Alan Rencher

The Alexa 65 does use more power than the other Alexa cameras, so it is best to run it at 24V.

I fixed it. Thanks for pointing it out.

I just wanted to let all the live operators out there know that I've been relaying some information from my live operator clients to PLC about the need for a POT input on the new 2-channel system, and they have been very open to getting that working.

 

Marc at PLC has said that they will enable the analog input to work with potentiometers for wired focus control very soon. This will work just like the POT input on the analog receiver, so anyone that has been holding on to those analog receivers in hopes of being able to wire a focus controller in, the time to upgrade is here!

 

http://shop.plcelectronicsolutions.com/fstop-v2-2b-digital-2-channel-receiver/

 

I have cables on MediaBlackout.net that will work with the 2-channel receiver and Redrock's fingerwheel controller: https://mediablackout.net/products/analog-focus-control-cables

 

I'll also be working on my own fingerwheel controller, so if anyone has any design input they would like to send me, please do: alan@mediablackout.net

A lot of the connections in the monitor are glued together using hot glue. Some of those connections are non-locking, or even mismatched connectors. There are even some boards that are held in with hot glue.

 

The problem I found on Scott's monitor was that when things heat up, the hot glue melts and components start shifting. On Scott's monitor, a connector attached to the SDI input board did not match the connector it was mated with on the board itself. Since they didn't lock together, the two connectors were glued together with hot glue to maintain an electrical connection. This connection was directly below the heat sink for the backlight, so after about ten minutes of use, the glue would soften, and the connector would move enough to cause signal loss.

 

I was able to reseat the connector, and I used heat resistant silicone electronic-potting material to replace all of the hot glue in the monitor. In cases like these, we are able to make repairs, but we cannot replace board-level components or correct firmware errors.

If anyone is using these to pull focus, or as a director's monitor, Media Blackout has LogicBlocks for them, now: https://mediablackout.net/products/logicblock

 

Ryan,

 

Contact sales@mediablackout.net. We will have some in stock soon, and I think we can make your deadline. Be aware that not all Chinese V-Lock wedges have the same hole pattern as the official IDX V-Locks (some are off just enough to not attach). You will also need a 1/8th spacer, which we supply with our V-Locks. I haven't tested the Wooden Camera version, but it looks like it may be compatible with the Intersex Plate.

Preston just sent out this technical bulletin. It is directly in response to problems caused by batteries wired in series that are using the line that travels from +14.4V from the first battery in the series to the ground of the second battery in the series to derive 12V. This has been blowing up a lot of equipment lately, so educate yourself on the issue!

 

Thanks, Gus. I'll send an email out. Their website still has Curt's and Jorg's old .me email addresses, not their arri.de addresses. I tell them to update the site.

Artemis has updated their I/O on the Cine Broadcast sled after the Arri aqcuisition, and I'm having rouble getting a hold of anyone at Artemis or Arri service.

 

Does someone have one of the new manuals that they could send? If anyone has better luck getting in touch with Curt, please send him my way!

 

Thanks!

We might be able to replace that BNC connector for you: sales@mediablackout.net

New: Pro Tally Cable

 

 

Media Blackout's Pro Tally Cable allows Steadicam operators to see when they're live by sensing the light emitted from any broadcast camera tally light. These cables work with Pro CineLive and Steadicam M-1 sleds. The Pro Tally Cable features a 1.6" x 1.6" x 0.8" ABS enclosure with confirmation LED, 24" light sensor cable, 24" power/tally Lemo, Talent Tally Output (Talent Tally Output Cable optional), as well as a micro USB jack for firmware updates.

 

Power and Tally Through One Lemo -

 

Power and tally are fed through a 24" cable to the 4-pin Lemo connector on the top stage of the sled. The tally line connects to the monitor output on the bottom stage where it activates the monitor's internal tally circuit (if supported).

 

Light Sensor -

 

The Pro Tally Cable features a 24" cable that terminates to light sensor encased in Velcro that, when fastened over the camera's tally light, will sense when the light is active.

 

Sensitivity Adjustment -

 

A sensitivity adjustment potentiometer allows the Pro Tally Cable to activate at various luminosity levels for bright or dim on-camera tally lights.

 

Talent Tally Output (Optional)-

 

A 36" removeable tally light cable connects to the Pro Tally cable via a sub-miniature locking Neutrik connector. The Talent Tally Cable features four bright red LEDs installed in a 2.4" x 1.4" x 0.6" ABS enclosure. When active, the on-camera talent can't miss them. The box can be attached to a matte box with Velcro or tape.

