HVX200 1394 Problem

[Fieldguide]

I use a Firestore FS-100 with my hvx and I'm not gonna lie to ya, I've had my share of problems (some of which were catastrophic, but that's for another post). Most of these have been with the FS-100 (although the new updates (3.0) do make the product much better than it was 6 months ago).

Anyhoo - here's my question: I've noticed lately that I've been having numerous problems keeping my FS-100 connected to my HVXs 1394 port. I've tried different cables, etc, but it seems "loose". When it becomes disconnected, of course you lose sync with the firestore and ultimately stop recording.

Just wondering if anybody else has had this issue, or if I need to send in my hvx for repair.

Best,

aL

[THoff]

My guess is that repeated lateral stress on the 4-pin DV port of the HVX has bent it enough to only make intermittent contact. I'm not really sure what to do about other than getting it replaced by an authorized Panasonic Service Center like Spec-Comm or Panasonic themselves.

Another possibility is that the cable contacts are dirty or oxidized. That may be difficult to see inside the 4-pin terminal of the camera. You could get some DeoxIT or something similar to clean and treat the contact surfaces.

Finally, my recommendation would be to get a Firewire cable with a right-angle connector to reduce the stress on the camera's terminal.

[Dan Montgomery]

I agree. The 4-pin connectors are not very durable. We wore one out--twice--on our old Sony 1000 DV camera. Not a cheap repair...

[NeverColdCall]

Have you tried a different cable? I've noticed certain brands of FW cable are just made that way and are always loose.

[BenB]

Use a reversed right angle Firewire cable. The 4-pin side is at a right angle and fits snug up against the HVX body, it points down, and adds a ton of security to the connection.

Such a nice camera, with such a cheap 4-pin FW port. Who's great idea was that?

[ullanta]

Hey, everyone... make sure you ALWAYS provide strain relief for all cable connections to your camera - especially the FW and component video connectors, but I do it for everything. These connectors are fragile, and the simple step of strain relief can save you from annoyances and disasters...

[David Saraceno]

Could you provide an example of how you provide "strain relief?"

Thanks

[Barry_Green]

Make sure that the weight of the cable isn't directly pulling on the socket. An example would be how we rig up the component cable to the HVX when on location -- loop the cable through and around the handle once before plugging it into the connectors. That way if something were to pull on the cable the tension would go to the handle, not to the connectors.

[BenB]

Could you provide an example of how you provide "strain relief?"

Anything from gaffers tape to twist ties to kite string.

First, get a "reversed right angled" firewire cable. The "reversed" part means the 4-pin connector, when pluged into the camera, will point down, not up. It will fit snug against the body of the camera for stability. It will also avoid the weight and pull of a cable sticking straight out into space. I can not express fully how terribley disapointed I am in Panny using such a cheap connector on such a nice camera. They should have done like Focus did and used a 6-pin quality connector, and just leave the two power pins dead. What were they thinking?

http://fwdepot.com/thestore/default.php/cPath/2_97

I have some velcro strips that are a few inches long and barely an inch wide. They say Peavy on them, cause I get packs of them at my local guitar store. They are sold for "cable managment" which is common for audio, IT, and other applications where lots of cables are run all over. I can use these to strap my FW cable to just about anything. Thus, relieving any strain on the cheap ass 4-pin connector totally. It takes the weight, pull from movement, etc, totally off the connector.

The only other thing I can say is, get creative.

[ullanta]

For strain relief, I tend to do both of the above:

1) I loop the cable around the top handle or through the handgrip
2) I use a bongo tie somewhere further down the cable to secure it tightly to something (the neck or a leg of a tripod, part of a shoulder mount, etc. I like the bongo ties better than velcro, because velcro doesn't have friction to hold the cable tight; a bongo tie really keeps the cable from moving at all.

It's important when tying cables down to be aware of your range of motion, and make sure you don't restrict yourself.

Further, I compleletly agree about the benefits of a right-angle connector, but they have dangers, too. You HAVE TO strap down a right-angle cable with very good strain relief. Where a strong tug will yank a straight connector out of the socket at some angles, it will LEVER a right-angle plug, and, if strong enough, do even more damage. A right-angle plug, properly secured, is safest; but a right-angle plug alone is not!

[BenB]

because velcro doesn't have friction to hold the cable tight

Not the ones I use, they're plenty nice, lots of friction, they're made for cable managment, and are made to fit tight and not slip.

[BostonCameraMan]

Being a tech at a rental house, I have this problem all the time. I have actually squeezed the 4 pin port with a flat nose plier, ever so carefully, on the sides, so as to make the connector that much tighter for the cable to stay put. Just a little bit at a time and check the cable.
I know it sounds strange but I have no control over what users do in the field. I have had my own experience losing the connection. But this helps.

[Saugidaug]

I've been searching the posts for a solution to the poor component cable output on the HVX. It seems to me that although many have complained about it, all seemed resigned to the cable that exists. Why aren't we trying to find a solution. Perhaps a right angle to give more relief or something. Where can I get a custom cable to accoplish this goal ?

[David Saraceno]

Might want to start your own thread about the component cable.

It's an entirely different issue than the FW cable.

[srfjm]

Being a tech at a rental house, I have this problem all the time. I have actually squeezed the 4 pin port with a flat nose plier, ever so carefully, on the sides, so as to make the connector that much tighter for the cable to stay put. Just a little bit at a time and check the cable.
I know it sounds strange but I have no control over what users do in the field. I have had my own experience losing the connection. But this helps.
Thanks Boston, that worked for me... careful is the key though!