ARRI is proud to announce the release of Software Update Package (SUP) 3.0 for the Wireless Compact Unit WCU-4. This SUP is a major software update that expands functions for the WCU-4 as indicated below. Major new features like the wireless lens file transfer work with the ALEXA Mini cameras updated to the new Software Update Package SUP 5.0.
We highly recommend updating the WCU-4 to this Software Update Package. Please take your time to go through this article before you start using the WCU-4.
For more information, please visit http://www.arri.com/ecs/wcu-4
New features & overview of changes introduced with SUP 3.0
- Wireless lens file transfer from WCU-4 to ALEXA Mini (SUP 5.0)
- Full playback control of ALEXA Mini (SUP 5.0) via WCU-4
- Remote ALEXA Mini (SUP 5.0) user setup switching from WCU-4
- Support for motor gear teeth detection settings with ALEXA Mini (SUP 5.0) § Live ALEXA 65 camera status info on WCU-4
- Support of multiple monitor outputs of ALEXA SXT and 65 (SUP 2.0) cameras
- Support of Master Grip rocker, ZMU-3A and cmotion pan-bar zoom hardwired to WCU-4
- Support of cmotion cdistance display
- New lens file management on SD card
- Extended WCU-4 user settings storage on SD card
- ENG lens zoom improvements
- Improved radio signal strength indication
- New camera status info on WCU-4
- Camera status display for PLAY and ERASE on WCU-4
- More accurate Cine Tape Measure values on WCU-4
- Updated WCU-4 user interface style
General Features
New lens file management on SD card
SUP 3.0 supports custom SD card folder structures for saving and loading lens files. Users can save lens files to any
folder of choice and copy existing files from one folder to another. Folders and files are displayed in alphabetical
order
Extended WCU-4 user settings on SD card
Now all important user settings can be stored to and loaded from an SD/SDHC card including the following WCU-4 settings: radio on/off, focus lock, focus reference, iris lock, iris reference, zoom lock, zoom reference, zoom speed, pre-marked focus ring state and value.
ENG lens zoom improvements
Linear rocker characteristic curves for ENG lenses were added. Also, the ENG lens name is now shown on the WCU-4.
Improved radio signal strength indication
The radio signal strength indication is now more accurate, with earlier warnings in case of a weak radio signal.
Additional camera status signal color
The camera status color on the WCU-4 screen now changes to black in the rare case that the current camera status
has not been updated for more than one second
Additional camera states PLAY and ERASE
The new camera states PLAY and ERASE were added to the WCU-4 screen.
Support for external zoom controls
Master Grip Rocker, ZMU-3A and cmotion pan-bar zoom are now supported hardwired to the LCS interface of the WCU-4.
Support of cmotion cdistance display
The cmotion cdistance display for additional distance readouts is now supported and hardwired to the WCU-4 LCS interface.
Updated user interface style
The graphical user interface has been optimized, providing more on-screen list items and additional information
New Features for ALEXA Mini
The following features will be supported with ALEXA Mini Software Update Package 5.0 onwards.
Wireless lens file transfer
Now, users can select a lens file stored on the SD card in the WCU-4 and wirelessly transmit the file to the ALEXA Mini.
Playback control
Full remote playback control is now possible from the WCU-4. This allows users to wirelessly select, play back, and
shuttle through any clip from the CFast 2.0 card in the ALEXA Mini without needing direct access to the camera. When
a clip is paused, the WCU-4 zoom control can be used to shuttle through clip frame-wise (just like click wheel on MVF).
When clip is playing, the WCU-4 zoom control can be used to increase playback speed and playback direction (just like
click wheel on MVF). The maximum playback speed selectable on WCU-4 is 64x.
Remote camera user setup
ALEXA Mini user setups can now be selected and activated from the WCU-4.
Motor gear teeth detection
ARRI offers interchangeable gears with different teeth counts for lens motors. The teeth count mode can now be selected in the WCU-4 motor setup screen. This new function is important for correct lens data.
New Features for ALEXA SXT
The following features will be supported with the soon to be released ALEXA SXT Software Update Package 2.0.
Live camera information
Camera errors and warnings are shown in the WCU-4 GUI.
Support of multiple monitor outputs
Users can select the settings of multiple SDI monitor outputs in WCU-4 submenu CAM>MONOUT>Mon CNG, depending on the number of outputs available (e.g. SDI peaking On/Off, SDI exposure tool On/Off and others).
New Features for ALEXA 65
The following feature will be supported with ALEXA 65 Software Update Package 1.4 onwards.
Live camera information
Camera errors and warnings are shown on the WCU-4 screen.
The following feature will be supported with the soon to be released ALEXA 65 Software Update Package 2.0.
Support of multiple monitor outputs
Users can select the settings of multiple SDI monitor outputs in WCU-4 submenu CAM>MONOUT>Mon CNG, depending on the number of outputs available (e.g. SDI peaking On/Off, SDI exposure tool On/Off and others).
Bug Fixes
This is a list of bug fixes for this particular SUP 3.0 software package.
Change frame rate in Pre-Rec
Fixed an issue where camera is set in Pre-Rec mode the WCU-4 declined any change of FPS.
Programming close focus mark at end stop
Solved an issue where, while programming a custom lens file with WCU-4, it was not possible to enter close focus point positioned on the end stop (calibration limit) of the lens focus ring.
Lens programming display issue
Solved an issue where the scales for iris and focus axes were filled with noisy data in the lens-programming mode.
Rounding issue with LCUBE CUB-1
Solved an issue when UDM-1 was connected to a LCUBE CUB-1 and then to an ALEXA Mini, there were rounding issues between WCU-4 and UDM-1.
ALEXA Mini lens mount switched off after lens programming
Fixed an issue where the ALEXA Mini lens mount did not switch on automatically after programming a lens file with WCU-4.
Vibration during startup
Solved an issue where the WCU-4 vibrated after turning it on.