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Jeff Muhlstock SOC

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Hey guys, Here is the dilemma: I am looking for a new center post, batt system, top stage and gimbal. I would like to stay with 1.5? center post, because of my love affair with the PRO gimbal and D-box. The bad news is, PRO can?t fit any additional cables through its post. I need 4 more wires for my custom video accessories. Who has the best 1.5 inch center post other then GPI that can accommodate additional wiring? Thoughts?

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Hi Jeff,

 

The limitation is the 8 pin Lemo Connector (3B308) and the cable gauge that the PRO comes with.

 

The version with the least modification (hell of a lot of sodering)would be to exchange the Lemo connector.

 

Lemo makes (according to there 2000 cataloge) this style connector (3B) up to 30 pins (330).

 

BUT:

 

The Amp rating for the 3B308 (8pins) is 13.0 Amps, the rating for the 3B312 (12pins) drops to 9 Amps. That's why George said NO... I went down that road a couple of years ago...

 

You basically have to go with the next bigger size Lemo (I saw one in Georges old work shop) it's huge and expensive ($350.- plus for each side plug and connector) it will force you to remachine both sides of the Post plus Lower and Upper junction box... IF it will fit into it or you have to constract both items new or have to modify them extensively.

 

Other:

 

I think Sachtler uses a 10 pin cable... ask

 

Ask Greg Bubb (XCS) about his cable (16 pin) if it would fit, again extensive sodering and mods.

 

Or go without a connector and directly soder the post to the upper and lower J-box alla Tiffens Ultra... the Post inner diameter and the colapsability are the only limit how many cables will go down that post. (Oh my goodness... I just had a horror vision... 40 plugs in the top stage... ough)

 

 

It all depends how much money and effort you want to invest.

 

Also, as I had to learn the hard way, how far do you want to depard from the original... what if you crash? Who will be able to repair it and how long will it take...

 

You will have to make at least a spare (expensive).

 

I'm opting with something of the shelf with minimal mods... and a replacement is always a phone call away...

 

 

Sorry but I'm seeing a post diameter change in your near future...

 

 

Hope that helped,

 

Erwin

818-448-2639

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Maybe Greg could build you a solid 1.5" center post with the smaller connector at both ends then you could use his bullet proof locking system at each end just use the smaller bayonet that fits the 1.5 bottom post in his two piece post? even buying two lengths of post would be cheaper than a new 2.0 gymbal... and you like your current pro gymbal.

Any way just a thought....

TJ

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Thanks guys for your thoughts. I find it interesting that a good post with 2 seperate video feeds does not exsist. With the growth of Steadicam in the TV world, I just cant understand why this hasnt been made. Anyone who shoots mutli-cam TV understands that we need a seperate video feed for "program return" (second monitor). Additionally, a tally. This requires a minimum of 3 more (conductors) wires (the ground can be shared). I am wondering if the MKV system can use the extra lines for the AR? If the AR is not being used... Does MKV have 3 extra conductors in its multi pin conector? Howard?

 

I am open to the PRO upgrade with the 2 inch post if I have to.

 

Jeff

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Jeff,

 

The standard XCS post has two lines of video and a tally light run through it (as well as camera info, like run data, footage counter, etc). Greg's gimbal is excellent as well. Of course, this means buying a new sled, or his post and gimbal with your own custom junction boxes.

 

Another option (check with Greg to make sure because it is different than what Erwin is saying). You can buy Greg's 2" post with PRO connectors (this is what I use). His cable has ten leads going through it, but the limitation is with the 8-pin Lemo. At the time of purchase, I believe Greg told me that you can opt for a ten pin Lemo instead of the eight pin AND THAT THIS CONNECTOR IS THE SAME SIZE. Naturally, it means rewiring your junction boxes to a ten pin Lemo, but worth looking into. As for the amperage required, Greg uses a thicker cable going up the post. Maybe you could even fit this cable in your PRO post and then all you have to do is change the connectors out (swapping the Lemos should be far easier than installing the XCS connector that the Ultimate uses).

 

I believe Howard's PRO upgrade (Howard, correct me if I'm wrong) still uses the 8-pin Lemo for the AR info. He disconnects the "AUX" power port used for the 35-3 high speed base plate.

 

Come to think of it, you could do this too with your present set-up. This combined with making your video ground and power ground one and the same (ultimately they are anyway) should buy you the space you need.

 

Good luck.

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Hi Jeff / Chaps

 

You are correct the AR lines can be used as a 2nd video line and we have a 2nd monitor output for this as well.

please see http://www.mk-v.com/D-Boxes.htm

 

We have a number for new things in the pipe line so please email me off forum and I will tell you more.

Speak to you soon

All the best

Howard

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