2014Follow Focus forum
Experience with RT Motion focus iris zoom controller reliability and performance
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- The RT Motion system works adequately for the price but has experienced reliability issues, particularly with earlier 3.0 models where antenna failures caused multiple control unit failures in the first year of use.
- The newer 3.1 version with improved antennas resolved connection and range problems for the owner who upgraded from the 3.0 system.
- Motors provide sufficient power for most lenses though occasional difficulties were encountered with stiffer older lenses.
- Hand unit and brain components are compact and lightweight with acceptable durability for set use, though not at the same ruggedness level as higher-end systems.
- Wireless signal quality issues were reported in one comparison test conducted in a particle acceleration facility, with frequent signal dropouts noted.
- The 3.1 version performed without issues on two separate productions and did not require transmission power above low setting.
- Customer service response was described as good despite time zone differences and shipping delays.
- System coexistence with other wireless equipment like video transmission systems and two-way radios did not produce observed interference issues.
Depends on
- The 3.0 model version is not recommended for purchase used due to antenna design issues.
- Reliability comparison between 3.0 and 3.1 motors could not be confirmed as only 3.0 motors were owned by the main reviewer.
- The signal quality comparison with a higher-end system occurred almost a year before reporting and the specific model version tested was not confirmed.
- Limited road testing was performed on one unit due to travel schedule after purchase.
- One test environment was highly specialized with particle acceleration equipment, which may not represent typical production conditions.
- Experience is based primarily on a small number of owners' reports rather than widespread testing.
Gear in this thread
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