Rolling multiple RED cameras at the same time

[Kyle Wright]

I have a shoot that wants to start/stop three REDs at the same time. I don't need the sensors to be synced or anything fancy, as they aren't being stitched together. Timecode isn't very important as we'll just be setting edgecode to 01:00:00 and record run.

The setup will be three cameras shooting totally separate frames from a car (such as forward, back and side with no overlap). Setting up a RED array seems a bit overkill for this, as we don't need the precision. Any suggestions for being able to start/stop the three cameras with one trigger?

 

[Michael Tiemann]

Would be so f---ing nice if FoolControl or Red Control could do this!!!

 

[Tony Tang]

Any suggestions for being able to start/stop the three cameras with one trigger?

If you have an expander module with a contact closure style trigger input like one of these:

- DSMC2 Jetpack Expander
- DSMC2 Jetpack-SDI Expander
- DSMC2 V-Lock I/O Expander

You could look into getting a DSMC2 trigger cable from a third party like Tilta and wiring it up to an inexpensive wireless camera trigger and receiver (like those used with stills cameras for Canon, Nikon, Sony, and so on), which commonly has a 2.5mm jack. Vello makes some of these triggers, and you can find them on B&H. They also can trigger multiple receivers at once like in your scenario.

Example: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/753841-REG/Vello_RWII_C_FreeWave_Plus_Wireless_Remote.html

Just be sure read the DSMC2 manual and test the contact closure trigger before connecting it to the camera to make sure you don't short the wrong pins!

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

Another solution would be to make use of the Fischer 3-Pin start/stop connector on several third party RED accessories.

One such is one of Wooden Cameras Top Plates:
https://woodencamera.com/search?type=article,page,product&q=213900*

Though I use the dual EVF outputs on that plate, I never used the Fischer connector, but should be simple enough to wire a switch to trigger all three.

My OMOD Command RT also has the Fischer 3-pin for start / stop.

Trying to remember the name of another group that manufactured a simple start/stop switch.
Buried somewhere in the back room.
Someone posted a schematic here on REDUser about 8 years ago - might have been in one of the manuals too.

 

[Mikael Lubtchansky]

Would be so f---ing nice if FoolControl or Red Control could do this!!!

You can do this easily if your DSMC cameras a GIG-E port... plug them all in a GIG-E router so they are on the same network, set camera GROUP ID / TARGET and then you can control a single camera via the app and start them all simultaneously....