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Tricks for tethering?


Dan Coplan

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I received a few questions privately from Keith and forgot one critical note, so here's a little more.

 

From Keith:

"Do you let the cable loop below you hand and then back up between the fingers or thru the fingers first?"

 

Loop below the hand slightly, then through the fingers. Loop long enough to not effect much, but as short as possible.

 

This loop is also absolutely critical in low mode, where one often forgets to reroute the cable or cables before making a loop. I use the monitor bracket as the exit point of the cable, again looping below my hand and then through the fingers, wrapped around forearm, etc. It's more difficult with a heavy camera (less room between gimbal and stage), but better than running directly from the stage.

 

Also from Keith:

"Have you had any cable issues (Communications or Camera break-up) with this technique? What is the lenght of your thin jumper cable? Also I have been using R.Orange Fiber Techs for my thin fiber jumpers, do you have a couple of other manufacturers that you are happy with."

 

No cable issues, but you mention possible issues with too tight a loop in some fiber optic cables... have not had a problem.

 

Typically the jumper cable is ten to twelve feet long, but with Genesis, no jumpers... direct to/from camera to video village. I understand there's some new flexible fiber optical cables and better (somehow) connector types for fiber optics shown at InterBEE (Japan) last month, but I don't have the details.

 

Jerry

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Has anyone experimented with running the triax down the arm? I really liked this method, except I could never secure the triax in a way I liked off the end of the arm.

Basically, the triax had a small loop, but instead of wrapping it around my arm and over to the vest, it tied to the arm near every joint, and at the end of the arm attached to the main triax cable (which is where I could never find a reliable way to secure it).

It did make me feel very free and more flexible. I would dock the rig and arm together, and be able to walk away in the vest.

I will try getting a picture in a couple days if anyone is interested.

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Jerry,

Thanks for the added info. I will give it a shot.

 

Just want to add that at ABC-TV NYC Studios we have had some issues with fiber cables. Don't make the loops to tight and also keep them clean, always cap the cables after its disconnected.

 

I added a picture.... thats about the tightest loop I make leaving the camera.

 

Thanks again Jerry

 

Regards,

Adam Keith

post-186-1197343695_thumb.jpg

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Hi Anthony

I've tried sending the triax cable down the arm, it works nicely provided you leave enough slack to work with. I have the yellow thin cable - usually I run it from the camera, through the camera handle, a loop down, then run it to the gimbal, where I can keep a hold on it while I'm operating / zooming, then run it up the arm, over my shoulder and normally secure the orange 11mm triax cable to the back of the vest. I usually find myself not bothering with fixing it to the arm though, usually it goes straight to my shoulder.

 

I made attachments to my Master vest with velcro flaps, to hold it in place on the spar, shoulder and rear of the vest. It's important to make sure that the connection between the two cables is secure at the back of the vest though!

 

Incidentally, this system should be made much easier now - I've just received my new Klassen Universal #180, which conveniently has small loops to hold cables nicely on the straps and the back.

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Interesting. I like that idea and am going to try it out. My biggest issue is going to be securing where the two triax meet on the vest... Today for example, I could feel it hitting me in the back with every step. In the past, we have had problems with the connection taking hits, and I think this is why. If only Wireless HD was cheaper...

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[My biggest issue is going to be securing where the two triax meet on the vest...

 

Anthony,

 

I have a Triax/coax adaptor hard mounted behind my shoulder. I made a little box, but if you are using an inline adaptor you could use a hose clamp. Screw it into the vest and make it semi permanent. Place a couple inches of 2 inch Velcro in front of the adapter. Take the other piece and sandwich the coax as a strain relief. Half way down the back of my vest I attached a beaner with a zip tie. Put the triax in the beaner to keep it from slapping. Just be careful not to restrict the rip cord on your vest. Just in case!

 

Screw sprokets...Embrace the tether!!!

 

Torch

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  • 2 weeks later...

I always used to run the triax up over the shoulder, it would have a loop of slack, and then go over the camera.

I have been experimenting with different ways to run the cable over the past couple months. I now run the triax down the back of the vest, around under my arm, and to the rig. On the front of the vest there is a small piece of velcro which holds the triax close to me, and has just enough slack to move anywhere it needs to.

 

I instantly noticed a difference in the way the rig would rest. I think this is the best solution when dealing with triax.

 

1226070537.jpg

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After the triax runs under my arm, it comes around to the front of the vest where I put a velcro strap for the strain relief. hope this pic helps.

img180.jpg

img181.jpg

 

I hate to admit it cause I trained Anthony...but this under the arm sytem is great.

 

I guess Grasshoppa has taken the pebble from my hand.......:)

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After the triax runs under my arm, it comes around to the front of the vest where I put a velcro strap for the strain relief. hope this pic helps.

img180.jpg

img181.jpg

 

I hate to admit it cause I trained Anthony...but this under the arm sytem is great.

 

I guess Grasshoppa has taken the pebble from my hand.......:)

----------------------------

Erik,

You pink leopard skin wearing, undar arm triax slinging steadicam op . . . .LOL . . .

He may have taken the pebble from your hand, but what a big pebble it is . . . .

 

Why are you flying Mini triax? Have you not taught him about Triax to BNC adapters

Trico adapter to BNC super mini will do the trick. My Triax cable via my trico adapter is smaller than kite string.

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After the triax runs under my arm, it comes around to the front of the vest where I put a velcro strap for the strain relief. hope this pic helps.

img180.jpg

img181.jpg

 

I hate to admit it cause I trained Anthony...but this under the arm sytem is great.

 

I guess Grasshoppa has taken the pebble from my hand.......:)

----------------------------

Erik,

You pink leopard skin wearing, undar arm triax slinging steadicam op . . . .LOL . . .

He may have taken the pebble from your hand, but what a big pebble it is . . . .

 

Why are you flying Mini triax? Have you not taught him about Triax to BNC adapters

Trico adapter to BNC super mini will do the trick. My Triax cable via my trico adapter is smaller than kite string.

 

That's Purple Cheetah Skin!!!!!!

Anyways with your mini BNC setup are you geting full HD signal with prompter and return feeds?

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