Anyone made a DIY zoom/iris/focus controller?

We have been very happy with a few of these:
361366.jpg


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/361366-REG/Libec_ZC_3DV_ZC_3DV_Mountable_Zoom_Control.html ($135)

Wish I had some focus control, but I have been thinking about making one of these controllers also.
 
Maybe we can compare notes. I don't know if it's possible to have both a rocker switch and a knob, but if I could make anything work I'd be happy. I'd love to find a pot/knob with resistance.
 
There is much more to these than a rocker pot and a record switch.

The zoom connector on the 150 is not an analog beast, it's all digital. Inside the zoom controller is a micro controller that reads the rocker and record switch, converts it to a serial stream it send to the camera.

Look up the LANC protocol, it's very similar.

I suspect the same idea with the focus and iris (though I've not seen any in-depth info on those devices).

The Panasonic protocol might offer other goodies , but how these work in a non-tape camera, not sure we can actually use them.

I have that Libec, I don't think it's anything great, I certainly wouldn't use it for smooth zooms.. at least not from zero to zoom, there's an ugly jump before the lens starts going, nothing I would be happy with to put on-air. The record function is a treat though, as the HMC-150 is missing a 'Rec' button under the lens, and that is where my fingers tend to be after I've adjusted my lens for a shot. The reaching around to the back or top is a pain. Glad to have it on the tripod handle.
 
How very interesting. I've tanken my Libec apart and will have the schematic done very shortly.

I know there is active power in there, so I thought it must be more than a simple analog pot system. This could be interesting.
 
Yes, from what I'm seeing in my Libec, the HMC-150 will run with simple pots and switches. Everything else is just for the Sony LANC support.

There is really not much to these things when you think about it. I'm excited to play with the iris and focus system.
 
If you hear of any cool pots, with resistance, return to zero or whatever, let me know. I'm excited to check out what Radio Shack has to offer, but I really want to find the best.
 
There are 2 IC's in this device, a +5v regulator and a 12F675 PIC. The only two parts we really need from this whole device are VR1 and SW1. Everything else is just for handling the Sony LANC protocol.




The 20k value for VR1 is very important. I've looked high and low for the spring return ALPS pot from this device, can't find it anywhere. There are a few center-return pots out there, nothing expensive either, you'll just want to get a nice thumb knob for it. If you are creative, take a normal cap and melt it to fit your thumb.

I've also seen rocker switches that look very close to what are in the pro controls. All comes down to picking the right devices for the job, and make sure the hand is comfortable with them all.
 
I replied two days ago, but my post disappeared. It must have timed out. :o(

Does that require a breadboard? I'm going to be making two dimmable LED lights, so I imagine I'll need to learn how to do all that. It looked like the other example didn't need a breadboard: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=78928

Are you going to be building one?
 
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