Technodolly: A Programmable Camera Crane

Technodolly

TECHNODOLLY Specs
TECHNODOLLY FAQ
TECHNODOLLY Downloads
TECHNODOLLY Pictures
TECHNODOLLY Videos

Pacific Motion Control is very happy to announce the availability of the TECHNODOLLY. The TECHNODOLLY is the first of its kind; a programmable, repeatable telescoping camera crane, based on the Techno 15. Its state-of-the-art direct drive motors mean nearly silent operation and extreme precision without the backlash and noise of gears.

Film directors can now conceive camera movements without having to make any compromises, and directors of photography can shoot their ideas within minutes. In terms of its cinematographer possibilities, the TECHNODOLLY can be used by crews to create movements of unlimited length and complexity. These camera moves can then be repeated as many times as needed

Programming the TECHNODOLLY and editing moves is extremely fast. The camera operator, grip and focus-puller set up the first frame, a few frames in between and the last frame of the desired move. The TECHNODOLLY computer remembers these set frames and generates the movement between the frames. The camera operator then runs the move and tunes the move instantly by deleting or adding new frames. If needed, additional keyframes can be added before, after, or between existing keyframes allowing the move to be lengthened or edited with ease.

For live action the camera operator can override the TECHNODOLLY during the move. The TECHNODOLLY stores a virtually unlimited number of moves and can repeat these moves even months later.

The telescopic arm, camera head, focus, zoom, and iris are always on the spot. With its motorized base, the TECHNODOLLY covers movements within a space as big as 25 feet wide, 15 feet high, and 80 feet long.

The standard TECHNODOLLY package consists of:

* Telescopic arm for max. lens height of 15 ft.
* Motorized base with track
* DirectDrive camera head with three lens motors
* Control desk with two monitors on the desk and two monitors on the TECHNODOLLY
* Bloop light for syncing moves

Technodolly Specs

Lens Height and Reach

	Meters	Feet
Maximum Lens Height On Track	4.5 m	14′ 9"
Maximum Lens Height Without Track	4.34 m	14′ 3"
Max Reach at Full Height On Track – – To Track Stops	1.19 m	3′ 11"
Max Reach at Full Height Without Track – – To Tires	1.75 m	5′ 9"
Max Reach at Full Height – – To Column	2.31 m	7′ 7"
Maximum Reach at Level Front of Column to Center of Tilt	3.71 m	12′ 2"
Minimum Reach at Level Front of Column to Center of Tilt	0.76 m	2′ 6"
Lens Height at 20° Elevation – On Track	2.63 m	8′ 7.5"
Max Reach at 20° Elevation	3.63 m	11′ 11"
Lens Height at 30° Elevation – On Track	3.26 m	10′ 8.5"
Max Reach at 30° Elevation	3.3 m	10′ 10"
Lens Height at 40° Elevation – On Track	3.89 m	12′ 9"
Max Reach at 40° Elevation	3.07 m	10′ 1"

Track Specs

	Meters	Feet
Maximum Track Length	18 m	59′
Maximum Track Travel	16 m	53′
Maximum Telescopic Arm Travel	2.95 m	9′ 8"

Dimensions

	Meters	Feet
Min. Length from Center to Front	0.71 m	2′ 3"
Max. Length from Center to Front	3.83 m	12′ 6"
Length from Center to Back	1.82 m	9′ 4"
Min. Overall Length	2.85 m	9′ 4"
Max. Overall Length	5.95 m	19′ 6"
Door Clearance Height	2.03 m	6′ 7"
Door Clearance Width	0.78 m	2′ 6"
Footprint	1.32 x 1.2 m	4′ 3" x 3′ 11"

Weights

	kg	lbs
Base	200	440
Column	230	507
Telescopic Beam Unit	140	308
Counterweights	274	609
2 Axis Head (with 55 lb. camera)	40	88
TECHNODOLLY (with 55 lb. camera)	884	1948
One Length of Track	40	88.2

Technodolly Pictures

Technodolly FAQ

Can the camera head and focus, zoom, and iris run automatically?

Yes, every axis can be programmed. Additionally, the Technodolly can be operated completely live (like a normal Technocrane). Live moves can also be recorded and repeated.

Can I run the crane automatically and control the camera head manually?

Can programmed moves be changed?

Can I extend the move to the front and to the back?

Can the TECHNODOLLY be rented without an operator?

How many moves can be stored?

How many keyframes can be used for one move?

Does the TECHNODOLLY need to be returned to zero or taken home in between moves, or if it is turned off?

Can I work with several moves at the same time?

Can I manipulate the move while the TECHNODOLLY program is moving?

Can you scale the moves?

Can the TECHNODOLLY be used to shoot multiple passes?

How can I import a TECHNODOLLY move into my CGI program?

Is real-time tracking data available for use with systems like Brainstorm/Vizrt/ORAD?

Can I run my CGI move with the TECHNODOLLY?

Will the TECHNODOLLY pass through a standard door?

How noisy is the TECHNODOLLY?

The TECHNODOLLY uses very advanced direct-drive motors which allow the rig to move precisely, without backlash and gear noise. The head, boom, and swing are nearly silent. Track and telescope use cable drive systems which create some noise, and lens motors are geared and are equivalent to Preston motors. We have shot many sound sync projects with the Technodolly, and noise is usually not an issue.

How precise is the TECHNODOLLY?

What is the maximum lens height of the TECHNODOLLY?

How fast is the TECHNODOLLY?

How much track comes with the TECHNODOLLY?

How much electric power do we need to run the TECHNODOLLY?

How many people come with a TECHNODOLLY?

How much time do we need to be ready for shooting?

This depends on a few factors. For most shoots, it takes around 1 1/2 hours to unload and set up the Technodolly. This assumes that we can park the truck reasonably close to where we are shooting, that there is easy access for the equipment (stage door, no stairs, no elevators), and that the surface that the rig is being set up on is firm and level. If a long track run (40′ or more) needs to be laid, you should plan for 2 hours under these same conditions. Remember, these are rules of thumb and can vary greatly depending on the location and access. It is always helpful to have the tech attend tech/location scouts.