My Journey to replace my Pilot at DVinfo.net

Steven Davis · May 6th, 2014, 12:37 PM

Ok. I'm posting this in hopes to help someone in the future. I am replacing my Steadicam Pilot since I've upgraded to a heavier camera with accessories, it pushes the optimal balance load of my Pilot. Enter the Steadicam Scout. So far, I've been able to solve the 'no hd-sdi' issue with the Atomos hdmi to hd-sdi gizmo, so that solves the no hd-sdi on my Canon XF300. Next puzzle was the power connector for my lights. Enter the LEMO female connector on the Scout sled. I'm in discussion with Stedicam, Frezzi who all my AB connecting lights are from. It looks like I will have to have a male LEMO to male Anton Bauer cable to get this all to work. I have thousands in my Frezzi lights, so replacing my light system is not an option.

I'm curious though, anyone fly a sled that has a LEMO power connector, what if any thing do you connect your lights to? Frezzi says they do not make a light with a LEMO connector.

By the way, two of my favorite companies, Frezzi and Steadicam. Amazing guys.

Buba Kastorski · June 18th, 2014, 02:56 PM

you need a custom made cable, i fly my stripped epic on Pilot, so i made 12V out of the sled to lemo cable, works great, you just need to have connections diagram.

Charles Papert · June 21st, 2014, 05:32 PM

One of the most useful cables to have these days for anyone who flies a stabilizer is a 12v out of the rig cable (whatever connector that may be) to a female D-tap (aka powertap). This will allow you to power just about any accessory as the D-tap connector is well standardized and most components offer their specific power cable with that end on it, such as Steven's Frezzi lights. I had mine made custom but maybe Tiffen makes one these days? If not, they should.

The other helpful item is the http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/204182-REG/Anton_Bauer_POWERTAP_MULTI_PowerTap_Multi.html, to mate to your custom cable to provide power for multiple items. It may seem logical to combine efforts and make a Lemo to Multi cable, but sadly the Multis tend to fail after a period of time (especially the ports on the outside) so it's best to keep them separate, and replace the Multi as needed.

May 6th, 2014, 12:37 PM	#1
Steven Davis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,065	My Journey to replace my Pilot Ok. I'm posting this in hopes to help someone in the future. I am replacing my Steadicam Pilot since I've upgraded to a heavier camera with accessories, it pushes the optimal balance load of my Pilot. Enter the Steadicam Scout. So far, I've been able to solve the 'no hd-sdi' issue with the Atomos hdmi to hd-sdi gizmo, so that solves the no hd-sdi on my Canon XF300. Next puzzle was the power connector for my lights. Enter the LEMO female connector on the Scout sled. I'm in discussion with Stedicam, Frezzi who all my AB connecting lights are from. It looks like I will have to have a male LEMO to male Anton Bauer cable to get this all to work. I have thousands in my Frezzi lights, so replacing my light system is not an option. I'm curious though, anyone fly a sled that has a LEMO power connector, what if any thing do you connect your lights to? Frezzi says they do not make a light with a LEMO connector. By the way, two of my favorite companies, Frezzi and Steadicam. Amazing guys. __________________ What happens if I push the 'Red' button?

June 18th, 2014, 02:56 PM	#2
Buba Kastorski Trustee Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,414	Re: My Journey to replace my Pilot you need a custom made cable, i fly my stripped epic on Pilot, so i made 12V out of the sled to lemo cable, works great, you just need to have connections diagram. __________________ I love this place!

June 21st, 2014, 05:32 PM	#3
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	Re: My Journey to replace my Pilot One of the most useful cables to have these days for anyone who flies a stabilizer is a 12v out of the rig cable (whatever connector that may be) to a female D-tap (aka powertap). This will allow you to power just about any accessory as the D-tap connector is well standardized and most components offer their specific power cable with that end on it, such as Steven's Frezzi lights. I had mine made custom but maybe Tiffen makes one these days? If not, they should. The other helpful item is the http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/204182-REG/Anton_Bauer_POWERTAP_MULTI_PowerTap_Multi.html, to mate to your custom cable to provide power for multiple items. It may seem logical to combine efforts and make a Lemo to Multi cable, but sadly the Multis tend to fail after a period of time (especially the ports on the outside) so it's best to keep them separate, and replace the Multi as needed. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com