LIVE AIR 3 MOTOR SMART
Intelligent LiDAR AutoFocus System

Powerful Torque
0.75Nm/1.0Nm

Working Time
8-10 hours

Assisted Autofocus
max 4M-5M

One-Button
Setting Function

Remote Control
Max 100M

2 Option switch
AF - MF

A decade of honing, striving for simplicity to the extreme, We have always pondered on how to make the follow focus system simpler and more user-friendly, So we had to start from scratch and rebuild. LIVE AIR 3 SMART is born for simplicity, abandoning all cables, fancy screens, and complicated menus. Users don’t need to spend time learning more, nor do they need to look at unnecessary data. Simply insert the battery into the motor, and it powers on automatically. Everything is designed for faster, simpler, and easier operation.

Evolution and Innovation

Four Major Milestones of PDMOVIE Follow Focus System

2013

Launched the first generation of the "REMOTE AIR" wireless focus pulling system.

2013

After arduous research and repeated trial and error, we successfully launched the first generation of the "REMOTE AIR" wireless focus pulling system. This wireless focus puller has brought users an unprecedented experience with its outstanding performance and excellent cost performance. At the same time, it has laid a solid foundation for the development of subsequent products.

2015

First-generation "REMOTE AIR PRO" professional-grade three-channel wireless follow focus was born.

2015

Our proud first-generation "REMOTE AIR PRO" professional-grade three-channel wireless follow focus was born. What sets this follow focus apart is the integration of the focus motor and signal receiver module for the first time, allowing for intercommunication between the motors. To achieve more convenient interaction control, a controller perfectly fitted to the iPhone screen was specially designed, along with the development of the popular "REMOTE AIR APP." This innovation has been highly appreciated and praised by numerous professionals in the film and television industry, further strengthening our determination to create even better follow focus systems. 「Review History」

2018

Created the first generation of "LIVE AIR" single-soldier-level full wireless focus puller. 

2018

Through continuous self-affirmation and negation, we have abandoned all the gimmicks and burdens, dared to subvert tradition, and created the first generation of "LIVE AIR" single-soldier-level full wireless focus puller. By fully streamlining and reducing the size of the controller and motor, we have achieved a minimalist design. At the same time, we have abandoned the screen and equipped the controller and motor with independent power systems, enabling wireless control of the lens without the need for any cables. This innovation has made it easier for more users to use wireless focus pullers and has brought them higher-level and more diverse shooting possibilities. 「Review History」

2023

Simple, convenient, intelligent, and practical - these are its labels. Welcome to use "Motor Smart".

2023

With ten years of product development experience, we have turned ideas into reality. We have successfully made the world's smallest wireless controller with self-contained power and a 1/4 screw, while the motor integrates signal transmission and reception, motor driving, laser ranging, and independent power supply. Through lens data collected by the REMOTE AIR APP over the years and intelligent AI algorithms, the motor now has autofocus capabilities. You can choose to manually control the lens, or use intelligent automatic lens control. This huge innovation will provide more possibilities for focus pulling applications for film and television professionals. Simple, convenient, intelligent, and practical - these are its labels. Welcome to use "LIVE AIR 3 SMART".

AI Lens Model Virtual Technology

20000+

Since the release of REMOTE AIR APP in 2015, users have shared over 20,000 sets of lens data with us

512+

Through analysis and extraction of the data, we have built a set of 512 virtual lens models

AI

Achieve unparalleled accuracy in autofocus by automatically retrieving the closest lens model through lens marking, and then utilizing AI algorithms to simulate actual lens data.

A vast database of over 20,000 sets of lens data

Through data refinement, we have constructed over 512 virtual lens models

During the lens marking process, automatically invoke the lens model that closely resembles the actual lens, and then utilize AI algorithms to simulate data that closely resembles the characteristics of the real lens.

Designed For an Unparalleled User Experience

High-Precision integrated chip that combines four modules of ranging, Receiving, driving and power supply into one.

