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FAQs

Is your wireless technology for I.O. and Conv self developed? How reliable is the wireless link? How reliable is the motor? How reactive is the handunit? What's the reliable range?
Our control system hardware and software architecture has been built from the ground up to handle 3D. Not only do we precisely drive IO+C with no measurable backlash but our most basic system provides for convergence tracking so that once you set convergence, you can move IO anywhere in range and convergence will stay slaved to the exact C-distance you originally commanded. In terms of responsiveness our motors are selected for driving cameras in IO+C rather than appropriated lens drives. They are very fast and very responsive to the point it almost feels like a mechanical link. Our motors are Swiss made Maxxon units which also supplies motors to Preston and Heden.

We can run hardwired up to 500 meters (longer with additional hardware) Our wireless link is generally good up to 300 meters and uses Bluetooth technology. The Bluetooth has worked well in most environments however it (like any wireless system) has encountered interference. We are in the final testing phase of a proprietary wireless protocol which promises improved range and robustness of connectivity over any system we know of including our existing link. It is fully backwards compatible with all ET rig electronics and all ET hand Units. Finally, we have developed our own lens control system based on the same architecture. It is designed from the ground up as a 3D lens control system.

We also have the most sophisticated metadata system in the industry and are capable of integrating fully with many of the 3D stereo image analyzers like Sony MPE-200, Fraunhofer STAN and Mistika Live.

The camera to mirror position is a free sliding mechnism. This does not produce repeatable result when we change lens. Calibration is slow when we change camera position to accomodate filter.
We use an Arri compatible dovetail mechanism. We are happy to provide calibration marks on the dovetails which can be very helpful. Many of our customers like to use a small bridgeplate as a stop block so the camera goes back in the exact position after being pulled back. Additionally we often use the STAN stereo analysis tool to help identify any sort of image size offset.

The width of the PULSAR camera cage is fairly small and don't allow for a wide I.O. The minimum I.O I need is 0-175mm. I would prefer 0-220mm if possible.
It is not the cage size but rather the motion module that limits IO range. The Quasar in beamsplitter mode is capable of 0 - 150mm but is Side X Side is capable of 150mm - 295mm. Likewise the Atom/Pulsar in beamsplitter mode goes from 0 - 105mm and in SxS goes from 100mm - 200mm unless you add the spacer which changes the range to 175mm - 275mm.

The ET design puts the center of gravity fairly high.
It all depends which mode you use. Each system is capable of 3 configurations; [Over/Thru (highest CofG)] OR [Under/Thru (lowest Cof G)] OR [Side X Side (medium Cof G)] For the World Cup in South Africa we had 22 rigs; half were Under/Thru and half were Side X Side FWIW any rig using the over/thru configuration will have a fairly high C of G regardless of manufacturer.

Default ET rigs does not have slots for ND filter,etc... Modifying the rig for a filter slot will change the widest lens it can use.
Exactly right. There is always a trade-off between ease of filtration field of view. Adding filter stages to the outside of the beamsplitter box will negatively affect how wide you can go with a given mirror size. Most of our customers have most interested in using the widest lens possible. We are happy to add Arri style filtration stages to our beamsplitter boxes for those customers who are interested.. Withing the next 2 - 3 months all of our mirror sizes and will be compatible most of our rigs. For example on the Pulsar you would have the choice of the 11", 14" or 16" trapezoid mirrors depending on application. All of our systems are designed with a 3mm slot at the front of the beamsplitter box for an optical flat. Some customers have chosen to make large ND filters for this slot.

Our rigs are far and away the most reliable and robustly built in the world. We offer 3 rigs in 9 configurations that are capable of accommodating any style of shooting with any camera/lens combination.

We have invested in the Sony MPE-200 processor and will be looking to integrate the THC-(S) controller. We see the ‘convergence puller’ operating from a remote position (OB truck or MCR). Can this be achieved via the Sony processor?
Yes, with our IO module you will be able to connect the rig to the MPE-200 and control IO+C. You can use the Sony interface however most C-pullers use our hand unit with the signal running through the MPE-200.

