Charly by bebob is the worlds first radio remote control system specifically developed for broadcast video lenses.  Because a moving camera can deliver interesting angles, the number of situations is increasing where neither the cameraman nor his assistant can work directly with the lens.  Charly by bebob is the perfect tool for adjusting the zoom, focus, and iris, as well as the VTR and return functions from a distance.  With this technical concept and the different possibilities of use (crane, Steadicam, Dolly, remote-head, etc.) Charly by bebob is probably the most cost-effective solution currently available.  And it fits on all modern Broadcast video lenses from Fujinon and Canon, with B4-mount.

During the development of the transmitter, special emphasis was placed on ergonomics.  The large iris and focus control knobs are equipped with two rubber rings each, and can be adjusted with only one finger.  The mechanical resistance of these two knobs is steplessly adjustable.  Necessary settings can be written directly on the luminous front panel (with a soft lead pencil) which allows easy reading in low ambient light situations.  Transmitter power is provided by 8 AA batteries, which gives about 8 to 12 hours of operation.  As an option, a 12-volt adapter (using a 4-pin XLR connector) is available.  If desired (when used with Steadicam, for example) the zoom switch can be removed from the transmitter, connected via cable to the receiver, and mounted directly on the camera grip behind the gimbal, or on the tripod arm.

With the focus motor integrated in the receiver, and electronic control of the lens zoom and iris motors, Charly by bebob is a complete system which requires no additional mechanical adapters, gears or motors.  Because the receiver weighs only 380g (about 13 oz.) and is attached with one screw, the camera requires no lightweight support.  Setup and calibration are completed in just a few minutes.  The capability to disable each function individually increases the flexibility of the system.  The digital technology used in the receiver was designed to be compact, reliable and flexible.  The main computer module allows precise positioning of the motors.  A control channel continuously tests and analyzes the radio signal path so that the quality as well as the dependability of the received signal is guaranteed.  This prevents loss of lens control due to radio interference.

Transmitter Technical Specifications:
 

Dimensions:	175mm x 105mm x 90mm
Weight:	1120g
Control channels:	5 (focus, zoom, iris, VTR and Return)
Focus resolution:	8 bit = 256 steps
Zoom and Iris resolution:	stepless
Power supply:	12 V
Operation time per battery set:	8 Hrs.
Frequency band:	40 Mhz
Channels available:	17
Rotation direction of the control knobs:	reversible
Mechanical friction of the control knobs:	adjustable
Function of the control knobs:	adjustable
Front panel scale:	luminous

Receiver technical specifications: