Preston doesnt like the V-Lock Expander

[jordan levy]

So, we have a weapon and raven working together on a job, the weapon with the base expander and the raven with the v-lock expander.
The trigger record function on the preston mdr3 worked fine with the weapon and not with the raven. we tried it with a red 3 bnc sync cable and a wooden camera b-box. contacted red help and got the message below. so contacted preston, they knew of the difference and brought the cable needed to set. though that didnt work either and preston is stumped. we downloaded the log file and sending it into red support. while waiting to hear back, anyone encounter this, or something similar with other units? has anyone successfully triggered record through the sync port using a v-lock expander?
would love to know thoughts. we tried all the settings in the sync menu and even doing the unconventional method of choosing toggle record in stead of start record and basically trying everything.



The two modules are different from one another, so you would need to use the appropriate trigger in order for it to work. The DSMC2 V-LOCK I/O EXPANDER has a contact momentary push style trigger. See below.

For the DSMC2 BASE EXPANDER, it requires a constant 3.3 V circuit closure switch. See below:

You would need to change triggers when using the DSMC2 BASE EXPANDER to a trigger that meets the required specs or install some type of converter that converts it to a momentary switch.

Thank you.

 

[Abe Espinoza]

Just read about this today. You need the appropriate cable. I believe it's an ARRI style trigger setup. Here's a link to the article: https://mediablackout.net/blogs/news

 

[jordan levy]

Just read about this today. You need the appropriate cable. I believe it's an ARRI style trigger setup. Here's a link to the article: https://mediablackout.net/blogs/news

Yeah, I know, we got the right cable from preston but it still didn't work. I'll report back when red support analyzes the log file.

update: my AC said he also tried the cable made from the guy who wrote the article, still didnt work and he thinks its an issue with settings or firmware.

 

[Ruff]

And.... This is why 1st AC's and Industry equipment owners have always struggled with RED.

Another cable to buy. After trying to reinvent the industry standard.

And now, having to carry two different cables. (And spares)

Its just frustrating. One of the major reasons why Red is looked down on unfortunately.

(Makes me sad, as I prefer Red....but, come on. Some standards do not need to be changed. Where is the benefit?!?!?)

 

[Demetri Zuev]

I'd like RED to address this and tell us Base Expander owners, how can we get a new standard connector.

Seems i bit unfair that the V-lock expander that some don't prefer is now more in tune with industry standards than the more versatile Base Expander

 

[Abe Espinoza]

Yeah, I know, we got the right cable from preston but it still didn't work. I'll report back when red support analyzes the log file.

update: my AC said he also tried the cable made from the guy who wrote the article, still didnt work and he thinks its an issue with settings or firmware.[/

Gotcha. What a pain...

 

[jordan levy]

im sure it will work one day, probably just a kink that needs to be work out.

 

[jordan levy]

anyone else try to trigger their camera via v-lock expander or jetpack successfully?
i would assume this is a common use for cameras with the these modules since they are kind of targeted towards drones and ronin/movi setups.

 

[jordan levy]

havent heard back from red support all weekend but we will be on set trying to figure this out on down times, if anyone has some insight that would be great!
thank you! ill also be trying fool control as a back up scenario for our car mount rigs!