Aaton Cam Xter Users Guide

							
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THE CAMERA BODY
The Xterà utilizes LED indicators in three locations to convey in-
formation: in the viewfinder and on both left and right outsides of  
the camera body.
2.11.1 Position and Meaning of  the Diodes
• Two yellow diodes, placed on both right and left sides of  the cam-
era body indicate that the camera is either on Test or on Run mode.
• Two red diodes, placed on both right and left side of  the camera 
body, and a third one, visible from the viewfinder, display a special 
warning.
• One yellow diode, located to the right of  the Jog wheel and called 
the timecode diode, flashes each second if  the timecode has been 
initialized in the camrea. 
2.11.2 Camera Test Indicator
� Yellow diode is on.
� � � � � Red diode is blinking fast.
2.11.3 Camera Run Indicator
� Yellow diode is on.
� Red diode is off.
2.11.4 Low Battery Indicator
� Yellow diode is on.
�  � � � � � � Red diode is flashing slowly.
The LCD control panel displays Lo Batt.
2.11.5 Low Speed Indicator
� Yellow diode is on.
� � � � � Red diode is blinking fast.
The LCD control panel displays Lo Speed.
2.11.6 End-of-Film Warning Sequence 
The lightmeter display features pre-end-of-film and end-of-film 
Displaying a 5 Digit SpeedIf the Xterà is set to a variable (5-digit) speed, the control panel will only display that speed to the .01 digit. Keep in mind, the display will not rounf off the speed, but sim-ply leave off the last digit. For example, if the 5 digit speed of 23.976 is entered, the control panel will display 23.97, not 23.98.
Remember… Variable Speed for Phas-ingKeep in mind, the speed phase function of the control panel will only operate when a vari-able speed is initially selected.When shooting 29.97, for example, be sure to choose the specific 29.970 instead of the preset 29.97 if you plan to incorporate the phase function for that particular shot. 
						

							
warnings for the operator.
Under normal operation, the lightmeter display will flash once for 
every foot or meter that is counted down. When the footage coun-
ter on the LCD control panel counts down to 10 feet remaining, the 
display will flash more rapidly, at a frequency of  about 2-3 times per 
second. Keep in mind, the pre-end-of-film warning will only operate 
if  the lightmeter display is turned on.
When the counter reaches zero, the left and right sides of  the dis-
play will alternately flash, indicating the end of  a roll. The end-of-
film warning will function whether the lightmeter display is on or 
off.
2.11.7  8-hours Warning Sequence 
The timecode diode flashes slowly, every 4 seconds, to indicates that 
8 hours have now been elapsed since the timecode was initialized or 
controlled in the camera. You need here to re-initialize or to control 
you camera timecode.
2.12 VIDEO ASSIST
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The Aaton VHR color VHR tap is designed to add video assist 
capability to the Xterà without compromising the body’s size, flex-
ibility and ease-of-use. Because the VHR head is incorporated into 
the Xterà camera body, there are no centering or focus adjustments 
necessary (unless, of  course, when converting the body between 16 
and Super16 formats). 
2.12.1 The Internal Beamsplitter
The Aaton VHR assist system employs an internal, user-retractable 
beamsplitter that reroutes a portion of  the viewfinder's light path to 
the VHR target while the video assist is in use. In situations which 
do not require the VHR assist, the beamsplitter is designed to be 
retracted to allow 100% of  the viewfinder's light to reach the eye-
piece. 
From body # 1928 and on, the beamsplitter delivered as standard 
from the factory has a 75/25 reflection ratio. This means that 25% 
of  the light from the viewfinder is sent to the VHR target when the 
beamsplitter is in place. Although not visible from the outside of  
the body, the 75/25 beamsplitter is identified by its blue anodized 
holder.
Also available is a 50/50 beamsplitter, which sends a greater per-
centage of  light to the VHR target. 
2.12.2 Positioning the Beamsplitter
The beamsplitter adjustment screw is located underneath a small, 
capped port on the battery side of  the camera. To access the beam-
splitter, unscrew and remove this silver cap. An allen head adjust-
ment screw will be visible through the opening. With the shutter 
tool, gently rotate the adjustment screw approximately 30 turns in 
the desired direction to position or retract the beamsplitter.
After 30 or so turns, the adjusting screw will reach its stop and 
resistance will be felt. At this point, stop and rotate the adjusting 
screw one turn in the opposite direction to complete the adjust-
ment. By backing the beamsplitter off  its stop, fine centering of  the 
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THE CAMERA BODY 
						

