RCU-1 Instruction Manual as of: May 1995 ALL ARTWORK, PICTURES AND TEXTS ARE COVERED BY OUR COPYRIGHT. THEY MUST NOT BE COPIED FOR REPRODUCTION (E.G. ON CD-ROM DISKS OR INTERNET-SITES) OR USED IN THEIR ENTIRE FORM OR IN EXCERPTS WITHOUT OUR PREVIOUS WRITTEN AGREEMENT. IF YOU ARE DOWNLOADING PDF-FILES FROM OUR INTERNET HOMEPAGE FOR YOUR PERSONAL USE, MAKE SURE TO CHECK FOR UPDATED VERSIONS. WE CANNOT TAKE ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR DOWNLOADED FILES, AS TECHNICAL DATA ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
RCU-1 Operating elements READY-LED READY-LED Indicator (square) for the standard display-mode (RCU functions) socket REV REV / FOR operation direction switch FOR RUN-LED READY RUN ft m h:min TC UB fpsR sec:f 1 5 2 6 3 7 4 8 filter jam DISPLAY PROG asy end bat MODE SEL / ▼ SET/▲ function switch MODE • SEL • SET keys fps CAM ) ramp RCU RCU fps + ) ramp + ) PHASE-key ft m h:min TC UB fpsR sec:f 1 5 2 6 3 7 4 8 filter jam PROG asy end bat analog to the RUN-LED on the camera
Remote Control Unit – 1 Safety Specifications • In order to assure optimum performance, it is essential to read this instruction manual. Warning signs indicate the possibility of operational error or equipment damage! • Assembly and initial operation should be carried out only by persons who are already familiar with the equipment! • The warning signals in the display of the RCU-1 must be obeyed, please correct the settings of values if necessary.
Remote Control Unit – 1 Contents Safety Specifications ............................ 1 1. The System ........................................ 4 Range of Functions .................................. 5 2. Setup .................................................. 8 2. 1 Electrical Connection ......................... 8 2. 2 Switching on .................................... 9 2. 3 Important Notes ............................... 9 3. CAM Functions ................................ 11 4. RCU Functions .............
Remote Control Unit – 1 4. 4 fps + ) ........................................ 24 Adjusting the filming speed with an automatically synchronised change of the shutter angle for constant exposure ............................. 24 Defining end-stops for the handwheel (filming speed) ...................................... 25 Checking the shutter angle value limits ..... 27 4. 5 ramp + ) .....................................
Remote Control Unit – 1 1. The System The RCU-1 is a practical remote-control and program unit for all new-generation ARRIFLEX cameras: from the ARRIFLEX␣ 16SR␣ 3 through the 535 and 535B to the new ARRIFLEX␣ 435. Its range of functions is automatically adapted to the attached camera: at both operating speed value limits and on an electronically adjustable mirror shutter. The RCU-1 can be used whenever uncomplicated, sturdy, and yet still comprehensive remote control is important.
Remote Control Unit – 1 Range of Functions The RCU-1 combines two modes of operation in a compact housing: • CAM-functions In the CAM-mode exactly the same operational modes and functions are accessible as directly on the camera itself. The display of the RCU-1 shows the same information as the camera display. The keys MODE, SEL, SET, RUN, RAMP and the RUN-LED have the same function as the equivalent operating elements on the camera.
Remote Control Unit – 1 RCU-1 operating modes are: ) to control the shutter angle manually with the handwheel on cameras with an electronically adjustable mirror shutter. The end-stops for the handwheel can be programmed to cover a user-defined range of the shutter angle. fps for the direct control of the filming speed with the handwheel. The end-stops for the handwheel can be programmed to cover a user-defined range of filming speeds.
Remote Control Unit – 1 In RCU mode, the display of the RCU-1 shows the current values of the correspondent RCU modes. The MODE, SEL, SET and RAMP key relate only to the chosen RCU function. The available ranges for filming speed and shutter angle are automatically recognised and supported for all connected ARRIFLEX cameras. • The Iris Control Unit (ICU) may be used for cameras without electronically controlled mirror shutters for constant exposure in the ramp function.
