlash compensation.

SET TORQUE
Alter the motor’s factory-calibrated backlash compensation.

INPUTS

With the INPUTS menu, you can recalibrate the controller’s knob and assign or reverse the direction of a specific axis. 

AXIS OPTIONS

  • FOCUS - Focus axis
  • IRIS - Aperture axis
  • ZOOM - Zoom axis
  • ISO - Light sensitivity
  • SHUTR - Shutter speed
  • PAN - Move the focal plane horizontally
  • TILT - Move the focal plane vertically
  • ROLL - Rotate focal plane side to side
  • Z-SPD - Zoom speed

FLIP
Reverse the direction of the motor gear.

RECAL SLDR (CTRL.3 only)
Reconfigure the slider’s physical stops according to the aperture values.

REVERSE
Reverse the direction of the controller's knob and/or slider

MARKERS
Add or delete overlay markers on your SmallHD screen. NOTE: You must first create a lens map and be connected to a compatible SmallHD monitor.

WIRELESS

Use the WIRELESS menu to pair a controller with a receiver and adjust the controller’s transmission power. 

POWER

  • USA MAX - Maximum range legal in the USA
  • EU MAX - Maximum range legal in the EU
  • MED - Medium range (best balance of range and battery life)
  • LOW - Low Range (required when very close to the camera)

FIND RECV
Find and pair a receiver within range.

CHANNEL
Select a specific channel to avoid clashing with other devices. The default channel is 23.

RESET
Perform a full reset of the controller. 

CAMERA

Use the CAMERA menu to select the type of camera the receiver is attached to. Specific cables for the different camera connections are available for purchase.

  • RED RCP - RED DSMC, DSMC2 (all models)
  • ARRI - Arri Alexa (all models)
  • SONY - Sony VENICE, Sony FS7, Sony F55
  • PH FLEX - Phantom 4K Flex (RUN/STOP MODE) 
  • PH FLEX BS - Phantom 4K Flex (BURST- used to trigger in loop mode)
  • PANA DXL - Panavision DXL
  • EPIC RS - EPIC (Run/Stop)
  • RED RS - RED (Run/Stop)
  • LANC - Camera with LANC support
  • HOLD LOW - Cameras that record while the trigger is “held low”

LIMIT

The Limits menu allows you to configure the motor’s movements to a specific range for Focus, Iris, or zoom axes. Setting limits restricts the motor from adjusting the lens past a defined range. That range can also be configured to span the entire knob’s rotation. 

  • NO LIMITS - The motor has no set limits and moves according to the lens ring’s measurements.
  • CLIP RANGE - Create a specific range between two points on the lens. Once set, the motor will move only within that range

SCREEN

Use the Screen menu to adjust the OLED’s brightness.

  • DAY - Full brightness for daytime
  • NIGHT - Low brightness for night/indoor
  • OFF - OLED is disabled

BUTTONS

Assign specific functions to the physical buttons on the controller. Below are the different functions:

BUTTON ASSIGNMENT

  • BT. 1 - ▲ button
  • BT. 2 - ▼ button
  • BT. 3 - SET button          
  • BT. 4 - POWER + ▲ button combination
  • BT. 5 - POWER + ▼ button combination
  • BT. 6 - POWER + SET button combination

BUTTON OPTIONS

  • OLED - Shortcut to the Screen menu
  • LINK - Shortcut to the wireless menu
  • AXIS - Assign a specific axis to the knob
  • MOTS - Shortcut to the Motors menu
  • CAL - Perform auto-calibration
  • PRER - Prerecording
  • LIMT (CTRL.1 only) - Shortcut to the Limits menu
  • ZAP (CTRL.3 only) - Select for rapid zooming
  • MARK (CTRL.3 only) - Shortcut to add or select focus markers
  • LMAP - Shortcut to Lens maps

RX CONFIGURATION

Assign a specific function (MODE) or class (AXIS) to the receiver’s auxiliary ports (IN-1/IN-2).

MODE OPTIONS

  • OFF - Disable the auxiliary port(s)
  • WIRED - Configure IN1 port for WIRED MODE (wired from Controller or Smartknob to Receiver to bypass radio)
  • KNOB - Thumbwheel is attached to AUX port
  • ROCKER - Zoomrocker is attached to AUX port
  • FORCE - Force Sensor is attached to AUX port

AXIS OPTIONS

  • FOCUS - Focus axis
  • IRIS - Aperture axis
  • ZOOM - Zoom lens
  • ISO - Light sensitivity
  • SHUTR - Shutter speed
  • PAN - Move the focal plane horizontally
  • TILT - Move the focal plane vertically
  • ROLL - Move the focal plane side to side
  • Z-SPD - Zoom speed

IO CONFIGURATION

Assign a communication mode (SmallHD/Wired) to the controller’s AUX input.

