Introducing TOF.1 Rangefinder for Teradek RT
TOF.1 Rangefinder is our new addition to the Teradek RT suite of products. This small and lightweight infrared rangefinder provides constant distance measurements between objects and a camera’s focal plane. Connect your TOF.1 to an MDR.X Lens Control Receiver to provide distance readouts on CTRL.1 or CTRL.3 wireless handheld controllers.
TOF.1 features an IR sensor array that can detect objects within a line-of-sight distance up to 80ft (25.4m). An included detachable Laser Sight can be centered to the sensor’s field of view to achieve pin-point accuracy. Both power and control are provided with a single control cable to the MDR.X Lens Control Receiver, and TOF.1’s distance readouts are displayed on paired CTRL.1 or CTRL.3 wireless handheld lens controllers, as well as on connected SmallHD monitors.
With a sensor refresh rate of 60 measurements per second, every subject movement is registered and proximity readouts are provided in real-time. Connect either Teradek RT lens controller with any compatible SmallHD monitor and activate PageOS RT Overlays to view on-screen distance readouts, which can be adjusted in size for a customized monitoring workflow.
Current users Cody Gautreau and Chris Roe have shared some insight to their experiences with TOF.1 in a Q&A.
Teradek:
Teradek:
How do you feel about the size of TOF.1?
Cody Gautreau:
Cody Gautreau:
The size of the TOF.1 is about the same as a small wooden block kids play with. It's the smallest rangefinder on the market and its size and weight has definitely made my operators happy. It's small enough that it almost seems natural on small builds but I don't feel like I'm losing any features in such a small package.
Teradek:
Teradek:
What takeaways have you had from the range of the sensor?
Cody Gautreau:
Cody Gautreau:
While I have not gotten to test out the full range, I'm constantly getting accurate reading at 40+ feet. The beam is small, but the range and accuracy are top notch.
Chris Roe:
Chris Roe:
I found that with the TOF.1 could catch subjects up to 180’ away. For a feature I worked on where we had outside shots and long tracking shots, the TOF.1 would pick up the actor or actress at 80' and tracked them to 12' and we knew we where in focus.
Teradek:
Teradek:
Have you been using the SmallHD PageOS overlays for RT and TOF.1? How have they added to your experience using the rangefinder?
Chris Roe:
Chris Roe:
I have been using PageOS, which--if I’m honest--is why I moved over to Teradek RT and SmallHD. [The lens control and distance overlays] are very helpful.
Teradek:
Teradek:
After updating the firmware on Teradek RT, what are the steps to connect TOF.1 to your RT and camera? How do you pair TOF.1 to your Teradek RT?
Cody Gautreau:
Cody Gautreau:
Connecting the MDR.X is super simple. First take any Teradek motor cable - I use one with a right angle and a straight in for a cleaner build. Plug the right angle side into the TOF.1 and the other side into the middle motor port of the MDR.X. On the MDR.X you will need to go into your menu and select “RX Config,” select “Rangefinder,” and select “Mid Motor.” Once you attach the TOF.1 to the camera you will need to measure from the film plane of the camera to the film plane maker on the TOF.1 and use that as the offset to get proper distance measure in the distance offset menu on the handset.
Are you a current Teradek RT user?
Are you a current Teradek RT user?
Join our online community with other creators to talk about best practices, tips and tricks, and more!
Join our online community with other creators to talk about best practices, tips and tricks, and more!
Teradek:
Teradek:
What mounting points does TOF.1 have? What do you need in order to add it to your rig, and how is the cable management when adding this system to your rig?
Cody Gautreau:
Cody Gautreau:
I use a 1/4-20" arm attached to the camera handle. It gives me the widest range of movement and pivot points to position the TOF.1 just where I need it to be. In an ideal situation you should keep the TOF.1 the same distance from the film plane so you don't keep changing the distance offset which is a little bit of a pain. I keep it about 7" in front of the film plane… It has performed far beyond my expectations so far.
Teradek:
Teradek:
In what situation do you find the autofocus option to be the most helpful?
Chris Roe:
Chris Roe:
I use autofocus when the AC walks away during setup; this allows us to still frame up and be in focus as we line everything up.
Learn more about this new addition to the Teradek RT family of products and see how TOF.1 can be an invaluable addition to your follow focus kit.