Manwal tal-Istruzzjonijiet tal-Mutur tal-Fokus PDMOVIE LIVE AIR 4 SMART LiDAR

1. Introduzzjoni

The PDMOVIE LIVE AIR 4 SMART is an advanced LiDAR-based follow focus system designed to provide precise autofocus and manual control for professional camera setups. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your device.

Figure 1: PDMOVIE LIVE AIR 4 SMART LiDAR Focus Motor and Remote Air system.

2. Prodott Aktarview and Kit Contents

The LIVE AIR 4 SMART offers a comprehensive upgrade to the motor, featuring a longer scanning range, faster autofocus speed, and more autofocus modes. The controller, related accessories, settings, and operation methods remain consistent with previous models.

2.1. Available Kits

The LIVE AIR 4 SMART is available in several configurations to suit different user needs:

• PD-BTMP-SPM Kit (LiDAR Motor Only): This is the most cost-effective solution for solo shooters. The LiDAR motor handles all autofocus setup and operations independently, requiring no additional controller.


Figure 2: Contents of the PD-BTMP-SPM kit.

• PDL-AFX-SPM Kit (LiDAR Motor + Compact Wireless Control Wheel): This popular option for solo shooters provides both autofocus and manual control. It includes the LiDAR motor and a compact wireless handwheel for manual focus control. It is also compatible with the Live Air 4 Smart wireless lens control system for zoom functions.

Figure 3: Contents of the PDL-AFX-SPM kit.
• PDL-AFX-RA-SPM Kit (LiDAR Motor + REMOTE AIR RIG + Full-Size Handwheel): This comprehensive professional solution supports both solo and team shooting. It includes the PDL-AFX-SPM components plus the REMOTE AIR RIG, upgrading the small control wheel to a full-size handwheel for top-tier control and versatility.


Figure 4: Contents of the PDL-AFX-RA-SPM kit.

Għażla ta' Aġġornament: If you already own a PDL-TC-AFX mini wireless controller or any kit from Live Air 2S or newer, you can purchase the PD-BTMP-SP LiDAR motor as a standalone upgrade. It supports Bluetooth pairing with older Bluetooth motors for seamless integration.

3. Setup

3.1. Mounting the LiDAR Motor

Attach the LiDAR motor to your camera rig using the provided hot shoe clamp or rod adapter. Ensure the LiDAR module has a clear line of sight to your subject and is not obstructed by other camera accessories.

Figure 5: Proper mounting of the LiDAR motor on a camera rig.

3.2. Lens Gear Ring Installation

Install the lens gear ring onto your camera lens. Ensure it fits snugly and aligns with the motor's drive gear.

Figure 6: Close-up of the LiDAR motor and lens gear ring installation.

3.3. Ixgħel u Tqabbil Inizjali

Insert the charged batteries into the motor and controller (if applicable). Power on both devices. The motor will automatically search for available controllers. Follow the on-screen instructions or refer to the controller's manual for specific pairing procedures.

3.4. Matte Box Compatibility

The autofocus function can still be used with a matte box. Consider these methods:

1. Adjust Motor Position: Raise the LiDAR motor as much as possible and find a suitable mounting position to ensure the matte box does not block the LiDAR's scanning path.
2. Modalità Kaptan-Skjav: Set the new LiDAR motor to master mode. In this mode, it functions solely as a rangefinder, activating only LiDAR distance measurement and control features while disabling the motor drive. Mount it in a position where it won’t be blocked by the matte box and adjust the angle. Then, connect it to and control a separate Bluetooth motor (e.g., PD-BTMP, PD-BTMP-N, PD-BTMP-S, or PD-BTMP-SP).

Figure 7: Mounting the LiDAR motor to clear a matte box.

Figure 8: Master-slave mode setup for matte box compatibility.

4. Istruzzjonijiet Operattivi

4.1. Lens Calibration and Data Saving

Each motor can save data for up to 5 lenses. To calibrate a lens, select a channel color (red, yellow, green, blue, white). Double-click the motor button to cycle through these 5 channels. Use labels to record which lens corresponds to each channel. After restarting the motor, simply set it to the corresponding color channel to extract the calibration data and enable autofocus mode. Changing the device will not affect the saved data.

