Indiemark 3 Lens Encoder

Indiemark 3 Encoder Overview

On this page, we'll go over the setup and operation of the Indiemark 3 Lens Encoder.

Overview

labeledIndiemark2Assm_2024-Apr-27_05-16-29PM-000_CustomizedView25227191990

  1. Zero Button
    • Used to reset the encoder to Zero
  2. LED indicator
    • Indicates status of encoder
  3. USB Cable Clamp
    • Securely holds USB-C connector and protects it from damage
  4. Rod Clamp
    • Mounts encoder onto 15mm or 19mm rods
  5. Lens Gear
    • Interfaces with lens gearing

LED Indicator

Effect Description
Breathing Orange Power applied, but unable to enumerate USB
Pulsing red Encoder is not zeroed
White Encoder is at or near it's zero point
Fading blue Normal operation

Physical setup

Choose the gear that correctly interfaces with your lens. Gears can be replaced by using a 1.3mm allen wrench.

Select the rod clamp that fits your setup, and place it over the 1/4-20 thread on the bottom. Tightening the knob will lock the clamp.

If you want to get fancy, a 1/4-20 kipp handle can also be used to tighten the rod clamp, such as from https://www.mcmaster.com/5101K15/.

When first powered on, the encoder will pulse to indicate it needs to be zeroed.

It doesn't matter which side of the lens you mount the encoders. When you Zero the encoder, it will report positive values no matter which direction it is spun.

Set the lens to the following settings:

  • Focus: Close focus
  • Iris: Widest aperture
  • Zoom: Widest focal length

Once set, press the Zero button to zero the encoder. You are now set.

USB Cable Clamp

The integrated cable clamp allows a low-profile right angle USB-C cable to be attached securely. Completely remove the clamp to install the cable. If you want to more permanently affix the cable, the thumbscrew can be further tightened with a 3/32" allen wrench.

The USB clamp is optional and can be removed to allow for different types of USB cables to be used. The CAD file for the clamp can also be found below, allowing users to 3D print their own.

LONET 2 Server Software

The LONET 2 Server software is used to detect, manage, map, and output data from Indiemark Lens Encoders. It can be downloaded for free, and will auto-detect Indiemark encoders on startup. More details can be found here.

Encoder 2 Ethernet box

The LOLED E2E box can be used to convert the encoder USB signal to ethernet for stage workflows.

Indiemark Encoder Protocol

The Indiemark encoder protocol is freely available for anyone to develop for, and more info can be found on this page. In addition to USB HID, the Indiemark 3 also presents a standard USB Serial port that can be communicated with very easily. The port simply displays the currently encoder value.

Indiemark Network Relay

The Indiemark Network Relay utility (built with VPOS) can be used to send Indiemark encoder data via a wireless or wired network, enabling the remote use of Indiemark encoders by plugging them into a Mini PC.

The utility can be started with RUN.BAT. When running, any Indiemark encoders will be detected and sent to LONET 2 via the standard LONET multicast IP. They can then be mapped just as if they were connected via USB.

The utility can be set to start automatically on system bootup. We reccommend the GMKTec NucBox line of Mini PCs.

Using Multiple Encoders

An easy way to connect multiple encoders to one camera is to connect them all to a USB hub, and then run an active USB cable back to the PC.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MFW93B4/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_S9MN5324WR8KVF70TX1K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L32B9C2/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_RXNN5TPZ0PV8B7DW4AGW

Specs

  • Weight: 100grams
  • Data rate: 1000hz
  • Resolution: 4000CPR
  • Power: 5V 100mA
  • Port: USB type C (USB 2.0 pins)
  • Spindle diameter: 6mm
  • Material: PA12 Nylon