Preston

• 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 go into Settings in the Moon app. Under SERIAL PROTOCOL (you can either just scroll down to get there, or use the SERIAL quick link in the top row) set CONTROLLER to PRESTON. CONTROLLER INTERFACE should be MOON SERIAL CONNECTOR. With the latest Moon software update you do not need to save, parameters are saved as soon as you change them. With previous software updates, do not forget to press SAVE or SAVE & MAIN just below the Serial Protocol section!

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arrow pointing left represents the knob position, it well turn yellow when you toggle focus tracking on (as it then no longer represents the motor position).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.