STATUS

The Status menu lists all devices that are connected to the controller along with their serial numbers. This is useful for determining which devices are paired to the controller, especially when multiple devices and cameras are within range.

ADVANCED (ADV) SETTINGS

Use the ADV menu to obtain information about the controller, activate licenses, and perform minor system functions (options vary depending on the type of controller). 

  • ABOUT - Information about the controller such as firmware version, UID, and serial number
  • LICENSES - Enter license for additional functionality
  • LEDS - Adjust the LED brightness
  • BLUETOOTH - Activate Bluetooth
  • DEBUG - Used for diagnostic purposes. Identify any issues with the controls such as buttons and inputs.
  • FAC. RESET - Restore controller to original settings
  • SMALLHD - Activate SMALLHD communications

CTRL.5

The CTRL.5 sets a new standard for wireless FIZ (Focus, Iris, Zoom) lens-control handsets, featuring a 5-inch SmallHD ultra-bright touchscreen powered by CTRL.OS—an evolution of SmallHD’s PageOS designed specifically for lens control. It allows you to view critical lens data overlays while pulling focus without looking away from the video feed. Lenses can be calibrated to pre-marked focus rings, and configurations are easily accessible via the touchscreen or any of the eleven programmable function buttons. The hand unit offers numerous mounting points for accessories and is fully compatible with the Teradek RT Lens Control Ecosystem.

PIN-OUT CONNECTIONS

STATUS LEDS

  • OFF - Unit is powered off
  • WHITEBooting
  • ORANGENot connected
  • GREEN - Connected
  • REDCamera is recording

CTRL.5 HOME SCREEN

The CTRL.5 Home Screen displays the iris, zoom, focus scales, current value, Markers, Limits, and Menu buttons.

1: Marker Buttons 9: Focus Position Indicator 16: Hyperfocal Indicator
2: Iris Scale 10: Depth of Field Indicator 17: Focus Distance
3: Iris Marker 11: Menu Button 18: Iris Value
4: Iris Position Indicator 12: Lock Inputs 19: DIST (Distance) value
5: Limits Buttons 13: RF Connection Indicator 20: Rangefinder Readout Indicator
6: Focus Scale Adjustment 14: RF Channel 21: Zoom Speed
7: Focus Scale 15: Battery Percentage Indicator 22: Focal Length
8: Focus Marker    

HOME SCREEN OPERATION NOTES

  1. Focus and Iris markers can be added at the current position using buttons 1 and 14. When a marker is enabled it can be removed by moving to the marker position and pressing either the Iris or Focus marker button again. See the Markers section for more details.
  2. When a zoom lens map is enabled, tapping the iris or zoom value in the center of the screen switches the left onscreen scale between iris and zoom.
  3. You can cycle through different Focus scale options using the Focus Scale button (7). Long pressing the Focus Scale button allows you to adjust the scale using a slider. Additionally, the scale can be adjusted using a pinch-to-zoom gesture.

CTRL.5 MENU SETTINGS

Lens Maps

CTRL.5 includes built-in lens mapping, enabling users to automatically calibrate a manufacturer’s lenses to pre-marked focus rings with a single button press. Once a lens map is configured, the calibrated values appear on the CTRL.5 controller’s home screen. Lens mapping is a standard feature of the CTRL.5. For more detailed instructions on how to create a lens map, visit the Lens Mapping and Lens Data Overlay section of this guide.

Settings

Page Views - Home Screen Configuration

FOCUS
  • Show Current Value - Enable/Disable the display of the current Focus position on the home screen
  • Show Focus Meter - Enable/Disable the display of the Focus Meter on the home screen
    • Meter Scaling Slider - Adjust the scale of the Focus Meter
DEPTH OF FIELD (Focus Meter must be enabled)

The depth-of-field indicator on the focus scale shows the distance range between the closest and farthest objects that appear in focus according to the Lens Map's focus, iris, and/or zoom settings.

