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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

DSMC Cable release update?

Mark Deeble

Mark Deeble

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Some weeks back there was a thread about the possibility of a commercial cable release for Epic/Scarlet. I think Viewfactor were looking at manufacturing one. Is there any news?

It is the single most important accessory I am lacking.

As a single operator, filming wildlife, I need one hand on the lens barrel or follow focus and the other on the panhandle. If I have to take my hand off either to switch on or off I compromise the shot and end up with more data than I want.

I know it has to be powered by 5v, but that shouldn't be difficult. Am I the only one that needs this......?
 
Thanks Mike - I must have missed that thread. The Spacecam remote looks great, but is more than I need, and probably larger and pricier than I'd be happy with. I need something small and simple that I can tape to a pan-handle - something more like an Origo for DSMC (?)
 
Mark Deeble said:
Thanks Mike - I must have missed that thread. The Spacecam remote looks great, but is more than I need, and probably larger and pricier than I'd be happy with. I need something small and simple that I can tape to a pan-handle - something more like an Origo for DSMC (?)
Click to expand...
Hi Mark: It is actually about the length of 3 AA batteries end to end. It is also very light and incorporates two 1/4-20 threaded inserts on the back to enable easy attachment to various things. It might seem a little expensive but the custom designed electronis protect the camera as well as ensuring that recording will take place when you want it, i.e. reliable.
 
Thanks Ron and Mike.

It looks like they both use 3 x AAA batts to get 4.5 v which I guess dictates the size.

I had hoped there might be something smaller that didn't use the sync cable so I wasn't left with 2 extra BNCs.
 
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Mark Deeble said:
Thanks Ron and Mike.

It looks like they both use 3 x AAA batts to get 4.5 v which I guess dictates the size.

I had hoped there might be something smaller that didn't use the sync cable so I wasn't left with 2 extra BNCs.
Click to expand...

This handcontroller is really supposed to work with either the "sync bob" or the "sync bob plus" This eliminate dangling cables and provides a reliable, shielded alternative to the triple split Red sync cable. It weighs nothing. Have a look on "store" at www.spacecam.com Hope this helps.
 
Let me simply say that the voltage triggering the record function should be taken seriously and should involve some proper electronic circuitry. It also should involve polarity protection and voltage control with a battery condition checking feature. To do this properly require thought and some investment. It is perfectly feasible to hold two AAs together with a switch from Radio Shack but the potential for expensive repair or non functionality is very high. Also the triple split cable plugging into the Sync port should definitely be replaced with a hardened, shielded connection module such as the "sync bob" or the "sync bob plus" This accessory alone has saved hundreds of thousand dollars on productions.....big claim but I know believe me. The hand controller pair perfectly with this. Alternatively the hand controller can be wired with a special cable directly into the sync port but then you preclude access to TC and Genloc. Have a look at the sync bob plus...it is selling briskly and we have just done a new run. "Store" at www.spacecam.com
 
Use the redmote attached to your handle bar?
 
Max - I could, but I have found that when working fast I occasionally send a double signal to the camera. I also think that battery life might be an issue. I love the redmote for jib work and also found it fantastic recently for controlling the camera mounted on the outside of an aircraft. For day in/ day out start and stop though I would rather have a simple wired connection.

I shoot entirely wildlife and have found that the second or so it takes to get the camera rolling can often make the difference between a great shot and an 'also ran'.
The most effective remote I ever had was a custom rig I used when shooting high speed film - comprising a latching switch on the pan-handle which closed a circuit using spring mounted connectors on the side of the camera, mating with a pair on the head. When filming big cats in Serengeti from a land rover, it meant that the mere act of putting the camera on the head meant that I was instantly ready to roll.
Now, if that was available commercially..... :)
 
Ron - no doubt about it - the Spacecam rig is top of the Line - and if I was doing all/mostly remote/jib etc. work it would be the way to go. But for me, I am looking for a simple button-at-the-end-of-a-cable I can velcro/clamp onto a handle/arm to REC - for Hand-held rigs. The smaller the form-factor the better. Since power seems to be necessary then have a remote wee battery box/circuit setup mounted back at the camera. This would eliminate bulky/boxy powered controller anchored down at the handle (here I am pointing fingers a the $75 rig MadlyFins makes). And finally, wired with a single cable to the sync port. Something like this in the Under-$200 bracket would be a popular item, esp with us budget-minded Scarlet owners - of which there will be a LOT.

Any one care to step up?
Stu Aull
Alaska
 
I just ordered a number of the Madlyfins units but we also need a small handle mounted switch. Just adding our name to the list to hopefully encourage one to be built.
 
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