CTRL.1, CTRL.3, and CTRL.5 feature 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 a standard feature on the CTRL.5 and CTRL.3. For CTRL.1, 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, use the following steps to activate this feature.
Activate Lens Map (CTRL.1 only)
Activate the lens mapping license on CTRL.1 to enable lens mapping features. This license unlocks full mapping capability and allows the controller to create and store custom lens maps.
- Press the MENU button, then use the τ button to navigate to the ADV (Advanced) menu. Press the SET button to access the menu.
- Navigate to the LICENSES menu. Press SET to display the UID number.
- To generate a license key, visit activate.teradek.com and enter the controller’s UID, upgrade code, and your email address.
- On the same screen displaying the UID number, select YES to enter the license key. After entering the license key, you can now map the lens to the controller.
Create a Lens Map (CTRL.1 / CTRL.3)
Create a lens map on the CTRL.1 or CTRL.3 to record focus, iris, and zoom positions for a lens. This ensures the controller can accurately track lens movement during use and keeps your lens map data consistent across shoots.
- Navigate to LENS>LENSMAP>CREATE.
- Select the lens brand, then create a name to identify the lens map.
- 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).
- 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).
- Move the controller knob so that the motor adjusts the lens ring to the minimum stop.
- Using the Up and Down 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
- Press the MENU button, then select TABLE DONE.
- 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.
- Attach a lens ring to the controller’s knob.
- Navigate to LENS>LENSRING>SELECT and select the corresponding lens ring size.
Create a Lens Map (CTRL.5)
Create detailed lens maps on your CTRL.5 to streamline your workflow. Mapping each lens ahead of time gives you reliable focus data and eliminates guesswork on set.
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.
Import/Export Lens Maps
Use RT Manager and the CTRL.5 Web UI to transfer lens maps between Teradek RT controllers or save them to your computer as backups. This workflow helps speed up prep, preserves your existing lens data, and prevents the need to remap lenses from scratch. It also ensures you always have a reliable copy ready when upgrading, replacing, or sharing controllers.
NOTE: Ensure you are using the latest version of RT Manager (v2.0.0), or newer.
Export a Lens Map from CTRL.1 or CTRL.3
1. Open RT Manager.
2. Connect your controller (CTRL.1 or CTRL.3) to your computer via USB.
3. Navigate to the Lens Map tab and click Retrieve Maps from the Controller.
4. Select the lens maps you want to export from the Controller Lens Map list, then click Export to File to save the file to your computer. Note: The file will be saved as an .rtlm file.
Import a Lens Map to CTRL.5
1. Connect your computer to the CTRL.5 Wi-Fi network. By default, the SSID is CTRL.5-XXXX (XXXX represents the last 4 digits of the controller's serial number).
2. Enter the IP address 172.16.1.1 in the address bar to open the CTRL.5 web UI.
3. From the web UI, navigate to Lens Maps, then click the Select file tab.
6. Select the .rtlm file from your computer. Once selected, the file name will appear above the Select file and Import tabs.
7. Click Import to upload the file and add it to the lens map menu.
Export a Lens Map from CTRL.5
1. Connect your computer to the CTRL.5 Wi-Fi network. By default, the SSID is CTRL.5-XXXX (XXXX represents the last 4 digits of the controller's serial number).
2. Enter the IP address 172.16.1.1 in the address bar to open the CTRL.5 web UI.
3. Navigate to Lens Maps, then choose one of two export methods:
- Hover over a lens map’s download icon to export it individually
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Export All Maps to export all at once
4. Save the lens map file(s) to your computer.
Import a Lens Map to CTRL.1 or CTRL.3
1. Open RT Manager and connect your CTRL.1 or CTRL.3 via USB.
2. Navigate to the Lens Maps tab and click Retrieve Maps from the Controller to import the .rtlm file.
3. Select Load Maps from File to import the .rtlm file.
3. Select the lens map from the list, then click Write Maps to Controller to upload the lens map(s) to your controller
Lens Data Overlay (CTRL.1 / CTRL.3)
SmallHD monitors include a Lens Data Overlay feature that displays your controller’s lens map position. Before activating the Lens Data Overlay feature, you will need a SmallHD/Teradek RT Interface Cable - Be sure you purchase the appropriate cable for your monitor.
Activate Lens Data Overlay
- Update your CTRL.3/CTRL.1 controller and SmallHD monitor to the latest firmware.
For more instructions on how to integrate your controller and monitor, visit: https://support.cs.inc/s/article/360020392513-Teradek-RT-SmallHD-Integration - From the controller, navigate to LENS>LENSMAP and select one of the configured lens maps.
- Press the MENU button to return to the main menu, then navigate to MENU>IO CONFIG>SMALLHD.
- Select YES to activate SmallHD communications (SMALLHD COMMS).
- Connect a cable from the controller’s wired mode connector to the monitor’s USB port.
- Tap the screen on the SmallHD and navigate to ADD NEW TOOL>ADD ONS.
- Select TERADEK RT.
- The Lens Map Overlay will appear on the right of the SmallHD screen and move according to the controller’s knob movements.