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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- CTRL.5 Controller
- White Disc (Type B)
- 2x 2.4GHz Antennas
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
GETTING STARTED
The Teradek CTRL.5 Controller is designed to provide precise wireless control of camera lenses. When paired with the MDR.X or MDR.S receiver, it ensures smooth operation on set or in the field. This section explains the default functions of the CTRL.5, such as axis operations, connectivity, lens mapping, and advanced customization options such as input/axis flipping and setting limits and markers. By understanding these features, users can optimize their workflow.
Power and Connect
- Attach a Sony NP-F970 battery to the back of the CTRL.5 controller, then press the REC/PWR (C) button to turn it on.
- Connect power to the MDR.X/S Receiver's PWR port.
- Attach motor(s) to the camera rods and lens.
- Connect power from the MDR.X/S to either motor input using a 4-pin connector. The motor(s) will then begin calibrating. NOTE: Power input must not exceed 17V. If connecting multiple motors, use a separate 4-pin connector to “daisy-chain” the other units together.
- Follow the steps in Connect to MDR.X/MDR.S below to connect your CTRL.5 to a receiver.
Default Axis Operations
The Knob, Rocker, and Slider on the CTRL.5 operate as follows:
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KNOB
Default Operation: Focus
The Knob provides precise control over the lens focus ring, ensuring smooth and accurate focus pulls. -
ROCKER
Default Operation: Zoom
The Rocker adjusts the zoom, allowing the operator to zoom in or out on the subject smoothly. -
SLIDER
Default Operation: Iris
The slider maps to the iris, providing quick and precise adjustments to the aperture for controlling exposure. -
THUMB WHEEL
Default Operation: Zoom Speed
The thumb wheel adjusts the zoom speed, allowing operators to fine-tune the rate at which the lens zooms in or out.
Connecting to MDR.X/MDR.S
The CTRL.5 simplifies connecting to an MDR.X or MDR.S receiver by utilizing RF channels to deliver efficient and reliable performance. If your controller is not yet connected to a receiver, follow these steps to complete the setup and ensure proper functionality.
- Press the MENU button on the controller, then tap the SETTINGS tab.
- Scroll down to the SYSTEM list and tap the RF tab.
- Tap the Scan for Receiver tab. Ensure that the CTRL.5 and the receiver are on the same RF channel.
- Confirm that the RF Connection Status has changed to Connected on the main screen and that the connected channel on the home screen has also turned from white to green.
Lens Mapping
The CTRL.5 offers advanced built-in lens mapping as a standard feature, enhancing precision and efficiency. Users can seamlessly auto-calibrate their lenses to pre-marked focus rings, achieving highly accurate and repeatable control over focus, iris, and zoom operations. This feature streamlines setup and optimizes performance, making it ideal for professional workflows with both prime and zoom lenses. For steps on how to create a lens map, refer to the LENS MAPS section
Limits and Markers
Limits and markers are essential features of the CTRL.5 controller, which enhances precision and efficiency in lens control operations. Limits allow operators to define specific start and end points for lens movements, restricting the focus, iris, or zoom controls to a set range. Markers provide reference points on the lens control interface, helping operators quickly return to predefined positions or settings. These features prove especially useful for repetitive movements or when operators need to recall specific lens positions quickly and accurately. For steps on how to set Limits and Digital markers, refer to the FIZ LIMITS AND MARKERS section.
CTRL.5 Connections and Pin-Out Descriptions
CTRL.5 Status LEDs
The CTRL.5 status LED indicates when the system is ON and provides the system’s current status during operation.
- OFF - Unit is powered off
- WHITE - Booting
- ORANGE - Not connected
- GREEN - Connected
- RED - Camera is recording
Camera Run/Stop
- Connect a camera cable from the CAM/Control port on the receiver to the camera
- Press the MENU button on the controller, then tap the SETTINGS tab.
- Scroll down the PAGE VIEW list and tap the CAMERA tab.
- Select the correct camera brand.
- 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.
CTRL.5 HOME SCREEN
The CTRL.5 Home Screen displays the iris, zoom, and focus scales and current value, along with the Markers, Limits, and Menu buttons, giving operators a clear view of their lens positions. This intuitive layout lets users monitor and adjust settings in real time.
HOME SCREEN OPERATION NOTES
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 OPTIONS
The CTRL.5 Menu Options provide users with quick access to essential tools, such as the Lens Maps, Settings, and Devices menus. These menus allow users to calibrate lenses, adjust controller preferences, and manage device connections. To access the menus, press the Home screen's Menu tab (11), then select Lens Maps, Settings, or Devices.
Lens Maps
Create a Lens Map
1. Navigate to Menu > Lens Maps, then tap the Create New Lens Map button. Ensure
2. Select the lens manufacturer.
3. Select a lens type from the preset list. If your lens type is not listed, tap Other to create a name to identify the lens map.
4. Select the lens according to the focal length (e.g. 35mm, 85mm), then tap the Create Lens Map tab.
5. You will be prompted to create a Focal Length (Zoom) map and an Iris map before creating the Lens Map. Select Yes or No, then tap Confirm to proceed. Ensure a motor is attached to the corresponding ring, and the motor and controller are set to the same class (Focus, Iris, Zoom).
CTRL.5 DEFAULT INPUTS
- FOCUS - Knob
- IRIS - Slider
- ZOOM - Rocker
- ZOOM SPEED - Wheel
You can program the inputs to use a different user control element in the Settings menu.
6. Move the controller knob, zoom rocker, or slider so that the motor adjusts the lens ring to the corresponding mark, then tap Confirm. Continue until you have programmed all the lens marks. Repeat this step for every control input, then click Confirm when you're done. NOTE: Entering every lens mark is not required, but it is recommended for the Lens Map to be more accurate.
7. When prompted, tap the Use this Lens Map to add it to the Mapped Lenses list and begin using it.
8. Attach a lens ring to the controller’s knob, then navigate to Settings > Lens > Lensring and select the corresponding lens ring size.
Settings
Page Views - Home Screen Configuration
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FOCUS
- Show Current Value - Enable/Disable the display of the current Focus position on the home screen
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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Control Elements
- Knob
- Slider
- Wheel
- Rocker
- Off
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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.
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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)
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LENS MAP
- Behavior - Extend or maintain current lensmap limits
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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.
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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
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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.
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WIFI SETTINGS
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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
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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
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Wireless Mode - Select a wireless mode
DISPLAY
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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
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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
- Download the firmware file. NOTE: DO NOT UNZIP!
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Wireless Mode and select AP (Access Point).
- Open Access Point Settings and note the network name (e.g., CTRL.5-XXXX).
- On your computer, search the available Wi-Fi networks and connect to the CTRL.5-XXXX network.
- Open Chrome and Enter the IP address 172.16.1.1 in the address bar to open the CTRL.5 Web UI.
- Navigate to the Firmware section in the Web UI.
- Click Select File and choose the .zip file from your downloads folder.
- Click Install to start the firmware update process. The CTRL.5 will complete the update over Wi-Fi.
- 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.
Configuration Options
| RECEIVER | MOTORS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IN - 1/2 Mode | IN - 1/2 Axis | Axis | Responsiveness | Torque Level | ||
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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
- Move the slider, knob, or rocker to the high or low end of the desired limit.
- Hold the limit button for the corresponding axis (Focus, Iris, or Zoom).
- 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
- Move the slider or knob to the desired position.
- To add a marker, press the + Iris Marker or + Focus Marker button to create a virtual marker at that position.
- 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.
- 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.
- To remove a marker, move the slider or knob to the position of a specific marker and press the Remove Marker button.
- 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.
