CONNECTING TO A Lens Control System

Preston HU-3 & HU-4

  • Connect the Brain to your MDR’s serial connector with a custom serial cable (MSF.C40.02).
  • Choose the Preston protocol for Lens Control System in the Moon app.

Moon Smart Focus is compatible with Preston HU-3/HU-4 and MDR-3/MDR-4 (MDR-5 pending testing).

‍NOTE: To use the focus tracking capabilities of the Moon Smart Focus system we recommend using the MDR-4. Focus Tracking may work with a MDR-3 but due to generational hardware iterations focus tracking will not function on all MDR-3s. If only a MDR-3 is available to you we highly recommend testing the focus tracking functionality during prep to avoid any uncomfortable surprises on set, and/or contacting Preston to verify that you have the latest hardware.

To choose the Preston protocol open Settings in the Moon app (double-click on the button to the bottom right). Go to CONNECTIONS under SETUP and set Protocol to Preston under Lens control system. Connector should be set to Moon serial connector. With software version 2.14.0 and newer you do not need to save, parameters are saved as soon as you change them.

You will now get the Moon readout in the display on your hand unit. It will say “Cinetape” in the display which might be confusing, but no reason to be confused. Just take it as a sign that everything is working!

In the Moon app you will now have an AUTO button. Click on it to toggle focus tracking on or off. On the distance scale in the app the small green arrow pointing left represents the knob position, it well turn yellow when you toggle focus tracking on (as it then no longer represents the motor position). The bigger green arrow pointing right is what Moon is measuring and the smaller white arrow just opposite it pointing left is the distance Moon is sending to your Preston system.

We are currently experimenting with and testing third party bluetooth buttons to be used to toggle focus tracking on and off (they can then be mounted on your hand unit for fast and easy access). Contact us if you are interested in beta-testing this!