Alexa / Codex Onboard combination

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

"A friend of mine os doing a show for TV distribution and recording on Codex. What's the point? I doubt one could see the difference on TV."

 

Absolutely in agreement. We did camera tests at the end of our season with the Epic and the Alexa. We only tested with cards as that is the "only" option being considered. Cool.

[Jens Piotrowski SOC]

Thanks guys for taking the time to share. Jason, stop offending everyone and tell me who made that plate on top of the camera to hold the Codex?

I'm about to start a feature using Alexa, Monster(Master) primes but no Codex at the moment, thank God! This will save time and expense. We will record 4:4:4, Log C on simultaneous SXS cards. The DP said after consulting Roger Deakins, who I believe said if he had it to do over again he would not have used the Codex recorders on his feature. All the problems they had stemmed from those recorders and maybe was not worth the small increase in latitude shooting Arri raw. I do believe he recommended using Master primes if you go in this direction and I assume the Leica lenses will be the next step when available.

A friend of mine os doing a show for TV distribution and recording on Codex. What's the point? I doubt one could see the difference on TV.

The other option for me would be to tether the deck via fiber if they can afford that. I'd rather drag a few cables than carry that weight and deal with the massive battery drain from the recorder.

 

 

on a side note about PRO RES:

 

I'm currently working on a RED show and we had the Alexa over for a side by side test.

 

The RED was working at it's best quality setting and the Alexa in 422 PRO RES to SXS cards.

 

The image of the Alexa was by far, visible to everyone, better than the RED ONE MX and that's just in 422 PRO RES.....

[Brant S. Fagan SOC]

Gents--

 

I am prepping an Alexa/Codex/AB:HC/Boxx show on Monday and will fill in the details once it's complete! Who knows, they all may end up on top but we'll all wait until Happy Hour on Monday.

 

Happy Easter to all!

[Sean Jensen]

- You mentioned the Alexa will not run on 12v. Are you aware that the only way to input 12v to Alexa is through the Anton Bauer battery plate?

 

Mark and Alec

 

I'm on my second Alexa series, powering the camera in 12v mode through my PRO2 sled with a right angle power cable with no problems. That Dionic HC also powers the Preston, Cinetape and Redbyte. My run times are great on one battery. The Boxx is powered from the AUX port on my sled. It's power hungry and drains the battery at almost the same rate as the camera. I was told the Boxx gets "cranky" in 24v when it heats up. I suppose I could have had the power cable made for 24v but I wanted that AUX port for any surprises. Recording on SxS cards not the Codex.

 

Sean

[Mark Karavite]

Hey Sean,

 

Are you powering 12v into the Anton Bauer plate, or the Arri 2 pin connector? I tried inputting 12v into the Arri 2 pin connector, and no response. That connector seems to only want 24v.

 

You're right that Alexa alone is OK to run on a single cable from the PRO 12/24 output. According to PRO, that connector is rated at 7 amps. Once you add the Codex to the mix, you are at 9.2 amp draw in 12v, so I wouldn't put that draw though a single 12/24 PRO Lemo. I'd be afraid to fry that connector, like some did with initial Genesis tests on a single output before the Y cable.

 

That's good info on the Boxx. We're starting with a WEVI, but hoping to switch to the BOXX once we prove the WEVI isn't as good. I would have probably started powering it at 24v, but good to know it prefers 12v. Do you know what the draw is on the BOXX?

[Sean Jensen]

Hi Mark

 

I'm powering the camera in 12v through its factory 2 pin connector. The Alexa we are using has the V-lock plate and I don't own any of those batteries. I've only used Alexas with this battery mount. When it comes to powering the Codex, I'll cross that bridge when I need to. I imagine I'll need to have my nice right angle cable converted to a "Y" cable for that. Or just have a new one built. There goes another $400.

 

Not sure what the draw is from The Boxx. I'm sure one of the tech savvy guys on this forum will know.

 

Cheers!

 

Sean

[Brant S. Fagan SOC]

OK, Sportsfans, here's the Alexa/Codex combo I am carrying on my show.