 

All Media Blackout cable assemblies use genuine parts and high-quality cable. Cable assemblies are made to order at our office in Culver City, CA. If you need custom assemblies, please contact us.

 

Learn more: https://mediablackout.net/products/pro-tally-cable

 

Hey Grayson. I believe there are only six channels available in the 5ghz band that you are allowed to use without resorting to DFS, and that's an FCC regulation. You're right that they have ten manually assignable channels, and that's what I was getting at.

 

I think it was the Modulus (I may be misremembering the brand) that was illegal back in the SD days. Abelcine used to sell them, along with some other companies. They were eventually fined and taken off the market. There is actually a really old post on this forum talking about that. I'll have to see if I can dig it up again.

 

If you have the FCC ID number printed on the device, I can look it up to see how it was tested. It's always possible that they only approved it for use with a limited number of channels.

The Tilta (and other brand names using the same product) use broadcast firmware with DFS channels, which is illegal. I'm sure the FCC will catch wind of it some day like they did with those old illegal SD transmitters that everyone used to sell.

I use genuine Anton/Bauer female P-Taps for all of my projects that require them. That 3D printed part will fit around the P-Tap.

 

The BreakerBox also uses genuine Anton/Bauer P-Tap contacts and inserts. They're mounted in a milled aluminum enclosure that I designed.

I just had a very long conversation two days ago with a client of mine about why I always take payment up front, and he was surprised that I operate that way. There are always the select few that ruin it for everyone. I hope he pays what he owes to you, and soon.

I've actually designed one for use at my shop. I print them from my own 3D printer. It mounts in a 1" hole with #4 screws.

 

Helicoils pull out of 3D printed materials pretty easily. I use mold-in inserts, or use my machines "over molding" feature to embed extra-thin hex nuts, but that's no good for do-it-yourselfers.

 

You might be better off just using some thread-forming Plastite screws and forgo the threaded inserts altogether.

Hey Everybody! I've added this to the site to make ordering easier: https://mediablackout.net/products/sutherland-wrap-grip

 

I've added the Shapeways prices for comparison.

 

Tim, you should post a PayPal.Me link to help with donations. Just go to https://paypal.me to set yours up. I'll add that link to my product page once you set it up.

Deke, it is a bug in the monitor. Boland is aware of it, and they were working on a fix last I checked. Hopefully Gary will chime in.

Brett, there are a few smaller coax connectors out there. Are you referring to 1.0/2.3 DIN, Mini BNC, or HD-BNC (what Media Blackout uses for Hyperdeck upgrades)? Wether a 90° degree connector can be used depends on the type of cable used. Some are harder to find than others, and they can get very expensive.

If anyone is interested in rehousing their Connex or Connex mini with SDI and proper Lemo power, contact sales@mediablackout.net.

Here's a new mod that I've been working on. I have replaced the rubber backing with a carbon fiber reinforced, 3D printed male Gold Mount power pass-through. Not shown in these photos are the Lemo addition (drilled, but not yet installed) and the female Anton/Bauer plate (which will be installed on the opposite side to the male Gold Mount).

Hi, Marc. I replied to the email that you sent to us. Most of the link addresses changed when we moved our server. The correct links are now:

 

https://mediablackout.net/products/megaflex-hd-sdi-cable - The Video Assist uses male DIN 1.0/2.3 connectors

 

https://mediablackout.net/products/dc-barrel-power-cable - The Video Assist uses 2.5mm DC barrel connectors

Arrow-X is comparable to the Bolt 600. Tomahawk is comparable to the Bolt 2,000.

I wanted to have my motor sent to Peter Hoare, but because my motor deeded a pot replacement AND had a broken screw, I had to send it to Don for new parts.

The trick is to pay him only when you get your motor back, then make sure to call him every other day. When you speak on the phone with him, make sure to ask him for a deadline of the next step and tell him you will call back to check up on it. Got my motor back after one month now everything works.

This is similar to what I did. I burned out the encoder with a faulty cable, so I actually bought a Heden to replace it right away; then I sent my M-One to Loon for service. Since I had the replacement already, I only checked once every week or two. I eventually got the motor back after about six or seven months. The motor was working perfectly when I got it back, so I sold it.