AXIOM Remote concept render circa June 2019.
This device, and its associated software, is designed to be a comprehensive remote control unit for the AXIOM Beta range of cameras. Like the devices it controls, AXIOM Remote is an open source, open hardware project and all data surrounding its research and development has been made freely available.
AXIOM Remote was funded as a stretch goal in the AXIOM Beta crowd funding campaign. It features push-buttons and switches as well as a rotary encoder (also with push-button function) that can be used to control a wide range of camera parameters like shutter speed, gain, overlays, FPS, gamma curves etc. To keep everything as flexible as possible the buttons next to the LCD have dynamic functionality as their commands are displayed next to them on the LCD. A switch allows locking/unlocking all the buttons so nobody accidentally makes any changes.
The AXIOM Remote is based on a 2.8" LCD screen (showing status information, camera parameters and enabling navigation through menus) and a PIC32MZ micro-controller. The connection between AXIOM Remote and an AXIOM camera will be a flexible (preferably spiral) cable with solid connectors. Expansion slots (with GPIO) will make future additions of new buttons/knobs/wheels/controllers/interfaces easy and straight forward.
Feature Wishlist:
| Essentials | Good to Have | Luxury |
|---|
| a few Status LEDs | single color LED under most buttons (transparent) | RGB LED under every button (transparent) |
| power supply from camera | power IN connector | own battery mount |
| wired operation | | wireless operation option |
| | turn LCD into touchscreen (can be disabled in menu) |
| Control all AXIOM related functionalists | Control active lens mount related functionalists | Remote Control other cameras and devices (LANC, USB, DSLR Shutter Release, etc.) |
| 2x Rotary Knobs (infinite rotation) | additional slider/fader knob | Force Feedback Rotary Knobs (built-in microstepper motor) |
Simulator
We created a very basic online simulation of the AXIOM Remote menu structure to showcase the basic idea.
Status
- Printed circuit boards for a first version prototype have been designed and populated.
- Button options are being tested.
- PCB has been debugged.
- Enclosure prototypes have been 3D printed (first step towards ordering aluminium milled parts).
- Remote attachment system to camera is being designed (v-mount based)
- UI design on the actual hardware is ongoing but further software refinements are still required (please see this page's footer if you'd like to assist).
AXIOM Team Talk 14.3 (Oct 2018) covered AXIOM Remote development progress.
Contribution
If you want to help us feel free to grab the source code and make changes (send us a pull request when done).
Related Links
Further Links
Want to participate?
Want to provide feedback or suggest improvements? Want to try your own approach and need help?
Get in touch via IRC or email.
