System Components
A family of ultrasonic components offering an expanded toolset and precise control for professional focus pulling.
Ultrasonic Base Sensor
The lightweight, low-profile ULTRASONIC BASE SENSOR is the computational center of the Cine RT System and the only system component required on the camera, making it ideal for all camera builds.
Handset Control Unit
The HANDSET CONTROL UNIT is both a remote command centre and a handheld tape measure. It contains a pressure-sensitive touchscreen to access system-wide operational settings and display multiple distance readout modes.
High-Bright LED Display
The compact HIGH-BRIGHT LED DISPLAY receives data remotely from the BASE and relays distance information with ultra-bright LED numbers.
Ultrasonic Bug Transmitter
The miniature ULTRASONIC BUG TRANSMITTER is milled from rugged ABS, weighs virtually nothing and can be easily hidden under most fabrics.
Feature Overview
Ultrasonic Base Sensor
The lightweight, low-profile ULTRASONIC BASE SENSOR is the computational center of the Cine RT System and the only system component required on the camera, making it ideal for all builds.
The BASE acquires 12 ultrasonic readings per second, samples those readings at a rate of 1 million cycles per second, and generates constant distance data in imperial and/or metric. This distance data is shared remotely with the other system components via the 2.4 GHz ISM band at distances of up to 800’ (243.8m). Precision clocking, high sampling rates, and proprietary algorithms work to minimize outlier readings and increase stability like no other ultrasonic rangefinder before.
The laser-targetable rangefinder works from a near minimum distance of 6” (15.2 cm) to 40’ (12.19 m). Set an FPO (Film Plane Offset) easily by measuring from the back of the BASE to your camera film plane, or by eye using focus tracking via your LCS. Customize your rangefinder by selecting a 14°, 24°, or 36° field of view to compensate for different focal lengths and set limits to ignore unwanted foreground, mid-range, or background objects. Track up to four BUG transmitters to multiple subjects from 6” (15.2 cm) to 120’ (36.5 m) with minimal impedance from obstacles.
Features & Specifications
- Single compact on-camera unit
- Internal Class 3R targeting laser
- 40' (12.19 m) ultrasonic rangefinder
- 6" (15.2 cm) rangefinder minimum
- 14°, 24°, 36° adjustable field of view
- Outputs imperial and metric distance units
- Supports up to 4x BUG Transmitters
- Sync Mode for 2x Cine RT Systems
- Interchangeable mounting hardware
- Serial connectivity with popular LCS
- Product Code: UBS-100
- Construction: Milled aluminum and Delrin (horns)
- Dimensions (without antenna): 9.3 cm x 9.2 cm x 4.0 cm (3.7” x 3.6″ x 1.6″)
- Weight: 170 grams (6 oz)
- Power: 9V – 30V DC
- RF: Ultra low power, 2.4 GHz ISM band*
- Ultrasonic Frequency: 40kHz @ 12 readings per second
- Ultrasonic Sampling Rate: 1 MHz
- Rangefinder Max Range: 6”- 40’ (15.2 cm – 12.19 m)**
- BUG Tx Max Range: 6”- 120’ (15.2 cm – 36.5 m)***
- Connectors: Power: 2 pin LEMO, Serial: 6 pin LEMO, Programmer: 5 pin Mini LEMO, External (Accessory): 4 pin Mini Lemo
*Contains FCC ID A7D-24NOD-PA100, IC 10593A-24NOD-PA100. All units comply with the requirements of IC ICES-003, FCC CFR47 Part15/B to Class A Limits.
**In optimal line of sight conditions at 12m (39.37′) there is a potential +/- margin of error of .5cm (0.196″).
***In optimal line of sight conditions at 24m (78.74′) there is a potential +/- margin of error of 3cm (1.18″).
The Cine RT makes small builds easy. I often find myself, as 'A Camera', getting into configurations that require the least amount of space and weight. With easy power solutions and the various readout options, I’m always confident I can find a solution that gets the camera the size the DP wants and the distance data I need.