Is the THC-L aimed at operating lenses from a remote position or via an AC at the camera position?
The THC-L is very similar to the THC-S but optimized for lens control. We designed it to work wired or wirelessly connected to the rig. In the standard config the wireless range is up to 1000’ while the wired is 1600’. Longer distances are possible with additional hardware. If you are using a fiber adapter to connect the rig to the OB truck the THC-L could use one of the serial channels on the fiber adapter.

Could we have the option of higher grade glass, with basic mirrors as back up spares?
We have just started using a new general purpose mirror with much better performance than the original standard mirror. Because we purchased an initial batch of 500, we can sell them for ½ of the previous standard price. The new mirror price is $540. We are using these mirrors at the World Cup. We can also offer an extremely high performance mirror at $5000 each.

What sort (format) of metadata can be extracted from the system and can this be transported via the Sony MPE-200 and is there support via NLE’s to read the metadata?
Currently when the MPE-200 is connected to the Quasar, it is receiving IO+C position data from the rig and lens position data from the lenses. In terms of pure metadata we can send that same IO+C info out as a stream to record in the header of the image files or we can save it as a discreet file. When we are controlling the lenses or at least monitoring the lens control, FI+Z; Focus, Iris and Zoom position data would also be available as part of the ET metadata stream or file. Finally, we are working with Fraunhofer to add the image analysis information to the metadata stream/file for one of two reasons. In broadcast this analysis data can drive real-time image correction (geometric and exposure) by either Sony’s MPE-200 or by a similar Fraunhofer image processing module. The second reason is to use the analysis data to drive the geometric corrections in post production. Currently, disparities between left and right images are corrected manually by the 3D tools in systems like the Pablo, Mistika and others. We are beginning work with some of these systems to create a plug-in that utilizes our metadata to do an automatic "one-light" for 3D dailies and to dramatically cut down on expensive post time.

What are your mirror box options?
Currently the Quasar has one mirror box that works in under/thru and over/thru. It uses a 16" wide trapezoidal beamsplitter which can accommodate a horizontal FOV of 76° which is roughly 6mm on a 2/3" sensor.

The Neutron and Pulsar will share 3 sizes of beamsplitter boxes; SMALL (standard on Neutron), MEDIUM (standard on Pulsar) and LARGE (optional on either and not available until late August/early September) All three of these have similar construction where the beamsplitter box is made of an aluminum frame with carbon fiber panels.

The Small will accommodate a 65° horizontal FOV as long as the front of the lens is smaller than 52mm. Fujinon 7.5 - 30mm B4 mini zoom or an 8mm C-Mount prime.

The Medium will accommodate a 65° horizontal FOV as long as the front of the lens is smaller than 82mm. This would be a fairly standard ENG B4 zoom like the Canon 7.6 18X or 22X

The Large will accommodate a 76° horizontal FOV as long as the front of the lens is less than 82mm. This is the same as the Quasar specs and will use the same size piece of glass but a lighter box/frame assembly.

What are the Neutron's specifications (size, weight, interocular distance, etc.) and price, and when will it start shipping?
The size is set at 12" tall, 8.5" wide, 6.75" deep. Weight should come in around 15lbs. The I/O range is from 0" to 3.5' in beamsplitter mode and 3.5-7" in side-by side. Price starts at $49k USD which includes the motors and THC (Technica Hand Controller). Shipping is roughly four weeks away.

With the Quasar Rig using Sony F900 cameras, taking in consideration that the material will be recorded on Tape, is there any special requirement for setting the recording on both cameras and /or the time code
First of all the Quasar and the F900 work best in one of 2 different modes; Under/Thru beamsplitter or Side by Side. These are the 2 modes we are using for the World Cup this Summer. You will also want our standard Sony interface plates.

The most efficient way to record two video streams is to send left and right eye streams as HD-SDI to an SRW1 deck where both eyes are being recorded on to one piece of tape. This means you only need to sync the cameras but it does require an external deck.