  • Show on Focus Meter - Enable/Disable Depth of Field indicator
  • Meter Color - Change the color of the Depth of Field meter
  • Circle of Confusion slider - Adjust the size of the Circle of Confusion (CoC) indicator
IRIS
  • Show Current Value - Enable/Disable the display of the current aperture position on the home screen
  • Show Meter - Enable/Disable the display of the Iris Meter on the home screen
ZOOM
  • Show Current Value - Enable/Disable the display of the current zoom position on the home screen
  • Show Meter - Enable/Disable the display of the Zoom Meter on the home screen. NOTE: This option is hidden if a lens map without zoom is enabled

Controls

USER BUTTONS (A to D)
Assign specific functions to the physical buttons on the controller.

  • Assigned Functions
    • None
    • Start/Stop Rec
    • Goto Devices
    • Goto Settings
    • Goto Lens Maps
    • Display Brightness
    • TOF Autofocus Toggle
    • Lens Ring
    • Camera
    • Screen Capture

INPUTS
Assign a specific control element to the Focus, Iris, Zoom, and Zoom Speed axes, and recalibrate the controller's knob or slider.

  • Control Elements
    • Knob
    • Slider
    • Wheel
    • Rocker
    • Off
  • Recalibrate Knob
    The knob is pre-calibrated from the factory but can be recalibrated if needed. Follow the on-screen prompt to recalibrate the knob.
  • Recalibrate Slider
    The slider is pre-calibrated from the factory but can be recalibrated if needed. Follow the on-screen prompt to recalibrate the knob.

FLIP AXIS
Reverse the direction of the motor gear for each axis (Focus, Iris, Zoom, and Zoom Speed).

LENS
The Lens Menu contains lens map configurations and lens ring options.

  • LENS RING
    • Lens Ring - Select the appropriate lens ring size.
    • Min Mark Behavior - Select whether the knob stops at the first mark of the lens ring (Min Stop), or if it continues past the first mark of the lens map (Natural)
  • LENS MAP
    • Behavior - Extend or maintain current lensmap limits
    • Units - Select how units are displayed for the lensmap
      • Metric
      • Imperial
      • Auto
      • Match Map
      • Match Ring

CAMERA
Select the type of camera the receiver is attached to. Specific cables for the different camera connections are available for purchase.

  • RED RCP - RED DSMC, DSMC2 (all models)
  • ARRI - Arri Alexa (all models)
  • Sony - Sony VENICE, Sony FS7, Sony F55
  • PH Flex - Phantom 4K Flex (RUN/STOP MODE)
  • PH Flex BS - Phantom 4K Flex (BURST- used to trigger in loop mode)
  • Panavision DXL - Panavision DXL
  • RED Epic - EPIC (Run/Stop)
  • RED RS - RED (Run/Stop)
  • LANC - Camera with LANC support
  • Hold Low - Cameras that record while the trigger is “held low”

DIST
Use the DIST menu to configure a TOF.1 Rangefinder.

  • Autofocus - Enable or disable Autofocus on the TOF.1
  • Offset - Adjust the offset value according to the distance measured between the camera’s film plane and the subject (see CALIBRATE TOF.1)
  • Autofocus Speed - Adjust the Autofocus speed (Slow, Medium, or Fast)

LEDS
Adjust the knob's backlight and status LEDs.

  • POINTER LED
    • Pointer LED Brightness - Adjust the intensity of the knob pointer's LED
    • Pointer LED Color - Change the color of the knob pointer's LED
  • BACKLIGHT LED
    • Backlight LED Brightness - Adjust the brightness of the knob's backlight
    • Status LED Brightness - Adjust the intensity of the Status LED

System

RF
  • RF Connection Status - Indicates whether a receiver is Connected to or Disconnected from the CTRL.5.
  • RF Channel - Select a specific channel to pair the CTRL.5 with a receiver and avoid clashing with other devices. The default channel is 23.
  • RF Power Level - Select the strength of the radio frequency (RF) signal used to communicate with connected devices.
    • Low - When working close to the MDR
    • Medium - General working power level for mid-distance operation
    • EU max - European max distance RF configuration
    • US Max - US-based max distance RF configuration
  • RF Reset Button - Reset the RF settings to default
  • Scan for receiver - Scans all RF channels and auto-connects to any discovered MDR units.
WI-FI

CTRL.5 supports both AP (Access Point) and Client Mode. Use the Wi-Fi menu to connect to a network or confirm a connection.

