Introduction - Preston FI + Z Manual

I. Introduction
A. System. The F I +Z II Lens Control System provides the highest resolution position and
velocity control available. The basic hard-wired system consists of the Hand Unit, Motor Driver,
and Digital Motors. The addition of the Microwave Link enables complete wireless control of all
functions. The F/X unit adds camera speed ramps with iris and/or shutter compensation.
The Hand Unit digitizes focus, iris, and zoom commands to 16 bits of resolution (1 part in
65,536). This data is sent to the 3 Channel Motor Driver either through a cable or the Microwave
Link 2. The cable link uses the RS422 standard protocol to transmit data over a single twisted
pair of wires. This enables reliable transmission over long distances (1 km).
The Motor Driver (MDR2) supports 3 motor channels, camera run/stop, and camera speed and
shutter control. Switches are provided for adjusting Motor Torque and direction.
DM-1 and DM-2 digital motors provide the ultimate in power and reliability. They have proven
their toughness under extremes of temperature, humidity and vibration. Their housing are
machined from solid magnesium billets and protected by a special ceramic coating before
painting. This provides exceptional resistance to salt spray and moisture.
The Microwave Link 2 operates in the 2.4 GHz band and uses spread spectrum modulation to
achieve a highly reliable link even in the presence of interfering signals. The Direct Sequence
type of modulation employed in the link is uniquely suited to real time control applications since
it is able to reject both interfering signals as well as signals reflected from the environment.
Additionally, its 30 transmission channels provide ample capability for any set.
The Microwave Link 2 consists of the following modules: the Transmitter (for the Hand Unit),
Transceiver (for the Motor Driver), a NMH battery pack, a universal fast charger and a set of
antennas. This link supports communication between the Motor Driver (MDR2), the Hand Unit
and other clients of the system.
The F/X unit is the first client to take advantage of this network; it provides
speed/aperture/shutter ramps and reports on the camera speed, shutter angle and footage
status in real time.
The Microwave Transceiver module also incorporates a voltage converter that enables
operation from 10.5V to 30 VDC
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