Tilta Nucleus-M WLC-T03 Wireless Follow Focus System

Product Overview

The Tiltamax Nucleus-M Wireless Follow Focus System is designed for industry professionals, offering quick, easy, and reliable precision control of Focus, Iris, and Zoom. It is compatible with both Cine Lenses and Photo Lenses, featuring an ambidextrous FIZ Unit design, ergonomic handle grips, low noise high torque motors, a compact and modular design, and a multi-channel system.

Disclaimer

1. Please read this disclaimer before use.
2. The user is responsible for operation and consequences of operation.
3. Tilta is not responsible for any modification made by the user to software or hardware which may cause immediate or prolonged immeasurable damage to the unit.
4. For additional troubleshooting, please call:
• International: +86 4006 1998 67
• North America: +1 (818) 561-4991

FCC Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Compliance Marks: FC CE

Technical Specifications

Standard Packing List

• FIZ Wireless Hand Unit
• Left Wireless Handle
• Right Wireless Handle
• Wireless Motor (x4)
• Follow Focus Marking Disk (x2)
• 740mm P-TAP Power Cable (x2)
• Straight 180mm Motor Cable (x2)
• Straight 296mm Motor Cable (x2)
• Handle to Arri Standard Rosette Adaptor (x2)
• Handle to Gimbal Bar Adaptor (25mm/30mm diameter) (x2)
• FIZ Unit Lanyard
• Motor Antenna (x2)
• Follow Focus Ring
• Waterproof Safety Case
• Battery Charger

Optional Accessories

• Quick Release Handgrip Bridge
• Wireless Motor Run/Stop Cable
• Left Handle Thumb Joystick Unit
• Nucleus-N Motor
• Universal Gimbal Ring Adaptor w/ Rosette
• 740mm P-TAP Power Cable
• 740mm 2pin Lemo Cable
• 740mm 3Pin Fischer Cable
• Straight 296mm Motor Cable
• Straight 180mm Motor Cable
• 0.4/0.5/0.6 Gear
• Follow Focus Ring x2
• Long Distance Wireless Module
• Follow Focus Marking Disk
• Motor Antenna
• Battery Charger
• 18650 Battery Flight Case

FIZ Hand Unit Component Functions

Top View

Diagram showing the top of the FIZ Hand Unit with numbered components:

• 1. ZOOM Joystick: Zoom Controller
• 2. REC Button: Activate Run/Stop
• 3. FUNCTION Button
• 4. DELETE Button
• 5. MARKER Button: Make Marks
• 6. CALIBRATE Button: Hold to Calibrate Range of Lens
• 7. MENU Button: Enter Main Menu
• 8. UP Button (▲): Upward Selection
• 9. DOWN Button (▼): Downward Selection
• 10. ENTER Button
• 11. USB port: For Data Transfer and Updating Firmware
• 12. EXT port: Power and Communication In/Out
• 13. IRIS Wheel: Iris Controller and Controls Zoom Speed
• 14. 18650 Battery Compartment Latch
• 15. Battery Compartment Button: Push to open Battery Compartment latch
• 16. Light Sensor: Adjusts Key LED and Screen Brightness
• 17. POWER Button
• 18. Lanyard Attachment
• 19. FOCUS Knob: Focus Controller
• 20. Attachment Bracket

Bottom View

Diagram showing the bottom of the FIZ Hand Unit with numbered components:

• 1. POWER Button
• 2. ENTER Button
• 3. MENU Button
• 4. UP Button (▲) / CHANNEL +
• 5. DOWN Button (▼) / CHANNEL -
• 6. 0.8 Gear: Connects to Lens Gear to Adjust Focus, Iris, or Zoom
• 7. EXT-2 Port: Power and Communication In/Out
• 8. EXT-1 Port: Power and Communication In/Out
• 9. Wireless Antenna: Receives Wireless Signal
• 10. Micro USB Port: For Data Transfer and Updating Firmware
• 11. Indicator Light: Indicates Status of Motor
• 12. 15/19mm Rod Adapter: Compatible via 15mm Bushing

Firmware Update

Firmware updates are downloaded to the FIZ Unit via a MicroUSB cable. The FIZ unit will appear as an external drive named "Tilta". Drag the firmware files into this drive, then unplug. Follow the images below for the update process.