Recording on each onboard deck will also work fine as long as the cameras are genlocked and running the same timecode. This can be achieved with an Ambient Lockit Box. More on genlocking F900s together can be found here on CML: http://www.cinematography.net/edited-pages/F900Genlock.htm

If memory serves correctly the onboard decks record at a lower quality than the HD-SDI stream the camera is capable of. If quality is important then the single deck solution will let you record each eye at 10 bit 4:2:2 on to a single tape rather than the individual F900 decks with their 8 bit 3:1:1 rate

Just remember that to playback the two tapes from a pair of external decks will require them to be synchronized.

1.Which model rig would you recommend for 35mm digital capture? If your largest rig does not accommodate 35mm, what can it handle?
Our Quasar rig was designed for full body digital cinema cameras including F23/35, Genesis, Red One, Phantom as well as full body digital broadcast cameras like Sony 950/1500 and others from Sony, Philips, Panasonic.

2. Which cameras specifically do you recommend for use on your rig?
The Quasar has mechanical interfaces for Genesis, F23/35, Phantom, Red One, Sony 1500 (full body or T-Block) SONY &t Panasonic broadcast and SI-2K Mini with more to come.

3. What mounting methodology does your rig employ (ARRI baseplate, PCM, proprietary, etc.)?
The Quasar uses an Arri compatible dovetail with our Hybrid Core as a means of mounting individual cameras to the rig as well as for fore/aft (along optical axis) adjustment of the individual cameras. Most cameras utilize a secondary interface specific to the camera to connect it to the Hybrid Core. All of the interfaces are designed and fabricated with rigidity and security in mind so there is no measurable mechanical compliance.

4. What is your recommendation for focal length range of lenses to be used on your rig?
The answer depends on configuration, given that the Quasar can be configured as either a beamsplitter system or a side-by-side system while maintaining the same feature set and user interface.

• Beamsplitter Focal Length Range; PL, PV or B4 prime lenses and smaller zooms. Range in mm based on S35 format with current beamsplitter box/frame: *16mm to *250mm

• Side by Side Focal Length Range; PL, PV or B4 primes and zooms (no physical size limit. Range in mm based on S35 format: up to 2200mm tested

*This range is based on several factors; the wide end is determined by the size of the beamsplitter mirror. Our stock unit is designed to accommodate the wide-end of the Optimo Rouge. Since our beamsplitter box is easily removable, we now offer larger/wider beamsplitter frame/box assemblies for extreme wide angle application. Similarly, the long end is based on tests done with a 2/3 3CCD Sony 1500 and a B4 zoom. The longest focal length found to be useable before the mirror quality became an issue was the S35 equivalent of 250mm. The long end depends on the quality of the mirror where as the wide end has a significantly lower requirement in terms of mirror quality. If longer focal lengths or higher resolution at similar focal lengths are required we can very easily build a beamsplitter frame with a small aperture for a very high quality polished beamsplitter mirror to accommodate a range of 40 to 400mm for example. This lets us provide a relatively inexpensive general use mirror along with a relatively inexpensive long focal length only mirror of a smaller size.

Finally, we consider the mirror to be a consumable since they are relatively fragile and often exposed. You will have the option of purchasing replacement glass from us or sourcing your own special or general use mirror.

5. Can your system accommodate zoom lenses?
Yes. Our system has had very good results with both PL and B4 glass to date. The higher mechanical quality of the PL glass has made tracking correction much faster during prep, both can be set up and configured to match throughout the range.

6. What is largest lens front diameter your rig can cover?
Our current beamsplitter box has an aperture of 4.85” but this can easily be increased to 6” or more by fabricating relatively few parts while still using the same beamsplitter frame/box assembly.

7. What is the longest overall length (camera+lens) your rig can handle?
The Quasar has been designed to accommodate camera/lens combinations as long as 24” combined as would be seen with the 1500 full body with a medium range B4 zoom. The Quasar can be very easily scaled by replacing two structural parts to accommodate much larger/longer packages.

8. What types of controllers are packaged with your system? Can it accept others?
The standard configuration includes integrated motors, electronics (quick swap modular design for field serviceability) and a remote hand unit (wired/wireless) to control IO+C.

Currently our electronics are 2-axis yet our hand controller is 3-axis to support expanded functionality. We have a 2nd 3-axis hand controller in development which will have a micro-joystick in place of the 30° small wheel. This additional hand controller is intended to be used for stereo lens control. We are also developing 8-axis control electronics which will support IO+C and 2(FI+Z) for complete system control on the same architecture and Comm BUS.

