Remote Trigger for nanoFlash at DVinfo.net

Garrett Low · November 1st, 2010, 08:58 PM

I thought that I saw a remote trigger for the nanoFlash that fit on the Sony EX3 so that it was as if you were operating the EX3 as usual but it would trigger the nanoFlash and EX3 at the same time. I did a search and couldn't find it. Was I dreaming or does this really exist and if so has anyone had any experience with it?

Thanks,
Garrett

Anthony McErlean · November 2nd, 2010, 03:14 AM

I Just asked about this too Garrett, see second post down.

Dan Keaton · November 2nd, 2010, 06:28 AM

Dear Anthony and Garrett,

I am not aware of a device that triggers both the Sony EX1 / EX1R / EX3 and the nanoFlash at the same time.

We have not attempted to design or build one.

Anthony McErlean · November 2nd, 2010, 06:43 AM

Hi Dan,
I didn't know that, I thought this Hawk-Woods XV-04A (XV04A) did that. Thanks for letting us know.

Dan Keaton · November 2nd, 2010, 07:26 AM

Dear Anthony,

I read the description of the Hawk-Woods device.

It did not say that it triggers both the nanoFlash and camera simultaneously, but it may.

It did say that the trigger for the nanoFlash mounts over the camera's record button for the convenience of the camera operator.

Anthony McErlean · November 2nd, 2010, 07:47 AM

Hi Dan,
No it doesn't, pity. It still might be useful but not in the way I would have hoped for.

Garrett Low · November 2nd, 2010, 09:50 AM

Anthony, I did see the Hawk-Woods trigger but this isn't what I was thinking of. I'd be interested in something that would be able to be used on say a tripod handle or for a jib setup. There are times when I'd like to have TC set to Free Run and be able to trigger the NF without having to use the control panel.

Dan, In theory it shouldn't be hard to rig a trigger to start the EX3 and NF with one button. Is there some technical info that I could find to try to create such a trigger? I would also need to find the layout of the EX3 pins and requirements too.

Thanks,
Garrett

Dan Keaton · November 2nd, 2010, 10:09 AM

Dear Garrett,

Anthony had a problem over the weekend.

He was recording to the nanoFlash using Trigger on Incrementing Timecode.

And he was recording in-camera to the SxS card, which is commom practice as it gives redundancy.

It appears that the camera stopped recording to the SxS card for no apparent reason.
Anthony reported that the SxS card appeared to be "stuck" as it was reporting 70 Minutes and not counting down.

The nanoFlash recorded the files properly.

Most people just press the Record Button on the camera, and then record in-camera and in the nanoFlash. And this appears to be fine for many people.

Of course, if the timecode stops incrementing, the nanoFlash will stop recording.

I have not researched what facilities are available in the Sony EX cameras to start recording from an external source.

But, most people find the normal record button on the Sony EX cameras to be adequate when triggering the nanoFlash to record on incrementing timecode.

I hope this helps.

If one does not want to record in-camera, then we provide a remote control with tally light for the nanoFlash.

Anthony McErlean · November 2nd, 2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garrett Low

Anthony, I did see the Hawk-Woods trigger but this isn't what I was thinking of. I'd be interested in something that would be able to be used on say a tripod handle or for a jib setup. There are times when I'd like to have TC set to Free Run and be able to trigger the NF without having to use the control panel.
Thanks,
Garrett

Hi Garrett, Thanks for taking an interest in this.
What I think would suite me best is to have the NF recording independent from the Camera.
I know this is possible but I would like to be able to stop/start both at one time with the one trigger and as Dan said I did have an experience at the weekend and thankfully it worked out good.

Garrett Low · November 2nd, 2010, 11:32 AM

OK. So here is the setup that I think may have some value. Please weigh in and let me know if there is some flaw in my thinking.

If I have a device that has a single button that will send a signal to the nanoFlash that is equivalent to the signal to remote trigger with tally, and a separate lead to the EX3 that sends the same signal equal to the record on/off on most zoom controllers it should be able to trigger both. I will have to figure out how to be able to control the rec on/off on the EX as well as have a zoom controller connected to be use full for jib application.

