Q) What is camBLOCK™?

A) This is a programmable, expandable, repeatable solution for high value, low cost motion control projects for motion picture and media projects. Designed and manufactured by a working Emmy award winner, camBLOCK™ makes motion control more affordable than ever before.

Q) Can it be used to rotate a table for object shooting?

A) Yes. camBLOCK™ is modular, so you may program and chain up to 16 axis to respond to a single custom move. Model movers, gigapictures, panoramas, focus motors, dollies, work with camBLOCK™'s design.

Q) How does it compare to other moco systems in terms of synchronization?

A) Our systems are purchased by professional around the world who are synchronizing two or more scenes. The feedback has been excellent.

Q) Will I have lens control?

A) Yes. camBLOCK™ is developing lens control axis to work with existing software. Join our mailing list to receive availability updates.

Q) Are you planning to create motors to suit cine lenses (ARRI pitch gears etc.)

A) Yes.

Q) What type of lens control repeatability is there?

A) Once the lens control servo motors are attached, camBLOCK™ interfaces with it like any other axis. If the lens is a precision device, you may expect excellent results.

Q) How about a joystick?

A) Yes. The same software that drives any camBLOCK™ axis, will also accept input devices like a joystick. Join our mailing list to receive availability updates.

Q) What about noise level of the blocks?

A) camBLOCK™ is designed as a MOS unit, but has been used in sync situations when motor speeds are low. Our design puts weight and cost above silent running.

Q) How exact is the servo motor?

A) Servos are more precise than standard analog or stepper motors in motion control applications because each servo has an encoder to creates a closed loop feedback system to the software.

Q) Is there a possibility to get the HMDI-signal from the CANON EOS 5DII via the cable for the camBLOCK™ system?

A) camBLOCK™ does not require modification of the cameras in any way. You may expect traditional results with your camera kit.

Q) What type of controls will there be for "real time" head control?

A) The initial release of the joystick accessory will offer 2 axis of control simultaneously.

Q) When the joystick control is released from Beta, will there also be a real-time focus/iris/zoom controller, similar to what is available on power pods, jimmy jibs etc.?

A) No. camBLOCK™s are programmable devices and we are not competing with 'live action' products. The camBLOCK™ has many live action features, but if the application is primarily for remote head and jib work, we recommend a different product.

Q) What are the max and minimum pan/tilt/dolly speeds (degrees/ sec or cm/ second)?

A) Max rotational speed under load is 180 degrees/second. For the dolly axis, this translates to 6" per second with the standard drive pulley, 9" per second with the optional large pulley.

Q) The blocks appear to be direct drive without a gear train. Is this true?

A) No. The camBLOCK™ uses two stages of gear reduction to enhance accuracy and holding strength.

Q) Is the resolution nice and smooth?

A) Yes. Motor position is monitored at a resolution of .0016 degrees, and positions while running are maintained within .02 degrees or less. Our systems also offer time expansion and compression... to increase the resolution of moves with different intervals etc.

Q) Can it be underslung?

A) Yes. The head operates in any configuration and with a RAIL dolly, the camera may be inches off a surface by using an underslung setup.

Q) Will it do 360s?

A) Yes. Cable length is your only movement restriction for the pan/tilt head.

Q) Does it have to be nodal?

A) No. As the hardware is robust for its weight, as with any remote head, care should be taken to balance loads properly.

Q) Can you integrate this with iLink controls for my Sony z1u?

A) No.. but, custom request are encouraged, but may require contract work to accommodate.

Q) Do you have a lens cap cover between intervals?

A) No. A capping device may be programmed as a separate component the software can initiate. We do not offer a capping device today.

Q) Is there a teaching module that goes with it?

A) Yes. The newly released website has training tutorials.

Q) Recommended temperatures?

A) The camBLOCK™ has functioned in zero degree (F) weather, but is not recommended without environmental protection for the controller and battery. With adequte preparation, you may feel confident the camBLOCK™ will function properly in cold weather.

Q) How does your software control cameras? Is there ability to change shooting parameters?