 

Currently running the camera on 24 volts from my sled into the 2-pin Fischer. Codex is hanging on the A/B battery mount on the rear of the camera and receiving 12 volt power from the camera's 12 volt 2-pin monitor lemo connector. There are two (2) DionicHC batteries running the camera with some decent run times so far. Exact times are still being evaluated but we'll report more after some more work this week. What I would like to see happen this week is that we can power the camera with a single D-HC and run that power into the rear of the camera, either through the Fischer or the battery plate. We'll see how the run times change but my guess is that they will go down since the camera and recorder are power zombies as it is. While I realize that this is a 12 volt camera with a 24 volt input, this seems like an inefficient manner of providing 24 volt power to the accessory ports and allowing just 14.4 volts (nominal) to the camera system.

 

Word on the street is that the Codex "likes" 12 volt power but I have already seen anomalies in that given our first week's performance.

 

So has anyone been successfully been running the Alexa on just 14.4 volts (nominal) through the 2-pin Fischer connector at the right rear of the camera? Our support team says that won't work but we have yet to test it. Just might have to see that tested myself tomorrow.

[Mark Karavite]

Hey Brant,

 

I agree that trying to run the combo on 1 HC will yield poor run times.

 

You are smart to run the Codex off the 12v aks port. Both Codex and Otto Nemenz have said the Codex runs best close to 12v. We've considered a voltage regulated cable, but haven't had any problems yet, although I'm powering the Codex from a dedicated HD via the PRO AUX power output.

 

Overall, having the Codex on the back (as you do) is flying pretty well. I have a nice spin balance, and it behaves well. It is on the heavy side, but flies nicely. With the length, I imagine whip pans will be tricky to get started / stopped, but I haven't run into that yet.

 

A new quirk we discovered this week. Make sure your AC's check the removable mag & that it is securely docked. We had an issue with a mag not completely docked, but the red "running" light stayed on. Apparently, the red run light triggers when you hit the button, but is not linked to a verifiable link between the Codex and the removable mag. Just to be safe in low mode, we're going to hang the camera from the low mode dovetail now. My DIT had ordered an inverter so I could make switches quicker, but we are abandoning that plan due to the mag docking issue.

 

Maybe the easiest thing is to switch from "Codex" to "Kodak" :-)).

[Alfeo Dixon SOC]

Where's the freaking LIKE button...

Maybe the easiest thing is to switch from "Codex" to "Kodak" :-)).

Oh well :thumbs: :thumbsup:

[Jens Piotrowski SOC]

We've prepped for our show starting Monday & here's some observations regarding the Alexa / Codex combo:

 

Hardware in setup:

Alexa

Master Primes

Codex

Cinetape

WEVI HD Transmitter (hoping to switch to BOXX or Microlite HD)

Dionic HC's

 

Notes:

- We used a dry Anton Bauer plate to mount Codex directly to AB mount on back of Alexa.

- I tried mounting the Codex on the bottom, but it was too much bottom weight, forcing the gimbal too low on the post. This setup is a little long, but it was the lesser of 2 evils. I was intrigued with Neal's setup, but I think since my rig is so different, it just didn't work for me.

- We're powering Alexa off 2 batteries in 24v mode.

- We're powering Codex from 3rd battery with 12v feed. Note that Codex doesn't react well to more than 25v. If you plan on feeding Codex from a 24v feed from Steadicam (or RS connector on Alexa), you'll need a voltage regulated power cable. My rig with hot batteries starts off at more than 31v, which will give Codex problems.

- Alexa draw 85w, Codex draw 25w.

- Alexa accessory power outputs max out at 2.2amps total for both 24v & 12v accessory power. Depending on what your running, powering the Codex from these could max out the accessory power. Also, if you're in 12v mode, the combination of Alexa / Codex would draw around 9.2 amps, which is more than 1 PRO Camera Power lemo is rated for. You'd be OK in 24v mode regarding the PRO connector, but you'd be over the 25v, which Codex can't handle with hot batteries.

- I use the 3rd battery to power the Codex. It's wired directly to the 2 pin PRO AUX power output. Otto Nemenz made me a couple AUX to Codex power cables.