Then set the NF to Remote trigger, and then the camera and NF would be stared with a single button push and the NF would not be depending on the TC to remain running.

Dan, could you provide me with the pin out and signal requirements for the remote trigger on the nanoFlash? I will look for the same on the Sony EX cams. I have a friend who is an EE that I might consult just to make sure I don't fry something in my camera or nanoFlash.

Thanks,
Garrett

Dan Keaton · November 2nd, 2010, 11:55 AM

Dear Garrett,

We make it very simple. It is just a simple contact closure.

The Pin Out is in our manual.

For the human interface, a simple contact closure starts recording, a press and hold for 1 second or more, then release, is necessary to stop recording.

For an electronic device interface, we have a mode that records when the switch is closed and we stop when the switch is opened.

I am not aware of a connector on the Sony EX1 that allows the camera to be started and stopped remotely. I just did a preliminary check in the manual, and the specifications do not mention any such connector.

Garrett Low · November 2nd, 2010, 12:36 PM

Thanks Dan,

The lens remote connector in the front of the lens control grip allows for start/stop record as well as zoom servo control. Now if I'm lucky, the rec start/stop on the EX is controlled by a simple contact closure like on the NF and just cycles between on and off then it's just a wiring exercise. At least in theory.

-Garrett

Ron Little · November 9th, 2010, 07:01 AM

Dan, I just went to your site looking for your remote control with tally light and could not find it anywhere. Can you tell me how much it is and how I can get one?

Dan Keaton · November 9th, 2010, 07:38 AM

Dear Ron,

You can go to nanoFlash.net, then go to the Remote Control and Time Code Page

nanoFlash.net - Remote Control & Time Code

nanoFlash.net can also custom build these cables to your specifications.

Anthony McErlean · November 9th, 2010, 10:43 AM

Hi Dan,
I wonder about that and whats the difference in this Hawk-Woods XV-04 PMW-EX nanoFlash and the one you linked to.

I saw this one in the Symbiosis site nanoRMT-LTC, is this the correct one

Thanks.

November 1st, 2010, 08:58 PM	#1
Garrett Low Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Novato, CA Posts: 1,774	Remote Trigger for nanoFlash I thought that I saw a remote trigger for the nanoFlash that fit on the Sony EX3 so that it was as if you were operating the EX3 as usual but it would trigger the nanoFlash and EX3 at the same time. I did a search and couldn't find it. Was I dreaming or does this really exist and if so has anyone had any experience with it? Thanks, Garrett __________________ Garrett Low www.GLowMediaProductions.com

November 2nd, 2010, 06:28 AM	#3
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Anthony and Garrett, I am not aware of a device that triggers both the Sony EX1 / EX1R / EX3 and the nanoFlash at the same time. We have not attempted to design or build one. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

November 2nd, 2010, 07:26 AM	#5
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Anthony, I read the description of the Hawk-Woods device. It did not say that it triggers both the nanoFlash and camera simultaneously, but it may. It did say that the trigger for the nanoFlash mounts over the camera's record button for the convenience of the camera operator. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

November 2nd, 2010, 09:50 AM	#7
Garrett Low Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Novato, CA Posts: 1,774	Anthony, I did see the Hawk-Woods trigger but this isn't what I was thinking of. I'd be interested in something that would be able to be used on say a tripod handle or for a jib setup. There are times when I'd like to have TC set to Free Run and be able to trigger the NF without having to use the control panel. Dan, In theory it shouldn't be hard to rig a trigger to start the EX3 and NF with one button. Is there some technical info that I could find to try to create such a trigger? I would also need to find the layout of the EX3 pins and requirements too. Thanks, Garrett __________________ Garrett Low www.GLowMediaProductions.com

