Hello All,

I am looking for a LANC controller, which can let me switch my
Sony VX2000 camcorder between camera and VTR mode. I feel the
switch on the camera is delicate and may breakdown with heavy
use. There are many LANC controllers, which operate camcorder
functions such as zoom, focus, record in camera mode and VTR
functions such as play, rewind etc. but require YOU to manually
switch the camcorder in camera or VTR mode. I would like to
minimize usage of on-camera switch and use LANC controller
instead to switch between camera/VTR modes. My search so far
has turned futile.

Many thanks in advance.

Regards,
-Darshan

Studio1store dot com

Hi Don,

Thanks for replying. I had looked at their ProZoom (with VTR) product. It requires you to manually switch your camera between camera/VTR mode. Here is what I got from their website:

"...VTR Controls:
Rewind, Fast Forward, Stop, Record, Play (Camera must be placed in VTR mode when using these controls)..."

I am looking for a LANC controller which will switch between camera/VTR on its own so that I don't need to operate the on-camera switch.

Sorry, I never really looked close , from a cursoury look I thought it would do what you wanted. I guess I shouldn't recommend a product unless I use it!

Here is a site focused on the LANC protocol. It may lead you to some more information.

This came from a search on the term, 'LANC', on Google.

http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/dmeed/sony_lan.html

Correct me if I am wrong, from what I have been able to find out about the LANC Protcol, you have to manually switch any camera from Camera Mode to VTR Mode. You can't do it via the LANC port.

I wish you could, but so far from the different manufacturers I've talk to, they all said you can't do it from the LANC port.

Charles

Charles,
might I ask what kind of use you are giving the camera in VTR mode. Are you using it for a deck? Are you doing playback on site of shooting job? Personally I hate using my camera for a tape deck, but if that's what you're doing maybe there are better solutions and then you wouldn't have to worry about the switch, which BTW seems to be pretty substanial, at least it is on the 150. I'm guessing it's about the same on a 2000.

Hi Don,

I have both the ProZoom and ProZoom VTR models from Studio 1. I purchased the VTR model for those rare times that I need to dump video into a laptop for quick editing while I am on the road.

I don't have a problem with throwing the switch on the camera to toggle between VTR mode and Camera. I like the ProZoom VTR to control the VTR functions as it's easier for me than trying to press buttons on the camera. (I've got big fingers... lol).

Charles

Makes sense. I looked at the studio1 controller, I've actually dropped a good amount of money with them, but I opted for the Varizoom Stealth if for no other reason the size. It fits nicely in my case with all the other junk....I mean stuff I carry so each case is a complete unit. You know WA, wireless, lcd magnifier, tapes of course,mic, batteries and a PB&J. It just looked like the Studio1 controller was too big to fit. Oh yeah, I don't edit while I'm on the road so I didn't really need the vtr controls.

In order to switch between the Camera and VTR modes, the camcorder must go through a power-down cycle (camera-off-vtr). Since LANC requires camera power in order to function, there's no way to "power up" into camera mode or VTR mode or whatever.

Although some controllers will wake up a camcorder out of standby mode or put it to sleep in standby mode, this is not the same as the complete "power off" that the camera must go through before entering the VTR mode.

No power is present, therefore no LANC command. In short, one of the limitations of LANC is that there is by definition no way to trigger a power-up cycle. Therefore, there is no way for a LANC controller to switch between camera and VTR modes. Hope this helps,

That said, if you really really want to control the mode, you could always use a relay to push in the lock button and a RC Servo to rotate the switch.

Bit of a construction job but it can be done.

Chirs, that's what someone else told me also. I don't mind switching it manually between Camera and VTR mode. Charles

Here is an interesting little controller if you are into programming.

I purchased a manual from these people on the Lanc system for $19.95. It gives the schematics and the sample code if you want to roll your own. The parts purchased one at a time will probably cost more than this complete controller.

Has anyone recently tried to purchase a RM-95 wired controller from Sony ? The version with all of the maintenance features?

What I don't like about this controller (assuming what I want is possible, is it does not capture Lanc codes so it could learn. And it does not have an IR I/O capability. Anyone with a bit of electronics experience could add the IR. Anyone (but me, probably) could write code to extend the capabilities of the controller.

I have no relatiionship with this company except for having purchased their manual.

SLC100 Sony Control-L Controller

A stand-alone, single board microcomputer that allows control of a Sony camcorder or tape deck via the LANC (Control-L) Interface!
Control all camera functions and tape deck functions remotely!
Can be customized for your application!

MicroChip PIC 16C55-based
LANC (Control-L) connection to camcorder/tape deck
9 magnetic reed switches to activate functions
Functions can also be activated via 9-pin connector
LED indicators for power and transmit
Software adaptable for any LANC command
Draws power from host system

INCLUDES DISKETTE WITH ASSEMBLY SOURCE CODE
FOR SAMPLE LANC COMMANDS!

The SLC100 Controller is ideal for:

• Experimenting with Control-L
• Remote control of camera operation - zoom, focus, etc.
• Time-lapse video recording
• Remote activation of recording functions
• Many other applications

SPECIFICATIONS

Microcontroller and memories
• MicroChip PIC 16C55 @ 4 MHZ
• OTP version provided, EPROM version available

On-board switches
• 9 magnetic reed switches to activate function commands (zoom in, zoom out, power, etc.)
• Switch function is defined in software – can be adapted to your own unique needs

Indicators
• LED for power indication
• LED for transmit indication

External connector
• Provides access to function activation off-board
• Standard 9-pin “D” style

Software
• Assembly language source included for LANC interface.
• Demonstration program provided in PIC for sample LANC commands.

Size
• 1.25” x 6”
• Powered from host system



Available for $89.95.
http://www.appliedlogiceng.com
Email : info@appliedlogiceng.com