  • WIFI SETTINGS
    • Wireless Mode - Select a wireless mode
      • OFF
      • AP
        • Name - Enter the network name
        • Security - Select the appropriate security protocol (WPA, WPA2, WPA/WPA2)
        • Region - Select your region from the list
        • Channel - Select a frequency or frequency range
      • CLIENT
        • Connect Saved Networks - Toggle on to automatically connect to a saved network
        • IP Mode - Select DHCP for automatic IP configuration or Static for manual IP configuration)
        • WiFi Scan - Scan for available networks
        • Saved Networks - Select a previously saved network
    • Reset WiFi Settings - Reset your WiFi settings
DISPLAY
  • DISPLAY SETTINGS
    • Brightness - Use the Brightness toggle switch to increase or decrease the display's brightness
    • Dim Display After - Select a time between 30 seconds to 2 hours for the display to dim automatically.
    • Turn Off Display after - Select a time between 30 seconds to 2 hours for the display to automatically turn off.
    • Sleep Mode - Tap the Sleep Display tab to fully dim the display. Press any shortcut button to wake your device.
RESET
  • CONTROLLER
    • Factory Reset Controller -Performs a full factory reset of all CTRL.5 settings, including input axis selections, lens ring selection and lens mapping
    • Reboot Controller - Force reboots the internal controller
FIRMWARE INFO (FW INFO)

The FW Info section displays the current firmware version and serial number of the CTRL.5

  • Check for new FW - Press this tab to check if new firmware is available
PERFORM A FIRMWARE UPGRADE
  1. Download the firmware file from teradek.com. NOTE: DO NOT UNZIP!
  2. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Wireless Mode and select AP (Access Point).
  3. Open Access Point Settings and note the network name (e.g., CTRL.5-XXXX).
  4. Search the available Wi-Fi networks on your computer and connect to the CTRL.5-XXXX network.
  5. Open Chrome and Enter the IP address 172.16.1.1 in the address bar to open the CTRL.5 Web UI.
  6. Navigate to the Firmware section in the Web UI.
  7. Click Select File and choose the .zip file from your downloads folder.
  8. Click Install to start the firmware update process. The CTRL.5 will complete the update over Wi-Fi.
  9. Power cycle the controller to apply the new firmware.

Devices

The Devices menu lists all the devices, such as the receiver, motors, and rangefinder, connected to your CTRL.5. Connected devices' parameters can also be configured from the CTRL.5. Tap on any of the devices, then tap the Configure button below.

CONFIGURABLE OPTIONS
RECEIVERS MOTORS
IN - 1/2 Mode IN - 1/2 Axis Axis Responsiveness Torque Level
  • Off
  • Wired
  • Knob
  • Rocker
  • Force
  • Cinetape
  • Focus Bug
  • Feedback
  • Zoom
  • Focus
  • Iris
  • Zoom
  • ISO
  • Shutter
  • Pan
  • Tilt
  • Roll
  • Focus
  • Iris
  • Zoom
  • Normal
  • Slow
  • Fast
  • Low
  • Medium
  • High

FIZ LIMIT BUTTONS AND MARKERS

CTRL.5 Limits buttons allow you to set a limit range for the Focus, Iris, or Zoom controls. Setting limits restricts the motor from adjusting the lens past a set limit. Markers serve as reference points on the CTRL.5 interface. Markers are particularly useful in scenarios requiring repetitive movements or when specific lens positions need to be recalled swiftly and accurately.

LIMITS

  1. Move the slider, knob, or rocker to the high or low end of the desired limit.
  2. Hold the limit button for the corresponding axis (Focus, Iris, or Zoom).
  3. Continue holding the limit button, move the input to the opposite end of the desired limit, and then release the button to set the limit range.

     4. Press the Clear Limits tab to remove the limit range.
     5. To completely lock the motor, hold the limit button for 1 second, then release it without moving the corresponding input.

MARKERS

  1. Move the slider or knob to the desired position.
  2. To add a marker, press the + Iris Marker or + Focus Marker button to create a virtual marker at that position.
  3. To add additional markers, move the slider or knob to the next position and press the Marker button again. Repeat this process until you have mapped all your reference points.
  4. To reposition a marker, first align the focus or iris scale with the marker you want to move. Press and hold the + Marker button to "grab" the marker, then drag it to the desired location. Release the + Marker button to place the marker in its new position.
  5. To remove a marker, move the slider or knob to the position of a specific marker and press the Remove Marker button.
  6. To delete all markers, press and hold the Focus Marker or Iris Marker button for about 1 second until a prompt appears. Confirm the prompt to remove all markers.
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