Need advice on a smaller R/X wireless video unit

[Lars Erik]

Hey everyone,

 

I'm working on the Norwegian version of American Idol at the moment, and I have the-boxx.tv system. Which is used when I shoot Steadicam.

 

But when shooting handheld, the script is following us around, and she's begged me to try and figure out another way of sending video signals to her. Because she has to carry around a R/X, a monitor (7") and a Hytron 50.

 

I need a system where the T/X can be big, but I need the system to be smaller for the script. It doesn't have to be as good as the-boxx, she basically just need a decent system.

 

Does anyone have a good tip for a system like this?

 

 

Thanks everyone,

 

 

LE

[Lars Erik]

Been told that this wasn't the clearest message on this board, so I'll clarify.

 

I work outside the studio part. I've been hired as camera op/steadicam op, and my team consist of me, producer, boom operator and the script.

 

For all the Steadicam parts, we use the-boxx. Because these scenes are well planned. But for everything else, we need something lighter for the scripts to carry around. Her job is to write down the shots being shot, the contestants name/number and most importantly, the time code. Her job is to make sure everything we think is good that's been shot, gets noticed when the assistant editor batches in everything. And my the-boxx system is a bit big for her to carry around for 10-14 hours days. So she's asked me kindly if there is any other way we can solve the problem.

 

So does anyone know a way we can minimize the weight of R/X, monitor and power for the script? She doesn't need a system as good as the-boxx, is just needs to be decent.

 

 

Thank you

 

 

LE

[JobScholtze]

A small uhf transmitter would do the job. Get her a cheap lcd with reciever in it. You can pic that up from ebay for under 100 bucks. Like THIS

 

And build your own battery system at the back.

Next, pick up a small sender. Could be from 60 bucks to better systems. This one looks decent LINK

 

btw, i did the same program in the Netherlands, LOL And had the same issue. Thats why i picked up that lcd

 

Or go THIS route. I have tryd one before and the do work. Watch out with fresh batterys, the get fried easy. Make sure to use a volt regulator to keep it 11.9 volts.

[RobVanGelder]

I use a Taiwan system on 1.2Ghz, the transmitter is small, like a half size cigarette box and the receiver is small too

 

But the good thing is that in this same frequency you can buy moitors with a receiver inside, with A/V out put too.

Next, use the NP-1 boxes from the sony camera's that are discarded and mount that on the back. The NP-1 will power it for 3-5 hours and is not too heavy, while the NP-1 box is a easy handgrip.

 

My system looks like a cross with the NP-1 on the back, as well as a carrying strap

Directors and their assistants love it

 

Cheap too, about 300 euro for the LCD/receiver and the TX/RX set is about 250. then the batteries and charger of course

[Lars Erik]

Rob and Job,

 

thanks for the replies.

 

Anyone used the rf-links.com systems yet? Read a short post about it on this forum, and it kind of seemed that some thought that it could be a good thing, while other meant it may not be very good...

 

LE

[RobVanGelder]

Just finished a shooting yesterday and give the female director this little monitor.

She was very happy with it, it didn't leave her hand for one moment!

[Lars Erik]

Hey Rob and Job,

 

well I managed to solve the problem with my own gear. The script always has a backpack with her, so I just bought 2 extra cables, power cable and phono cables for listening. Then I placed the R/x and the Hytron 50 in her backpack, and had cables going to the monitor. It was as simple as that. But thanks for all the tips.

 

Fly safe!

 

LE

[JobScholtze]

Get her a Hytron 140 in ger backpack. No, wait, put also a spare one in there. Helps you with more breaks, hehehe