Handset Control Unit
Complete your focus station by adding the HANDSET CONTROL UNIT. The HANDSET is the system’s command center and contains a pressure-sensitive touchscreen to display several distance readout VIEW MODES and to access system-wide operational settings.
Adjust SENSITIVITY to read larger or smaller objects and/or surface details, or use the tried and true general purpose default developed in the field. Customize your rangefinder range by setting LIMITS to ignore unwanted foreground and background object readings, or engage a LOCKOUT to remove mid-range obstacles. View the Rangefinder and one BUG, or two BUGs simultaneously, in 2X VIEW. Toggle seamlessly between all active distance sources and assign LCS focus tracking rack speeds with the SOURCE SWITCHER.
Did you know the HANDSET doubles as a 120’ (36.5m) invisible tape measure to quickly collect and store focus marks without pulling a physical tape or targeting a point laser? When using the ARRI Focusbug License your collected marks will appear automatically on the Hi-5. Marks can also be collected directly with the rangefinder or BUG transmitters. Use the MARKS EDITOR to compensate for last-minute subject or camera repositions without needing to remeasure or calculate new marks. Use the headphone jack to hear your mark cues in real time with FOCUS WHISPER, or see your marks in real time on a graphical distance display in MARKS VIEW.
Features & Specifications
- System remote controller
- Monitor two subjects simultaneously
- Easily switchable sources
- Customizable near, mid and long range limits
- Integrated 120' (36.5m) tape measure
- Collect and edit focus marks
- Real-time graphical subject monitoring
- Real-time audio mark cues
- Real-time ultrasonic reflection display
- Adjustable screen brightness, high contrast display mode and screen lock
- Rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery
- Power save mode & shutdown timers
- Interchangeable mounting hardware
- Product Code: HSU-100
- Construction: Milled aluminum
- Dimensions (without antenna): 10.5 cm x 6.2 cm x 2.5 cm (4.1″ x 2.5″ x 1″)
- Weight: 189 grams (6.7 oz)
- LCD Display: Resistive Touch TFT LCD 3.2″ (8.1 cm)
- Battery: Lithium Polymer
- Battery Life: 6 hours constant use
- Charge Power: 7V – 20V DC
- Fast Charge Time (To 95%): 2 hours
- Charge Time To Full: 4 hours
- RF: Ultra low power, 2.4 GHz ISM band*
- Ultrasonic Frequency: 40kHz
- Max Tape Range: 6” – 120′ (15.2 cm – 36.5m)
- Connectors: DC Power: 2 pin LEMO, Programmer: 5 pin Mini LEMO, Audio: 1/8″ stereo headphone jack
*Contain FCC ID A7D-24NOD-PA100, IC 10593A-24NOD-PA100. All units comply with the requirements of IC ICES-003, FCC CFR47 Part15/B to Class A Limits.
“Being able to use the HANDSET like a soft tape has been a huge time saver. I get my marks so quickly and quietly the ADs usually don’t even know I’ve done it. There’s no better feeling than an AD or DP asking if I need marks and I can respond, “No, I’m good” and then nail the shot.
High-Bright LED Display
The compact HIGH-BRIGHT LED DISPLAY receives data remotely from the BASE and relays that info with ultra-bright LED numbers.
The compact HIGH-BRIGHT LED DISPLAY receives data remotely from the BASE and relays that distance info with 0.55″ (14mm) ultra-bright LED numbers. Five brightness levels ensure exceptional visibility in all lighting conditions.
Set up multiple HIGH-BRIGHTS to share readouts of the same distance source, or use two HIGH-BRIGHTS to track two different subjects simultaneously while in 2X VIEW. If you have more than one HIGH-BRIGHT in your Cine RT System, or are viewing distance information on your HANDSET or LCS, give one to a Steadicam operator, dolly grip, crane boom op, picture car driver or visual effects supervisor – this unique opportunity to share critical live distance information can assist other crew members in the communal effort of shot creation.
