Overview
The Chrosziel Qinematiq Smart Ranger 2 Kit is a dual distance measurement tool, an "All-in-One" system that merges two types of receivers in one housing. Traditional ultrasonic technology, combined with the latest in transponder design, provide effortless distance measurements for up to three subjects, regardless of subject movement (even out-of-sight), or camera movement. The resulting distance values are made available to the focus puller on the Base Unit (SR2-1) display.
As a traditional ultrasonic measuring instrument, Smart Ranger 2 measures the distance to a subject in front of the camera via ultrasonic signal, and is considerably more compact than similar tools on the market. Additionally, Smart Ranger 2 is a Base Unit for two mobile radio reflectors (i.e., TAG-1 transponder "Tags"). Each Tag is attached to a subject or positioned in the working area, while the Base Unit is mounted in front of the camera. Distance measurement between the subject and film plane is performed automatically and independently.
Simply position the Base Unit and Tag as desired, turn on the system, and view the measurement data on the display. That’s it. No additional configuration is necessary. Distance measurement has never been easier.
Tag Your Distance
While traditional ultrasonic tools provide good measurement results for subjects up to a distance of 13.2' (4m), alignment with subjects becomes more difficult at greater distances, and reliable distance determination of actors over a distance of 19.7' (6m) is almost impossible. In stark contrast, the Tag can easily track and measure subjects that are far from the camera, even while moving. Additionally, panes of glass, walls of leaves, and clothing pose no barrier for the Tag. This is true even when the actor is walking around a corner (the subject is already measured before coming into sight).
For measurements up to 262.5' (80m) the tool can even replace a laser measurement system. Focusing on a person or vehicle, such as a motorcycle, from 164.1' (50m) has been difficult, and in the case of moving objects, even impossible...until now. Tag provides accurate measurements, no matter how fast the subject is moving.
Easy Measurement
The compact and lightweight Base Unit is rigged in front of your camera, and a corresponding distance offset value to the film plane value can be entered. The Base Unit is powered by the camera's onboard battery (or alternate power source). After both Base Unit and Tag have been switched on, the distance is shown immediately and automatically.
Smart Ranger 2 allows simultaneous measuring based on an ultrasonic signal and two radio Tags. All three measurements are indicated on the 2.4" TFT display of the Base Unit. The measurement value for focusing can easily be determined in a handover feature from Tag measurement to ultrasonic measurement: if at close range, the eyes of an actor shall be in focus, and the face of the actor is captured via ultrasonic measurement; if the actor moves away from the camera, it is possible to automatically switch to Tag measurement at a specific distance (e.g., 4m). Tags can be worn by an actor or attached to an object. The handover feature between ultrasonic and Tag measurement is fluid, without interruption, and the distance trigger is adjustable.
Of course, Smart Ranger 2 also allows using only ultrasonic signals or the Tag system for measurement, independently. It is also possible to switch between both Tags. The focus puller maintains an overview of all the distances on set, in particular when dealing with moving subjects or a moving camera.
Smart Ranger 2 serves as a distance reference system, in particular for sequences involving movement. All three distances are indicated on the Base Unit display, making the often difficult task of handling focus adjustments for a moving camera and/or moving subject far easier. Marking or measuring of reference markers becomes redundant, saving time on set.
Robust Distance Measurement
Base Unit and Tag are connected via a highly robust radio system. With Smart Ranger 2, measurements can be performed both inside and outside of buildings, and the transponder can be easily attached to the human body. The transmission power of the system is many times smaller than that of a mobile phone, wireless lens control system, or wireless video link.
The Smart Ranger 2 functions alongside these radio systems, meaning they are not impacted or disturbed, and in turn do not impact or disturb the distance measurement process. The Smart Ranger 2 uses a special radio technology that results in low susceptibility to failure. Measuring through glass or plastic panes, wooden walls, foliage, or clothing is not a challenge.
Distance Readout on Common FIZ Units
In order to connect a lens control system (LCS), the Base Unit utilizes an industry-standard LEMO 6-Pin serial interface. This makes it possible to display the distance value on your LCS hand unit. This option is available for all lens control systems supporting the Cinetape or ARRI UDM ultrasonic measurement systems, such as systems by ARRI, Chrosziel, cmotion, or Preston. Additionally, (2) LEMO 4-Pin CAN bus interfaces are available for linking the system.
The Chrosziel MagNum wireless FIZ even goes beyond this to assimilate and display not just one ultrasonic measured distance value, but all four values (including the two Tags and the combined value between the ultrasonic device and the Tags).
Autofocus Assist
The overall measuring speed and accuracy of the Smart Ranger 2 makes the system ideal for use as an autofocus assist system. The Smart Ranger 2 provides measurement speed and accuracy of 60 ms /+-0.4" (1cm) to +-0.8" (2cm) in ultrasonic mode, and 80 ms /+-5.9" (15cm) for Tags in radio mode. The Base Unit inherits programmable lens tables to store lens metadata and corresponding motor position. Based on the lens tables, corresponding motor positions for all (4) distance values are computed and constantly transmitted to serial CANBUS motors or wireless FIZ systems.
Integration with the Chrosziel MagNum even raises the new standard further with the use of the four customizable user keys of the MagNum hand unit. These keys allow the focus puller to manually activate and de-activate focus following for each individual motor position, giving the operator on-demand autofocus control. With the press of a button, the motor follows the distance value, thus controlling focus automatically. At any time the focus operator can take manual control or switch to the other distance read-outs.
The Future
With the challenge of focus pulling increasing due to 4K and 8K resolutions (and beyond, with expanding sensor dimensions), focus pullers require advanced focus assist tools to maintain mastery over ever narrowing depth of field.
The Smart Ranger 2 addresses various needs in one lightweight device, combining the features of ultrasonic measurement, Tag radio measurement, calculation and display of a combined value, and computing and broadcasting of motor positions based on lens tables. It enables the focus puller to get back to the nuance of the craft, concentrating on art, without the added worry of technology limitations.
What's in the Box
- 2 x Chrosziel Qinematiq Smart Ranger 2 Transponder Tags (TAG-1)
- Chrosziel Qinematiq Smart Ranger 2 Base Unit (SR2-1)
- D-Tap Power Cable
- Tag Battery Charger
- Chrosziel Custom Case
Specifications
Key Highlights
- Dual Technology Distance Measurement
- Ultrasonic & radio transponder tech
- Includes Base Unit & (2) Tags