- Options for camera start / stop from Preston:

1. With a SxS card in, you can put the Codex in GPI mode, and a start / stop trigger signal is sent from Alexa via the dual link cables. In this mode, you need an SxS card. Note that if the SxS card fills up, it will also stop the Codex. We adjusted the compression on the SxS cards to increase the run time to match the Codex running time of 32 minutes. We'll reformat the SxS card as part of reloading. It's nice having the run button & lights on the Alexa active. There is a slight delay, with the SxS rolling a beat before the Codex in this mode.

2. We had a couple cables made from MDR2 to Codex GPI connector. If we decide to drop using the SxS cards, we'll switch to these cables.

3. Otto has rigged a wifi connection to the Codex. You can control the Codex from a remote. We're not using this for Steadicam, but in studio mode, our DIT uses the wifi remote to check playback at his monitors for the DP.

- This setup is fairly heavy, but flies nicely.

- We've ordered an image flip device from Otto, so I'll fly upside down in low mode, making switches much faster. Arri needs to add this for Steadicam & 3D.

- Our DIT is cool with connecting Clockit boxes, then pulling it, so I don't have to fly that box.

- DP normally monitors RAW feed with a LUT & video village views REC 709, via 2 cables from camera in studio mode. With only 1 feed from Steadicam, DP will view REC 709. He knows what he is looking at, and doesn't want to confuse video village with a different feed, so RED 709 for everyone in Steadicam mode.

- I think the combination of Alexa M & Codex would be ideal. It would be nice to take a few pounds off this setup.

- Keep in mind current Alexa models only have 1 monitor out. I have a SD MK-V monitor, so I run through a Decimator to feed the rig, and the HD SDI loop through feeds the WEVI. If you have an HD sled, you'll need a loop through for the transmitter, or carry a HD DA. The next generation Alexa has 2 monitor outputs.

 

Here are some pictures:

 

 

 

 

Hi Mark,

 

who makes the long camera plate you are using on the Alexa? (not the XCS one...)

[Nicholas Davidoff]

My "Chopper" with an Alexa and OB-1 Flashmag Deck by S.two.

 

OB1 Deck weighs in at 7lbs, similar to the Codex, maybe slightly heavier. Deck is custom mounted on my bottom base, therefore offsetting a big chunk of weight from the top of the rig. Allows me to keep my post shorter, gimbal higher and better balance throughout. I'm flying only two batteries, one on top and one below, to keep the overall weight down and achieve ideal weight distro top to bottom. i've had very decent run times with this 2 battery setup. Sled is also in full dynamic balance.

 

A skinny triax cable runs from the top stage to the bottom, carrying dual video lines and a power line from the camera to the deck. This also triggers the recording sync. This cable running down the sled is barely a nuisance and doesn't affect the handling of the rig.

 

Only one Dionic HC on bottom base otherwise the rig gets too bottom heavy with too much space above the gimbal. Battery at the base powers my monitor and all camera accessories up top via 12V p-tap power from topstage. Cinetape, Preston, Downconverter, Camwave and onboard monitor if necessary.

 

Battery on board Camera is a 12V lithium ion, 95W/hr. Powers only the camera body and deck. No accessories. Great run times with heavy use and a good hour or two between swaps. Hot swap can be done if necessary with a standy block battery and power cable. Otherwise, restart time is exactly 15 sec.

 

The point here is, if you can figure a way to mount the deck to the bottom base (similar to what Neal did), you can probably get away with a total of two batteries for power and have a nicely balanced, lighter and smaller sled.

[Mark Karavite]

Jens,

 

The long baseplate is a custom piece from Otto Nemenz. I own the little Alexa plate, but decided to try the Otto plate. It's a bit heavier, but seems more rigid.

[Juan M.Ramos SOC]

Here is what I'm doing with the Codex and Alexa on my current job.

 

The 2 little video cables are not too bad.

 

Neal

 

Hi ,one simple question what do you use for power in the codex??,thanks

[arielmanuelsalati]

We've prepped for our show starting Monday & here's some observations regarding the Alexa / Codex combo:

 

Hardware in setup:

Alexa

Master Primes

Codex

Cinetape

WEVI HD Transmitter (hoping to switch to BOXX or Microlite HD)

Dionic HC's

 

Notes:

- We used a dry Anton Bauer plate to mount Codex directly to AB mount on back of Alexa.

