FIZ link loss

[GerryVasbenter]

Shooting with the Alexa,

A and B cameras in production mode C camera on the rig, 2x Hu2's with F/I units and Hu3 with F/I unit all on iris, well that’s the set up, simple enough.

Every day we have a major iris spikes/blips/jumps,(link lost) call it what you like it’s a big problem.

The normal film best practise of setting the focus handset iris sliders to the working stop, are not working as the shooting in variable sun conditions means the change between the DP taking a reading and getting back to the tent, rolling decks, slating, can be huge. The whole processes is slow enough as is with out having first AC checking with DP, DIT and confirming stops with B and C cameras, HD is a complicated process.

(On my HU3 we’ve turned off the iris function, this helps but not possible on HU2’s) (( Hard wiring is great though what’s the point of having an FI unit if you can’t use it, also impractical))

When the Iris jumps it’s an added hassle we could do without.

Alex Golding our DIT has been working on getting extension antenna’s for the MDR's (Alexa is a non accessory friendly camera so the MDR’s are bolted on in odd places)

Also we have found Bluetooth close to MDR or FI unit is not good (try getting a crew to turn phones completely off on set, near impossible!!) Add wifi used by the electricians that seems to be strong enough to have an effect.

Lots to choose from, to eliminate all the possible’s is impossible!!

Meanwhile Preston have been thinking about this issue and have come up with a view on the tented environ used for HD and FI unit aerial reception! Not compatible.

So they have suggested using an external aerial for the FI units in the black hole (tent) will try this next week and keep you posted...

If anyone has tried this already dose it help?

Cheers

(Desperate in the UK <_< ,)

Gerry

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Gerry,

 

I assume all units are still on the 3G network, but IF your HU3 is 4G and the HU2s are 3G. you WILL have interference problems. Sounds like this is not the issue and that it is a range issue for the iris units, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

[Richard W. Davis]

Can you switch units to give the DIT the (more powerful )HU2 handset and the AC focuses with the(less powerful) F/I unit? Just trick the units by making iris focus and focus iris. (DIT has to use the knob instead of slider for iris though)We do that as the DIT is always further away than the AC. Helps a lot.... Doesn't completely solve it but cuts the hits way down. Then try to get the DIT to power down after he sets the stop. That WILL eliminate the problem.

 

Best of luck,

 

Rich Davis

LA

[GerryVasbenter]

Thanks Guys , we're not mixing 3 and 4G, thanks for the handset swap idea will try that.

Cheers G ;)

Can you switch units to give the DIT the (more powerful )HU2 handset and the AC focuses with the(less powerful) F/I unit? Just trick the units by making iris focus and focus iris. (DIT has to use the knob instead of slider for iris though)We do that as the DIT is always further away than the AC. Helps a lot.... Doesn't completely solve it but cuts the hits way down. Then try to get the DIT to power down after he sets the stop. That WILL eliminate the problem.

 

Best of luck,

 

Rich Davis

LA

[GerryVasbenter]

Eureka!!! Hi gain antennas all round and DP's phone doesn’t have to be off. We now have antenna outside the black tent as well as on the cameras up high from the MDR's and so far so good, the range for FI unit is comparable to standard focus hand set, with the FI antenna attached directly and seems the same when on a cable from inside the tent. Back to the good old Preston we know and love.

Cheers Gerry.

:D