Technodolly: A Programmable Camera Crane

Technodolly

Pacific Motion Control

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.

Technodolly Videos

Jordan Flight Plate Innovation Film featuring King Bach

Technodolly Operator: Paul Maples
Technodolly Tech: Garritt Hampton
Director: Seth Epstein

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Old Navy Presents: The New T Machine

Filmed with the Technodolly
Technodolly Operator: Anthony Jacques
Technodolly Tech: Adam Francis

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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.

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Sony HMD Commercial Shot with Technodolly

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Behind the Scenes – Sony HMD Commercial Shot with Technodolly

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Very Fast, Precision Move with the Technodolly

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Technodolly Tests at the Supertechno Factory in Pilsen

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Technodolly with 3D Beamsplitter Rig

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Technodolly Greenscreen and Virtual Set