ARRI Wireless Compact Unit WCU-4 SUP 3.3 Release Notes

Date: February 7th, 2020

A. Introduction

ARRI is pleased to announce the release of Software Update Package (SUP) 3.3 for the Wireless Compact Unit WCU-4. This update is highly recommended as it introduces the eagerly awaited focus unit conversion within the handset and includes several bug fixes. Please review this document before proceeding with the update.

For more information, please visit ARRI's WCU-4 Software Update Page.

New Features & Overview of Changes Introduced with SUP 3.3

Focus unit conversion
Several minor improvements and bug fixes

B. Update Instructions

How to Get a Software Update Package

The Software Update Package (SUP) for the WCU-4 can be downloaded from the ARRI website. Navigate to the WCU-4 downloads section at ARRI's WCU-4 Software Update Page.

WCU-4 Update Procedure

The WCU-4 software is updated using an SD or SDHC memory card with a capacity up to 32GB.

Ensure the WCU-4 has a stable power supply, preferably using a fully charged battery.
Format the SD or SDHC memory card to FAT16 or FAT32.
Prepare the SD or SDHC memory card with the following folder structure: /ARRI/WCU4/Firmware
Copy the Software Update Package file into the Firmware folder on the SD card.
Turn the WCU-4 on.
Insert the SD or SDHC memory card into the SD card slot, located below the display and covered by a rubber cap on the bottom of the WCU-4.
Navigate to MENU > FIRMWARE.
Select 'Select Update File'.
Choose the desired Software Update Package. Press the two UPDATE soft buttons simultaneously to initiate the update. The process takes approximately 5 seconds. The WCU-4 will then reboot, indicating the update is complete.

Important: Do not remove the SD card while the update is in progress!

C. New Features

Focus Unit Conversion

This software update enables the conversion of the focus distance unit (metric or imperial) directly on the handset. This setting is independent of the unit specified in the source lens file.

D. Known Issues

This section lists known issues related to SUP 3.3 for the WCU-4.

Codec Occasionally Not Displayed from ALEXA 65: The currently set ALEXA 65 camera codec may not always be displayed on the CAM screen.
Some User Button Functions Not Executable: Functions on ALEXA user buttons 4-6 that require further confirmation are not currently supported by the WCU-4.
WCU-4 Serial Number not Displayed in SYSTEM INFO: For WCU-4 units with serial numbers up to 5070, the serial number may not appear in the system info screen. Please contact your local ARRI Service Center for assistance.
Lens Data Uncorrected when Using LDS Extender: When an LDS lens is used with an ALURA extender, the lens data will not be corrected to account for the extender factor.
Region Settings Containing Only 3 Regions: In rare instances, the radio region-setting menu might display only three regions after the update. Performing the software update again should resolve this, providing all five regions. Note that region setting functionality requires the EMIP300 radio module.
Incomplete Camera Information: Camera status information may occasionally be displayed incompletely.

E. Bug Fixes

This section details bug fixes included in SUP 3.3 for the WCU-4.

External Zoom Disables F/I: Resolved an issue where connecting an external zoom device (e.g., ZMU-3A, pan-bar zoom, Master Grip) would disable focus and iris control on the WCU-4.
Mini LF and ENG Lens Issues: Fixed a bug that caused the WCU-4 to reboot when connected to an ALEXA Mini LF with an ENG lens attached.
OVR Motor Position Indicator: Corrected a bug where the motor position indicator could appear mirrored when the override function was used with an ALEXA LF and no lens data was available.
OVR Vibration Issue: Fixed an issue where the WCU-4 would vibrate continuously if the OCU-1 override button was pressed multiple times in rapid succession.
No Lens Data: Resolved a bug that occasionally resulted in no lens data being displayed on the WCU-4.
Mini LF Change Frame Rate During REC: Fixed a bug that allowed the frame rate on an ALEXA Mini LF to be changed during recording.
Lens File Transfer with ALEXA Plus: The option to transfer lens files to ALEXA Plus cameras has been removed from the WCU-4 menu, as these cameras do not currently support wireless lens file transfer.
EMIP 300 Connection Issues: Fixed a bug where the EMIP 300 radio module might occasionally fail to connect to another EMIP 300 or EMIP 400 radio module.
Playback Menu Access: Corrected an issue where the WCU-4 playback menu was inaccessible without recorded media present on the camera.
Override Indicator: Fixed an issue where the override catch indicator was not displayed correctly if the pre-marked ring was set to the incorrect unit.
ENG Lens and Pre-Marked Rings: Pre-marked rings are no longer supported with ENG lens data. The pre-marked rings options have been disabled for ENG lenses.
Hardwire User Buttons: Resolved an issue where using a hardwired user button to an ALEXA camera could make focus/iris control unavailable.
No Lens Data with ALEXA XT: Fixed a bug where no lens data from an ALEXA XT camera would appear on the WCU-4.
Focus Programming Not Possible: Corrected a bug where programming a focus scale might occasionally fail when the lens mount was set to LDA.

All data subject to change without further notice.

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