A) Yes. The software is written specifically to feature sophisticated motion control options. Look at the software tab to review the wide variety of options it offers.

Q) Is it possible to use the pan/tilt head in real-time applications. Will it encode my move for playback later?

A) Yes and No. camBLOCK™ will serve as a 'remote' head and is controlled at the computer or via optional joystick. Software is in development to allow for live input to be save and manipulated on the timeline.

Q) Do I need my computer?

A) No. The software required to run up to 16 axis simultaneously is in the controller provided with every single axis purchase.

Q) What about "Stop Frame Animation" - what information do you have so far?

A) With a simple accessory box, camBLOCK™ may be activated to move the precise amount needed to render a smooth result. The camera is triggered, all axis advance and the unit is ready to respond to the next activation. This cycle repeats to the completion of the program.

Q) We might have a project with some repeat moves at differing speeds at different locations (green screen FGround, TL BGround). What are the tolerances for this type of repeat work? Is there encoder feedback?

A) Yes. As a motion control device, separate shots may be composited with confidence. Additionally, a 'movement data file' is created by the Pocket PC and may be imported into desktop applications.

Q) Does your system work with ipad or iphone?

A) Our proprietary software is designed for the HP Pocket PC only.

Q) Can you save moves?

A) Yes.

Q) What are the key frame limits?

A) In this software version, currently up to 100 keyframes per axis are accomodated.

Q) Is it smart enough not to 'hurt' itself?

A) Yes. camBLOCK™ software offers axis limiters and will not accept some moves that are out of parameter.

Q) Will it tell you how long a time lapse shot will take?

A) Yes. This is the classic Producer question! If you ask camBLOCK™ to give you 300 frames with an 8.2 second interval, it will give you a countdown of h/m/s remaining and the cumulative total of h/m/s. The 'math' maybe approached from different angles. ie: Enter number of frames and interval, determine duration. Enter duration and interval, determine frames to be acquired.

Q) Can it go underwater?

A) Yes. If you put it in an underwater housings.

Q) Do you sell just the software?

A) No.

Q) Can I record a 'real time move', smooth it with the program... and play it back in time lapse... or real time mode?

A) Yes, soon. With the release of the joystick, currently in Beta, you will be able to capture a two axis move and modify it in the software for playback.

Q) Can I delay the RUN function by hours, days, months?

A) Yes. You may set a 'start timer' based on the internal cck of the computer, up to 24 hours in advance.

Q) What is maximum length of rails for dolly?

A) Track comes in a 32 inch length, and can be assembled to 100 feet.

Q) Will the dolly move if we rotate rails to vertical?

A) Yes. With the 'Vertical Modification' (that counterbalances the rolling hardware), the dolly may be mounted vertical.

Q) The dolly upgrade allows for putting the track on the floor, right?

A) Yes. You may choose to use the low profile RAIL configuration on the floor or on risers, or perhaps you would prefer the more conventional SLED configuration which allows the camera to shoot 'over-the-top' of the end of your track run. The SLED has a bigger 'footprint', and requires your tripod to hold the camBLOCK™s.

Q) We use Nikon D200\300 and Pentax K200\7 cameras. Will the camBLOCK™ trigger those cameras?

A) Yes. camBLOCK™ trigger boxes will send a signal to multiple makes of live action and still cameras at the same time. Order the appropriate box for your camera manufacture.

Q) Can you tell me how the "DSLR dual trigger box" works?

A) A single plug into the controller box will trigger a box that has cables to each of the cameras in action. A single signal triggers both cameras in sync.

Q) Can I get a shutter pulse from an Alexa or similar camera and use that to lock the system for repeated passes.

A) No.

Q) Can the software trigger a light switch or relay?

A) Yes. With the appropriate interface device, trigger signals may be programmed in the move and are precisely repeatable.

Q) Does the system come with any batteries?

A) No. On each camBLOCK™ controller, there is a 4 pin XLR (1=neg, 4=positive) connector for power, but you may add an optional V-mount, or Bauer mount to accommodate your battery purchase from a third party.

Q) How long will it run on one battery?

