A Cinema Chameleon: Any Camera, any Lens, any LCS, any Configuration.
As the name defines, Gates Remote Cinema Housing (RCH) is a cinema caliber, fully remote control surface tethered rig. All functions are under DP authority: lens control, camera control, SDI video feed, and power. Crane, remote head, or diver directed, RCH is adaptable to common and unconventional shooting situations. Further, all surface tethers utilize Gates MultiConn (GMC) sealed bulkhead connector design with genuine LEMO inserts for robust signal integrity.
RCH most functional yet innovative feature is modularity: size-adaptable to cameras ranging from RED V-RAPTOR to SONY Venice to ARRI ALEXA 65, and everything in between. In the same way, Gates SPR110 Stackable Port Ring system is flexibly assembled to any lens length. Compact primes, Master Primes, Anamorphics and Cinema Zooms are all accommodated with precise port positioning for optimal image quality. Gates 10 in / 250mm glass AR coated SP110-10 dome port or FP110-10 flat port are optionally available.
Numerous other practical, reliable features imbue RCH: buoyancy / trim weights for perfect underwater balance: DC regulator provides steady 15V camera power; full camera package assembly prior to housing insertion; multiple GMC surface tether mount locations and direction; diver-directable handles and local monitoring; and support for several LCS systems including ARRI, Cmotion, Teradek and Preston.
Remote Cinema Housing is a genuinely innovative cinema workhorse. Underwater Pros know that failure is not an option. They never take a chance…. they take a Gates!
Compatible cameras:
Cinema-Caliber cameras from RED DSMC3 to ARRI ALEXA 65. Contact Gates for details.
Remote Cinema Housing is available for hire from:
COMMANDER Rentals / Atlanta USA
Esprit Film and Television Limited / Bristol UK
REMOTE CINEMA HOUSING KEY FEATURES
Any Camera…
By way of stackable housing sections, RCH adapts to cameras ranging from RED DSMC3 to ARRI ALEXA 65 and everything in between.
Any Lens…
Gates SPR110 Stackable Port Rings accommodate every lens we’ve encountered: Compact Primes, Master Primes, Cinema Zooms, Anamorphics… all of them.
Any LCS…
ARRI, Cmotion, Preston, Teradek. It’s covered.
And any Surface Command / Control.
All categories of control — lens, camera, video, power — are enabled via surface tether cables with robust, reliable cables and Gates MultiConn (GMC) Bulkhead connectors.
Gates MultiConn (GMC) Bulkhead Connectors
Genuine innovation, Gates MultiConn takes advantage of LEMO connector insert robustness for reliable surface-to-housing communications.
Conventional Camera Setup
RCH is designed for camera package setup — camera, lens, LCS, supporting gear — prior to insertion to the housing. Further, once inserted the camera package is fully accessible for functional check prior to housing closure and seal.
Crane, Diver-Directed, or custom mounting
RCH is adaptable to any shooting scenario. Get the shot in whatever way works.
Adjustable Buoyancy and Trim
Add /remove trim weights for ideal buoyancy and balance — a key to stable, fluid shots.
Diver Monitoring
On-housing, diver directed monitoring with the EM503 External Monitor, designed specifically for the SmallHD 503 Ultrabright LCS.
Seal Check II
The Gates Seal Check II is included with the Flex 4K and assures housing integrity before entering the water.
Field Serviceable
Gates products are nearly 100% serviceable in the field.
Water Alarm
An extra measure beyond seal check, the Gates Water Alarm provides both visible and audible warnings. The siren is coupled directly to the housing shell and resonates directly to the water, rendering it unmistakable to a diver.
SPECIFICATIONS
Diver Controls
- None
- Optional RED Ranger Power On/ Off
Dimensions: Base System
- Remote Cinema Housing Dimensional Drawing
Construction
- Machined Aluminum, Type III Hard Anodized finish.
- Stainless steel hardware.
Weight in Air
- Variable depending on configuration.
Weight in Water
- Fully adjustable buoyancy / trim
Depth Rating
- 150 feet / 45 meters.
Batteries
- Surface power standard.
- Optional battery power as required.
Equipment Required
- Camera:
- Any cinema-caliber camera. Contact Gates for details.
- Lens:
- Any cinema-caliber lens. Contact Gates for details.
- LCS
- ARRI, Cmotion, Preston, Teradek RT. Contact Gates for details.
