DSMC - RED 3-Axis Lens Control System Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting tips covered in this post:

 

W.M.D. Shutdown

Symptom

The Wireless Motor Driver (W.M.D.) shuts off while driving multiple motors on a stiff lens.

Explanation

The 12 V auxiliary (AUX) port(s) on many DSMC® power modules, including the REDVOLT® XL Module, provide a maximum of 3.8 A of current and are sufficient for most operating conditions. In certain instances, when driving multiple motors simultaneously on a stiffer than normal lens, the W.M.D. may draw more than 3.8 A. This event may cause an interruption of power supplied to the W.M.D. and result in a shutdown.

Potential Resolutions

  • Connect the W.M.D. to a 12 VDC power source with sufficient amperage.
  • Unplug a motor that is not being used for a particular shooting sequence.
  • Select Low Power mode.

NOTE: Low Power mode may affect performance when maximum power is required.

 

Power Failure

Symptom

The DSMC monitor displays an error message stating that a Rear Battery Power and Fault has occurred and too much current has been drawn from the camera. This results in the port ceasing to provide power.

Explanation

In this instance, the DSMC notifies the user and removes power from that port. This occurs when the W.M.D. attempts to use more power than the DSMC module can provide. This can happen when driving multiple motors on very stiff lenses.

Potential Resolutions

  • Connect the W.M.D. to a 12 VDC power source with sufficient amperage.
  • Select Low Power mode.

NOTE: Low Power mode may affect performance when maximum power is required.

 

W.M.D. Does Not Recognize Motor

Symptom

The W.M.D. does not recognize a motor.

Potential Resolutions

  • Ensure that the W.M.D. is connected to the motor.
  • Ensure that the problem is not related to a faulty or damaged cable. Try connecting the W.M.D. and motor with another cable.
  • Ensure that you are using a supported motor.

For a list of supported motors, go to the RED 3-Axis Lens Control System Operation Guide.

 

Lens Control Motor Gear Skips During Operation

Symptom

A Lens Control Motor gear skips on the lens gear during operation.

Explanation

Gear skips may occur due to support rod flexing when using carbon fiber support rods with lenses that are stiff and require high torque levels. RED recommends using the black rod, steel rod, or other stiff support rods.

Potential Resolutions

  • Ensure that the gear is properly installed.
  • Ensure that support rods are firmly and properly installed.
  • Ensure that the Lens Control Motor and Lens Control Motor Mounting Bracket are properly installed and tightened on the support rod.
  • The motor torque setting may be set too high. For more information, go to the RED 3-Axis Lens Control System Operation Guide.

 

Lens Control Motor Error Code

Symptom

The motor is not functioning and the motor LED indicator is red.

Potential Resolutions

  • Navigate to Select > Status in the W.M.D. main menu to check if there is an error code.
  • Initialize the motor.

NOTE: For more information and resolutions regarding errors, go to the RED 3-Axis Lens Control System Operation Guide.

 

Motor Does Not Move When It Should Be Homing

Symptom

The motor status light indicates that the motor is homing, but the motor does not move. After 60 seconds, a motor error occurs.

Potential Resolutions

Ensure that the motor gear is fully engaged with the motor.

 

Lens Function Does Not Respond

Symptom

A lens function (Focus, Iris, Zoom) is not responding.

Potential Resolutions

  • The lens function may be locked. To resolve this issue, go to the RED 3-Axis Lens Control System Operation Guide.
  • Ensure that the torque setting on the motor is set appropriately. The torque value may be too low.
  • Ensure that you are using the appropriate motor cable.
  • If you are experiencing issues with the W.M.D., ensure that sufficient power is available for the operations.
  • Try connecting the W.M.D. to shore power and attempt the operation again.

 

T.H.C. Does Not Pair With W.M.D.

Symptom

The Tactical Hand Controller (T.H.C.) does not pair with the W.M.D.

Explanation

The T.H.C. retains the MAC address for the W.M.D. (or other controller) that it is connected to.

Potential Resolution

  1. Connect the T.H.C. to the W.M.D. using the RED CAN Command Cable.
  2. Connect one end of the 4-pin 0B LEMO® CAN connector cable to the CAN port on the W.M.D.
  3. Connect the opposite end of the 4-pin 0B LEMO CAN connector cable to the CAN port on the T.H.C.
  4. Ensure that the wireless blue light stops flashing and turns off. This indicates that communication is established and the wireless information has been exchanged.
  5. Disconnect the cable.
  6. Connect the T.H.C. wirelessly.

 

Intermittent Wireless Signal

Symptom

The wireless signal transmitting between the T.H.C. and W.M.D. is intermittent, resulting in intermittent or unreliable functionality.

Potential Resolutions

  • The W.M.D. wireless setting (Select > Wireless > Power) may need to change. When the T.H.C. is close (less than 25') to the W.M.D., select Low. When the T.H.C. is farther away (more than 25') from the W.M.D., select High.
  • Ensure that the RED T.H.C./W.M.D. Antenna is securely connected to the T.H.C. and W.M.D.
  • Ensure that the battery in the T.H.C. is fully charged.

 

T.H.C. Causes Motor To Whipback

Symptom

One (1) or more motors whip around when you are controlling a function on the T.H.C.

Potential Resolution

Reset the T.H.C. parameters.

  1. Ensure that the T.H.C. is receiving power from a charged RED Li Battery 7.2V.
  2. Toggle the power switch on the T.H.C. to Battery mode.
  3. Disconnect RED CAN Command Calbe from the T.H.C. and the W.M.D.
  4. Toggle the power switch on the T.H.C. to Cable mode.
  5. Adjust the Focus/Iris/Zoom controls until each control is at an end stop.
  6. Press and hold the Initialize button on the T.H.C. for two (2) seconds. At the same time, toggle the power switch on the T.H.C. to Battery mode. All lights on the T.H.C. flash green five (5) times.
  7. Connect the T.H.C. to the W.M.D. using the RED CAN Command Cable.
  8. Toggle the power switch on the T.H.C. to Cable mode.
  9. Adjust the Limit buttons for Focus/Iris/Zoom individually.
  10. Hold down the Focus, Iris, or Zoom Limit button.
  11. Move the adjustment knob until it reaches its start or end point.
  12. Release the Limit button.
  13. Repeat steps A through C for the Focus, Iris, and Zoom Limit buttons.

Remove the RED CAN Command Cable from the T.H.C. Toggle the power switch on the T.H.C. to Battery mode. Press and hold the Initialize button on the T.H.C. for two (2) seconds. All three (3) motors initialize automatically. Test your Focus, Iris, and Zoom functions. If you are still experiencing a problem, submit a Support ticket.

 

Troubleshoot Firmware Upgrade

Symptom

The W.M.D. or T.H.C. does not recognize the firmware upgrade file or is not upgrading properly.

Potential Resolutions

  • Start the upgrade with a freshly formatted microSD card.
  • Verify that the microSD card is formatted as MS-DOS FAT (for Mac®) or FAT32 (for Windows®).
  • Ensure that there is no other data on the microSD card besides the upgrade file.
  • Use the microSD card provided by RED.
  • Try different brands or models of microSD cards or SD card adaptors.
  • Verify that the correct firmware file is downloaded to the root directory of the microSD card.

 

Motor Causes an Over-Current Condition

Symptom

The motor causes an over-current condition.

Explanation

Over-current conditions are generally caused when an incorrect motor model is selected in the W.M.D. menu.

Potential Resolution

To select the appropriate motor, go to Menu > Focus/Iris/Zoom > Model.

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