AUTOFOCUS

Assistive Autofocus

The advent of MOTOR SMART has made handheld shooting more versatile and flexible.
LiDAR automatic ranging can project a total of 4096 ranging points with a field of view angle of 28°. It accurately measures the distance to the subject within the effective range and automatically controls the motor to drive the lens for autofocus based on the data.
KINEFINITY-EDGE + DZOFILM Vespid 25mm T2.1

Wide-Area Focus

The motor rangefinder will automatically identify and autofocus on objects in the scanning range that are closer to the camera.
KINEFINITY-EDGE + DZOFILM Vespid 25mm T2.1

Real Shot Reference

4 MODULE
Drive Module
High Troque
Low Latency, High Precision
Antenna Module
The latest 5.3 Bluetooth connection technology, with a control distance of up to 100 meters
LiDAR Module
Fast scanning target distance AI analysis travel data Assisted autofocus
Power Supply Module
Supporting fast charging and quick replacement, with a battery life of nearly 6-10 hours
FOCUS CONTROL
The World's Smallest Thumbwheel for Focus Control
31mm*32mm
Weight: 28g
Max 100M

Easy Installation Anywhere, Without Any Obstacles

The controller comes with a 1/4-inch screw and can be mounted on any equipment with a corresponding screw hole, such as kits, handles, and monitors.

REMOTE AIR RIR Large Handwheel Device

Get rid of spatial limitations, operate wirelessly and appear more confident.

Intelligent and Comprehensive

A-B Point lens limit. A-B point lens automatic operation.

AF SETTING

Quick Lens AF Marking

After completing lens travel calibration, simply mark three positions to quickly complete the marking process and enjoy autofocus functionality.
*Please perform lens AF marking in a spacious indoor environment for higher success rate.

Manual/Automatic Calibration

Using the motor button, easily start automatic lens calibration. For lenses with infinite rotation, manual calibration can also be used to set the lens travel distance

Fast AF Channel Switching

Differentiate lenses that have been AF marked using lens label stickers, switch the motor channel to match the labeled lens, and then calibrate the lens stroke to enable autofocus functionality.
*Autofocus mode compatible with most standard movie lenses, not suitable for infinite focus lenses or macro lenses with non-linear progressive zoom.
16384 DPI
High Resolution
The controller has a travel resolution of 16384 DPI, and the motor has a travel resolution of up to 16384 DPI per rotation, enabling low-latency response to operational commands.
0.8 MOD
Standard Gears
Comes with a 0.8 Mod gear as standard, and additional 0.4/0.5/0.6 Mod gears can be purchased for easy compatibility with various lenses.
AF & MF Switching
Rotate the controller to the end and wait for 5 seconds to switch from manual focus mode to autofocus mod.
Rotate the controller back by more than 20 degrees and wait for 1 second to switch from autofocus mode to manual focus mode.
One-Button Setting Function
All settings can be configured using a single button press
MOTOR SMART LiDAR
Real-time distance measurement and assisted autofocus achieved through AI algorithm
Power Light
Real-time feedback on motor power and response speed status
Channel Light
Ability to store AF data for up to five lenses
Motor Battery Life
MOTOR SMART MINI
LI-42Bx2 Battery / Endurance: 6-8 hours
Supports quick disassembly
MOTOR SMART
LI-42Bx3 Battery / Endurance: 8-10 hours
Supports quick disassembly
Controller Battery Life
PDL-TC-AFX
LIR2477 Battery Endurance: 8 - 10 Hours upports quick disassembly
Double Power Mode
When the MOTOR SMART is in a high-speed response state and the battery is at 100% capacity, it will automatically activate the Double Power mode. In this mode, the motor's power output is doubled, and the peak torque can reach up to 1.5Nm. The radar scanning rate can also be increased to 480Hz. When the battery level drops below 95%, the motor will automatically exit the Double Power mode. To keep the motor in the Double Power mode for an extended period, an external power source can be connected via the Type-C interface.
Type-C Quick Charge
MOTOR SMART can quick charge the battery and enter to double power mode through Type-C interface.

