Fire Store on a Steadicam

B

Breezey6

New member
I was wondering if anyone out there has used the HVX with a Fire Store (FS-100) on a Steadicam. If so, how did you configure it?
 
I've clipped a firestore to my vest when I've used a steadicam

IMG_0258.jpg
 
Last edited:
I fed the Firewire cable through the post of mine and use the firestore as extra weight on the bottom of the sled. worked like a champ. I just taped it at first, but I'm working on another configuration and will post pictures soon.
Luis
 
The Steadicam used would be either an Ultra Cine or a MK-V. Have you ever had problems with the cable running to the FireStore? Meaning...dropped frames, etc. I have had stories about The Fire Store dropping frames due to the firewire connection.
 
Well, I've had problems with my firestore. Or rather with my HVX. But not when on my Steady.

If you put the cord through the post, and the Firestore at the bottom of the sled, then you should have no problems as long as the cable doesn't get snagged with anything.

If you snag the cable then of course you will have drop outs or even a failed connection.

but if set up properly and the cable firmly attached and maybe even taped down then no problems.

Now my problem with the firestore and the HVX was because I moved the HVX with the Firestore plugged in, while the firestore and the HVX were both attached to my tripod and turned on.

I just picked up the tripod and put it on my shoulder.

Granted the Firestore was either attached with tape or rubber bands. What Panasonic said was that there must have been some static on the cable and since both units were on then the static fried the board that houses the firewire connector inside the camera. this cost about $350 to fix or something like that.

So if you guys are no the move turn off both HVX and Firestore. Lesson learned.

This problem by the way is in no way related to the firestore, but rather the HVX and firewire ports. In fact many reports of people frying their firewire connector on may electronic units has been documented. The thing to do is to turn off the electronic components before plugging in and plugging out.

hope this helps.
 
These rigs have plenty of capacity to mount the Firestore up close to the camera, so no special cabling will be necessary.

Just make sure you have a good solid mount for the Firestore so that it doesn't cause vibration on the rig.


Discuss your options with the operator, and they can work with you to make run smoothly. :)

- Mikko
 
I put the fire store in the pocket of my tech pants (big cargo pockets) and that has worked good. But I'm going to clip it to my vest when I can rig up a more reliable clip system. I don't like the clip that comes with the Firestore. I've tried to mount it on the bottom of the sled, but it throws the weight off balance too much and I don't like running the cable down the shaft. If I was gong to mount it on the sled, I'd take Mikko's advice and put it up high . . . . on the camera.
 
(Anywhere) on the sled is definitely better than off the sled (like on the vest or in a pocket). You want to avoid having any cables leaving the sled - they can interfere with the isolation provided by the gimbal.

A exterior cable on the sled (for example from the front of the camera stage down to the monitor) will work fine - and running it down the front below the lens is a place where it won't be in the way much either: the operator doesn't normally cross in front of the lens.

- Mikko
 
I use fs-100 and steadicam regularly as a pair on a Clipper 2 and a flyer. I use a bebop box that mounts directly under the camera and mount that on the steadicam. I would not recommend mounting it lower or off the sled as the cables will interfere with steadicam operations (don juan, turns..etc) and throw off dynamic balancing. The only correct way to wire a steadicam to an external source cable (audio, video, firewire...etc) is to run a lightweight version of the cable of the sled to an parent connector to you left hand gimble hold ( for right side operators, reverse for left) then along the arm (taped down every 10 inches) with excess loop tucked into your vest (for safety). Then go to the device or external source.

Hope this helps
Emre Tufekci Steadicam OP/Owner
www.productionpit.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top