Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

Re: Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

You guys are really tempting me to get the soldering iron out! Nice work.
 
Re: Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

Ok, so where do we insert some push buttons to zoom in and out while using the pods as speed controllers?

Ray
 
Re: Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

I assume you are referring to something I was planning for Rev-B, where you pre-set a speed that you want for zoom in, another speed for zoom out, then trigger that speed with a push button when you want it.

It makes the circuit a bit tricky, when I have the plan, I will post it.  The source of the trickiness is the 10K Ohm value for the Zero point (no movement).  If you interrupt the circuit, it will show as infinite resistance and begin to zoom.  I am certain I can find a way to deal effectively with this, I just don't have time to write up the circuit.  I am finishing up another experiment at the moment. Maybe next week.
 
Re: Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

That would involve the use of a microcontoller to program ease-ins & outs, speed, as well as other nifty tricks; then output it via it's DAC to the camcorder.

Hmmm! I wonder if I shouldn't blow the dust off my PIC microcontroler programmer and reference manuals and start building a digitally controlled zoom device? 8)

Anyone interested? ;D

Regardless of who’s interested or not, if I'm going to toy around with this, might as well have all the useful features people would want and need. Here are some basic functions that could be available:

- Your basic start/stop button
- Ease in & out (on/off selectable)
- Automatic and steady zoom in and out (Variable speed, user selectable)
- In and out markers for controlled zooming (push button selectable)
- Programmable zoom conditions (downloaded via serial or USB port?)

Any other suggestions in terms of functionality? Keep in mind that Panasonic’s “retard” :-/ cam remote only controls zoom and start/stop.

Zoomforce, where did you get the info on the DVX100 cam remote connectivity? I googled it, and all I could find is what you basically showed on your original post such as this one: http://www.bealecorner.com/dvx100/

Fred
 
Re: Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

ScreechingHalt, I've made one that's similar to your Rev-B. It's based on the Varizoom Pro controller. Basically, there's one variable speed knob, and two buttons for zoom in and zoom out. Works just like the Varizoom. I posted about it in this forum before the big crash. Hopefully it'll make it back one day ;)

I don't have the circuit drawn out on the computer, just on a sheet of paper. If that post never gets restored I'll write up another post on the details.
 
Re: Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

Very nifty, SirAllen. The version I had in mind allowed different speeds for in and out. I am sure it is a minor modification to your circuit. I was planning on having the one controller with both the standard zoom controls as well as the pushbutton presets with their own variables.
 
Re: Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

Does the zoom remote control also work with all other panasonic consumer or prsumer camcorders?
 
Re: Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

I just made one similar to the original design, but instead of a knob style pot, it was a 20K slider. Middle is no zoom- up is zoom in (variable, of course) and down zoom out. If I had bothered to put some sort of spring return that returned the slider to middle it would act very mich like a crude microforce controller. As it is, I must slide it to the middle to stop. Not bad for 25 bucks. I never would have been able to do it w/ out the excellent original plans! I'm still tickled about it.
 
Re: Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

cool!!!! I wanted to do the slider originally but couldnt find the slider. Can you take some pics?
 
Re: Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

I made one of the "two knob jobs" and really like the idea of knowing that when I turn the knob back (from whichever direction I was using) that the zoom is really off.  On the other hand... I was using it the other day and I left it in the slowest position... for retakes or starting the shot, I simply used the on-camera rocker arm to reset to the opposite direction... start tape rolling and release the rocker arm and viola the creep in (out) begins.  
I am still not happy with the camera's ability to ease in and taper off, but I've spoken to the factory repair guys and as soon as I'm done with principal photography on my current project, I'm sending it in.  From what I understand, the next generation DVX has a better zoom control... maybe they'll put those parts in.  

Anyway, thanks for doing the R&D on this... it's great. ;D
 
Re: Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

Okay I am a bit lazy and stupid but I don't know how to get a picture uploaded here.
I would be happy to do so once i figure out how.
The slider I got from SMC electronics and it cost a whopping $2 dollars. The only problem is there is no easy way to attach it to anything in the radioshack project box. I think it was desgned to be soldered. Anyway, a scrap of wood strategically placed inside and clued in place with gorilla glue formed a nice brace that works fine. BTW the slider fits perfectly in the radioshack box in the vertical dimension. it only needs to be braced from the rear.
Somebody more ingenious could figure out how to put some sort of return springs that always return the pot to dead center when your finger wasn't pushing on it. that would be really fancy.
 
Re: Handmade Zoom Control (modification)

Greetings - and thanks for the plans and info. I threw one of these controllers together last night literally moments before a shoot... it was that quick and easy. However, something got a little reversed... my multimeter was dead, so i built it according to the pictures, and somehow it came out "left handed" rather than "right handed" as your pictures indicate... it worked, but I had to hold it with the knobs on the left and the cord coming out towards the back. So, I warn everyone: make sure your multimeter's workin' and test!

Thanks,
Barry
 
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