FIZ Unit Update

Process: System -> Wireless -> Upgrade Version. Press [ENTER] to confirm.

Handle Update

Use the 7-pin to 7-pin LEMO cable to connect the FIZ to a Handle. On the FIZ, navigate: System -> Wireless -> Update Joystick. Repeat for the other handle.

Motor Update

Use the 7-pin to 7-pin LEMO cable to connect the FIZ to a Motor. On the FIZ, navigate: System -> Motor -> Update To3M. Repeat for other motors.

Note: TILTA APP can also be used to control motors and their specifications.

Calibration

Calibration from the FIZ Unit

Calibration of Lens with Hard Stops

For cine lenses or modified photo-lenses with follow focus gears and hard stops, calibrate from the FIZ unit by holding down the [CAL] button. A 3-second countdown will appear. Holding [CAL] on the motor also triggers calibration.

Note: Motors are set to "Manual Start" Auto CAL Mode by default. Motors must be set to "Auto Start" Mode and calibrated on a lens before the CAL button on the FIZ and Handles can be used. This order prevents lens damage.

Calibration of Lens without Hard Stops

For lenses without hard stops, manual calibration is required via the FIZ unit. The process involves setting the Focus, Zoom, or Iris.

Steps for Focus Calibration:

1. Ensure the motor is not making contact with the lens gear.
2. Turn the FIZ knob to the middle of its range.
3. Manually position the lens gear to the middle focus position.
4. Securely attach the motor to the lens focus gear.
5. On the FIZ unit, press [MENU] to open the menu system.
6. Highlight and select "FUNCTION".
7. Select "MANUAL CAL". Choose FOCUS, ZOOM, or IRIS.
8. Select FOCUS for this example.
9. Follow on-screen directions: Turn the knob counterclockwise to set the close focus, then press [ENTER].
10. Follow on-screen directions again: Turn the knob clockwise until the motor pulls the lens gear to infinity, then select [OK] to return to the Main Menu. The Focus should now be calibrated.

Motor Calibration

Setting the Auto CAL Mode

When a motor is powered on, an "Auto CAL Mode" screen may appear. This setting is found in the Motor's menu. Use the navigation buttons to select "Auto CAL Mode" and toggle between "Manual Start", "Auto start After 3S", or "Auto start Immediately".

• Manual Start: Motor does not calibrate upon power-up.
• Auto start After 3S: Motor calibrates 3 seconds after power-up, with an option to cancel.
• Auto start Immediately: Motor calibrates immediately upon power-up.

Once a mode is selected, the motor's LED will turn red and calibration will begin. A white LED indicates calibration is complete.

Single and Multi-Motor Calibration from the Motor

Calibration can be initiated at any time by holding down the [CAL] button on the motor. Two options appear: "CALIBRATE THIS" (for the specific motor) or "CALIBRATE ALL" (for all daisy-chained motors). Double click [CAL] to confirm.

Syncing and Control

Syncing FIZ Hand Unit with Motors

The FIZ Unit's Channel Number must match a daisy-chained Motor Channel. The FIZ Unit defaults to MASTER mode. To use the Handles, set the FIZ Unit to SLAVE mode.

Setting the FIZ Unit's Channel

1. From the Home Screen, double click [MENU] to open the Menu System.
2. Use [▲▼] to highlight "WIRELESS", press [ENTER].
3. With "2.4G" highlighted, press [ENTER].
4. Press [ENTER] to cycle through "M" (Medium Range), "H" (Max Range), "L" (Min Range), or "OFF".
5. Highlight "CHANNEL" using [▲▼], then use [▲▼] to change the Channel Number (00-15). Set to "02" for this example.
6. Press [REC] to return to the Home Screen.

Assigning Handle's Knob to Motor

1. From the Home Screen, double click [MENU]. Use [▲▼] to select "KNOB NO.", double click [MENU] to confirm.
2. Assign a Motor Number (1-4) to the Knob. Setting to "0" prevents connection. Set to "1" for this example.
3. Press [REC] to return to the Home Screen. If the screen shows the assigned Motor Number, the Knob is synced.

Assigning Handle's Joystick to Motor

1. From the Home Screen, double click [MENU]. Use [▲▼] to select "JOYSTICK NO.", double click [MENU] to confirm.
2. Assign a Motor Number (1-4) to the Joystick. Setting to "0" prevents connection. Set to "2" for this example.
3. Press [REC] to return to the Home Screen. If the screen shows the assigned Motor Number, the Joystick is synced.

