Fragile display screen at DVinfo.net

Piotr Wozniacki · December 31st, 2009, 01:21 AM

Dan,

The nanoFlash being a truly wonderful device, one thing I find surprisingly odd considering its otherwise great build quality: the LCD display screen is very soft, and easy to scratch even with your fingernails (not to mention with some metal parts, when handled in the heat of action in the field).

My question is: can the screen be easily replaced, or is it necessary to send the nanoFlash over to CD when it gets damaged? It's especially important to us EU users, as sending a device like this back and forth inflicts a lot of cost, and hassle with the customs...

Paul Inglis · December 31st, 2009, 07:07 AM

I was thinking about one of those screen protectors that you can use on monitors and cut it to size. In my opinion they would do a sterling job and actually can protect it from impacts as great as 4kgs in some instances! Not too mention scratches, knocks and bangs!

Dan Keaton · December 31st, 2009, 07:56 AM

Dear Piotr,

The LCD, itself, is mounted under the Keypad with transparent LCD protector.

Yes, this protector can be scratched, so reasonable care is expected.

The protector, and keypad, can be replaced, but we do not consider this a user replacable item. But, if necessary and appropriate, we may be able to send out just the Keypad with the LCD protector with instructions on how to replace it.

Thus, one can not harm the LCD itself, under reasonable conditions, but one can harm the LCD protector.

If you wish, you could add another layer of protection.

Paul Inglis · December 31st, 2009, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Keaton

The protector, and keypad, can be replaced, but we do not consider this a user replacable item. But, if necessary and appropriate, we may be able to send out just the Keypad with the LCD protector with instructions on how to replace it.

That's good to know!

I'm looking for a hard case to place the nanoFLASH in during transit (such as a Peli) as 95% of my work takes place in the rugged outdoor environment!

I am having a raincover with vents made specially for the nanoFLASH in camo :)

Piotr Wozniacki · December 31st, 2009, 08:44 AM

Paul,

I'm trying to source the screen protector here in Poland, but haven't had much luck (this market is still not a very matured one). And, it's already one tiny scratch too late for me :)

Dan,

Thanks for the info; it's good to know that should anything more serious happen (although I'm extremely cautious now, after my "first scratch waring), there will be some possibility to make it look like a new one again :)

Gints Klimanis · January 1st, 2010, 01:23 AM

Piotr, Are you talking about those adhesive screen protectors sold for Palm Pilot-type PDA products ? I cut them to size and used them for the LCDs on my Nikon D2H, although the protector did interfere with legibility.

I've been keeping the Nanoflash in a zippable pouch that mounts on my belt. The battery cable runs to the battery in my jacket, though the SDI connector keeps me tethered to the camera. It's easy enough to disconnect the SDI cable on the Nano side when needed.

Dan Keaton · January 1st, 2010, 04:57 AM

Dear Gints,

I recommend that you attach a short HD-SDI cable to the nanoFlash, then add a barrel connector. Then connect the cable from the camera to the barrel connector.

This will save wear and tear on the BNC connector on the nanoFlash.

Giroud Francois · January 1st, 2010, 05:39 AM

you will easily find a screen protector in any shop selling iphones and accessories.

Jeff Silverman · January 1st, 2010, 07:19 PM

Dan said,

"I recommend that you attach a short HD-SDI cable to the nanoFlash, then add a barrel connector. Then connect the cable from the camera to the barrel connector.

This will save wear and tear on the BNC connector on the nanoFlash."

With due respect to the vast majority of good advice Dan has suggested, this is some of the worst advice I have ever heard (And a rehash of advice given about a year ago).

1. If there is any way to stress out a connector which is directly attached to a circuit board inside the NanoFlash, this is it. The added connector most certainly increases the force imparted on the connector during transport. During actual use it is not common to be constantly connecting and disconnecting the BNC connector so the short cable is normally unnecessary.
2. Barrel connectors are almost always the first point of failure with video connections. The fewer barrel connectors the better.
3. While the BNC connectors in the NanoFlash are rated for about 500 cycles, it is likely they will last much longer than that. It is not frequent that people are replacing chassis mount BNC connectors on professional video equipment equipment, even on some other equipment which is connected and disconnected daily. Outright abuse is a different issue.
4. The staff from CD in Colorado Springs also does not agree with this advice. (or at least they didn't months ago when you suggested this)

I appreciate most of the advice which Dan has been kind enough to share. I suggest you ignore this advice.

Jeff

Olof Ekbergh · January 1st, 2010, 09:34 PM

The connector recommended for the NanoFlash is a 90º connector, and this makes a lot of sense. It does not really add any stress.

Below is a photo of the 90º connector attached to my NanoFlash arm on an EX1 with a Swit battery. You may also notice the small on/off switch on the NanoFlash power cable.