Remote Control Unit – 1 2. Setup 2. 1 Electrical Connection The RCU-1 is connected to the CCU-socket on the camera with the cable KC-39 (1.5 m), or the cable KC-41 (20 m). This serial RS 232 interface transfers all data precisely and is not sensitive to interference.
Remote Control Unit – 1 2. 2 Switching on The RCU-1 does not have its own on/off switch. It is supplied directly through the camera via the connection cable, as soon as the camera is switched on. The display of the RCU-1 illuminates red as long, as the camera is on. The READY-LED changes from blinking red to permanent green, once the communication has been successfully established. The RCU-1 is now ready for use. 2.
Remote Control Unit – 1 If the set values exceed the available range for the currently connected model, a warning indication is displayed. Important: In RCU-mode the RCU-1 overrides the values for filming speed and shutter angle set at the camera. This may result in a wrong exposure for the subsequent takes if the values are not checked before you go on filming. A value for the shutter angle set with the RCU-1 is retained in the camera. The shutter angle will not be automatically readjusted to 180°.
Remote Control Unit – 1 3. CAM Functions CAM RCU position CAM The operating elements on the RCU-1 control the same functions as the correspondent keys and indicators on the camera: MODE • SEL • SET • PHASE, RUN-key and RUN-LED. The RAMP key represents the “program“-function of the camera in this mode of operation. All camera functions are explained in the corresponding instruction manuals of the cameras.
Remote Control Unit – 1 4. RCU Functions CAM RCU position RCU In this mode the RCU-1 offers convenient access to camera functions and an especially fast setting of operational parameters, as well as additional programming features. • Change to RCU with the function switch. • The sliding switch on the camera must be set from NORM to PS/CCU. This enables the remote control of the camera with the RCU-functions.
Remote Control Unit – 1 4. 1 fps ) ) RCU ramp fps + ) ramp + ) mode selection switch set to ) Adjusting the shutter angle with the handwheel For cameras with an electronically adjustable mirror shutter it is extremely convenient to control the shutter angle with the RCU-1 manually. • Set the mode selection switch to ) . The display of the RCU-1 shows the value of the currently selected and active shutter angle together with the mode description “AnGLE“.
Remote Control Unit – 1 Cameras without an electronically adjustable mirror shutter of course do not support this function. As a warning signal for the user the display of the RCU-1 indicates: “no AdJ“. Defining end-stops for the handwheel (shutter angle) The values for the left and the right end-stop of the handwheel can be set to cover a user-defined range of the shutter angle. This enables an extremely sensitive and also precise setting of values within the whole rotation-angle of the handwheel.
Remote Control Unit – 1 • Return to the standard display by depressing the MODE key. As an immediate indicator and a working aid a small rectangle is integrated into the display to mark up the standard display mode. Warning: In RCU-mode the RCU-1 overrides the values for filming speed and shutter angle previously set on the camera. To avoid wrong exposure, check the active values before starting the next take.
Remote Control Unit – 1 4. 2 fps fps ) ramp RC U fps + ) ramp + ) mode selection switch set to fps Adjusting the filming speed with the handwheel • Set the mode selection switch to fps. The display of the RCU-1 shows the value of the currently selected and active filming speed together with the mode description “SPEEd“. • The filming speed can now be directly controlled with the handwheel.
Remote Control Unit – 1 fpsR Warning: In RCU-mode the RCU-1 overrides the values for filming speed and shutter angle previously set on the camera. To avoid wrong exposure, check the active values before starting the next take. i. e. if you only reset the RCU-1to the CAM-mode, the filming speed previously selected with the RCU-1 still remains active on the camera.
Remote Control Unit – 1 • With the repeated depression of the SEL key the subsequent positions for the values can be edited one after the other to match the requested range of filming speeds. It is not necessary to enter the minimum value at the first position and then the maximum. The lower value will be automatically assigned to the left end-stop as the minimum position. • The selected values are stored in the RCU-1 with the SET key. fpsR • Return to the standard display by depressing the MODE key.
