Current recommended software = RED build 20 or above (including build 30) with Birger lens library 20d with Birger BEI firmware 1.1.10 with Impero firmware 2.1
To download relevant software go:http://www.birger.us/downloads.htm
READ THE RELEASE NOTES AVAILABLE AT BIRGER'S WEBSITE. In particular, the current capabilities of the Impero are substantial and non-intuitive. You will not be able to take full advantage of its capabilities without those notes.
Best to get your mount communicating over bluetooth with your computer first. Download the BEI software from the above link and install it. With your Birger mount installed and camera turned on (ie. Impero neither on nor connected), open up the software...when you're prompted for a passkey, its the serial number...so for example, your bluetooth connection will say Birger 0xxxx wants to pair and needs a passkey. 0xxxx is your passkey. You should be able to gain control of your mount.
To update Impero leave batteries out of your Impero or turn it off if its got batteries. While depressing the two buttons on the sides of the Impero (Auto 1 and Auto 2) plug it into the middle port on the right side of the Birger mount. In the BEI interface on the computer look under the HELP tab and click on 'update software'. Follow instructions to update both the Impero and the lens library.
After you're Impero is upgraded to build 1.5 or higher you will not need to depress the two buttons on the side in order to accomplish further updates.
To obtain distance information, in the BEI interface, while the Impero is connected, hit the 'configure' button and choose protocol 18.6.4. You can close the BEI interface. Go into your RED and the menus. You'll have to make two changes: 1. system>setup>display>lens data and also 2. system>setup>remote>s4i
To pair your Impero wirelessly...close your computer's BEI interface so that the Impero's bluetooth does not conflict with the BEI's bluetooth. Turn on camera and plug in Birger mount, then turn on Impero while holding 'I' button -- radios should eventually pair. Once paired the first time they will find each other the next time; you do not need to hold the 'I' button each time.
Calibrating the Impero to the mount = hold down 'CAL' button when on 'F' = focus calibration. hold down 'CAL' button when on 'I' = iris calibration.
If you have lots of inexplicable beeps and lights going on/off put in fresh batteries - to conserve battery power adjust settings in the BEI interface so that your Impero is not so power intensive
Mounting Options for Impero - noga arm into lower left 1/4 - 20 socket on the RED camera body. The RED arms that come with EVF and LCD screens are noga arms. Even nicer (and still not very expensive) use the Manfrotto Nano Clamp, as per this post: http://reduser.net/forum/showpost.ph...postcount=6042.
To collimate your lens mount (check for Jay Kelly's birger specific video and Doug Underhaul's collimating video)
** make sure the lens you are using to collimate with does not itself require back focus adjustments!! **
Lenses that work smoothly using Impero's "normal focusing mode":
Canon EF L USM 24mm f/1.4
Canon EF L USM 35mm f/1.4
Canon EF L USM 50mm f/1.2
Canon EF L II USM 85mm f/1.2
Canon EFs USM 10-22 f/3.5-
Canon EF L II USM 16-35mm f/2.8
Canon EF L USM 24-70mm f/2.8
Canon EF L USM 70-200 f/4
Canon EF USM DO 75-300 f/4.5-
Tokina AT-X Pro 11-16mm f/2.8 * w/ issues at infinity and short focus, the AF motor spins.
Lenses that work smoothly using Impero's "alternate focusing mode":
Canon EF L USM 135mm f/2.0
Canon EF L USM 200mm f/2.8
Canon EFs IS USM 17-55mm f/2.8
Canon EF L IS USM 70-200mm f/2.8
Canon Extender 1.4x + Canon EF L USM 135mm f/2.0
Canon Extender 1.4x + Canon EF L USM 200mm f/2.8
Canon Extender 1.4x + Canon EF L IS USM 70-200mm f/2.8
Lenses that do not work smoothly:
Canon EF L USM Macro 180mm f/3.5 * Aperture is ok, but no focusing
Canon MP-E 1-5x Macro 65mm f/2.8 * Aperture does not work
Canon EFs II 50mm f/1.8 * choppy/noisy (extremely cheap lens but now you know!)
Canon EFs 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 * a bit noisy, but not bad -- usable
Sigma EX APO 120-300mm f/2.8 * focus does not work at all, manual focus is fabulous on this lens though
Tamron XR Di 28-75mm f/2.8 * very noisy.
If you see something incorrect with the above instructions please pm me or add the comment to the end of this thread