Camera Corps (a Vitec Group company) announces the latest version of its ultra-compact PTZF Mini Joystick. Originally launched at the 2010 NAB Show in Las Vegas, PTZF Mini Joystick is designed for restricted-space applications such as commentator-camera control or outside-broadcast vehicles. It can control up to five pan and tilt heads from a wide range of manufacturers.
The new PTZF Mini Joystick Version 3 is optimised for use with up to five Camera Corps Q-Ball Pre-Set remotely controlled pan/tilt/zoom/focus heads. 10 positions per head can be assigned and recalled. Individual control reverses are provided for pan/tilt/zoom/focus and stored separately for each of the five heads. Data input from an external camera control unit, data output and incoming power can all be carried via a single connector at the rear of the controller.
Space on the PTZF Mini Joystick panel is saved by using a twist action on the joystick to provide zoom control. Three rotary controls below the joystick provide individual adjustment of pan, tilt and zoom speed and can be set to different values for each of the five Q-Ball Pre-Set heads. The same rotary controls can be used to adjust functions such as manual and auto iris and red/blue gain.
The joystick and control buttons have the same tactile responsiveness as those on our full-size controller,” states Camera Corps’ Technical Director Jim Daniels. “These include fully adjustable pan, tilt and zoom speeds and reverses. Zoom is controlled by rotary twist of the joystick. Reverse settings and control speeds for each of the five channels are stored in non-volatile internal memory.”
The standard Camera Corps audio data communication system is employed to allow unlimited operating distances between Mini Joystick Control and the remote heads. Each of the five channels has its own red and green cue/tally light switch. Individual channels can be locked to prevent inadvertent alteration of presets. Focus can be remote-adjusted manually or switched between manual and automatic when working with with cameras that support these features.
Available now, Camera Corps’ PTZF Mini Joystick Version 3 operates from a 9 to 18 volt direct current power adapter or battery. Total panel dimensions are 190 x 140 x 110 millimetres. Weight is 400 grammes.
Housed in a robust and fully-weatherproof 115 millimetre diameter aluminium sphere, Q-Ball and Q-Ball Pre-Set are ultra-compact remotely-controlled cameras with integral 10-times zoom optical lens and smooth-accelerating pan/tilt motors. Equipped with a 2 megapixel CMOS sensor and capable of operating in daylight or infra-red illumination, each camera delivers 1080i/720p high definition or 625/525-line standard definition at 50 or 59.94 hertz refresh rates. Pan and tilt slip-rings enable Q-Ball to perform unrestricted rotation at a wide range of speeds with precise control of acceleration and deceleration. Master black and colour saturation control allow accurate colour matching with third-party cameras.
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