Remote Control Unit – 1 4. 3 ramp fps ) ramp RCU fps + ) ramp + ) mode selection switch set to ramp Recall an automatically controlled speed ramp with a user-defined ramping-time • Set the mode selection switch to ramp. The display of the RCU-1 shows the start value of filming speed together with the mode description “rA“. The camera will start running with this filming speed after depressing the RUN key.
Remote Control Unit – 1 The RAMP key can also be again depressed before the first ramp function has finished. Then the ramp immediately reverses its direction and returns from the reached filming speed back to the selected starting speed. There is no automatic exposure compensation connected with this ramp function. If a synchronised adjustment of the shutter angle is required, select the ramp + ) mode.
Remote Control Unit – 1 • With the repeated depression of the SEL key the subsequent positions for the values can be edited one after the other to match the requested range of filming speeds. • The selected values are stored in the RCU-1 with the SET key. PROG fpsR Entering the ramp duration • After editing the speed values depress the MODE key again to enter the values for the ramp duration. The display will shows the ramp duration together with the indication “SEC“.
Remote Control Unit – 1 • If a specific ramp duration is required, depress the SEL key again. The positions of the seconds value which can be edited with the handwheel will blink in the lower line. The upper line shows the corresponding screen-time that is automatically calculated for the selected ramp duration. By again depressing the SEL key, the position for tenths of seconds can also be edited. • Finish entering the ramp duration with the SET key.
Remote Control Unit – 1 Checking the screen-time Screen-time is the time (in seconds) needed for a projection at 24 fps. It is automatically calculated from the start- and end-value of the filming speed and the chosen ramp duration. • After entering the ramp duration, depress the MODE key again to display the screen-time. PROG R The screen-time can not be edited in this display mode. It serves as supplementary information.
Remote Control Unit – 1 4. 4 fps + fps ) ) ramp U RC fps + ) ramp + ) mode selection switch set to fps + ) Adjusting the filming speed with an automatically synchronised change of the shutter angle for constant exposure • Set the mode selection switch to fps + ) . The display of the RCU-1 shows the currently selected values for the shutter angle in the upper line, and for the filming speed in the lower line. • The filming speed can now directly be controlled with the handwheel.
Remote Control Unit – 1 In this mode the shutter angle is synchronised to the change of the filming speed for a constant exposure. The shutter angle of 180° is automatically assigned to the upper filming speed value. The constant exposure time is calculated from the maximum filming speed value and the shutter angle of 180°, which is assigned to this speed value: General Rule exposure time = 1 highest filming speed x 2 For example: Highest filming speed = 50 fps, gives 1/100 second exposure time.
Remote Control Unit – 1 • With the repeated depression of the SEL key the subsequent positions for the values can be edited one after the other to match the requested range of filming speeds. It is not necessary to enter the minimum value at the first position and then the maximum. The lower value will be automatically assigned to the left end-stop as the minimum position. • The selected values are stored in the RCU-1 with the SET key.
Remote Control Unit – 1 Checking the shutter angle value limits After editing the speed range, the RCU-1 automatically calculates the shutter angle which is assigned to the lower filming speed limit. • Depress the MODE key again. In the upper line of the display the value for the shutter angle assigned to the lowest speed will be indicated. In the lower line, the angle assigned to the highest speed. The angle values can not be edited.
Remote Control Unit – 1 4. 5 ramp + ) ramp RCU fps ) fps + ) ramp + ) mode selection switch set to ramp + ) Recall an automatically controlled speed ramp with a synchronised change of the shutter angle for constant exposure Additional to the ramp-function this mode provides an exposure compensation (constant exposure time) through the automatically synchronised change of the shutter angle. For detailed information refer to the ramp-function (chapter 4. 3).
Remote Control Unit – 1 Cameras without an electronically adjustable mirror shutter of course do not support this function. A warning signal is indicated an the display: PROG fpsR Selecting the start and the end value for the filming speed • Select the start and the end value for the required speed ramp. The programming of the parameters is extensively explained in chapter 4. 3.
