For some applications, encoded systems can be very powerful and robust. Cranes and remote heads allow for a variety of camera moves that may otherwise not be accomplished.

Previzion is able to read encoder values and calculate the position of the camera using a crane survey.

  • Time: 2Hrs/Setup
  • People Recommend: 3 people
  • Skill Type: Camera, Grip & Survey

Hardware Required:

  • HD Camera
  • Remote Follow Focus
  • Proper Camera Accessories and Mounts
  • Measuring Tape
  • Digital Level
  • Golf Tees or Sand Ts
  • Total Station
  • Survey Data Collector
  • Total Station Tripod and Spreaders
  • Encoded Crane or Slider
  • Remote Head
  • Kuper Box, “Serial” Box or Talon Serial Output
  • Lightcraft Cable Tether
  • Previzion System with Secondary Serial Card Installed
  • Video Breakout Box
  • Basebox (“DIAL” box)

Software Required:

  • Previzion Application
  • Calrson SurvCE

Crane Setup

  1. Park and level base of crane or slider (allow for full extension and retraction)
  2. Mount Remote Head on crane
  3. Mount Camera Rig on Remote Head
  4. Mount remote follow focus and all connections to camera
  5. With full load, balance crane fully extended and retracted
  6. Level crane post
  7. Level crane arm
  8. Level crane arm using digital level
  9. Zero encoders for crane arm elevation and swing
  10. Align remote head and zero for pan and tilt

Crane Survey

  1. Setup Total Station to camera-right of crane
  2. Level and start up Total Station
  3. Start as “New Job” in SurvCE
  4. Set minimum setup and pink crane post as Backsight
  5. With crane fully retracted, ping:
    • Boom Pivot,
    • Mitchell Pivot, and
    • Remote Head Pivot
  6. With crane fully extended:
    • Remote Head Pivot
  7. Measure camera sensor offsets in relation to “Remote Head Pivot”
  8. Input camera sensor offsets into Previzion “Camera Sensor Offset” Configuration Pane
  9. Input pinged coordinated into Previzion “Crane Survey” Configuration Pane
  10. Verify Crane Model Pan, Tilt, Swing, Elevate and Extension
  11. Save System State

Location Survey (when applicable)

  1. Setup Total Station in line-of-sight of LIDAR markers
  2. Resection into LIDAR coordinated and heading
  3. Lock crane and camera
  4. Position Golf Tees or Sand Ts as survey markers within field-of-view of camera
  5. Ping Remote Head Pivot
  6. Pink markers
  7. Input survey markers into Previzion
  8. Input pined pivot into Previzion and set pan offset
  9. Unlock crane and camera to verify tracking
  10. Save System State