Beta Testers Wanted

[Hugo_Langer]

Thank you kindly for your interest

 

Well, I have to say; it certainly has been a long time coming!

For years, I have been renting out Steadicam equipment, and on too many occasions I have received the gear back in good order but with the regretful acknowledgement from the operator that the RG179 BNC cable had been damaged.

 

The problem was clear, Rig engineering needed to make a good thing better, I did some serious research on the internet. In my searches, I think I’ve viewed literally just about every BNC connector in the marketplace globally. I made a number of purchases, but none of them held up to the standards I believe all of us require. Even worse, I was getting frustrated with this absolutely ridiculous and irritating thumb-and-two-finger grab and twist of the tiny, knurled portion of connector. Then I found the (Neutrik) BNC connector and made another purchase.

 

When I received it, I immediately realised what it was that I had stumbled upon. The design was different and simple; the boot is rigid and once assembled, actually becomes part of the bayonet section. They also rotate together as one, independent of the cable itself. I organized a number of cables to be made from the best quality RG179 available on the market (BELDEN), and though they worked beautifully, for a time, they eventually broke. This was by no means an unexpected result. Although it was more robust than the previous designs that I had purchased, the assembly and construction needed to be modified to strengthen it to achieve the outcome we all need and to avoid the costly process of adding to landfill. I worked on a number of ideas to improve its strength, and eventually decided upon a final design.

 

I was preparing to do this post and to then start sending the cables out for Beta testing.

But then the pandemic hit!!!

 

So now they've been sitting here at Rig Engineering on the shelf for the last two years. Recently the Government started easing restrictions and we are now able to move around freely to engage with suppliers. So now is the time to return to this one of many new projects. 

 

Keep in mind that we have a limited number of product available, we are inviting operators to participate in the Beta testing of this new-design BNC cables. We are seeking your critique and suggestions, ideas feedback and contributions. We are hoping that in future this will result in all of us having a fine piece of practical equipment that should comfortably last for many years to come.

 

Finally, it’s time to reveal the features of our prototype BNC cable, and the steps we’ve taken to lift its performance beyond the current standard!

The Cable is an RG179, 75 Ohm, HD-SDI Coaxial cable with a multi-stranded, silver-plated copper braid. Due to its small diameter, it is very flexible and of course lightweight! We steered clear of the Single-Core Coaxial cable design, due to its tendency to be stiff, fatigue and break, instead opting for the more flexible and fatigue resistant multi-strand core design. The operating Temperature Range is: -70°C To +200°C (-94F to 392F)

 

Furthermore, the construction of the cable includes internal Teflon insulation, and an outer Jacket made from FEP – Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene – resulting in a finished product that is nice to handle and smooth to the touch!

 

As for the connector, it has been manufactured by Neutrik specifically for use with RG179 cable. The design is great from the operator's point of view, the unique design of the connector allows for use under extreme circumstances, for example; with ease in connecting to a camera or monitor where you can feel your way through the process, and not needing to rely on your sight whilst working in a dark location and one can Grip and Twist the Rear of the connector with one finger and thumb with ease and get a positive and convincing engagement, and for example it will be most helpful when you may perhaps be in a location like Canada, mid-winter at 20° below zero wearing gloves.

 

Also at the back, where the connector meets the cable internally, we have strengthened the connection; they have now been bonded together. It’s now robust, but not indestructible (Though I suppose nothing really is). So, I guess we can describe it as “Ruggedized”.

 

At the point of transition between the Connector Boot and the Cable, we have included a heat-shrink sleeve secured with a thermal-activated glue. As the cable is so delicate, and this point is the most vulnerable part of the entire build, we have paid special attention with the intent to minimise issues of fatigue, fraying and breakage.

 

For expressions of interest please PM here or email us at admin@steadyrig.com

 

The video title on YouTube is BNC Cable for steadicam® operators https://youtu.be/tcc_V_hyGZY

       

Kind regards,

Hugo Langer
Rig Engineering
Melbourne, Australia.

Rigs Can Fly.

T: +61-4-1356-1635
E: admin@steadyrig.com
W: www.steadyrig.com

Edited March 4, 2022 by Hugo_Langer

[Hugo_Langer]

Hello!

 

We would like to express our thanks to everyone who have taken an interest in this project and

also to those who have contacted us and are now participating in the testing of these BNC cables.

For those who have missed out this time, don't worry, we will be seeking Beta testers on more

projects in the future.

The operators who have contacted us can expect to receive their cable in the near future.

Depending on the delivery timeline, subject Covid.

 

Take care and stay healthy, 

 

Kind regards,

Hugo Langer
Rig Engineering
Melbourne, Australia.

Rigs Can Fly.

T: +61-4-1356-1635
E: admin@steadyrig.com
W: www.steadyrig.com