- Charged to 80% in 15 minutes
- Fully charged to 100% in 25 minutes
*MOTOR SMART MINI does not have Type-C interface
Discrepancy Comparison
ModulePD-BTMP-SPPD-BTMP-SPD-BTMP-NPD-MXPD-RP
Max RPM2200rpm
2200rpm (Double Power Mode)
1500rpm1500rpm3500rpm4500rpm
Instant power12W
24W (Double Power Mode)
8W5W60W95W
Max Torque1.0Nm
1.5Nm (Double Power Mode)
0.75Nm0.5Nm0.8Nm1.2Nm
Assistive Focus Stickers
Applying assistive focus stickers can increase LIDAR measuring distance. Users can use the provided reflective stickers or purchase their own preferred reflective stickers

Ultimate Tool for Solo Shooting

Automatic focus allows for an integrated user experience of receiving, monitoring, and controlling by a single individual
Product List
LIVE AIR 3 Motor Smart Mini 0.75Nm
Motor Only
PD-BTMP-S
In the Box

1x Lidar Motor Smart Mini

1x Lens Gear Ring

2x LI42Bx2 Battery

1x LI42B Charger

1x Assistive Focus Stickers

1x Hexagon Spanner

1x 15mm Pipe

1x Micro USB Charging Cable

1x Lens Label Stickers

1x Hot Shoe Clamp

1x Secure Zipper Box

LIVE AIR 3 Motor Smart Mini 0.75Nm
Control Kit
PDL-AFX-S
In the Box

1x Lidar Motor Smart Mini

1x Thumbwheel Controller
PDL-TC-AFX

1x Lens Gear Ring

2x LI42Bx2 Battery

1x LI42B Charger

2x LIR2477 battery

1x Secure Zipper Box

1x Assistive Focus Stickers

1x Lens Label Stickers

1x Hot Shoe Clamp

1x Multifunctional Fixture

1x 15mm Pipe

2x Micro USB Charging Cable

1x Hexagon Spanner

LIVE AIR 3 Motor Smart Mini 0.75Nm​
Handgrip Kit
PDL-AFX-RA-S
In the Box

1x Lidar Motor Smart Mini

1x Thumbwheel Controller
PDL-TC-AFX

1x Lens Gear Ring

2x LI42Bx2 Battery

1x LI42B Charger

2x LIR2477 battery

1x Secure Zipper Box

1x Assistive Focus Stickers

1x Lens Label Stickers

1x Hot Shoe Clamp

1x 15mm Pipe

2x Micro USB Charging Cable

1x Hexagon Spanner

LIVE AIR 3 Motor Smart
1Nm
Motor Only
PD-BTMP-SP
In the Box

1x Lidar Motor Smart

1x Lens Gear Ring

2x Micro USB Charging Cable

2x LI42Bx2 Battery

1x LI42B Charger

1x Secure Zipper Box

1x Hexagon Spanner

1x Assistive Focus Stickers

1x Lens Label Stickers

1x Hot Shoe Clamp

1x 15mm Pipe

LIVE AIR 3 Motor Smart 1Nm
PDL-AFX-RA-SP
In the Box

1x Lidar Motor Smart

1x Thumbwheel Controller
PDL-TC-AFX

1x Lens Gear Ring

2x LI42Bx2 Battery

1x LI42B Charger

2x LIR2477 battery

1x Secure Zipper Box

1x Assistive Focus Stickers

1x Lens Label Stickers

1x Hot Shoe Clamp

1x 15mm Pipe

2x Micro USB Charging Cable

1x Hexagon Spanner

Configuration Parameters​
ModelPDL-TC-AFXPD-BTNP-SPPD-BTMP-SPD-BTMP-N
Weight28g152g132g132g
Size32*32*31MM87*56*23MM87*56*20MM87*56*20MM
Torque-1.0Nm0.75Nm0.75Nm
Voltage3.6v9.6-12.6v6.4-8.4v6.4-8.4v
ConnectionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth5.3Bluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
Power BatteryLIR2477 BatteryLI42Bx3 BatteryLI42Bx2 BatteryLI42Bx2 Battery
Power Cable-Type-C Socket--
Endurance8-10 Hours6-8 Hours6-8 Hours6-8 Hours
DistanceMAX 100mMAX 100mMAX 100mMAX 100m
LiDAR-LiDARLiDAR-
LiDAR Speed-60hz30hz-
Maximum power-15w10w7w
Gears-0.8mod/40 Teeth0.8mod/40 Teeth0.8mod/40 Teeth
Function·Automatic Bluetooth searching ·Automatic Calibration ·Motor Direction Switching · AB Point Limit ·Switching Zoom Mode·Autofocus ·Automatic Calibration ·Manual Calibration ·Motor Direction Switching ·Motor Speed Switching ·More Function Comming SoonAutofocus ·Automatic Calibration ·Manual Calibration ·Motor Direction Switching ·Motor Speed Switching·Automatic Calibration ·Manual Calibration ·Motor Direction Switching ·Motor Speed Switching