Remote Control Unit – 1 In case the start and the end values of the filming speed define a range that can no longer be compensated with the shutter angle the READY-LED starts to blink green as a warning. The standard display indicates the warning “AnGLE rAnGE“. fpsR Entering ramp duration • After checking the angle value limits another depressing of the MODE key takes the display to the editing of the ramp duration. The values are programmed as described in chapter 4. 3 “Entering ramp duration“.
Remote Control Unit – 1 Checking the screen-time • Depress the MODE key once more to display the screen-time for the programmed speed ramp with exposure compensation. Screen-time is the time (in seconds) needed for a projection at 24 fps. It is automatically calculated from the start- and end-value of the filming speed and the selected ramp duration. PROG The screen-time can not be edited. The display serves as supplementary information.
Remote Control Unit – 1 32
Remote Control Unit – 1 5. Reverse Operation Reverse operation is easily set with the REV / FOR operation direction switch. On the ARRIFLEX 535B and 435 cameras, all RCU functions can be used without restriction in reverse operation. • The ARRIFLEX␣ 535A supports via the RCU-1 only -25 fps in reverse operation. The filming speed in reverse operation can not be adjusted with the RCU-1. The ) function might be used without restriction. The display will blink with the warning: “OnLY 25“.
Remote Control Unit – 1 6. Warning Displays Special warnings are only displayed for the RCU functions, i. e. if the necessary conditions for a particular function are not present or an entered or stored value limit is not possible for the camera in use. For the CAM functions only the regular warnings as with the camera display are indicated. There are no extra warnings for these functions. Symbols or signs highlighted by blinking always mean a warning.
Remote Control Unit – 1 The edited speed is outside the available range. fpsR The edited shutter angle or the automatically calculated and stored angle is now out of the available range. fpsR PROG fpsR The edited ramp duration is technically not possible (i. e.: the change of the shutter angle is more than 55°/second) The connected camera does not employ an electronically adjustable mirror shutter.
Remote Control Unit – 1 7. Trouble Shooting The RCU-1 does not switch on despite the camera being on Problem • it is dirty • the operation direction of the camera and the RCU-1 are not alike • communication to the camera is disturbed • RCU-1 is defective • accessory fuse on the camera is defective • cable KC-39 or KC-41 is defective Cause • repair • remove handwheel with an Inbus 1.
Remote Control Unit – 1 8. Technical Data Measurements ............. 178 x 70 x 62 mm (l x w x h) Weight ....................... 0.54 kg (without cable) Power supply .............. 24 V= (18 ... 32 V) Power consumption ...... approx. 45 mA Data interface ............. RS-232 Pin assignment: Pin 1: ............. TXD-RCU Pin 2: ............. RXD-RCU Pin 3: ............. + 24 V Standby Pin 4: ............. Shield Pin 7: ............. Ground (0 V) remaining pins free Handwheel rotation angle .............
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ARRI Service Italy .......................... ARRI ITALIA S.R.L. Viale Edison 318 20099 Sesto S. Giovanni (Milano) Tel.: (02) 26 22 71 75 Fax: (02) 242 16 92 E-mail: info@arri.it ARRI ITALIA S.R.L. Via Placanica, 97 00040 Morena (Roma) phone: (06) 79 89 02 02 fax: (06) 79 89 02 39 Canada .................... ARRI Canada Ltd. 415 Horner Avenue, Unit 11 Etobicoke, Ontario Canada M8W 4W3 phone: (416) 255 33 35 fax: (416) 255 33 99 E-mail: service@arrican.
Remote Control Unit – 1 © ARRI/KVW Technical data is subject to change without notice RD 601 03 0595 Printed in Germany Identnumber for Instruction Manual: K5.44000.0 Available languages German English ARNOLD & RICHTER CINE TECHNIK TÜRKENSTR. 89 • D-80799 MÜNCHEN • TEL. (089) 3809-0 FAX (089) 3809 - 1244 • http://www.arri.