Assigning the Motor Numbers to the FIZ Unit

Motors cannot share the same Motor Number. The FIZ unit will indicate if a Motor Number is repeated.

1. Press [MENU] to enter the Main Menu.
2. Highlight "MOTOR", press [ENTER].
3. Highlight "SYNC", press [ENTER].
4. Choose the corresponding controller (Focus Knob, Zoom Joystick, Iris Wheel) on the FIZ unit to the designated function of each motor. For example, pair the motor on the Focus gear to the Focus Knob. Assign it Motor Number 1. Highlight "FOCUS" and press [ENTER].
5. Highlight "Motor 1" and press [ENTER]. A check mark indicates a successful sync.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 to assign the Zoom and Iris motors to the FIZ Unit. Press [MENU] to return to the Home Screen.

Setting the Motor's Channel

1. From the Home Screen, double click [MENU].
2. Highlight "WIRELESS", double click [ENTER].
3. Press [ENTER] to cycle through "M" (Medium Range), "H" (Max Range), "L" (Min Range), or "OFF".
4. Press [MENU] to return to the Home Screen.
5. Double click [▲] to change the channel. Set to "01" and press [MENU] to return to the Home Screen.

Setting the Motor's Motor Number

To sync with the FIZ's focus knob controller, the motor must be assigned Motor No. 1.

1. From the Home Screen, double click [MENU].
2. Highlight "MOTOR NO.", double click [ENTER].
3. Use [▲▼] to assign a motor number (1-4). Set to "1" for Focus.
4. Press [MENU] to return to the Home Screen.
5. Repeat steps to match Motor No. 2 and 3 with the FIZ Unit controllers.

Switching between the FIZ Unit and Handles for Control of Motors

By default, the FIZ Unit has priority control (MASTER mode). To give Handles priority control (SLAVE mode), double click the FIZ Unit's [FUNC] button. "SLAVE" will appear on the Home Screen.

Note: Recalibration is not required, but ensure controllers are assigned and do not attempt to control one motor with both the FIZ and Handle simultaneously.

Assembly Instructions

Nucleus-M: Shoulder Mount Assembly

1. Attach the Handgrip Bridge to the rods.
2. Lock down the bridge connection by tightening the screw disk.
3. Diagram shows the Handgrip Bridge connecting to rods, with options for 19mm or 15mm rods.

Nucleus-M: Gravity Gimbal and Drone Assembly

1. Slide the motors into position under the lens gear. For gimbal/drone use, it's recommended to place one motor on each side for equilibrium.
2. Diagram shows motors being slid into position.
3. Utilize the quick release from the gimbal to mount a balanced camera with the Nucleus-M to a Drone, Handle Bars, or Jib Arm.
4. Diagram shows the camera with Nucleus-M mounted to a gimbal setup.

Handle to Gimbal Bar Assembly

1. Use an Allen Key to screw down the Gimbal Bar Adaptor into the Handle.
2. Attach the Gimbal Bar Adaptor from the Handle to the Gravity Gimbal Bar and secure with a thumb screw.

Handle to Universal Gimbal Adaptor with Rosette Assembly

1. Use an Allen Key to screw down the Arri Standard Rosette Adaptor into the Handle. Attach the Rosette from the Handle to the Universal Gimbal Adaptor with Rosette and secure with a large thumb screw.
2. Attach the Universal Gimbal Adaptor to the Gimbal Ring. Repeat for the opposite side.

Setting the Range & Hard Stops on Handles

Setting the Rotation Degree on the Knob

To compensate for lenses with long focus throws, the Handle's knob can be set to various rotational degrees (85°, 180°, 310°). Shortening degrees speeds up the motor; longer degrees are for short throws. The following directions are for the Right Handle; invert spin direction for the Left Handle.

• Pull [RANGE]: The letter "L" appears on the display. "L" or "Long" sets the knob to the longest distance (310°). The motor moves slowly.
• Pull [RANGE]: Spin the Knob clockwise until it stops. Push [RANGE]. The letter "S" appears. "S" or "Short" sets the knob to the shortest distance (85°).
• Pull [RANGE]: Spin the Knob counterclockwise until it stops. Push [RANGE]. The letter "M" appears. "M" or "Medium" sets the knob to 180°.

