Premium Members Erik Brul Posted November 8, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted November 8, 2011 Hi guys, Getting ready to order an F bracket. The Flyer and the Zephyr F bracket are one in the same aren't they? Thanks! Hatch Yes John, the F bracket is for the Mini, Flyer, SK, Provid, (Archer), Pilot, Zephyr.. all the same post size :) Enjoy those low flights and fly save... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Hatcher Posted November 10, 2011 Report Share Posted November 10, 2011 Thanks Eric! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Hatcher Posted November 10, 2011 Report Share Posted November 10, 2011 Thanks Eric! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Wan Zhong Wei Posted November 22, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 Hi friends, I am based in Singapore, and i currently own the Pilot. The Pilot is a great sled, light and nifty, just that certain project/job requirements that presents itself requires flying of heavier cameras, which the Pilot can't take on. I am considering between the zephyr SD and HD variant, got a couple of questions that I need to ask. - is the post on both the SD and HD version wired with HD-SDI cables? i am getting some conflicting information saying that the SD variant doesn't have HD-SDI cables in the post, but just normal ones. - how does the SD variant picks up the video signal and power from the base of the sled? the video side is probably simple but I would like to know more regarding the power, is it through the 3 pin 12v lemo or something else? i have a friend who owns the HD variant of the zephyr, and i understand that the marshall monitor is hooked up with just one single cable from the sled (which outputs to a BNC and 4pin XLR). i also understand that the monitor mount is more robust for the HD variant. the SD monitor mount looks exactly the same as the ones on the Pilot, from the pictures that i have seen in the forums. i am just wondering it it will make financial sense if i were to get the SD variant, in this case i will save about $4000 SGD, on which i can spend on a nice marshall monitor, some weight plates/cages, rods, wireless video, etc... thanks for reading! and have a great day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mark Schlicher Posted November 22, 2011 Author Premium Members Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 - is the post on both the SD and HD version wired with HD-SDI cables? Yes. - how does the SD variant picks up the video signal and power from the base of the sled? There are two different SD variant monitors, and two different ways to connect to the sled. Early Zephyrs had a cable hard-wired to the base of the sled. Current production Zephyrs have a cable that is connected to the base of the sled by a 6-pin Hirose connector. The two different SD monitors may have different cables at the monitor end. Some SD Zephyrs shipped with a monitor with silver buttons. I don't remember what the connector on the monitor end is. Other SD Zephyrs shipped with a variant of the Flyer monitor, which has a funky 8pin mini-DIN connector on the monitor end. -i have a friend who owns the HD variant of the zephyr, and i understand that the marshall monitor is hooked up with just one single cable from the sled (which outputs to a BNC and 4pin XLR). The BNC/4pin cable comes out of the 6pin Hirose I mentioned above. The BNC is connected through the sled to the "video" connector on the camera stage. Technically it is not an HD connection but some have reported that it works. The "proper" way would be to connect the HD monitor via a separate cable that uses the sled's "HD" connectors. -i also understand that the monitor mount is more robust for the HD variant. the SD monitor mount looks exactly the same as the ones on the Pilot, from the pictures that i have seen in the forums. Tiffen's monitor mounts for the SD vs. HD are very similar in appearance and function. I don't think one is more "robust" than the other. -i am just wondering it it will make financial sense if i were to get the SD variant, in this case i will save about $4000 SGD, on which i can spend on a nice marshall monitor, some weight plates/cages, rods, wireless video, etc... You can probably save some money, yes. You will need to then buy a Hirose-to-Marshall monitor cable (custom or from Tiffen). The Marshall version of the HD monitor does not have as robust a mount as the Tiffen version, but it's been sturdy enough for me. The Tiffen monitor is equivalent to the Marshall HD-SDI 7" monitors. So, it's a matter of convenience (and one-stop warranty coverage) vs. savings. Ultimately it's your choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Wan Zhong Wei Posted November 23, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 hi mark, thanks for the reply! the 6 pin hirose to 4 pin xlr and bnc breakout, are you referring to this? http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=steadicam&itemnum=252-0120 regarding your point about the earlier zephyrs and current production ones, so even the SD variant of the zephyr now offers a 6 pin hirose connector at the base of the sled for video and power options for whatever monitor that one chooses to use? as for the HD connection thing, so is it the case whereby there is another additional BNC input that is meant for HD signal on the top stage and an output at the base? i have the pilot, and i tried mounting a marshall 7" on it, just to check out the weight distribution and stuff. it seemed fine to me, but i am just worried as the entire system is just being pivoted on one single screw, wear and tear over time etc.. i might be more convinced to get the SD variant now, although i am still hanging in between. :blink: thanks :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mark Schlicher Posted November 23, 2011 