- I tried mounting the Codex on the bottom, but it was too much bottom weight, forcing the gimbal too low on the post. This setup is a little long, but it was the lesser of 2 evils. I was intrigued with Neal's setup, but I think since my rig is so different, it just didn't work for me.

- We're powering Alexa off 2 batteries in 24v mode.

- We're powering Codex from 3rd battery with 12v feed. Note that Codex doesn't react well to more than 25v. If you plan on feeding Codex from a 24v feed from Steadicam (or RS connector on Alexa), you'll need a voltage regulated power cable. My rig with hot batteries starts off at more than 31v, which will give Codex problems.

- Alexa draw 85w, Codex draw 25w.

- Alexa accessory power outputs max out at 2.2amps total for both 24v & 12v accessory power. Depending on what your running, powering the Codex from these could max out the accessory power. Also, if you're in 12v mode, the combination of Alexa / Codex would draw around 9.2 amps, which is more than 1 PRO Camera Power lemo is rated for. You'd be OK in 24v mode regarding the PRO connector, but you'd be over the 25v, which Codex can't handle with hot batteries.

- I use the 3rd battery to power the Codex. It's wired directly to the 2 pin PRO AUX power output. Otto Nemenz made me a couple AUX to Codex power cables.

- Options for camera start / stop from Preston:

1. With a SxS card in, you can put the Codex in GPI mode, and a start / stop trigger signal is sent from Alexa via the dual link cables. In this mode, you need an SxS card. Note that if the SxS card fills up, it will also stop the Codex. We adjusted the compression on the SxS cards to increase the run time to match the Codex running time of 32 minutes. We'll reformat the SxS card as part of reloading. It's nice having the run button & lights on the Alexa active. There is a slight delay, with the SxS rolling a beat before the Codex in this mode.

2. We had a couple cables made from MDR2 to Codex GPI connector. If we decide to drop using the SxS cards, we'll switch to these cables.

3. Otto has rigged a wifi connection to the Codex. You can control the Codex from a remote. We're not using this for Steadicam, but in studio mode, our DIT uses the wifi remote to check playback at his monitors for the DP.

- This setup is fairly heavy, but flies nicely.

- We've ordered an image flip device from Otto, so I'll fly upside down in low mode, making switches much faster. Arri needs to add this for Steadicam & 3D.

- Our DIT is cool with connecting Clockit boxes, then pulling it, so I don't have to fly that box.

- DP normally monitors RAW feed with a LUT & video village views REC 709, via 2 cables from camera in studio mode. With only 1 feed from Steadicam, DP will view REC 709. He knows what he is looking at, and doesn't want to confuse video village with a different feed, so RED 709 for everyone in Steadicam mode.

- I think the combination of Alexa M & Codex would be ideal. It would be nice to take a few pounds off this setup.

- Keep in mind current Alexa models only have 1 monitor out. I have a SD MK-V monitor, so I run through a Decimator to feed the rig, and the HD SDI loop through feeds the WEVI. If you have an HD sled, you'll need a loop through for the transmitter, or carry a HD DA. The next generation Alexa has 2 monitor outputs.

 

Here are some pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Mark,

sorry if my question is'nt concerning directly the topic:

it seems that you are working with an Archos AV 500, the 'L- connector' between Archos and Video cinch is it custom made or possible to find it somewhere?

Thank you

 

Ariel Salati

 

 

www.arielsalati.com

[Mark Karavite]

Dear Ariel,

 

That cable was made by Fred Davis, who I believe is no longer in the business. I would try Chris Konash at East Coast Cables. You can reach Chris at 201-522-5030. It's a weird connector on the Archos side of the cable. Also, you need to know what voltage your sled outputs for the on board recorder. The Archos is not 12v, so either you need a selectable voltage output from your sled, or a voltage regulated cable. I don't remember the Archos voltage off the top of my head, but Chris would know.

 

I've been using the Archos AV 500 for years, and I love it as an on board recorder. It's small enough that I lost the recorder bracket and just velcro it to the Dionic HC on the back of my sled.

 

I saw that Robert Starling was selling an Archos on this forum for a great price. I bought a spare one, because they don't make that model anymore. The new ones are bigger, and probably too big for my liking. I think I paid twice as much for my spare as Robert is charging.

 

Good luck,

Mark