4.2. Autofocus Modes and LiDAR Scanning Angles

The LIVE AIR 4 SMART features a hybrid LiDAR system:

• 28° Close-Range LiDAR: Defines the autofocus area for subjects up to 4 meters away.
• 4° Long-Range LiDAR: Designed for autofocus in strong outdoor sunlight, with a narrow scanning area.
• 16° User-Adjustable Long-Range LiDAR: An expanded version of the 4° angle, suitable for tracking moving subjects.

You can combine 4°+28° or 16°+28° for autofocus depending on your shooting scenario for higher efficiency and creativity.

Figure 9: LiDAR module in operation.

4.3. Autofocus Range

The LiDAR module consists of a near-range LiDAR (5 meters, 28 degrees) and a long-range LiDAR (30 meters, 4 degrees; 9 meters, 16 degrees). Effective ranges vary with lighting conditions:

Note: Distances may be reduced in higher light intensities (e.g., above 70,000 lux).

4.4. Autofocus Logic and Speed Adjustment

The autofocus feature does not support focus locking. The motor performs calibration and autofocus independently. It operates similarly to area autofocus and narrow (spot) autofocus modes, automatically measuring distance and focusing on the nearest or farthest object detected within the LiDAR's scanning range.

The motor has three speed settings: fast, medium, and slow. You can cycle through these settings by short-pressing the motor button 5 times. Medium speed is recommended for normal autofocus. Use fast for quicker adjustments and slow for smoother transitions.

4.5. Supported Lenses

The autofocus feature supports most conventional cinema lenses with built-in hard stops. It does not currently support non-hard stop DSLR lenses or certain macro lenses with non-linear progressive magnification.

For electronically controlled lenses without hard stop focus but with a depth of field scale, autofocus can still be used. Manual calibration based on the depth of field scale is required. Afterwards, autofocus MARK points can be set.

4.6. Vidjo ta' Dimostrazzjoni

5. Manutenzjoni

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your PDMOVIE LIVE AIR 4 SMART, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Tindif: Regularly clean the LiDAR sensor window with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
• Ħażna: Store the device in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use the provided zipper box for protection during transport and storage.
• Kura tal-batterija: Ensure batteries are fully charged before use and stored properly when not in use. Avoid overcharging or completely draining the batteries.
• Spezzjoni tal-Irkaptu: Periodically check the motor's drive gear and the lens gear ring for any signs of wear or debris. Clean as necessary to ensure smooth operation.

6 Issolvi l-problemi

• Autofocus Not Working:
  • Ensure the LiDAR sensor is not obstructed by a matte box or other accessories. Refer to Section 3.4 for solutions.
  • Verify that the lens has been properly calibrated and the correct channel is selected.
  • Check the battery level of both the motor and controller.
  • Ensure the motor and controller are properly paired via Bluetooth.
• Inaccurate Focus:
  • Recalibrate the lens.
  • Adjust the autofocus speed (short-press motor button 5 times) to suit the shooting conditions.
  • In complex scenes with multiple overlapping objects, consider switching to manual control for precise focus.
• Il-Mutur Mhux Jirrispondi:
  • Check power connections and battery charge.
  • Re-pair the motor with the controller.
  • Ensure no physical obstructions are preventing motor movement.

7. Speċifikazzjonijiet

Below are the key specifications for the PDMOVIE LIVE AIR 4 SMART components:

Figure 10: Detailed specifications for PDL-TC-AFX and PD-BTMP-SPM.

7.1. Function Command Settings

8. Garanzija u Appoġġ

The PDMOVIE LIVE AIR 4 SMART comes with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects. For technical support, warranty claims, or service inquiries, please contact your retailer or the official PDMOVIE support channels.

For further assistance, please visit the official PDMOVIE websit jew ikkuntattja lis-servizz tal-konsumatur tagħhom.

9. Għajnuniet għall-Utenti

• Lens Data Management: Utilize the 5 lens data channels to quickly switch between calibrated lenses without needing to recalibrate. Label your channels for easy identification.
• Autofocus Speed: Experiment with the three autofocus speed settings (fast, medium, slow) to find the best balance for your specific shooting scenario. Medium is a good starting point for general use.
• Matte Box Integration: If using a matte box, remember to adjust the LiDAR motor's position or use the master-slave mode to prevent obstruction and ensure accurate autofocus.
• Complex Scenes: For scenes with multiple subjects at varying depths, especially when precise focus pulls are needed, consider switching to manual control for optimal results.