Reviews
Tutorial
LIVE AIR 3 SMART PDL-AFX-RA-SP AF Quick Setup Steps (MOTOR SMART )
LIVE AIR 3 SMART Autofocus Setup Steps Teach Video (MOTOR SMART MINI)
How to set up the auto focus, when lenses without hard stop
LIVE AIR 3 SMART Manual Control Functions Teaching
Batteries Remove & REMOTE AIR RIG Installation
Teaching Documents
Product Manual
Autofocus Setup Steps
Focus Card
FAQ

– The corresponding model for MOTOR SMART is PD-BTMP-SP, and the corresponding model for MOTOR SMART MINI is PD-BTMP-S.

– The main differences between the two are the motor’s peak power, maximum torque, maximum speed, battery life, and volume. (Refer to the motor performance comparison on the product page for specific details.)They both use the same LiDAR module with the same scanning distance and range. However, due to its higher peak power, MOTOR SMART has a scanning rate of 2-480Hz per second, while MOTOR SMART MINI has a scanning rate of only 2-60Hz.

– MOTOR SMART supports external power input through a Type-C interface, allowing charging while in use. MOTOR SMART MINI does not support this feature.MOTOR SMART has a power on/off function, activated by holding the button for 1 second to power on and holding for 5 seconds to power off. MOTOR SMART MINI does not support this function.

– There is also a difference in the battery packs between MOTOR SMART and MOTOR SMART MINI. MOTOR SMART uses an LI42Bx3 battery pack, while MOTOR SMART MINI uses an LI42Bx2 battery pack.

– In summary, MOTOR SMART has faster focusing speed and more accurate performance.


Please choose the appropriate model kit based on the analysis:

PD-BTMP-S:Even without the controller, the MOTOR SMART MINI can still be easy to setting up and used independently for autofocus function.
If you already have the PDL-TC-AFX controller, congratulations, you can fully access all the features of LIVE AIR 3 SMART PDL-AFX-S or PDL-AFX-RA-S.

PDL-AFX-S: Suitable for lightweight individual filmmakers for regular shooting and live streaming.

PDL-AFX-RA-S: Suitable for small elite team filmmaking studios for regular shooting. The controller can be operated by a single photographer or transformed into a large handwheel for team collaboration.

PDL-AFX-RA-SP: Suitable for users with extreme requirements for focus speed and response speed. It is friendly for special scenes with upgraded shooting of high-speed motion trajectories and lenses with relatively heavy and long damping and stroke. It can meet your focus control needs regardless of scale and production.

The difference between PDL-AFX-S and PDL-AFX-RA-S is only the absence of a large handwheel expansion device.

The motors of PDL-AFX-RA-SP and PDL-AFX-RA-S/PDL-AFX-S are different.

PDL-AFX-RA-SP is equipped with MOTOR SMART, while PDL-AFX-S and PDL-AFX-RA-S are equipped with MOTOR SMART MINI.

All three models can be operated manually or automatically, making focus control easy. Please choose the optimal model kit based on your needs.


For users of PDL-AFX-S and PDL-AFX-RA-S, after completing the autofocus settings, please set the motor speed to the slow speed mode, then start the controller and rotate it to the infinite far focus position, and wait for three seconds.

For users of PDL-AFX-RA-SP, after completing the autofocus settings, please set the motor speed to the medium/slow speed mode, then start the controller and rotate it to the infinite far focus position, and wait for three seconds.

