Filmmakers aren't just working on cranes and dollies anymore. Gimbals and drones are now some of the most popular cinematic tools to come out in the last three years, and they require quite a bit of finesse in order to control camera pans and tilts. That's where the Alpha Wheels come in.
Developed by 1A Tools, the Alpha Wheels has a bunch of interesting features, like support for MōVI and Ronin gimbals, support for pre-visualization software like CineDesigner, and a digitally reprogrammable board that gives users the ability to control virtually any remote head, gimbal, or camera. This open API essentially makes the Alpha Wheels future-proof; when new software and tools become available, users just have to do a little programming to get it to work.
Technical specifications
- Supported Outputs via Interfaces: Freefly MOVI M15/M10/M15 via Spektrum DX7S/MOVI Controller, Cine Designer via Micro USB, Ronin*
- Additional Open API Outputs: Serial via USB, Serial via IO Port**, CAN Bus via EXT Port**, Step and Direction Pulses via EXT Port**, Raw Encoder Data via EXT Port**, Analog via IO Port
- Weight: 6 lbs unit only w/ aluminum wheels, 9.5 lbs w/ aluminum wheels and base, 16 lbs w/ brass wheels and base
- Encoders: High-Resolution, 12-bit, Capacitive Encoders
- Power Inputs: 7-30V Unregulated via 2-Pin Lemo (Arri Polarity), 5V Regulated via IO Port, 5V Regulated via Micro USB
(* Ronin interface development is still underway and subject to change, ** Open API protocols subject to change)
Credit: Alpha Wheels
Credit: Alpha Wheels
Credit: Alpha Wheels
Credit: Alpha Wheels
If you prefer a more tactile experience or if you want to get really hands-on during previsualization, you might want to take a look at the Alpha Wheels. For a limited time, you can get your own set for $1,800 (reg. $2,250).
1A Tools
