Just bought a DVC30 today and I noticed on Panasonic's website they sell the wired remote that comes with the PV-GS400 for only $26.53 part # N2QCBD000030 WIRED REMOTE WITH MIC. Has anyone ever tried to use one of these remotes with a DVC or DVX model? I imagine not all the functions would work, but It would be a real cheap solution for a zoom controller, if only the zoom function worked.

Even if no one responds, I may take a chance and buy it and give it a try.

Welcome Michael and congrats on your new cam!

Are the connections the same? I haven't seen the wired remote of the GS400 but I'm sure its familiar to my old GS100 remote. I'll post up a pic tonight and maybe you can compare it to your DVC30.

Don't have the camera yet, shipped out today, should have it next week some time.

There is a schematic of the GS series wired remote here (http://www.pana3ccduser.com/showthread.php?t=352&page=2&pp=10). I doubt the DVC30 would use the same control circuitry, though.

If you want a zoom controller that will work with the DVC30, check here (http://www.signvideo.com/zoom-commander-zoom-controller-dvx-for-dvx100-dvx80.htm).

I'm hoping a GS400 user can chime in but below is a photo of the GS100 remote mic/zoom controller connector and if its the same as a GS400 then the DVC30 would need to have the exact same kind of connection.

Notice that there are three black rings around the center piece. Then you have the base which is similar to a composite A/V connection.

Click here for photo (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-12/74415/pana_remote.jpg)

Yep, that appears to be the same controller as used on the GS120/200/400. There's a shot of the jack and phone plug in the link I posted above.

I have the wired remote from the DV953 and I also have the DVC30 camera.

Yesterday I tried using that wired remote on the DVC30 and it did not work.

I don't know if the wired remote of the DV953 is the same as the wired remote of the GS400.

<<<-- Originally posted by Tommy Haupfear :

Notice that there are three black rings around the center piece. Then you have the base which is similar to a composite A/V connection.

-->>>


Tommy,

That photo can be misleading. Are you sure there are three rings in that plug or it's just the shadow of the plug cap throwing a "ring shadow" on the plug?

Please confirm there are three rings on that plug, because if that is the case it means they are using special connectors which are not yet standard.

Guy,

The link you mentioned shows a standard stereo 1/8" plug. If the GS400 remote uses a 3-ring plug then that diagram is not complete.

Another thing: the way the cap is designed it looks as if there are threads inside. It looks like there are. If so it might be the same type used on the Sony FX1 and several wireless mics. It's a much better plug then.

Whatever the answers I have devised a DIY way to use the remote control and still be able to input an external audio source (mic or mixer): I can simply cut the cable and do an adaptor where I can plug the remote/zoom terminals and an audio input. It will be a mono input, apparently, but I don't plan to do any stereo on-camera recordings with it.


Carlos

Thanks for all your replies.

Adam Frolickman's post is what I was looking for;

Someone who has both cameras on hand and could test it out. The DV953 remote is probably not exactly like the GS400, but I think its safe to assume that it is very similar and that the DVC30 does not have the internal circuitry to support such a device.

Too bad, since $26 is nothing to pay for a wired zoom controller, which is really useful for no-shake zooms while the cam is on a pod.

Carlos, there are three rings and I definitely agree that the third one is hard to see from my photo. I also believe that the cap at the base is yet another connection. Its not threaded but it is plated the same gold like color on the inside. With the remote offering REC button, zoom controller, Photo Shot button, Talk button, and of course a microphone its obvious this connection is highly proprietary compared to a standard 1/8" stereo mini-plug.

<<<-- Originally posted by Tommy Haupfear : Carlos, there are three rings and I definitely agree that the third one is hard to see from my photo. I also believe that the cap at the base is yet another connection. Its not threaded but it is plated the same gold like color on the inside.
-->>>

I didn't know there was another connection at the base. What I called cap was the "can-like" gold plated other end of the plug, where the plastic holds the connector from. If there's a thread inside and if there's another thread on the GS400 jack, then you can fix the connector there and it will not move. Is it like that?

<<<--With the remote offering REC button, zoom controller, Photo Shot button, Talk button, and of course a microphone its obvious this connection is highly proprietary compared to a standard 1/8" stereo mini-plug. -->>>

OK, it's difficult to deal with proprietary parts, but you can cut the wire and split the wires for different functions. A base that can be bolted to the camera, as Beachtek adaptors are, might be a good idea. On it you can then fix better connectors, like XLR or 1/4" jacks, that will deal better with plugging/unplugging, separating the audio functions from the camera functions.

