Flyer LE - Power Cabling Question

[Josh Blackman]

Hello Everyone,

 

Just recently bought a older FLYER-LE and am in the midst of assembling the correct set-up for my rig. I am currently flying the 5Dmk2 with some accessories and was hoping I could power the camera as well as HoFo transmitter (and maybe other units down the road) from the 2 IDX batteries. I am pretty sure there is "2-Pin lemo" out from the stage..but I have also been told that a "p-tap" cable would work.. thus I have been having a hard time generating a parts list for the appropriate cables.

 

I have created a wishlist on B&H of some parts that I think may work.. But again I'm only speculating, and have limited knowledge in this field. That's is where you kind, intelligent people can really help me out! The list is below:

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=wishlisting&A=wishlistDetail&Q=&li=413719D96B

 

I appreciate any help/feedback I can get and want to thank everyone ahead of time for their assistance.

 

Cheers,

 

Josh

[Mark Schlicher]

The Flyer LE can be a challenge for power but some things can be done.

 

1. This is an LE (carbon fiber extendable post, right?) If so, it has a 3-pin lemo, not two.

2. To power accessories on the top camera stage, you need a lemo-to-P-tap multi. This is a custom cable that is created from the regular p-tap multi you've linked to. Terry West (search for his name on the forum) can make one up for you.

3. Next you need that Switronix cable, which will connect to your camera and correctly convert the voltage. It's got P-tap on one end so you're good to go with the cable above.

4. For your Hofo you may need to create another custom power cable that can connect to your p-tap multi.

 

Good luck, hope this helps.

[Josh Blackman]

Hey Mark,

 

Thanks for your reply! Much appreciated!

 

The sled actually is the non-extendable version...I do not believe it is the "LE" but rather just the Flyer...hat was a mistake on my end. Sorry about that.

 

With that being said, is everything you said then applicable, assuming that it is indeed a "2-pin" vs a "3-pin"?

Edited August 1, 2011 by Josh Blackman

[Joe Lawry]

Yea the original Flyer had a 2pin lemo from memory. Im not sure you really need to power the 5D from the sled, just use the batteries, You need all the weight you can get up there when it comes to DSLRs.

 

From memory Pete's hofo RX has an XLR power input, so you could just start off by using a 2 pin lemo to XLR cable and you'd be away laughing.

[Josh Blackman]

Right on for the info Joe. Will definitely take that into consideration. :)

[Mark Schlicher]

Yes, of course...dunno why I didn't think to make that suggestion.

 

Camera batteries are a good option, in fact that's how I always flew the Canons on my old Flyer.

 

You should already have a 2-pin lemo to 4-pin XLR cable, it's part of the Flyer kit. Hopefully the seller provided it. If you can hook your Hofo up to that 4-pin XLR you are good to go without buying any new cables.

 

While you're at it, consider buying or fabricating a 6-to-8 pound weight plate, and a Manfrotto quick release plate. Mount the QR plate on the weight plate to make it easy to swap batteries.

 

One other thing, there are more than one type of 2-pin lemos. I don't believe the one you linked to is compatible with the 2-pin lemo on the Flyer.

[Matthew L. Perez]

I have a Flyer LE that has a 3 pin lemo power connector. The only thing that I power through my sled is my bartech. I ordered a 3 pin lemo to 2 pin lemo to connect the bartech to my sled. That should work correct?

[Matthew Fleischmann]

Hey Matt congrats on the flyer! Yes the cable that you ordered should work just fine.

[Matthew L. Perez]

Thanks Matt, It works well as a starting rig and I've been practicing what I learned from the workshop.