These parts are available at:EX1 Stronger Plates

Custom cables etc can be ordered by contacting me:
olof@westsideav.com
603.383.9283

Dan Keaton · January 1st, 2010, 09:44 PM

Dear Gints and Jeff,

Jeff and I disagree on this one, it is very easy for two reasonable people to have different opinions.

Gints, you mentioned that you had a zippered pouch for the nanoFlash.

Thus, it appears that you have to unzip the pouch everytime that you want to disconnect.

I was recommending that you add a short BNC cable to make this easier.

One could use a barrel connector, or a short Male BNC to Female BNC cable, which would eliminate the barrel connector.

Having the very flexible BNC cable outside of the zipperd pouch makes sense to me for ease of use.

Gints, We can make a custom Male BNC to Female BNC for you if you want to try it out.

Jeff Silverman · January 1st, 2010, 10:08 PM

Olof,

What Dan is and has been suggesting is that you keep the connector attached during transport from job to job and that is where I have issues with his advice. Obviously during use you are going to have something connected.

I will mention though that 90 deg connectors are even more prone to failure than barrels. It's fine because it is convenient, but if you have problems it would be the first thing I remove.

Jeff

Paul Inglis · January 2nd, 2010, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piotr Wozniacki

Paul,

I'm trying to source the screen protector here in Poland, but haven't had much luck (this market is still not a very matured one). And, it's already one tiny scratch too late for me :)

Hi Piotr,

My Swit Monitor came with a couple of protectors. However, this company produces a wide range of sizes! No Scratches on any Screen Ever!.

Piotr Wozniacki · January 2nd, 2010, 06:21 AM

Paul,

Thanks for the link. BTW, have you applied the protection on you Swit monitor screen? If so, does at affect visibility in any adverse way?

Paul Inglis · January 2nd, 2010, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piotr Wozniacki

Paul,

Thanks for the link. BTW, have you applied the protection on you Swit monitor screen? If so, does at affect visibility in any adverse way?

Hi Piotr,

Yes I have put a protector on my Swit. It doesn’t appear to have made any difference to the IQ, however without placing a second monitor (which I don’t have) without a protector on for a side by side comparison it is difficult to ascertain. The protector came with the monitor when I purchased it.

I decided to put it on as I’m working on a project in a rather harsh outdoor environment. I am suffering gale force winds, rain and snow in salt air. The protector is quite easy to peel off and replace in due course.

December 31st, 2009, 01:21 AM	#1
Piotr Wozniacki Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Poland Posts: 4,086	Fragile display screen Dan, The nanoFlash being a truly wonderful device, one thing I find surprisingly odd considering its otherwise great build quality: the LCD display screen is very soft, and easy to scratch even with your fingernails (not to mention with some metal parts, when handled in the heat of action in the field). My question is: can the screen be easily replaced, or is it necessary to send the nanoFlash over to CD when it gets damaged? It's especially important to us EU users, as sending a device like this back and forth inflicts a lot of cost, and hassle with the customs... __________________ Sony PXW-FS7 \| DaVinci Resolve Studio; Magix Vegas Pro; i7-5960X CPU; 64 GB RAM; 2x GTX 1080 8GB GPU; Decklink 4K Extreme 12G; 4x 3TB WD Black in RAID 0; 1TB M.2 NVMe cache drive Last edited by Piotr Wozniacki; December 31st, 2009 at 02:23 AM.

December 31st, 2009, 07:56 AM	#3
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Piotr, The LCD, itself, is mounted under the Keypad with transparent LCD protector. Yes, this protector can be scratched, so reasonable care is expected. The protector, and keypad, can be replaced, but we do not consider this a user replacable item. But, if necessary and appropriate, we may be able to send out just the Keypad with the LCD protector with instructions on how to replace it. Thus, one can not harm the LCD itself, under reasonable conditions, but one can harm the LCD protector. If you wish, you could add another layer of protection. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

December 31st, 2009, 08:44 AM	#5
Piotr Wozniacki Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Poland Posts: 4,086	Paul, I'm trying to source the screen protector here in Poland, but haven't had much luck (this market is still not a very matured one). And, it's already one tiny scratch too late for me :) Dan, Thanks for the info; it's good to know that should anything more serious happen (although I'm extremely cautious now, after my "first scratch waring), there will be some possibility to make it look like a new one again :) __________________ Sony PXW-FS7 \| DaVinci Resolve Studio; Magix Vegas Pro; i7-5960X CPU; 64 GB RAM; 2x GTX 1080 8GB GPU; Decklink 4K Extreme 12G; 4x 3TB WD Black in RAID 0; 1TB M.2 NVMe cache drive

January 1st, 2010, 01:23 AM	#6
Gints Klimanis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,222	Piotr, Are you talking about those adhesive screen protectors sold for Palm Pilot-type PDA products ? I cut them to size and used them for the LCDs on my Nikon D2H, although the protector did interfere with legibility. I've been keeping the Nanoflash in a zippable pouch that mounts on my belt. The battery cable runs to the battery in my jacket, though the SDI connector keeps me tethered to the camera. It's easy enough to disconnect the SDI cable on the Nano side when needed. Last edited by Gints Klimanis; January 1st, 2010 at 11:40 AM.