A) Considering the condition of your battery, amp/hour capacity and operating temperatures, you may calculate battery life more carefully. Testing is recommended with your power source and our equipment before your project start. If you plan to use the camBLOCK™ as a live remote head, you should prepare greater demand on your power source. To your question, we have optimized the electronics and computer to run at its most efficient. Battery life is critical to long time lapse set ups, and we have done our part to maximize your battery life.

Q) Is there an AC power supply?

A) Yes. We can recommend an AC Power supply. However, as with batteries, we do not sell these items from our site.

Q) Is the HP 210 Pocket PC also powered via the battery system?

A) Yes. The Pocket PC may pull its power from the external system battery.

Q) Can it run off a car battery?

A) The system is optimized for 12-18 volts DC for use with modern V mount and Bauer mount camera batteries. With the appropriate cabling, the camBLOCK™ will run off a viable car battery. If you plan to use a vehicle battery on a long term basis, select a Marine Grade deep cycle battery for best results.

Q) How about a cigarette lighter?

A) We would not recommend a cigarette lighter for your source of power as the biggest concern is the reliability of the connector.

Q) How about solar?

A) We do not offer batteries, power supplies or other power source alternatives, but you can get as creative as you like to provide the 12-18 volts of DC.

Q) What is the maximum weight it will handle... or what is the biggest camera I could use on it?

A) The camBLOCK™ is designed to be light weight and manageable by a single shooter, but will accommodate a stripped down RED or a camBLOCK™ custom 2 camera 3D beam splitter device.

Q) What does it weigh?

A) Each block is 4x8 inches and weighs 3.1 lbs. A two axis pan/tilt head, cables, controller, ball mount, Pocket PC and third party 90wh lithium ion camera battery puts the system at 12 lbs. Loaded case weights are posted on the SPECS tab of each product system.

Q) In one picture in the "motion time-lapse" gallery, I see two cameras, is it for making 3D? Do you have any experience shooting more than one camera at a time?

A) Yes. camBLOCK™ will precisely trigger more than one camera at a time, so you may shoot with different lenses from the same platform, or shoot 3D and stereo.

Q) Do you rent the camBLOCK™ out? If so how much? (I would need it for 3-months)

A) Yes. The camBLOCK™ may be rented from us. We can refer you to an operator if needed.

Q) Do you have a consignment program for rental houses?

A) Yes. Please inquire.

Q) Can I rent to own. ( of rental may be applied to purchase.... if the customer 'keeps' the unit and does not ship it back.) Once it is shipped back.... everything starts over.

A) Yes. We apply 1/2 of a consecutive rental towards purchase, if a customer keeps the unit and does not ship it back.

Q) What do I need to rent it?

A) Certificate of Insurance listing camBLOCK™ as insured, up to $4000/axis, prepaid rental and coverage of all shipping and tax/tariff/duties incurred.

Q) How do I go about getting one?

A) This site is packed with information and recommendations. We can serve you better if you have made your system and accessory decisions before we visit. Once you have a Wish List, contact us for availability and system pricing. The FAQ section will not have pricing information included.

Q) Is there a guarantee or warranty?

A) We will repair or replace defective components as needed.

Q) Do you have t-shirts.

A) What size would you like?

Q) How do I pay when I want to buy it?

A) Wire transfer to camBLOCK™ is the best. Credit cards are accepted with a 2.9% premium on purchase price.

Q) What if I change my mind after purchase... and want my money back.

A) A 4 day rental week will be assessed for length of time away from camBLOCK™.)

Q) Can you ship worldwide.

A) Yes. With our custom Pelican cases, the equipment may be professionally shipped anywhere.

Q) Do you charge tax and a shipping fee too?

A) Applicable taxes, duties and transfers as well as shipping are the responsibility of the customer.

Q) How long it takes to get everything?

A) Most kits are able to be shipped between 10-15 business days from order, but specialty systems will be quoted.

Q) Can I get an estimate on the shipping cost to Germany?

A) Yes. Once all the components of a system have been listed, speed of delivery determined, we will provide case size, weight and our shipping US Zip Code.