The Quasar is also compatible with Preston motors, MDR-2 and the Hand Unit 3 to control IO+C. Howard Preston has modified the firmware of his system based on the geometry of our IO+C dual linear/ virtual rotary stages so that full IO+C control very similar to our own is possible.

The Quasar has been used commercially with Preston, Arri and C-Motion lens drive systems in stereo mode without significant issue. The Quasar can provide power distribution for these systems as well as mechanical QR interfaces.

9. How adaptable is your rig for remote applications?
The Quasar has been used several times with the Chapman G-3 remote stabilized head mounted to the bottom of the rig. We also havet an interface that would allow the tilt drive to mount directly to the CofG of the Quasar to minimize the size.

For control, our handset has a maximum range of no less than 300’ and can run hard wired up to 1000’

10. How is convergence handled? What angular range can be accommodated?
The Quasar with standard beamsplitter frame/box, 16mm focal length and most full size cameras has an IO range of 4.5” and can converge down to 4 feet. A closer convergence point is possible but has not been needed.

All systems in the Technica 3D line use the dual linear stage arrangement for IO+C. Two parallel linear stages (zero backlash Teflon coated leadscrew) are straddled by a dovetail interface that can pivot relative to both linear stages. Each leadscrew has its own motor. When both motors turn synchronously the direct view camera moves linearly changing the IO distance. When the rear motor drives independent of the front the LOS of the camera converges on a point in front of the camera measured in feet. When the rear motor turns faster than the front then both IO+C are changed. We can also offset the virtual pivot point to match the nodal point of the lens.

11. How is alignment handled? To what level of accuracy is alignment controlled? Is this control under static or dynamic conditions?
Ease and precision of alignment is a hallmark of the Quasar. By providing a specific straightforward process with a hard starting point, a visually perfect alignment is possible in 15 minutes without electronic or computer assistance.

We consider the direct view camera as fixed in pitch, roll and Z (height). The reflected view camera is fixed in the yaw axis (and so defines the horizontal IO zero) but is adjustable in pitch, roll and Z.

1) The IO zero is set by moving the direct view camera left and right until the LOS (horizontal) matches the LOS of the reflected camera which has no yaw adjustment. (This can be set optically or via a software function in the control electronics)

2) Once the direct camera is in place a mirror gauge with appropriate lens mount is fitted in the cameras lens port and locked in place of a lens.

3) The gauge is extended out until the 45° non-marring face is just touching the back of the mirror. (Gauge can also be used to check that camera is square to mirror if horizontal zero has not been set)

4) Magnetic access doors on the beamsplitter box are removed from left and right sides to allow easy visual confirmation.

5) The mirror pivot locks are released and the mirror is tilted until the mirror and gauge angle match.

6) The mirror pivots are locked. Mirror is now precisely located 45° relative to the LOS (along the vertical axis) of the direct view camera.

7) Lenses are installed on both cameras. Each camera is powered and connected to its own 2D monitor for viewing line up chart. (3D overlay can also be used but is not as precise)

8) The reflected view camera can now be manipulated in pitch, roll and Z via three independent knobs on the back of the alignment module. (DT locks must be released prior to knob adjustment and locked once adjustment is complete)

NOTE: The alignment module is comprised of a very compact nested 2-axis gimbal with a +.060” linear stage. The total height of entire assembly is 1.25”. This assembly allows independent adjustment of pitch, roll and Z. Adjusting one has no effect on the other two. The locking mechanism is neutral and will not affect the P, R, Z adjustments.

It has been observed in all types of shooting that the Quasar is exceptional at maintaining the alignment once it has been set. Regardless of the environment; dolly, camera car, off-road vehicle, marine or aerial the alignment holds. In most 3D platforms the vertical alignment is typically the most problematic especially when changing the IO+C. This is not an issue with the Quasar. Even at longer focal lengths the vertical alignment does not change. Outside sources have measured the accuracy of the Quasar and its alignment tools at + .005°.

