Technodolly: A Programmable Camera Crane
Technodolly
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
| 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
| Maximum Track Length | 18 m | 59′ |
| Maximum Track Travel | 16 m | 53′ |
| Maximum Telescopic Arm Travel | 2.95 m | 9′ 8" |
Dimensions
| 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
| 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
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.
Yes, you can lock the movement of the crane, head or lens into the programmed move. Alternatively, the grip, cameraman, or focus puller can do their work manually.
Yes, camera paths and timing can be edited. Keyframes can be replaced or changed, and new keyframes can be added before, between, or after existing keyframes.
Yes, by adding keyframes before the first frame or after the last frame.
A qualified operator and tech always accompany the Technodolly.
Virtually Unlimited.
Virtually Unlimited.
No, the TECHNODOLLY always knows its position. The TECHNODOLLY uses very advanced “absolute position” encoders so it never loses position, even when it is powered off.
Yes, with the Go To command you can travel between any keyframes of any move. Multiple moves can be stored and recalled at any time.
Yes, the operator can manually control the speed along the path. You can also override pan, tilt, roll, and zoom while the TECHNODOLLY is moving automatically.
Yes, moves can be scaled or offset.
Yes, once moves are programmed, they will repeat precisely, as many times as you need. The TECHNODOLLY is perfect for “twinning,” changing background or foreground elements, and greenscreen/bluescreen shooting. With the bloop-plate (LED flasher), you can start the shoot precisely and match the passes.
You can get a simple ASCII file of cartesian camera positions, camera angles, and lens data over time.
Yes, the TECHNODOLLY exports tracking data on an RS232/RS485 interface (ethernet will be supported soon).
Yes, as long as you do not exceed the kinetic limitations of the TECHNODOLLY.
Yes, it is 2’6″ (78 cm) wide and 6’7″ (2.08 meters) high.
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.
The TECHNODOLLY is better than +/- 0.2 mm. With the telescoping crane arm fully extended, moves will repeat with a precision of less than .008 inches (0.2 mm). As a point of reference, two sheets of paper are about .008 thick.
15′ 4″ (4.5 meters).
Max speed is around 2.3 meters per second (7.5 feet per second) – This is a straight line move combining track, swing, and telescope. Max track speed is around 6.5 feet/second (2 meters/second), and the telescopic arm can move at 3.25 feet/second (1 m/sec).
Up to 59 feet (18 meters) of track can be used with the TECHNODOLLY, but the TECHNODOLLY can also be used without any track.
4, 20 Amp 115V circuits are needed to run the TECHNODOLLY.
Two. An operator and tech go with the TECHNODOLLY.
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.
Technodolly Videos
Jordan Flight Plate Innovation Film featuring King Bach
Technodolly Operator: Paul Maples
Technodolly Tech: Garritt Hampton
Director: Seth Epstein
Old Navy Presents: The New T Machine
Filmed with the Technodolly
Technodolly Operator: Anthony Jacques
Technodolly Tech: Adam Francis
Technodolly and Gazelle Working Together
The Technodolly was used as the sun in this motion control miniatures shoot. The operator was Anthony Jacques from Arf and Co.