November 2nd, 2010, 10:09 AM	#8
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Garrett, Anthony had a problem over the weekend. He was recording to the nanoFlash using Trigger on Incrementing Timecode. And he was recording in-camera to the SxS card, which is commom practice as it gives redundancy. It appears that the camera stopped recording to the SxS card for no apparent reason. Anthony reported that the SxS card appeared to be "stuck" as it was reporting 70 Minutes and not counting down. The nanoFlash recorded the files properly. Most people just press the Record Button on the camera, and then record in-camera and in the nanoFlash. And this appears to be fine for many people. Of course, if the timecode stops incrementing, the nanoFlash will stop recording. I have not researched what facilities are available in the Sony EX cameras to start recording from an external source. But, most people find the normal record button on the Sony EX cameras to be adequate when triggering the nanoFlash to record on incrementing timecode. I hope this helps. If one does not want to record in-camera, then we provide a remote control with tally light for the nanoFlash. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

November 2nd, 2010, 03:14 AM	#2
Anthony McErlean Trustee Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 1,080	I Just asked about this too Garrett, see second post down.

November 2nd, 2010, 06:43 AM	#4
Anthony McErlean Trustee Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 1,080	Hi Dan, I didn't know that, I thought this Hawk-Woods XV-04A (XV04A) did that. Thanks for letting us know.

November 2nd, 2010, 07:47 AM	#6
Anthony McErlean Trustee Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 1,080	Hi Dan, No it doesn't, pity. It still might be useful but not in the way I would have hoped for.

November 2nd, 2010, 11:32 AM	#10
Garrett Low Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Novato, CA Posts: 1,774	OK. So here is the setup that I think may have some value. Please weigh in and let me know if there is some flaw in my thinking. If I have a device that has a single button that will send a signal to the nanoFlash that is equivalent to the signal to remote trigger with tally, and a separate lead to the EX3 that sends the same signal equal to the record on/off on most zoom controllers it should be able to trigger both. I will have to figure out how to be able to control the rec on/off on the EX as well as have a zoom controller connected to be use full for jib application. Then set the NF to Remote trigger, and then the camera and NF would be stared with a single button push and the NF would not be depending on the TC to remain running. Dan, could you provide me with the pin out and signal requirements for the remote trigger on the nanoFlash? I will look for the same on the Sony EX cams. I have a friend who is an EE that I might consult just to make sure I don't fry something in my camera or nanoFlash. Thanks, Garrett __________________ Garrett Low www.GLowMediaProductions.com

November 2nd, 2010, 11:55 AM	#11
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Garrett, We make it very simple. It is just a simple contact closure. The Pin Out is in our manual. For the human interface, a simple contact closure starts recording, a press and hold for 1 second or more, then release, is necessary to stop recording. For an electronic device interface, we have a mode that records when the switch is closed and we stop when the switch is opened. I am not aware of a connector on the Sony EX1 that allows the camera to be started and stopped remotely. I just did a preliminary check in the manual, and the specifications do not mention any such connector. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

November 2nd, 2010, 12:36 PM	#12
Garrett Low Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Novato, CA Posts: 1,774	Thanks Dan, The lens remote connector in the front of the lens control grip allows for start/stop record as well as zoom servo control. Now if I'm lucky, the rec start/stop on the EX is controlled by a simple contact closure like on the NF and just cycles between on and off then it's just a wiring exercise. At least in theory. -Garrett __________________ Garrett Low www.GLowMediaProductions.com

November 9th, 2010, 07:01 AM	#13
Ron Little Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pensacola Fl. Posts: 627	Dan, I just went to your site looking for your remote control with tally light and could not find it anywhere. Can you tell me how much it is and how I can get one?

November 9th, 2010, 07:38 AM	#14
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Ron, You can go to nanoFlash.net, then go to the Remote Control and Time Code Page nanoFlash.net - Remote Control & Time Code nanoFlash.net can also custom build these cables to your specifications. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

November 9th, 2010, 10:43 AM	#15
Anthony McErlean Trustee Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 1,080	Hi Dan, I wonder about that and whats the difference in this Hawk-Woods XV-04 PMW-EX nanoFlash and the one you linked to. I saw this one in the Symbiosis site nanoRMT-LTC, is this the correct one Thanks. Last edited by Anthony McErlean; November 9th, 2010 at 11:38 AM.