I'm a student at a film school that has a Steadicam EFP. Admittedly, I don't know much about the rig, but whenever I see it being flown on students sets here, it's always tethered to a big block battery (which is itself dragging an AC). I think to myself, that can't be the way it should be done.
According to others around here, the reason is: We are using an Arri SR3 w/ video tap that requires a 24volt power source. I'm told the battery on the sled will not power the camera, tap, and steadicam monitor on its own. When I ask why the on-board battery isn't used for the camera & tap, I'm told it makes the rig too heavy.
Is this a valid point? Is there no better way to fly an EFP w/ an SR3 camera than to drag around a big block battery?
Also, a little unrelated - I'm only likely to have this rig in use for a week or so, but I'd love to have access to a wireless tap solution. I'd certainly love something like a modulus, and may very well rent one, but I keep wondering if anyone's ever tried one of the $200ish UHF transmitters that various "spy shops" or places like www.rf-links.com sell in conjunction with a small handheld Tv like the 5" radioshack handheld? Obviously the quality and performance wouldn't compare to a professional solution, but would it even be an option (for someone with no money like myself?)
Thanks in advance!
Matt