12. Does your system output metadata? In what form?
The existing control electronics are capable of outputting the IO+C data as IO = inches and C = feet over the Bluetooth radio as a discreet text file while the handset is in hardwired mode. The 8-axis controller will be able to output IO+C and FI+Z over several protocols either as a discreet text file or as a stream to the recording device. The other feature of the 8-axis board is its ability to receive timecode from the same source as the camera and imprint this info with each metadata frame. We will format the data as required.

If a higher level of functionality is required on the 2-axis system we can certainly accommodate this.

13. What are the power requirements of your rig? Does this include camera operational requirements? Lens drives?
Our 2-axis system for IO+C currently uses 12V at 3A maximum draw. We offer an optional power distribution box that takes in up to 12V 16A and 24V 12A for distribution. It has 3X 3-pin XLR and 3X 4-pin XLR and optional 12 or 24V Fischer or Lemo AKS power connectors depending on user.

We are developing two versions of a smarter power converting and distribution box. One is a 12V nominal and the other is a 24V nominal. You select the voltage that matches your primary cameras.

Internally we are using a 12V version of this box with our own AC power supply to feed the box 14V.

14. Does operation of your rig require an on-set tech? Do you provide them? Do you offer user training? How about staff training for our prep/service techs?
Technically we require a qualified technician. The system is so simple to use that we have found it possible to teach any experienced 1st AC complete rig operation in 4 hours. Once the prep tech staff is up to speed, they can easily train a 1st AC to operate the rig. We recommend adding 1 day to the front of the prep. If the AC has 3D experience the process is even faster. For short jobs (less than 1 week) we recommend a qualified/experienced freelance rig tech. For longer jobs, one of the 1st ACs can confidently manage the rig as long as the crew has an experienced stereographer.

15. Physical dimensions?

  • Weight (no cameras or lenses): 46 lbs
  • Height (if adjustable, height range): 25” – 27”
  • Width (left to right): 13.5”
  • Depth (front to back):15”

16. How does your gear ship (number and size of cases, shipping weight)?
We typically send the rig in two Storm cases;

1) Beamsplitter frame and accessories: 50lbs

2) Main rig structure: 65lbs

We have a larger single flight case planned which would allow a fully dressed rig to be stored inside the case for company moves. It would also provide complete shipping protection for an assembled rig without cameras and lenses. It would also house the rig AKS including spare mirror.

17. What is the maximum payload of the rig?
Has not been observed but estimated to be well over 2X 40lb camera/lens package for a total of 80lbs. This limit is set so that the IO+C mechanism and all interfaces are well within their safe operating parameters. Structurally we can go significantly higher but would need to modify some of the ancillary systems like gearing in the IO+C mechanism and raise the power consumption to maintain the same speed.

18. Are there any other features you would like to mention?
We are working on several higher function features for the entire Technica 3D line including:

a) Full stereo image analysis and processing including zoom tracking correction and image rectification both geometric and colorimetric. This is along the lines of the 3ality SIP in functionality but with a much more intuitive and graphics based UI.
b) Power management Based on our current power distribution box and our AC power supply we are working on a suite of products that will significantly reduce the cabling that commonly runs to many rigs. One common power source, one primary cable with custom secondary cables to power primary and secondary systems.
c) Medium and small sized rigs for handheld, steadicam and POV work As sensors and associated electronics are refined and their enclosures reduced, the smaller Technica 3D systems will take advantage of reduced size for greater mobility.

At the risk of being redundant we would like to point out that the underlying principles informing the design of the Quasar are:
a) Simplicity
b) Precision
c) Durability
d) Reliability
e) Field serviceability

19. The rig moves end to end and after reaching end stops, returns to an arbitrary mid position but out of convergence. It is not possible to reach zero convergence or interaxial from this position. The range on the hand controller then operates diverged.
From what you have said, the system sounds like it is currently configured as a beam splitter configuration. However, it seems that the motor controller switch is set for side by side. If you are able to make large convergence changes when the camera is near 0 interaxial and the convergence movement range is smaller when closer to max interaxial, then this switch is definitely in the wrong position. Please have a look at this, as I am fairly certain that this is causing your current problem.