what to get as backup?

[robert weldoff]

hi All

 

i was wondering...

i currently have a Preston, but i would like to get a backup system,

 

now the obvious and my first choice would be a Bartech (because they are amazing).

but i was wondering about the older/other systems out there.

 

Like the Genio etc

i cant seem to find any info on them except in the marketplace.

 

how are they to use?

problems etc

 

if i have missed a topic somewhere where they have been discussed apologies

 

thanks all

[JobScholtze]

I think i would go for a bartech. When you need your backup becose of whatever reason, your already in the middle of a shoot. So you want to go changing as fast as you can. If you get a bartech handunit with the digital reciever, you will be back on track in a hearthbeat.

 

The problem with older systems is that its more work to build, and freq. can be a hassle, as the are older and use other freqs.

 

Cheers

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

hi All

 

i was wondering...

i currently have a Preston, but i would like to get a backup system,

 

now the obvious and my first choice would be a Bartech (because they are amazing).

but i was wondering about the older/other systems out there.

 

Like the Genio etc

i cant seem to find any info on them except in the marketplace.

 

how are they to use?

problems etc

 

if i have missed a topic somewhere where they have been discussed apologies

 

thanks all

 

There is a reason you don't see Genios.....

 

You are already invested in Prestons, therefore you have two options with leverage your investment. Single Channel Preston and single channel MDR (Or another FIZ Handset and MDR) or a BDR (The Bartech Digital Receiver) and Bartech Handset.

 

Carrying a analog system is to backup your digital system is well, silly. You need new motors, new cables, new brackets on top of the hand unit and receiver/amp. With a preston type back up you use the motors/cables/brackets that you already have and swap out to the back up handset

[JobScholtze]

ermmm, that was what i was trying to say, while typing it on a iphone while driving.

Eric said it better ;)

[Janice Arthur]

Robert;

 

I'd even go as far as saying with a Preston you may not need a back up.

 

They are really dependable, and for reliability they can't be beat.

(I've still got one of the first systems and its still the most dependable thing I own.)

 

To tie up 6-9k in a "back up" that won't get used may not be worth the fail rate, risk.

 

Further if you live in a market like LA you can have friends and/or rental houses that can get you a replacement pretty darn fast.

Sure it might cost you $600 for a day or two's use but boy that beats 6-9K outlay of money.

 

I see a lot of "back up" prestons on the forum these days, I suspect, lots of other ops have come to this same conclusion.

 

JA

[Rob Vuona SOC]

ermmm, that was what i was trying to say, while typing it on a iphone while driving.

Eric said it better ;)

Now there's dedication to the forum, texting while driving, dude not worth your life, stop typing and driving

[JobScholtze]

ermmm, that was what i was trying to say, while typing it on a iphone while driving.

Eric said it better ;)

Now there's dedication to the forum, texting while driving, dude not worth your life, stop typing and driving

I have too rob, you never know if the are gonna ask you to moderate this forum ;-)

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

Yup, Eric said it. Janice has a point too. Depends on where you live and what market you are in. I have a Bartech as a backup but its been living at a rental house for years. Why? Because all the shows I've been doing have two Prestons on them already for the A & B camera. Mine lives on the Steadicam with the C-body. Obviously, these are bigger shows, but it sure is nice!