Tutorials

MECHA C2 is a Fanotec dedicated dual-axis controller, usually part of configurations that include two rotators. In that case, the controller is usually powered by its external battery.
MECHA C1, on the other hand, controls one rotator at a time and is designed for single-axis applications. It has a built-in battery that allows for a full day’s usage.
However, two sets of MECHA rotators and C1 controllers wirelessly linked together can be used to automate the tilt and panning axes of supported Nodal Ninja panoramic heads.

Both controllers can be purchased separately and used as tools for calculating photo shoot patterns. That is what we want to demonstrate in today's video.

When used as a standalone product, you can power the C2 Controller via its USB port using any suitable phone charger. No special accessory is needed. It weighs only 84 grams and fits in any small pocket, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
MECHA C1 weighs 185 grams due to the built-in battery, but has the advantage that it can operate for a long time without being connected to a power source. Its battery can also be charged using a phone charger.

MECHA Mini can also be used as a tool for calculating photo shoot patterns, although the controller is not available for separate purchase.

So, if you have a MECHA controller and a classical panoramic head, you can use the controller to create presets and then execute those presets manually. MECHA accurately computes the tilts and the number of positions for each tilt, or equivalent positions using pitch and yaw values.

We recommend first accessing the User Interface, as explained in the video 'Using a Smartphone to Access the MECHA User Interface'.
Alternatively, you can access the User Interface using a computer.

On the Row page, the easiest way to create a preset is to load a factory preset, for example, 'FE 24mm ZN Level'. You need to change the complexity of the UI to A3 to see all the controls and preset settings.

The most important part of a preset is the script, which takes priority over equivalent preset settings. For a 24mm focal length lens, the script consists of eight positions at -30 degrees tilt, eight positions at 30 degrees tilt, one position for the zenith shot, and one position for the nadir shot.

Let's adjust the preset settings and create a preset for a different focal length.

You can change the row order and the number of positions for zenith and nadir shots.

Normal alternates with Zigzag and represents the horizontal shooting pattern, row by row.
Mapping type, camera orientation, image overlap, horizontal overlap, and crop factor can also be adjusted.
Then, select the Custom option from the Shots list and enter the focal length used, for example, 28mm, then click OK.

MECHA has created a script that takes into account the settings we have specified.

At a tilt of zero degrees, there are ten positions spaced around, with one position every 36 degrees. At tilts of -44 and 44 degrees, there are ten positions, the same as at zero degrees.
Then, there are two positions for the zenith and two for the nadir shots.
You can still adjust the settings, and the script updates accordingly.
Greater overlap results in more shots and more rows. However, note that the preset settings do not update if the script is changed manually.

The script type can be changed to 'py' if you prefer pitch and yaw values.
As long as the script is not changed manually, changing the script type will maintain equivalence between the 'TxN' and 'py' scripts.

At a pitch of zero degrees, there is one position at zero degrees yaw, then at 36 degrees yaw, and so on to 324 degrees. Similarly, this applies to pitches at -44 and 44 degrees. Then, at 90 degrees pitch, there are two zenith positions, 90 degrees apart. At -90 degrees pitch, there are two nadir positions, 90 degrees apart.

Let's add a comment to the Notes field and save this preset.

Before executing a preset manually, you can preview its execution using the two-axis slider.
Since the starting position in our script is level, we ensure first the two-axis slider is also set to level by clicking the 'L' button.
If your MECHA is part of a configuration with rotators and a panoramic head, also ensure the upper rail is positioned as specified in your script.
The starting position can be parked, level, or raised, and it is important when using MECHA to execute a preset.
If the starting position is parked, click the 'P' button. Now you’ll see that the camera is facing upwards, as for a zenith shot. Let's click 'L' again to return to level.

Click the RIGHT button to launch the preset.

If the firmware version is older than 02435 (on C1) or 12435 (on C2 and MECHA Mini), MECHA enters pause mode after each row. To continue the preset execution in this case, you can press the right button on the controller, for example.

You now have all the information you need to execute the preset manually.

Additionally, you can download specific PTGui or Hugin files using the Map, Probe, and Template buttons. Enter the same name for all 'pts' files you download, as a suffix is ​​automatically added to the name. If the 'map.zip' file is already downloaded, click Cancel.

You can copy the script to your clipboard and pasting it into a file. Alternatively, you can access the MECHA User Interface and load your preset to view the script.