The roboCAM Master Control Panel is a wired serial controller for Blackmagic Cinema cameras. The MCP enables remote control of Focus-Iris-Zoom, as well as ISO, White Balance, Rec toggle, and nearly every other camera setting.
The MCP is built on Arduino computers enclosed in a bespoke 3D printed aluminum and nylon case.
To print the case, a virtual scale model of the MCP Arduino boards, physical I/O connectors and buttons were assembled in 3D.
As well as controlling Focus, Iris, Zoom and all settings of the camera, the MCP was developed to control servos in a robotic camera mount.
v.0
The MCP v.0 was designed around a standard size Arduino board, with a 2.8″ screen. It was going to be fit into a pre-made shell with a custom bent and drilled aluminum skeleton.
v.1
v.1 replaced the expensive custom plastic and aluminum case with an expensive 3D-Printed nylon case and lithe aluminum frame. The design remained the same Arduino brains, touchscreen and buttons as v.0, but the case is more ergonomic (for right-handed people).
Many emboss patterns were tested for the grip before the flowing swirl was chosen.
The v.1 design has a very stable feel in the hand. The contoured swirl flows with the hand, and the oversize physical controls are accessible even through gloves.
The interface on the 2.8″ screen is drawn by the Arduino, created with a combination of static backgrounds with animated sprites overlaid.
v.2
Version 2 stayed wired to communicate with the camera, but moved the UI to a WiFi connected phone over the OSC protocol. OSC allows both faster UI iteration and the ability to animate camera settings with an OSC sequencer.
The printed aluminum and nylon construction was kept, but the smaller Arduino Feather boards and lack of touchscreen greatly reduced the materials costs.
The camBOT Master Control Panel is a small form-factor addition to my camera kit that allows me to put a camera anywhere, and still have full control of all settings from a phone or tablet.