Note: This function is not suitable for narrow shooting environments where the subject is behind and there are other objects in the scanning range. This is because the focus will default to tracking the last object scanned by LiDAR.

The autofocus feature supports most conventional cinema lenses with built-in hard stops. It does not currently support non-hard stop DSLR lenses or certain macro lenses with non-linear progressive magnification.
Electronically controlled lenses with no hard stop focus, if there is a depth of field scale on the focus ring that indicates the focus position, autofocus can still be used. The prerequisite is to manually calibrate the effective focus range of a lens. using the manual lens calibration function, based on the depth of field scale. Additionally, during calibration, it is important to note that SLR lenses with a depth of field scale actually have a very subtle limit that can be surpassed. We can manually calibrate the lens travel based on this subtle limit. Afterwards, autofocus MARK points can be set.

First, calibrate the lens stroke, then activate the autofocus calibration function, and follow the steps to quickly complete the three-point mark method. You can find the autofocus calibration tutorial here:http://www.pdmovie.com/pages/live-air-3-smart-instructions


Each motor can save data for up to 5 lenses. Before calibrating a lens, select the channel color to save the autofocus data for that lens. Double-click the motor button to cycle through 5 channels (red, yellow, green, blue, white). You can use labels to record which lens corresponds to each channel. After restarting the motor, simply set it to the corresponding color channel and perform automatic/manual lens calibration to extract the calibration data for that lens and enable autofocus mode. There is no need to recalibrate, and changing the device will not affect the saved data.


Currently, the autofocus feature does not support focus locking. The motor can independently perform calibration and autofocus actions without the need for interaction with other components or apps. It functions as a wide-area autofocus mode that automatically focuses on objects scanned within the LiDAR’s scanning range. If your shooting scenario involves multiple objects in the foreground and background and you need to switch focus between them without changing the composition, we recommend switching to manual control mode for better control.

Most Matteboxes currently available may obstruct the motor’s LiDAR, making it difficult to use the autofocus function. If you only need to use ND filters or other effect filters instead of shading, there are many convenient lens devices available in the market that can still be used. Alternatively, you can use a rear-mounted VND filter (e.g. MOFAGE POCO) to avoid obstructing the motor’s LiDAR.


The maximum effective range is as follows:
a. Indoor + Nighttime: MAX 4M, with slight variations due to different lighting conditions, ranging from 3.5M.
b. Outdoor, cloudy daytime: 3M to 3.5M.
c. Outdoor, daytime: The distance may be reduced based on different sunlight intensities.
– Light intensity below 10,000: Maximum 3.8 meters.
– Light intensity between 10,000 and 45,000: Maximum 3.8 meters to 3 meters.
– Light intensity between 45,000 and 50,000: Maximum 3 meters to 2.5 meters.
– Light intensity above 70,000: Maximum 2.2 meters.
* As light intensity increases, the scanning angle narrows linearly with increasing distance.
If you wear auxiliary focus stickers or other DIY reflective stickers, both indoors and outdoors, you can ignore the effects of lighting and infrared, with a range of 4M.

Yes, the motor has three speed settings: fast, medium, and slow. You can cycle through the autofocus speed settings by short-pressing the motor button 5 times. It is recommended to use the medium speed for normal autofocus. If you need faster autofocus, you can set it to fast. If you prefer a smoother transition during the autofocus process, you can use the slow speed.

The effective scanning distance of the motor LiDAR is 4 meters, with an angle of 26 degrees. If the scanning range is exceeded, the motor will enter a low-power energy-saving mode and automatically move to and stay at a position on the lens scale approximately 5 meters away. If no objects are detected within 5 seconds, the motor will automatically move to and stay at a position on the lens scale approximately 30 meters away, close to infinity. When an object re-enters the scanning range, the motor will immediately resume normal autofocus operation from the low-power energy-saving mode.


LIVE AIR 3 SMART has the same wireless follow focus capabilities as LIVE AIR 3. Additionally, it has an embedded LiDAR distance measurement module and AI lens model virtual technology, enabling it to have autofocus functionality.
For more details about the wireless follow focus feature, you can find more information here:www.pdmovie.com/pages/liveair3