Introducing the new Wireless Remote Control Unit WRC-2

Sporting an easily navigatable touchscreen user interface, the recently developed WRC-2 extends and simplifies wireless camera control options for the modern camera crew.

Compatible with all new generation ARRIFLEX and ARRICAM cameras, the WRC-2 combines the functions of previous units such as the RCU-1 and WRC-1 with a number of entirely new features. The WRC-2’s range of functions automatically adapts to the camera it is being used with, while the touchscreen user interface makes remote-controlling that camera faster and easier than ever before. Since its functionality is software-based and therefore expandable, the WRC-2 can be described as the most versatile remote control unit ARRI has ever built.

The main menu offers three different operation modes: Camera Control permits adjustments to the speed and shutter angle of the camera, External Display emulates the display on the side of pre-ARRICAM new-generation cameras and Ramp Mode facilitates compensation for in-shot changes of speed, shutter or iris. Uniquely, the WRC-2 automatically calculates the correct exposure value for given ramps based on measurements made by the DoP on set. All of the ramp data can be entered with the help of the Ramp Control Menu, guiding the user through the sometimes complex process of programming a ramp. This makes the WRC-2 a very powerful tool for providing unprecedented levels of exposure safety and precision while saving time on set.

The WRC-2 works with the ARRI Wireless Remote Control system and attaches to the Wireless Main Units WMU-2 and WMU-3, which act as transmitters. It can also be wired to an ARRIFLEX or ARRICAM either directly or via a Wireless Handgrip Attachment WHA-2 or WHA-3 using a standard LCS cable.

The WRC-2 can automatically make exposure compensations for speed, iris and shutter ramps. In order to compensate for speed or shutter ramps with the iris, a CLM-1 or CLM-2 motor has to be attached to the camera and the mounted lens selected in the Lens Manager. This is done automatically when using LDS lenses (Master Primes or LDS Ultra Primes), while for other lenses an Iris Table can easily be programmed and then stored in the WRC-2 internal memory.

Being software-based, the WRC-2 can be continually upgraded. Newly released software updates and modules can be uploaded simply by connecting a USB memory stick to the WRC-2 mini-USB port, so there is no need to carry a laptop to the set. In addition, there is downloadable WRC-2 simulator software on the ARRI website, which allows users to become familiar with the interface before even setting hands on the unit.