- LCD for Underwater Monitor Housing.
- Surface power via power station with 24-28 VDC
MONITOR OPTIONS
EM5 ULTRA Underwater Monitor Housing
Gates EM5 ULTRA Underwater Monitor Housing is a tailored, glove-fit for the SmallHD ULTRA 5 LCD, with a powerful 3000 nit HD display, visible even in the harshest daylight…
EM503 Underwater Monitor Housing
Tailored to the SmallHD 503 Ultrabright LCD, the Gates EM503 Underwater Monitor Housing is a brilliant 2200 nits, visible even in harsh daylight…
NVS Underwater Monitor Housing
1000 nits bright LCD. 4K/60P recording in ProRes RAW. Extensive focus / exposure tools. All in a compact, neutrally buoyant package. That’s the Gates NVS External Monitor Housing.
PORT OPTIONS
The best camera in the world can’t make up for poor optics. Poor optical design and materials introduce ‘image killers’ – distortions, aberrations, degraded resolution, or vignetting. Gates family of Precision Ports are sharp and clear: the finest optics for the finest underwater images. No image killers. Professional to amateur, super wide to macro, Gates Precision Ports suit a wide range of needs, conditions and experience. Of course all ports are backed by our legendary customer support and the same standard of excellence expected of all Gates products.
SP110-12 Dome Port
At a remarkable 12.6 in / 320 mm diameter, the SP110-12 stands alone, a new standard in underwater optics. Optical glass with anti-reflective coating, SP110-12 is designed for rectilinear cinema lenses, yet equally at home in natural history applications where split shots and close focus are key parameters. ARRI Master Primes, Fujinon Cinema Zoom’s and Anamorphic Lenses all benefit from this superior, ‘no compromises’ Dome Port.
The SP110-12 is available in Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass only.
SP110-10 Dome Port
Designed specifically for RCH, SP110-10 is a 10in / 254mm spherical dome port that, like it’s smaller SP80-8 sibling preserves field of view (FOV) underwater for wide to fisheye imaging. The SP110-10 however, exhibits superior compatibility with rectilinear lenses, mitigating the soft corners classically found with dome ports in general. This particularly beneficial with certain cinema PL mount glass like ARRI Master Primes, Fujinami Cinema Zoom’s and Anamorphic Lenses.
The SP80-10 is available in Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass only.
FP80 Flat Port
Due to its larger front element, the FP80 supports a variety of medium to macro lenses – including external zooms. A simple, versatile port option. Both Acrylic (Perspex) and Glass versions available.
SP80 Standard (Dome) Port
The SP80 preserves field of view (FOV) underwater, and is ideally suited for wide to fisheye imaging. Medium to macro, too, when paired with a macro zoom lens. Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass or optical grade Acrylic (Perspex) versions, the latter field serviceable / replaceable.
SP80-10 Dome Port
The SP80-10 is a 10in / 254mm spherical dome port that, like it’s smaller SP80-8 sibling preserves field of view (FOV) underwater for wide to fisheye imaging. The SP80-10 however, exhibits superior compatibility with rectilinear lenses, mitigating the soft corners classically found with dome ports in general. This particularly beneficial with certain cinema PL mount glass like Arri Master Primes and Ultra Primes.
The SP80-10 is available in Anti-Reflective (AR) coated glass only.
Surface Tethers
Remote Cinema Housing is 100% surface command / control, in four categories: Power, Video Feed, Lens Control, and Camera Control.
Power
Surface power source is typically power bank 24-28 VDC, delivered over Gates MultiConn and 14AWG / 2.5mm2 gauge wire for minimal losses.
SDI Video
Robust 3GHz swept coax cable and Gates MultConn 75Ω Triax delivers 3G-SDI video up to 150 feet.
Lens Control
Gates MultiConn is ideal for supporting various LCS brands including ARRI, Cmotion, Preston, and Teradek RT.
Camera Control
Ethernet is the de facto standard protocol of nearly all supported cameras, allowing for straightforward surface interface with Gates MultiConn and tough, polyurethane jacketed CAT5 cable.
SUPPORT
RCH Behind The Scenes
ARMADA is the name given RCH by COMMANDER Rentals / Atlanta. ARMADA has been on numerous productions ranging from TV commercials to blockbuster movies.
Remote Cinema Housing has also been employed on natural history and cinema productions in the UK.
Behind the Scenes pics coming soon…