2014Follow Focus forum
Hedene Carat wireless follow focus system performance and reliability
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Hedene Carat is compact with quick linking and extended wireless range.
- Pairing the transmitter and receiver can be unreliable and inconsistent on some units, though operation works well once successfully paired.
- The handheld controller drains a standard 9V battery rapidly, consuming approximately two alkaline cells per shooting day.
- Pairing issues may occur when the device operates near other wireless equipment like Teradek Bolt systems; powering on and pairing the Hedene unit first can help resolve this.
- Rechargeable 9V lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries provide significantly longer runtime, lasting one to two full shooting days compared to alkaline cells.
- The system requires minimal setup and calibration time.
- Users report that the controller feel and ergonomics are well-received by focus pullers.
Depends on
- Some connectivity and pairing issues may be unit-specific rather than systemic defects.
- Battery drain characteristics were noted for standard alkaline 9V batteries; performance with other battery types was not fully evaluated in the discussion.
- Wireless interference patterns may vary depending on the specific RF environment and nearby equipment.
- No direct comparative testing against other follow focus systems was documented.
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