WCU-4 with Monitor Bracket and Monitor

New Tools and Features for the Electronic Control System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(IBC, Amsterdam) – The Electronic Control System (ECS) is a complete, modular toolset for wireless remote control not just of ARRI cameras and lenses, but literally any camera and any lens. Alongside free software update packets (SUPs) for the Wireless Compact Unit WCU‑4 and Universal Motor Controller UMC-4, ARRI is introducing the new CLM-5 lens motor and an on-board monitor mount for the WCU‑4.

Controlled Lens Motor CLM-5
The CLM-5 is an exceptionally small and lightweight, yet fast and responsive lens motor, designed for demanding gimbal and aerial drone setups. Directly compatible with most ALEXA models, the CLM-5 can also be used with other cameras via ARRI’s Universal Motor Controller UMC-4 or Single Motor Controller SMC-1, or cmotion controllers.

With the CLM-5 there are now five ARRI lens motors, offering a range of torque, speed and size options. Powerful and fast, the CLM-3 is perfect for heavy lenses in difficult conditions, while the CLM-2 and CLM-4 are well suited to all standard lenses. The daisy-chainable cforce mini is an ideal choice for the ALEXA Mini, providing a super-lightweight, integrated solution.

WCU‑4 Monitor Mount
The WCU‑4 is a comfortable, versatile hand unit offering up to 3-axis lens control. Rugged and splash-proof, it features an easy-to-read lens data display, lens mapping to pre-marked focus rings, focus tracking, vibrating alerts and custom lens file programming. A new WCU‑4 Monitor Mount now allows on-board monitors to be fitted to the top of the unit.

Strong, stable and constructed from lightweight, radio-friendly materials, the monitor mount offers adjustable viewing angles and a 1/4-20 UNC mounting screw. It is optimized for the Transvideo StarliteHD5-ARRI 5” on-board monitor, but works with others as well. Having a live image feed on the hand unit will enable users to judge camera framing and make adjustments to settings such as iris and even focus, depending on the resolution of the monitor used.

SUP 1.2 for the Universal Motor Controller UMC-4
This free software update for the UMC-4 enables support for the new CLM-5 lens motor and introduces functions such as automatic setting of the distance unit with the Ultrasonic Distance Measure UDM‑1 (based on the selected focus scale unit) and lens data display on the WCU‑4 when using Lens Data System (LDS) equipped lenses with AMIRA, ALEXA Mini or ALEXA SXT cameras.

Extended remote control of AMIRA and ALEXA Mini cameras via the WCU‑4 is also enabled, as well as cforce motor support via the Lens Control System (LCS) interface and support for the LDS Lens Calibration Station. UMC-4 SUP 1.2 additionally includes several other user interface improvements and minor enhancements.

SUP 2.2 for the Wireless Compact Unit WCU‑4
The latest software update packet for the popular WCU‑4 3-axis hand unit introduces a custom lens programming mode for a higher number of data points on the focus scale (providing increased scale accuracy), and the ability to erase data points in the process of programming a lens scale. WCU‑4 SUP 2.2 additionally includes several other user interface improvements and minor enhancements.

About ARRI:

With headquarters located in Munich, Germany, ARRI was founded in 1917 and is the world's leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of motion picture camera, digital intermediate (DI) and lighting equipment. The ARRI group comprises a global network of subsidiaries and partners covering every facet of the film industry, including worldwide camera, grip and lighting equipment rental through ARRI Rental; turnkey lighting solutions through the ARRI System Group; and film production, postproduction, lab services, visual effects and distribution through ARRI Media. In 2013 ARRI Medical was founded to utilize ARRI’s core imaging technology and know-how for medical applications.

Manufactured products include the ALEXA 65, ALEXA SXT, ALEXA Mini and AMIRA cameras; Master Anamorphic lenses; SkyPanel, L-Series and M-Series lights; Pro Camera Accessories and the Electronic Control System; the ARRILASER recorder and ARRISCAN archive technologies; and the ARRISCOPE 3D digital surgical microscope. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized ARRI’s engineers and their technical contributions with 18 Scientific and Engineering Awards.

For locations and more information please visit www.arri.com

2018-11-25
ARRI ECS - Press release (pdf, 40 KB)
2018-11-25
CLM-5 - Press Pack (zip, 715 KB)
2018-11-25
WCU-4 - Press Pack (zip, 8.8 MB)