By site editor Dan Chung
One of the things I am most excited about getting to see at NAB2012 is the new Kessler Fusion modular motion control system.
The Fusion system offers options for motorised control of focus and zoom of lenses using digital motors – as well as controlling a motorised pan and tilt head usually mounted on a slider. All of this can be controlled wirelessly (or via ethernet cable) from a mobile device using HTML5. Fusion can even be controlled remotely via web.
Unlike the existing Oracle system, the Fusion is completely digital. A computer ‘Brain’ controls the entire system and using a series of digitally encoded motors it can precision-control movement in multiple axes. The ‘Brain’ has wi-fi, ethernet and USD connections as well as a SD card slot. There is a FAQ detailing the differences between Oracle and Fusion here. Down the line the ‘Brain’ should also be able to control moco cranes, turntables and full size dollies.
Kessler has announced that a 3-Axis motion control Fusion system will start at under $6000 US.
It is compatible with all existing Kessler sliders and dollys with a belt and pulley system – such as the recently launched Stealth.
Eric Kessler the company’s founder had this to say “After over a year and a half of working with select shooters and top engineers, we feel we have built the perfect motion control system that will have a long shelf life due to the modularity and array of electronic peripherals”.
If he’s right then there will be some extremely happy timelapse shooters very soon. Below is a video of Eric Kessler explaining the new Fusion interface.
Here’s last month’s press release from Kessler:
Kessler Crane, leading manufacturer of camera cranes, jibs, and motion control products, proudly introduces the Kessler Fusion Motion Control System.
Highly Advanced Motion Control
The most advanced motion control system in the world, the Kessler Fusion allows limitless control of your camera’s movement through digital key frame manipulation, straight from any mobile device using HTML5 technology. It grants you the unprecedented ability to perform nearly any type of movement, even allowing you to duplicate your exact moves repeatedly. From panning and tilting to focus and zoom, the Fusion empowers you with total precision control.
The Fusion possesses multiple 256 axis control and fully digitally encoded motors provide precise positioning and superior motion control performance. Additionally, with Kessler’s ultra-fast Coldfire 32-bit processor, the Fusion moves smoothly with precision and accuracy.
Each motor/axis point in the Fusion network has input and output ports. These ports can be configured via the Fusion interface to send and receive camera controls, giving you total control over the Fusion’s actions.
Durable Design, Easy Access
From the all controlling “Brain” to the rugged, weather resistant connections, the Fusion is built to last. The shock resistant Brain features a polycarbonate housing with rubber over molding, and a sleek LED back-light that can be controlled through the user interface. The connections are strong and stable, but can still be easily inserted and removed easily with one hand. Finally, with an SD Card slot, WiFi, Ethernet and USB connections, the Fusion stands ready for firmware upgrades making it totally future-proof.
Device Independent
Free from operating system and device restrictions, the entire Fusion system is controlled directly from the web browser of your device of choice, using HTML5 technology. While a Windows app will be available, the entire system is usable through any web browser, via a direct wireless or wired network connection (Internet connection not required), relieving you from any hardware or operating system requirements.
Kessler Compatibility
The Kessler Fusion is compatible with all of Kessler’s existing sliders that have the belt and pulley system, including the Kessler Pocket Dolly, CineSlider, Stealth Slider, and Philip Bloom Signature Series Pocket Dolly.
Availability
The Kessler Fusion Motion Control System will be available for demonstration at NAB 2012 in booth #C9848, with a limited release in May 2012, and a projected full release in July 2012.
For more information go to http://www.kesslerfusion.com