January 1st, 2010, 04:57 AM	#7
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Gints, I recommend that you attach a short HD-SDI cable to the nanoFlash, then add a barrel connector. Then connect the cable from the camera to the barrel connector. This will save wear and tear on the BNC connector on the nanoFlash. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

December 31st, 2009, 07:07 AM	#2
Paul Inglis Major Player Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: British Isles Posts: 415	I was thinking about one of those screen protectors that you can use on monitors and cut it to size. In my opinion they would do a sterling job and actually can protect it from impacts as great as 4kgs in some instances! Not too mention scratches, knocks and bangs!

January 1st, 2010, 05:39 AM	#8
Giroud Francois Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: switzerland Posts: 2,133	you will easily find a screen protector in any shop selling iphones and accessories.

January 1st, 2010, 07:19 PM	#9
Jeff Silverman Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Jacksonville, VT USA Posts: 100	Dan said, "I recommend that you attach a short HD-SDI cable to the nanoFlash, then add a barrel connector. Then connect the cable from the camera to the barrel connector. This will save wear and tear on the BNC connector on the nanoFlash." With due respect to the vast majority of good advice Dan has suggested, this is some of the worst advice I have ever heard (And a rehash of advice given about a year ago). 1. If there is any way to stress out a connector which is directly attached to a circuit board inside the NanoFlash, this is it. The added connector most certainly increases the force imparted on the connector during transport. During actual use it is not common to be constantly connecting and disconnecting the BNC connector so the short cable is normally unnecessary. 2. Barrel connectors are almost always the first point of failure with video connections. The fewer barrel connectors the better. 3. While the BNC connectors in the NanoFlash are rated for about 500 cycles, it is likely they will last much longer than that. It is not frequent that people are replacing chassis mount BNC connectors on professional video equipment equipment, even on some other equipment which is connected and disconnected daily. Outright abuse is a different issue. 4. The staff from CD in Colorado Springs also does not agree with this advice. (or at least they didn't months ago when you suggested this) I appreciate most of the advice which Dan has been kind enough to share. I suggest you ignore this advice. Jeff

January 1st, 2010, 09:34 PM	#10
Olof Ekbergh Sponsor: Westside AV Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Mount Washington Valley, NH, USA Posts: 1,365	The connector recommended for the NanoFlash is a 90º connector, and this makes a lot of sense. It does not really add any stress. Below is a photo of the 90º connector attached to my NanoFlash arm on an EX1 with a Swit battery. You may also notice the small on/off switch on the NanoFlash power cable. These parts are available at:EX1 Stronger Plates Custom cables etc can be ordered by contacting me: olof@westsideav.com 603.383.9283 Attached Thumbnails

January 1st, 2010, 09:44 PM	#11
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Gints and Jeff, Jeff and I disagree on this one, it is very easy for two reasonable people to have different opinions. Gints, you mentioned that you had a zippered pouch for the nanoFlash. Thus, it appears that you have to unzip the pouch everytime that you want to disconnect. I was recommending that you add a short BNC cable to make this easier. One could use a barrel connector, or a short Male BNC to Female BNC cable, which would eliminate the barrel connector. Having the very flexible BNC cable outside of the zipperd pouch makes sense to me for ease of use. Gints, We can make a custom Male BNC to Female BNC for you if you want to try it out. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

January 1st, 2010, 10:08 PM	#12
Jeff Silverman Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Jacksonville, VT USA Posts: 100	Olof, What Dan is and has been suggesting is that you keep the connector attached during transport from job to job and that is where I have issues with his advice. Obviously during use you are going to have something connected. I will mention though that 90 deg connectors are even more prone to failure than barrels. It's fine because it is convenient, but if you have problems it would be the first thing I remove. Jeff

January 2nd, 2010, 06:21 AM	#14
Piotr Wozniacki Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Poland Posts: 4,086	Paul, Thanks for the link. BTW, have you applied the protection on you Swit monitor screen? If so, does at affect visibility in any adverse way? __________________ Sony PXW-FS7 \| DaVinci Resolve Studio; Magix Vegas Pro; i7-5960X CPU; 64 GB RAM; 2x GTX 1080 8GB GPU; Decklink 4K Extreme 12G; 4x 3TB WD Black in RAID 0; 1TB M.2 NVMe cache drive