wired equipment with stablizer at DVinfo.net

Philip Fass · September 24th, 2010, 06:18 AM

When using a handheld stabilizer such as the Glidecam HD 2000/4000, is it necessary to have any wired equipment (like my Focus FS-C recorder) attached and balanced on the stabilizer?

If it were possible to have a wire going from the stabilzer to me, I'd prefer it, but I'm guessing that throws the balance off when there's any movement.

Dave Gish · September 24th, 2010, 10:33 AM

For steadicam, the general rule is this: Run wireless whenever possible.

Another thing: The lighter the rig, the more being tethered will throw things off.

So yes, if you are recoding to a separate unit (e.g. Focus FS-C), attach it to your stabilizer and rebalance the rig.

If you are running sound with a separate boom mic, recored to a separate sound recorder (2 system), or run it through wireless, or both (use wireless link as primary sound and separate recorder as backup).

If another person wants to see the shot, run wireless video.
RangeVideo!, Wireless video solutions.

If you're using a DSLR with very shallow DOF, then run a wireless focus motor system.
Hocus Products

Mark Schlicher · September 24th, 2010, 08:39 PM

Regarding the Range Video wireless system, some things I've recently learned:

1. To increase the transmit efficiency and range, reduce heat and increase the transmitter life, you need to replace the stock antenna with a properly-sized dipole. One reason the transmitter gets hot is that the stock antenna is improperly-tuned, and so the power gets converted to heat instead of radio waves. Here's a properly-constructed "rubber duck" omnidirectional antenna: Digital Products Company :: Antennas :: 900MHz Antennas :: 900MHz Antenna, Swivel SMA (L-Com HG903RD-SM)

2. The other reason the transmitter gets hot is that it shouldn't be driven with more than 12.7 volts. Typical v-mount or gold mount pro batteries deliver a nominal 14.4 volts, and when fully-charged it can be 17 volts. So if using battery power (unregulated), you should use a true 12 volt battery system.

3. The receiving antenna should also be a properly-tuned antenna. You can use another omnidirectional "rubber duck", or a $35 directional "shark fin" or a $60 directional patch antenna. Directional antennas reduce problems caused by interference from other sources (cell phones, wifi, microwave ovens).
900mhz patch antenna: Digital Products Company :: Antennas :: 900MHz Antennas :: 900MHz Patch Antenna, 8dBi gain
400-1000mhz log-periodic (shark fin):

Ramsey LPY41 Logi Log Periodic PCB Antenna 400-1000 MHz - eBay (item 360283793286 end time Oct-21-10 13:59:55 PDT)

These DIY video systems are finicky but these items should help...in theory. I've just ordered some of this stuff for my 900mhz system.

September 24th, 2010, 06:18 AM	#1
Philip Fass Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Charlotte, VT Posts: 397	wired equipment with stablizer When using a handheld stabilizer such as the Glidecam HD 2000/4000, is it necessary to have any wired equipment (like my Focus FS-C recorder) attached and balanced on the stabilizer? If it were possible to have a wire going from the stabilzer to me, I'd prefer it, but I'm guessing that throws the balance off when there's any movement.

September 24th, 2010, 10:33 AM	#2
Dave Gish Major Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Riverdale, NJ Posts: 468	For steadicam, the general rule is this: Run wireless whenever possible. Another thing: The lighter the rig, the more being tethered will throw things off. So yes, if you are recoding to a separate unit (e.g. Focus FS-C), attach it to your stabilizer and rebalance the rig. If you are running sound with a separate boom mic, recored to a separate sound recorder (2 system), or run it through wireless, or both (use wireless link as primary sound and separate recorder as backup). If another person wants to see the shot, run wireless video. RangeVideo!, Wireless video solutions. If you're using a DSLR with very shallow DOF, then run a wireless focus motor system. Hocus Products Last edited by Dave Gish; September 25th, 2010 at 05:44 AM.

September 24th, 2010, 08:39 PM	#3
Mark Schlicher Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 189	Regarding the Range Video wireless system, some things I've recently learned: 1. To increase the transmit efficiency and range, reduce heat and increase the transmitter life, you need to replace the stock antenna with a properly-sized dipole. One reason the transmitter gets hot is that the stock antenna is improperly-tuned, and so the power gets converted to heat instead of radio waves. Here's a properly-constructed "rubber duck" omnidirectional antenna: Digital Products Company :: Antennas :: 900MHz Antennas :: 900MHz Antenna, Swivel SMA (L-Com HG903RD-SM) 2. The other reason the transmitter gets hot is that it shouldn't be driven with more than 12.7 volts. Typical v-mount or gold mount pro batteries deliver a nominal 14.4 volts, and when fully-charged it can be 17 volts. So if using battery power (unregulated), you should use a true 12 volt battery system. 3. The receiving antenna should also be a properly-tuned antenna. You can use another omnidirectional "rubber duck", or a $35 directional "shark fin" or a $60 directional patch antenna. Directional antennas reduce problems caused by interference from other sources (cell phones, wifi, microwave ovens). 900mhz patch antenna: Digital Products Company :: Antennas :: 900MHz Antennas :: 900MHz Patch Antenna, 8dBi gain 400-1000mhz log-periodic (shark fin): Ramsey LPY41 Logi Log Periodic PCB Antenna 400-1000 MHz - eBay (item 360283793286 end time Oct-21-10 13:59:55 PDT) These DIY video systems are finicky but these items should help...in theory. I've just ordered some of this stuff for my 900mhz system.