View Full Version : Run/Stop Cables from Wireless Follow Focus to nanoFlash


Andrew Stone
August 15th, 2011, 10:53 AM
Question for the Convergent Design people,

Some background first. A few of us have been attempting to figure out a way to get a run/stop (start/stop) cable going to trigger a Sony F3 from a wireless device; either a Preston or a Bartech. Someone brought up the idea of developing a start/stop cable that could be used with either a Bartech or Preston that would trigger the nanoflash and simply not use the internal recorder on the Sony F3.

Has Convergent Design had a request yet to fashion start/stop cables for the aforementioned devices?

Some links that may be useful during the discussion on the matter...

http://bartechengineering.com/ (http://www.bartechengineering.com/)

fSTOP Wireless BarTech Digital Receiver (BDR) - PLC Electronic Solutions Ltd. Store (http://www.plcelectronicsolutions.com/products/fSTOP-Wireless-BarTech-Digital-Receiver-%28BDR%29.html)

Preston Cinema Systems (http://www.prestoncinema.com/)

-Andrew

Dan Keaton
August 15th, 2011, 03:11 PM
Dear Andrew,

The nanoFlash has a special Trigger Mode, "Record Level", which greatly simplifies the interface to a wrieless remote controller.

In this mode, as long as the contacts are closed, such as when a relay is used, or when a switch is closed, the nanoFlash will record.

I do not have the schematics for the controllers, but I believe that they can offer a solution.

Andrew Stone
August 15th, 2011, 05:06 PM
Thank you for the reply Dan.

I have attached a screencapture of the pin assignments on the HIROSE connector. Pin # 4 is the Record Start/Stop line. This would be combined with the ground?

Dan Keaton
August 15th, 2011, 05:15 PM
Dear Andrew,

Yes, Pin 4 to Ground, either Pin 7 or Pin 8 will activate our Start/Stop circuit.

If you are in Trigger|Remote or Trigger Remote and Record, then

1. Press Once to Record
2. Press and Hold for 1 second or so, then Release to Stop Recording.


If you are in Trigger|Remote Level

1. Maintain Contact, Pin 4 to Pin 7 or 8 to Record
2. Open the circuit to stop recording.

Charles Papert
August 16th, 2011, 07:23 PM
FYI Andrew, I believe both the Preston and Bartech can trigger momentary and continuous closure as different film cameras require one or the other, so this should not be a problem. A call to either should return info on which pins from their units will deliver which type of trigger.