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Cable management idea


Janice Arthur

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Hi all;

 

This works as a low tech, low cost solution for those looking to manage/protect cables and yet find them quickly.

 

1) Office supply store binders. Yes, those 2" or so binders.

 

2) Office supply store or Walmart; Pencil pouches. I've found some clear ones lately at Walmart for as low as .75 each. Whatever you find works. You can even use one color for power cable or on/off or accessories or transmitters; you get it.

 

3) Make one binder Power; one binder Accessories; One binder Video or of course whatever works for you.

 

4) about 10 of those pencil pouches and you're all set.

 

5) This works for Follow focus, small bracket accessories, and any number of other stuff like small screws kit or soldering iron.

 

On the binder spine write in bold print the "Power", "Accessories" etc. then its like pulling books from the shelf to find and protect what you have. It also makes it easy for someone else to find if you send them to your case for a fast retrieval.

 

Lastly, always make one pencil pouch that says "daily set up kit"; it stays with the sled and is the everyday set up of cables you use. Its a handy, always available, with the sled stuff that may be a video cable or a power cable or a transmitter cable. This simple shortcut both streamlines set up and makes daily put away more seamless. And at the end of a long day you can throw in any other loose cables there and get out faster without worry where it went.

 

This idea may not work for everyone but try a binder or two lying around your place and see if it works for you.

 

Janice

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The pencil pouches, yes. The binders, I haven't had good luck with, however. The problem becomes the cables (their connectors specifically) are bulky. This causes the pouches to bulge, which prohibits the pouches from lying flat against each other. After 4 or 5 pouches loaded onto the binder rings, you won't be able to get the binder closed. I tried this with the largest binder rings I could find - like 3 inches thick - and it still wasn't nearly enough (I've probably got 15 pouches or more). I eventually ended up just forgetting about the binder, using the rings to keep all the pouches together, and then attaching a strap to the rings, so they can easily be carried. I've more recently built some drawers for my cart, and now have a cable drawer. I still have all the pouches, but they're lined up one behind the other, and I flick through them like CDs.

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Afton;

 

Yes, 4-5 pouches is more than most binders will take but some lesser number and with cables that don't have big ends on them I have found them to work, clearly owners choice on how many and variety of cables decides a lot. Video cable are great for pencil pouches are ideal in a binder. It may also be that you just have one binder for whatever stuff it works for with you.

 

Lastly also, there are flexible binders now too that will morph to fit whatever is in them and that might be an option?

 

Have a good 2014!!!

 

Janice

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If talking about "recycling" - I'm really happy with my filter pouches by ARRI (6"x6" works best for cables with bulky power connectors, 4"x4" for smaller accessory cables).
Of course they're pricy compared to binders with ziploc file folders or Jerry Hill's cable wallet but really handy and easy to access with a single hand and don't waste the precious space in my bag.

I have labeled pouches for different systems (12V, 24V, ARRI, RED, wireless focus, etc) so can just pick up the right pouch and hang it on the docking bracket when assembling the setup.

These are worth of checking out:
Modular51 (you can tag each slot)

-Tuomas

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  • 3 weeks later...
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Hey Tuomas,

RE Modular 51:

I ordered something from them in September last year, haven't heard anything since. Product hasn't and probably won't show up.

I contacted Babita at Fikenca (makes... well MADE the stuff for Modular 51) and he said;
"Modular51 I think has been out of business since April of last year.That was the last time I heard from them.So no I have not received anything from them. There is lots of people out there who have lost there money with Modular51.

Iam sorry that I can't help the only thing I can do is start a totally new order for you."

 

Maybe save your money and contact Babita instead.

info@fikenca.com
http://fikenca.com/index.php?option=com_phocagallery&view=category&id=6:6x6-6-slot-filter-pouch&Itemid=5

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Hey Tuomas,

 

RE Modular 51:

 

I ordered something from them in September last year, haven't heard anything since. Product hasn't and probably won't show up.

 

I contacted Babita at Fikenca (makes... well MADE the stuff for Modular 51) and he said;

"Modular51 I think has been out of business since April of last year.That was the last time I heard from them.So no I have not received anything from them. There is lots of people out there who have lost there money with Modular51.

Iam sorry that I can't help the only thing I can do is start a totally new order for you."

 

Maybe save your money and contact Babita instead.

info@fikenca.com

http://fikenca.com/index.php?option=com_phocagallery&view=category&id=6:6x6-6-slot-filter-pouch&Itemid=5

+1 for fikenca. I have had great experiences purchasing from them.

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I use these guys....

 

http://www.ripoffs.com/datasheets/lbs/lb10505.html

 

Buy here...

 

http://www.terminaltackleco.com/prod_detail_list/s?keyword=ripoffs

 

Film Tools has them but charges twice the price... Who's the real rip off !? :-)

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