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River
Quick Start Guide for
Multi-Head Console
Thanks for purchasing the River system. This is a sophisticated motion controller with a
deep feature set, but if you're using it primarily for switching between cameras, you
don't need to delve into the more advanced features described in the full manual. This
guide will take you through the basic setup and operation for multi-camera production.
Setup warnings:
1 - When left unused for long periods, switch power on and allow the River console
warm up for 5 minutes before operating (not a big problem, but advisable).
2 - Do not plug all the heads and River console into a power strip or surge protector, as
these devices limit electrical current and this can cause the heads to underperform or
even stall. Plug directly into the wall or a non-limiting multiplug block.
3 - Make sure you have clearance when tilting the camera to avoid lens damage. If
necessary, set "Tilt Limits" or add an optional riser to the head to increase clearance.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Contents for VARIZOOM River
- Page 1 5 minutes before operating (not a big problem, but advisable). 2 - Do not plug all the heads and River console into a power strip or surge protector, as these devices limit electrical current and this can cause the heads to underperform or even stall.
- Page 2 The blue ports are for pan bars or hand wheels, and the uncoded 6pin Fischer port below the BNC is for bloop/sync. Make sure the power switch is “Off” and connect the River power supply to the XLR connector. Power up the console by flipping the back panel switch “On.” Let the console warm up for 5 minutes before operating.
- Page 3 Head Selection: Axis Setup: Axis Enable: Axis State: Master Speed: Head Selection pushbuttons: Head Selection: The light bubble above each touchscreen button 1-4 will be green if a head is synced, red if not synced. You can also use the mechanical pushbuttons H1-H4 to change heads.
- Page 4 Axis Setup Screen (note pushbuttons T1-T5 match onscreen tabs) Direction Toggle: Axis Speed: Deadband Adjust: Smoothing: Deceleration: Position Limits: Direction Toggle: This allows you to change the direction the axis moves in response to the joystick. For example, if the head pans left when you move the joystick right, simply hit this button to reverse the head response and it will change between +/-.
- Page 5 Deceleration: This affects how “softly” the position limits are approached. With a higher number, the axis will begin to decelerate sooner as the position limit is approached. A lower number means the axis will come to a stop more suddenly. Position Limits: Also called soft limits, allowing you to restrict the axis’...
- Page 6 The same limits setup applies for focus (when available on the lens in use): Heads Menu Head Power Toggle: Head Orientation: PTZ Sensitivity: Comm Mode: Lens Setup: Head Power Toggle: Allows you to remotely power off the head, or if your head is connected and powered but not responding, you can press this button to cycle power.
- Page 7 Lens Setup: This is only necessary if you are controlling a servo lens through the head. Analog Lens: “Default” mode is for analog connection to Canon or Fujinon lenses and you have to adjust the “Analog Voltages” to suit the lens being used. To set up zoom, adjust the “Zoom Center”...
- Page 8 System Menu The only important item here is “Reset All.” Only use this if the system isn’t responding properly and you’re unable to figure out what’s wrong. Note that it will change all of your settings back to factory default. “Calibrate Analog Inputs”...
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