Mavis Camera supports Teradek RT hardware remote controllers, allowing you to control focus, ISO and zoom remotely.
This provides a familiar, tactile control surface for professional camera operators and focus pullers. It is particularly useful when the iPhone is mounted on a tripod, rig or gimbal, or positioned somewhere that is difficult to reach. Remote operation can also help prevent unwanted camera movement during focus adjustments.
What is Teradek RT?
Teradek RT is a professional wireless lens-control system designed for remote control of focus, iris and zoom.
Mavis Camera supports the following Teradek RT controllers:
- CTRL.1 — a compact, single-axis controller commonly used for focus control
- CTRL.5 — a multi-axis controller with an integrated touchscreen
The controller communicates wirelessly with a Teradek MDR.S receiver. The MDR.S is connected to the iPhone and passes the controller input to Mavis Camera.
Requirements
Before starting, ensure you have:
- The latest version of Mavis Camera
- The Mavis Camera Film Kit in-app purchase
- A Teradek RT CTRL.1 or CTRL.5 controller
- A Teradek RT MDR.S receiver
- The appropriate USB cable for connecting the MDR.S to your iPhone
- The latest MDR.S firmware available from Teradek
Connecting the MDR.S to Mavis Camera
- Open Mavis Camera.
- Tap the More button—the three dots at the top of the screen—and then tap Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Remotes.
- Find Teradek RT and ensure its switch is off while connecting the receiver.
- Connect the MDR.S receiver to the iPhone using the appropriate USB cable.
- Wait for the MDR.S to start. The status light should illuminate and the receiver display may show Loading while it boots.
Setting the MDR.S to MIDI mode
The MDR.S must be operating in MIDI mode before Mavis Camera can communicate with it.
- Open the menu on the MDR.S.
- Scroll to ADV and press SET.
- Open IO Config.
- Select MIDI mode.
- Return to Mavis Camera on the iPhone.
- Open Settings > Remotes and switch on Teradek RT.
When the connection has been established successfully, the Teradek RT setting will display Connected.
Using the remote
Ensure that your CTRL.1 or CTRL.5 is switched on and connected to the MDR.S in the normal way.
Turn the controller dial to confirm that the corresponding control in Mavis Camera responds. For example, when using a CTRL.1 for focus control, turning the focus knob should change the camera’s focus position.
You can now return to the main Mavis Camera interface and use the Teradek controller while recording or streaming.
Troubleshooting
Mavis Camera does not display Connected
- Confirm that the MDR.S is connected securely to the iPhone.
- Confirm that the MDR.S has finished starting.
- Check that MIDI mode is selected under ADV > IO Config.
- Ensure that the MDR.S is running the latest firmware available from Teradek.
- Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable, then switch Teradek RT off and on again in Mavis Camera.
- Confirm that the Film Kit has been purchased or restored.
The remote does not control the camera
If Mavis Camera displays Connected, but the remote does not control the camera:
- Confirm that the CTRL.1 or CTRL.5 is connected to the MDR.S.
- Check that the controller and receiver are configured correctly within the Teradek RT system.
- Restart the controller and MDR.S, then reconnect the MDR.S to Mavis Camera.