Creating and Deleting Hard Stops from the Handle

Creating Hard Stops / Limits via Knob controller

Hard stops can be set on the Handle's Knob. Rotate the Knob and double click the front [AB] button to set the [A] Mark. The "F" LED blinks green. Rotate the Knob to the next position and double click [AB] to set the [B] Mark. The "F" LED glows solid green. The full 310° throw reflects the [A] to [B] marks. To delete hard stops, double click [AB] again; the "F" LED turns off.

Hard Stops / Limits via Thumb Unit / Joystick controller

Hard stops can be set on the Handle's Joystick. Position the joystick and double click the thumb unit's [AB] button to set the [A] Mark. The "Z" LED blinks red. Position the joystick to the next mark and double click [AB] to set the [B] Mark. The "Z" LED glows solid red. The full joystick throw reflects the [A] to [B] marks. To delete hard stops, double click [AB] again; the "F" LED turns off. The speed at which [A] to [B] marks are reached is determined by the Speed controller when Iris is set to "0".

Motor: Power Supply and Run/Stop

Power Supply

Each Motor has one EXT-1 and one EXT-2 port, which can power in/out or daisy-chain power.

Power can be sent directly to the motor or daisy-chained from motor to motor.

A single cable can power the motor and activate the camera's R/S if the camera port supports both (e.g., 3-pin LEMO ports on Tilta Alexa Mini and RED DSMC2 Cages).

Example Connections:

• ARRI XT-RS port
• TILTA FOR ALEXA MINI Cage - 14.8v 3pin R/S port
• TILTA FOR RED DSMC2 Cage - 14.8v 3pin R/S port

If a camera port does not support both R/S and power out, separate cables are needed.

Diagram: Shows camera connected to POWER and R/S ports separately, and then a diagram showing a motor connected via EXT-1 to a camera's POWER+R/S port.

Run/Stop

Connect a Run/Stop cable. Click the [REC] button on the Handle. "STBY" on the display changes to "REC", indicating recording has commenced.

Motor Operations

Changing the Torque of Motors

Navigate the menu: [MENU] -> Motor -> Torque. Select High, Medium, or Low. Press [ENTER] to confirm. A check mark indicates confirmation.

Syncing the Motor

Navigate the menu: [MENU] -> Motor -> SYNC. Select Motor 1, Motor 2, or Motor 3. Press [ENTER] to confirm. A check mark indicates a successful sync.

Setting Hard Stops / Limits

Hard Stops/Limits can be set on the FIZ unit. Position the Knob to the desired [A] Mark. Hold [MARK]. With [MARK] held, rotate the Knob to the desired [B] Mark. Release [MARK]. Confirmation is indicated by a vibration. The limited range will be shown by a white bar. Hold [DEL] to delete limits.

How to Use: Nucleus-M

Turn On / Turn Off

FIZ Hand Unit

Turn-On: Hold [POWER] to open the Main Menu. Use [▲▼] to toggle selections. Double click [POWER] to confirm.

Turn-Off: Hold [POWER] for 3 seconds to shut down the FIZ Unit. To shut down all connected devices, select "Off All".

Motor

Turn-On: Hold [POWER] to open the Main Menu. Double click [POWER] to confirm.

Turn-Off: Hold [POWER] for 3 seconds to shut down the motor.

Handle

Turn-On: Hold [REC] to open the Main Menu.

Turn-Off: Hold [REC] for 3 seconds to shut down the Handle.

Attaching the Motor to a DSLR Camera

Add the follow focus ring to the lens and secure it tightly, ensuring the fastener does not obstruct the motor's gear during calibration. Once the ring is on, follow the same calibration steps as for a cine lens.

Note: If the lens already has a 0.8 gear or has been modified, the motor can be attached and calibrated as if it were a cine lens.

Inserting the Batteries

Installing the Batteries in the FIZ

Hold the FIZ Unit. Push the [Open] latch. Place two 18650 batteries in any direction, ensuring correct polarity, and close the latch.

Installing the Batteries in the Handles

Hold the Handle. Push the [Open] latch. Place two 18650 batteries in any direction, ensuring correct polarity, and close the latch.