ALCS Eclair ACL crystal motor new updates and accessories (16-speed, 12-speed, 2-speed, 10-speed and ACL2025)

[Aapo Lettinen]

Decided to start a new thread because having some new stuff which is compatible with multiple different systems.

INCHING KNOB UPDATE FOR OLDER 16-speed and 12-speed MODELS:

it is possible to order a new motor axle for these motors. the new dual axle enables manual inching knob, similar than on my Universal Crystal Motor. Included in the update kit: the new dual axle for the motor, a basic 3-printed inching knob protector, and a small inching knob for manual inching. This is a really handy update as the original motors only had a machined slot on axle end to inch with a screwdriver or other tool, now with this update one gets proper knob for inching. User installable update, not particularly difficult to install and totally worth it. Available for order, I have couple of axles available and making inching knobs is relatively fast. Will need to calculate the exact price but somewhere around 200usd or so.

 

CRYSTAL SYNC SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THE 16-speed MODEL:

the original 16-speed crystal sync software is tuned to maintain long-term sync well but it is slightly slow starting and needs more time to stabilize at the start of the take compared to the newer 12-speed motor model. The crystal sync software update converts the 16-speed model to behave very similarly to the 12-speed model's speedup and sync characteristics so that it is much more optimal for short takes with faster speed-up and faster stabilizing. Updating is a bit time consuming as I will need to partially disassemble the device and testing afterwards takes lot of time. Would require sending the crystal controller to me for the update but the motor unit can stay on the camera as I only need the controller itself here and might take some time depending on how busy I am. Price somewhere around 200usd or something like that.

MOUNTING PLATE UPDATE FOR THE 16-speed and 12-speed MODELS:

the original mounting system of these motors consist of multiple separate plates and the motor position is adjusted with nuts on the bolts. there is some open space between the plates so the axle can be seen. The new mounting plate is the same than my 2-speed and 10-speed motors use: cnc machined single piece aluminium plate which is sturdy and good looking and makes mounting the motor much easier. the plate attaches to the camera with the 4 original small screws and the motor is attached to the plate with four M4 screws. A dedicated spacer is used between the motor and the plate to adjust the exact distance between the motor and the camera. So no time consuming nuts adjusting needed, if the spacer is correct thickness it will work pretty easily. I will measure the exact spacer thickness and design them if there is orders for these plates. Price is somewhere around 100usd + shipping, takes a month or two depending on how much I have other stuff going on.

 

NEW CAMERA BASE WITH 15mm ROD MOUNT FOR ALL MODELS (16speed, 12-speed, 2-speed, 10-speed and ACL2025) :

this is a really cool new gadget which completely replaces the original base of the ACL camera. This new base is very compact and has 15mm lw rods mount which attaches to the front. Integrated Arri-style rosette to mount handles etc. directly to the base. I will try to include dual 3/8" tripod threads to the bottom if there is enough space. I am designing this accessory at the moment, will probably take a month or two but it is already possible to order them. Compatible with all my ACL camera motors, including the ACL2025 model which will be finished next Autumn. Price is 350usd.

 

[Aapo Lettinen]

The work-in-progress ACL base for 15mm rods and Arri rosette.

Couple of finished newer mounting plates for ACL motors, these are made for 2-speed and 10-speed models but they work with the 16-speed and 12-speed too if using different thickness spacer between the plate and the motor.

The inching knob update includes a new motor axle, the bolt-on small inching knob and a 3d printed plastic protection collar which attaches to the motor with 2-sided tape. One needs to take the motor off the camera and open the motor drive to change the axle to this new one but it is not particularly difficult, just need to be careful to work in correct order 🙂