It's still to be seen if the third rings is there to allow 2-channel audio. That would be great.


Carlos

Carlos, I believe the can part itself is for a connection and has no threads. Its more like a composite RCA cable like the one below.

Click here (http://www.griffintechnology.com/downloads/high_res_images/cables_6foot_mini_to_rca.jpg)

<<<-- Originally posted by Tommy Haupfear : Carlos, I believe the can part itself is for a connection and has no threads. Its more like a composite RCA cable like the one below.
-->>>

That can only be if the bottom part of the can is also plastic or some isolator, which I doubt.

The can and the last part of the connector is usually the ground valid for the whole plug. Every ring is a "live" connection serving one function.

Pity the can has no threads, but it will still help the plug seat firmly on the jack, preventing some play.

That was very thoughtful of Panasonic, because a cabled remote control is something you move around and that might jeopardize the 1/8" jack spring contacts. The can will prevent that a bit. But it still might be better to do a fixed adaptor as I described, and never unplug the camera connector.

It would be great to find a GS400 service manual to see what belongs on each ring, instead of trying the wires by trial and error later.


Carlos

Carlos,
The phone plug is 3 rings and has a cap. If you look through that thread in its entirety, you'll see pictures of the plug and jack and discussion about how the 6 connector jack is used. It is not a standard off-the-shelf plug and jack. It has to be ordered from a specialty electronics supplier. Also, at the end of the thread is a schematic of the remote.

Guy, I missed that diagram/photo the first time but thats exactly what I was trying to explain about the bottom can! Thanks!

Carlos, the picture below from Guy's original link shows that the can is actually a two part connector making a total of six connections. I'm looking at the remote now and I see that there is a thin line of plastic between the outside and inside of the can.

Click here (http://www.wideopenwest.com/~flee/images/COLOR-PLUG.jpg)

<<<-- Originally posted by Tommy Haupfear : Guy, I missed that diagram/photo the first time but thats exactly what I was trying to explain about the bottom can! Thanks!

Carlos, the picture below from Guy's original link shows that the can is actually a two part connector making a total of six connections. I'm looking at the remote now and I see that there is a thin line of plastic between the outside and inside of the can.

-->>>

OK. Then I will have to provide a small metal box that will take the separate mics (fortunately I will still get two) onto two XLR-3, and the other cables onto a XLR-4 or XLR-5.

It looks as if Panasonic went cheap. Instead of providing a proper multi-pin connector they went for a cheaper and not so reliable solution. I would still recommend making an adaptor and leaving it plugged in.


Carlos

After using the wireless remote control that comes with the DVC30, I find no need whatsoever for the wired remote. The great thing about the wireless is that it seems to pick up commands from a wide range of angles, probably the only angle is does not work from is directly behind the cam for about 30 degrees left and maybe 60 degrees right.

when mounted on a tripod, I have 270 degrees to work with, which is more than enough. Just wanted to be able to control the camera without having to touch it to reduce any shakes from pressing the rocker or even the focus ring.

Michael,

What are you using the DVC30 for? ALso, what range are you getting with the wireless remote (how far away from the camera)?

Thanks,
Scott

I am almost embarrased to say, that I am only using the DVC30 to film my newborn twins (5 mos old now), that's it, nothing else. I know its overkill, but on the other hand, it really does perform extremely well in low-light and since we are sort of tied down to the inside of the house for the winter, and the sun goes down early, I don't regret it one bit. My sisters has a small consumer Mini-DV cam, I forget which brand, not Panasonic, and it is unwatchable in low-light.

The remote works as far as about 20 feet, haven't test it any further, that's the biggest room in the house.

I am almost embarrased to say,

Nothing to be embarrased about. I wouldn't call the DVC30 overkill for home movies. I started out with a cheap Sony consumer Digital 8 (TRV120) in 2001 and I was very upset with its indoor performance and while I was laughed at by some I upgraded to a Sony VX2000. I look back at those videos of my now 3 year old daughter and I'm happy I took the plunge. I still keep a VX2000 at home and I just ordered a HDR-FX1 and I'm sure it will get a lot of family use as well (I have 9mo twin boys as well). :)

Now for vacations I want the smallest cam possible and I'm eager to see what Pana replaces the GS400 with.