Features & Specifications
- Lightweight and durable construction
- 14 mm daylight viewable LED readout
- Five adjustable brightness levels
- Multiple units can be used simultaneously
- Independently selectable Metric/Imperial units
- Flip option for inverted mounting
- Long lasting rechargeable internal LiPo battery
- One touch battery life indicator
- Interchangeable mounting options
- Product Code: HBD-100
- Construction: Milled aluminum and acrylic (display screen)
- Dimensions (without antenna): 7.3 cm x 3.8 cm x 2.4 cm
- Weight: 110 grams (3.88 oz)
- Battery: Lithium Polymer
- Battery Life: Approx. 10+ hours at min. brightness/4+ hours at max brightness
- Charge Power: 7V – 20V DC
- Fast Charge Time (To 95%): 1.5 hours
- Charge Time To Full: 4 hours
- RF: 2.4 GHz ISM band (receive only)*
- Connectors: DC Power: 2 pin LEMO
*Contain FCC ID A7D-24NOD-PA100, IC 10593A-24NOD-PA100. All units comply with the requirements of IC ICES-003, FCC CFR47 Part15/B to Class A Limits.
Nothing is as versatile and practical as the Cine RT. Even on a very tight schedule, I can come on set and throw the BASE and HIGH-BRIGHT on a camera in a minute...it's insane! There’s no other system that can do this in this such a compact footprint.
Ultrasonic Bug Transmitter
The miniature ULTRASONIC BUG TRANSMITTER is milled from rugged ABS, weighs virtually nothing and can be easily hidden under most fabrics.
BUGs can only receive RF commands and thus output no RF emissions. BUGs work by sending 12 ultrasonic pulses per second directly to the BASE to distances of up to 120′ (36.5m). BUGs perform best within line of sight of the BASE and can operate effectively up to 90 degrees off-axis within a massive 160 degree field of view (relative to the BASE). Imagine your BUG as a tiny silent speaker that only the BASE can hear. If they are positioned well and not covered too aggressively, they are extremely effective with exceptional accuracy.
Track and toggle between up to four active BUGS at one time. Use the BUGs on lens charts to aid with lens tests, give them to your 2nd AC to assist you in the collection of focus marks, place in a stand-in’s pocket for constant live distance data during set-ups, and conceal them on actors for fast readings while shooting.
Features & Specifications
- Ultra lightweight design
- Small form factor
- Easily concealable
- Works through common fabrics
- 4x active BUGs at one time
- Line of sight operation to BASE
- Easily programmable Offset
- No RF emissions
- Long lasting rechargeable internal LiPo battery
- Power save mode
- Remote shutdown
- Compatible with on-set sound recording
- Product Code: BUG-100
- Construction: Milled ABS thermoplastic
- Dimensions: 4.0 cm x 4.0 cm x 1.0 cm (1.6″ x 1.6″ x 0.4)
- Weight: 19.1 grams (0.7 oz)
- Battery: Lithium Polymer
- Battery Life: 2 Hours Active Transmission/8+ Hours in Standby
- Charge Power: 5V DC (USB)
- Fast Charge Time (to 95%): 1.5 Hours
- Charge Time To Full: 3 Hours
- RF: 2.4 GHz ISM band, receive only*
- Ultrasonic Frequency: 40 kHz
- Bug Range (recommended): 6”- 80’ (15.2 cm – 24.38 m)
- Max Extended Range: 6″ – 120’ (15.2 cm – 36.5 m)
- Connectors: USB mini B (charge power)
*Complies with the requirements of IC ICES-003, FCC CFR47 Part15/B to Class A Limits.
**In optimal line of sight conditions at 24m (78.74′) there is a potential +/- margin of error of 3cm (1.18″)
The Bug Transmitter has saved me more times than I can count, especially on high speed running sequences where the subject is approaching camera and changing directions and for scenes where your subject is moving through many obstacles that would normally block your horns. Not to mention it’s my favourite tool in camera prep, where I save tons of time applying it to the focus chart for fast and accurate lens prepping. With large format, wide open shooting and productions that work in rapid speed, the Cine RT system is an absolute must have for the modern focus puller and a tool that will have your back no matter the shot.
A BUG-enabled focus chart
Photo Credit: Neffi Kristensen
1st AC Neffi Kristensen uses the BUG to speed up lens tests.