Author Premium Members Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 -the 6 pin hirose to 4 pin xlr and bnc breakout, are you referring to this? http://www.tiffen.co...temnum=252-0120 Looks like it, but you should confirm with Tiffen. -regarding your point about the earlier zephyrs and current production ones, so even the SD variant of the zephyr now offers a 6 pin hirose connector at the base of the sled for video and power options for whatever monitor that one chooses to use? Yes...sort of. First, if it were me, I'd confirm with Tiffen that I am indeed going to receive the version with the hirose. Second, the SD cable will probably have a proprietary connector, designed for Tiffen SD monitor. The Tiffen publishes the pinout for the hirose in the Zephyr manual, so you can have custom cables made for whatever your monitor needs. -as for the HD connection thing, so is it the case whereby there is another additional BNC input that is meant for HD signal on the top stage and an output at the base? Exactly correct. One BNC on top, labeled HD, is paired with one on the bottom of the sled. The other BNC on top is labeled video and is connected to some of the pins of the Hirose. The HD connector is designed for HD, the video connector "may" be able to carry an HD signal. -i have the pilot, and i tried mounting a marshall 7" on it, just to check out the weight distribution and stuff. it seemed fine to me, but i am just worried as the entire system is just being pivoted on one single screw, wear and tear over time etc.. One thing I plan to do is find a thin rubber washer or lock washer to help tie down the monitor. But in the meantime I don't have a problem. The pilot monitor bracket on the lower tube is the same as the Zephyr's. I assume you unscrewed the little locating screw? If you haven't downloaded the Zephyr manual from the Steadicam website yet, I recommend it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Stone Posted November 23, 2011 Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 Mark your link is broken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Stone Posted November 23, 2011 Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 Apologize for the confusion... I see the link in the post before yours Mark and it works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Wan Zhong Wei Posted November 23, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 yes indeed i have checked out the manual, the connectors on the top stage are all seen in the high res images, my first concern was that the took photos of the HD sled, but now that i have your confirmation that the SD sled has the same connections, i feel safer. :lol: will check with my local dealer in regards to the 6 pin hirose for the SD sled. with regards to the monitor mount, yes i have removed the little retaining screw, i guess in the future we will still have to find other options to make sure that the monitor is indexed properly with the stage and the post then. i was actually thinking of asking some metal machining guys to custom fabricate out a marshall monitor docking bracket (using the available screw mounts), complete with the bottom screw thread plus the "little hole" for the anti-rotation... should it really be necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Darren McDonald Posted December 10, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted December 10, 2011 Hi Mark, In relation to the 6 pin hirose to 4 pin xlr and bnc breakout cable. The Tiffen website says it is $470, is that right? If so which bit is made out of gold to justify $470 ?? I need one but that is expensive !! Is there anyone else who could make that cable cheaper ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Gregory Dillard Posted December 10, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted December 10, 2011 I know this post has been up a while and its old, but just took delivery of the ZEPHYR TODAY! I'm so happy, and I haven't had a chance yet to fly it, but im a Jedi in training now. Starting Tuesday, I have a private 2 day training and I'm excited. Thanks to Mark and Jan Arthur for all of the info and helpful tips. I got the SD version because I'm not feeling the extra $3500, but I'll have JA work with me on what I currently have! Photos coming soon, but it's time to become a Jedi in training! Wish me well!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Gregory Dillard Posted December 10, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted December 10, 2011 I know this post has been up a while and its old, but just took delivery of the ZEPHYR TODAY! I'm so happy, and I haven't had a chance yet to fly it, but im a Jedi in training now. Starting Tuesday, I have a private 2 day training and I'm excited. Thanks to Mark and Jan Arthur for all of the info and helpful tips. I got the SD version because I'm not feeling the extra $3500, but I'll have JA work with me on what I currently have! Photos coming soon, but it's time to become a Jedi in training! Wish me well!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Wolfgang Troescher Posted December 10, 2011 Premium Members Report Share Posted December 10, 2011 Looking forward to your photos. May the force be with you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mark Schlicher Posted December 10, 2011 Author Premium Members Report Share Posted December 10, 2011 Darren, Any of the custom cable builders who are mentioned in other threads can build this cable, for significantly less. Do a search of the forum for names and contact info, let them know what you want and they will be able to quote you a price. The Hirose connector is not cheap and the cable is somewhat labor intensive, so don't expect a $20 cable... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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