Basic Calibration can't get Fr | Forum

Basic Calibration can't get FreeD focus data to work in DE Axi (zoom works, but not focus), and new calibrator won't even let me calibrate zoom

So I am stuck, running in circles here.

My setup is a BM Ursa G2 4.2k + Canon 18-80M cine lens with limo port out to RETracker Fizz. I am sending focus, iris and zoom to my PC via FreeD from RETrackerFizz. My tracking data is coming from RETracker Bliss, which is also FreeD. I would have thought I could easily calibrate my Canon 18-80 lens for focus and zoom in Axi, but that is not the case. I have tried multiple times with no success.

I am using DE Broadcast Axi with URE (version 2023.2.2)

I first attempted the stand alone calibration application. It stops working at the second step (with lens distort) on the zoom calibration - when I zoom out to max distance the app wont let me proceed the "next" button is grayed out and not functional no matter what I try.

I found numerous threads of others having same or similar issues that suggested I should move to the basic calibrator. So, I moved over to the basic calibrator. I can see all the FreeD lens and tracking data updating on my Axi monitor within the basic calibrator open, so I know for certain Axi is receiving all my tracking data and it is updated when I adjust focus, zoom or move the camera.

The basic calibrator will allow me to do my zoom calibration (I used 5 entry points for Zoom following the PTZ tutorial), but when I attempt to enter focus values, which requires a tedious addition of 5 sets of parameters for every focus point based on the zoom setting so at least 5x5=25 points to enter. After entering all these data points in the lens profile Axi won't pass the focus values. Zoom works in Axi but no focus. I added a Set_Collection_Scaler to my tracked camera in Axi and there is no data for focus.

Further when I reopen the new calibration app and open the lens profile I created in Basic with the focus and zoom I see the type of calibration as being "fixed", which perhaps is part of the issue.

What is going on here? This is absolutely critical functionality that just does not work. Can someone explain to me what I need to do to get dynamic focus and zoom values in Axi from FreeD that is sending focus, iris and zoom from the lens? Can this be accomplished with either one of the existing calibration applications?

mvirtualpro

TwentyStudios

We’ve calibrated zoom data with ReTracker Bliss and the Indiemark encoder in the Advanced calibrator without any issues, so maybe there is something specific going on with the Fizz? The Advanced Calbrator won’t let you proceed unless it sees the calibrator checkerboard property, so that’s also something to look into?

Eifert@Aximmetry

Hi,

If the Camera Calibrator stops working at the second step (when it asks to zoom out to max distance), then it is likely that the Camera Calibrator doesn't receive the zoom data.
In that case, it is likely you don't get zoom data in every application.

Do you get zoom data in the Basic Calibrator?
The zoom data is written after the Z letter on the monitor:

The value should change when you change the zoom level on your camera.
After the F letter the focus data is displayed.

Do you get the lens data on the Zoom Factor and Focus Distance pins when using a Camera Tracking module in Aximmetry? https://aximmetry.com/learn/virtual-production-workflow/preparation-of-the-production-environment-phase-i/tracking/how-to-set-up-tracking-systems-in-aximmetry/#checking-the-tracking-data-flow
If you don't get data on either of those pins and you get data in the matching sensor pin, that means that the calibration file is not being used (for example you didn't specify a calibration file in the Camera Tracking module) or doesn't have relevant zoom or focus calibration.

Note that the Camera Calibrator can not calibrate focus yet. For that, you have to add manually the focus levels in the Basic Calibrator, as you did.

To open calibration file's zoom in the Camera Calibrator that was made in the Basic Calibrator, you have to fill out MaxZoom and MinZoom values in the calibration file instead of 0 values. You can open the calibration file with any text editor app, for example the Notepad:

However this will not affect Camera Tracking module or the camera compounds in Aximmetry.
The most likely source of your problem is that you didn't recieve zoom data.

Warmest regards,

mvirtualpro

Thank you for the feedback. I can see the zoom data in the basic calibrator and I have confirmed that Axi is receiving all the data - tracking data and lens data for zoom and focus. I created a new compound and added Camera Tracking and a Peeker for the key values to confirm data is being received. One observation I made when I looked at the raw data values in Axi this way is the as I make lens adjustments I can see focus and zoom values updating on my Axi monitor with the peeker values, but when I stop adjusting the lens the focus values always land on 0 as if Axi is having issues reading the calibration file?

TwentyStudios

But do you receive zoom data in the Advanced Calibrator? Even if you have it called in Aximmetry, you need to set it up in the Advanced calibrator as well, since it’s a separate app.

mvirtualpro

I am not sure given the advanced calibrator does not display values like the basic calibrator unless I am missing something?

TwentyStudios

Just check what settings you have in the Basic calibrator and match it in the Advance one. It’s easy to accidentally map the wrong device to either zoom or tracking device, and Aximmetry should really print out the values in the advanced calibrator as well to make it easier to see if you’ve missed something in the setup.

mvirtualpro

I am 100% sure I have the same setup in both and the proper devices mapped - I agree, if Axi would expose the values in the advanced calibrator it would help tremendously!

Eifert@Aximmetry

Hi,

When you stop adjusting the lens the focus values always land on 0, does that happen in Aximmetry too, when you use a camera calibrator module with the calibration file? https://aximmetry.com/learn/virtual-production-workflow/preparation-of-the-production-environment-phase-i/tracking/how-to-set-up-tracking-systems-in-aximmetry/#checking-the-tracking-data-flow
It might be a behavior of the hardware and not calibration.

We added to write-out focus and zoom values in Camera Calibrator's preview to our request list and we will consider adding it in future releases.

Warmest regards,

Eifert@Aximmetry

Hi,

We are thrilled to announce that the issue you encountered has been resolved in our most recent update, Aximmetry Version 2023.3.1, which is now available. You are no longer required to manually enter MaxZoom and MinZoom values in the calibration file to see the focus calibration within the Camera Calibrator:
Basic Calibration can't get FreeD focus data to work in DE Axi (zoom works, but not focus), and new calibrator won't even let me calibrate zoom

Thank you for your engagement and feedback, which play an essential role in our ongoing development and enhancement efforts.

Warmest regards,

Basic Calibration can't get FreeD focus data to work in DE Axi (zoom works, but not focus), and new calibrator won't even let me calibrate zoom

Cookie consent