							
VHR target is maintained and the beamsplitter itself  is less suscep-
tive to residual shocks caused by a drop or sudden jolt.
Positioning the beamsplitter for video use - the adjusting screw 
should be rotated counter-clockwise to move the glass in place.
Retracting the beamsplitter for non-video use - the adjusting screw 
should be rotated clockwise to move the glass out of  viewing area.
2.12.3 The Beamsplitter Axis Adjustment
The beamsplitter axis adjustment is used to recenter the VHR assist 
image when switching between 16 and Super16 formats. If, when 
you turn on the control unit, the image on your monitor appears 
off  to one side, the angle of  the beamsplitter must be adjusted. 
The beamsplitter axis adjustment is located to the above/right of  
the aperture and consists of  an allen screw within a slot (see dia-
gram on the following page). A red dot to the upper left of  the slot 
indicates the position of  the screw for Super16. 
Loosen the allen screw one turn; while looking at the monitor move 
the screw within the slot in the appropriate direction until the image 
of  the screen is centered. Afterwards, if  the image is not sharp, fol-
low the directions under 2.12.17 Installing the VHR Head to adjust 
focus.
2.12.4 The Manual Iris
The VHR assist features an manual video gain. In certain situations, 
however, further light control may be desired (such as high contrast 
or strong back-light circumstances). In these instances, it is recom-
mended to employ the manual iris feature, which is located on the 
bottom of  the VHR head cover (please refer to VHR user's guide).
Under normal operation, this mechanical iris should be wide open. 
When further light control is necessary, look at the video monitor 
and move the iris lever to the left to the desired degree. 
2.12.5 Battery Life with VHR Video Assist.
The VHR assist draws 200 mA when powered. This translates into 
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approximately 3 to 4 hours of  operation (without the Xterà run-
ning) on one 12V 3,2 ah on-board battery. Although battery life will 
vary greatly depending on the amount of  film run and the number 
of  accessories powered from one power source, you could estimate 
that one 12V on-board could run 10 magazines and the VHR for 
2-3 hours. 
2.12.6 The VHR Color Video Assist capabilities and Menu
For all operating information, please refer to the VHR user's manual 
which can be find at : www.aaton.com
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THE CAMERA BODY 
						

							
THE  MAGAZINE
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3 
						

							
3.1 CONCEPT
The Aaton DX Magazine incorporates many features which add to 
the camera system's ease-of-use, efficiency and reliability. The maga-
zine's coaxial design allows for separate feed and take-up chambers, 
which ensures that the bulk of  the loading process is performed in 
daylight.
The DX Magazine is driven magnetically from an intermediate drive 
connected to the camera motor; a magnetic wheel on the inner 
side of  the camera body couples with a similar wheel on the throat 
of  the magazine to transport the film. This magnetic drive system 
decreases noise and power consumption, and prevents mechanical 
stress during mis-loads.
The magazine handles up to 400 ft (122m) loads of  double or single 
perforated 16mm film stock. 400 feet of  film is approximately 10.5 
running minutes at 24 fps.
3.2 COMPATIBILITY
3.2.1 DX Magazines
Since the introduction of  the XTR in 1984, only DX magazines 
have been manufactured by Aaton, all of  which can be used on 
today's Xterà (approximate ser #3500 and above). The DX code 
distinguishes this magazine from earlier designs. D refers to its 
emulsion-out Super16-safe coaxial roller (further explained below). 
X refers to its magnetic drive system.  
3.2.2 Super16 Safe
All DX magazines are designed to safely transport either standard 
or Super16 stock. Capped rollers keep the running film from rid-
ing up and prevent any contact within the picture area. The mag's 
large coaxial roller, which transports the film from the feed into 
the take-up chamber, handles the film on its less-sensitive base side 
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and facilitates a long and twistless film path. (Severe twisting of  the 
more sensitive high speed stocks, as is the case with the LTR and 
some other manufacturers' magazines, has been known to cause 
grain fracturing and a resulting abnormal exposure of  the film in 
that area.)
3.3 PRESSURE PLATE SYSTEM
The DX magazine features two pressure plates which are located at 
the front of  the nose of  the magazine. When the loaded magazine 
is attached to the camera, these pressure plates provide the precise 
stabilization of  the film during exposure and transport.
3.3.1 The Picture Plate
The upper four-striped pressure plate, called the picture plate, is 
positioned at the camera's aperture opening and is designed to hold 
the film steady at the point of  exposure. Proper setting and func-
tioning of  the picture plate assures the precise focus of  each image.
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THE MAGAZINE 
						

							
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3.3.2 The Claw Plate
The lower plate, called the claw plate, is positioned at the pulldown 
claw and functions to stabilize the film as the claw engages the film 
perf  between exposures. Proper tension and functioning of  the claw 
plate contribute to reliable transport and quiet operation. 
3.4 MAG IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
3.4.1 Mag ID
Each DX magazine bears its own identification (ID) determined 
by the combination of  magnets in receivers located above the drive 
wheel on the throat of  the mag. This identification is used by the 
camera to recall the remaining footage of  a mag removed from the 
body unfinished. The Xterà can differentiate seven magazines (A 
through G) via electronic sensors located within the LCD control 
panel and recall the memorized footage for each. By comparison, 
the less sophisticated display of  the XTRplus can identify only three 
magazines (A, B, C).
The chart to the right represents the seven IDs which can be read 
by the XTRplus and Xterà cameras, with the corresponding magnet 
in receiver combination for each.
3.4.2 Changing the ID of  a Magazine
The Mag ID of  a particular magazine can be easily changed by the 
user. Determine the magnetic receiver(s) that need to be changed 
according to the chart above. Locate the small silver spanner tool 
located on the coaxial roller in the feed side of  the mag. Using this 
tool, loosen and remove these receiver(s). A spare receiver is located 
at the base of  the coaxial roller. Install the appropriate receivers as 
necessary. Remember to change the letter decal on the outside of  
the feed side door to match the new ID. For spare decals, contact 
your Aaton representative.
ID of Mags on XTRplus vs XteràAs mentioned, the Xterà can distinguish seven magazines because its sensors can read all three receivers.  The XTRplus, however, can only distinguish three magazines, as its sensors will only detect the two upper receivers.  Be aware of this fact when renting additional magazines.  For example, a mag which is read as a G on an Xterà will be read as a C on an XTRplus camera; as the lower receiver will not be detected. 
magnet
no magnet
A
B
C
D
E
F
G