How to use the Tilta Nucleus-M
How to use the Tilta Nucleus-M
Focusing the image … zooming in and out … focusing on a certain point … no problem for the Tilta Nucleus-M!
The Tilta Nucleus-M is a revolutionary wireless tracking focus system. It offers full control over focus, iris and zoom with cine lenses or compatible “Cine Moded” DSLR lenses. Ideal for 3-axis gimbal systems, shoulder camera set-ups and drones.
But what exactly is included in the set and how should you use this system?
To answer exactly what is included, we have based on the content that we provide. This can be found by clicking here. We will then explain in detail to you what functions, options and settings the Tilta Nucleus-M has.
So what does the content consist of?
1x Wireless FIZ hand unit
2x Brushless wireless motors with 19mm rod support and 15mm rod bushings
1x Right wireless handle
– Finger wheel
– Zoom toggle
1x Left wireless handle
– Finger wheel
4x Follow focus marking disks
1x 74cm 7-pin to P-tap motor power cable
1x 55cm 7-pin to 7-pin motor connection cable
1x 18cm 7-pin to 7-pin motor connection cable
2x Photographic lens follow focus adapters
1x 18650 quad battery charger
6x 18650 batteries
2x Handle to ARRI Standard Rosette adapters
2x Handle to gimbal bar adapters (compatible with 25mm/30mm rod diameters)
1x Wireless FIZ hand unit strap
1x Hard shell waterproof safety case
Now that the content is clear, let’s continue with what the Tilta Nucleus-M can do!
The FIZ and Handle controllers
The FIZ controller is powered by two 18650 batteries. Please note that the batteries are not always included. As can be seen above, we do deliver the set with batteries. There is also a 7-pin connection above the FIZ for the external power supply and communication between input and output. Next to the connector is a hidden micro USB connector for data transfer and firmware updates.
On the left side of the FIZ is a small zoom iris toggle switch that can be operated with the thumb. As the kit includes two motors, one can be used for focusing and the other for iris or zoom.
To change the speed of the toggle switch, turn the red iris / speed dial to achieve the perfect speed. If a third motor is added, the FIZ can be configured for all motors. You can also assign any motor to the FIZ and the handles.
FUNC– Changes the FIZ from Mater to Slave
DEL– Used to delete AB stops and range stops
MARK– Used to set AB stops and range stops
CAL– A quick way to calibrate all motors at the same time using cine lenses or other lenses that have a hard stop at both ends of the range. To enter the settings, the CAL button must be held down until the options appear on the screen. All engines can be calibrated simultaneously or a single engine can be selected by number.
Directly below the zoom switch is a bright red record button that activates recording with compatible cameras. The cable is not included in the scope of delivery, but can be purchased separately. The camera to be used must be selected upon purchase. The 7-pin end of the cable simply needs to be plugged into one of the motors and the other end into the camera’s R / S port. These cables are specially designed for the Nucleus-M so that the R / S function only works with the Nucleus-M’s own hand unit and handles.
Treat controller
The set contains two levers, one of which has a zoom rocker to operate 2 motors. The rocker can be programmed to operate the zoom, focus or iris function.
To use the handles, the FIZ must be placed in slave mode by the master. If the lever is engaged after the mode is changed, the motor will run jerky when plugged in. The same happens when the handles are switched from AB hard stop mode to reach.
As previously mentioned, the kit includes two handle controls that can be mounted on a gimbal or camera tripod using the handles included for the ARRI rosette adapter and two handles for gimbal adapters (25mm to 30mm compatibility).
Tilta also has a pole mounting system in 15mm and 19mm. The 15mm LWS / 15mm Studio rods and the 19mm LWS / 19mm Studio rods.
The handles work in the same way as the FIZ controller. However, the main FIZ controller must be put into slave mode by double clicking the Func. button on the left. Slave is displayed on the main screen and the handles can be used.
To save battery power, the FIZ can be turned off and the handles will continue to work. When the FIZ is turned on again, it will reconnect to the main controller and disconnect from the handles.
In addition, the system can be set in such a way that each controller is independent of a motor. To do this, the controller simply needs to be paired with a single motor in EZ mode.
Most buttons will only work if you double-click them. The idea behind this is that settings are not changed when a button is pressed.
The engine(s)
The motors have a clamp mounting system that allows them to be installed without sliding them on the rail. The locking screw should simply be loosened and the clamp opened.
This is a lot easier than removing lens accessories like a matte box and lens mount, let alone another motor in the front. The bottom of the motor can also be removed and the clamp reversed to position the locking screw higher or lower.
The engines need electricity. You can use the supplied 7-pin D-Tap cable and connect it directly to the D-Tap input.
The required motor power is 7.2-24 volts. If more than one motor is used, they can easily be looped through with the supplied cable.
The EZ mode
In order for the system to communicate with each other, the controller and the motor must be synchronized with each other. Tilta has made this a simple process with EZ mode. Holding down the up / down buttons on the FIZ will enter EZ mode.
To do this, press and hold the Menu and Down buttons with the levers at the same time until you enter EZ mode. Do the same with both motors by holding down the CH + and CH- buttons until EZ mode is displayed on the screen.
The channel can be selected on the FIZ with the UP and DOWN buttons.
Once the channel is selected, the Enter key can be pressed and the adventure begins. When the search is complete, the levers on the left and right and the motors will be displayed on the screen. Then press Enter again and you are done. Then the system is ready for use. From here the motor profile can be changed as zoom, iris or focus.
Calibrate cinema lenses
The side the motors are on affects the direction of rotation of the lens. The ready-to-use Nucleus-M is set to rotate clockwise from the operator side of the lens. However, if it is preferable for the lens controls to be on the opposite side, a simple change in the menu is required to reverse the direction counterclockwise.
Calibration is necessary to ensure correct adjustment of the motor to the lens. When using real cinema lenses or stationary lenses with hard stop gears, this is a very simple operation that can be performed by the motor itself or with the FIZ CAL button. The simplicity is that the calibration can be set on the motor by holding down the DOWN / CAL tests. This activates the calibration and the process starts automatically. The motor moves to both ends of the focus rotation and sets the range. The same can be done with an iris, which also has hard strokes. The motor will recall this calibration even after it is turned off. Engine calibration is required each time a lens is replaced. However, it is so easy that you don’t mind.
Tripod lens calibration
If a still lens without hard stops is used, calibration with the FIZ is required. This is a bit more complicated, but still not that difficult. Once the settings have been made, the device can be turned off. When it is turned back on, the settings will be recalled and ready to use. One setting that will probably need to be adjusted is the direction of rotation. It depends on which side of the lens the motor is attached to.
This brings us to the end of this blog about the Tilta Nucleus-M. We hope that we have been able to give you more insights about the options and possibilities of the Tilta Nucleus-M.
Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions yourself? Then feel free to use our comment function below or get in touch via our contact page.
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