Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

B

bena

DVXuser Sponsor
I am going to be building a run of DVX Zoom Controllers. They will feature push button control. They will use a coiled cord available in several different lengths. I am thinking of making it a Slow and Med speed with possibly a version for S,M, and Fast with maybe a slide switch so one does not accidently do a Fast Zoom during actual filming.

Feel free to post your feelings if you think it needs all three speeds, but that might cost a bit more.. more buttons and soldering.

I will have some pictures up in the next few days. Dealing with a kidney stone at the moment so that is slowing me down.

I am hoping to keep this around the $40 range.

Please let me know if you have any thoughts or might be interested in one.

Thanks
Ben
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

Sounds interesting!

Will this be based on the same type of design as was described in the Hardware forum? That looked quite workable. Will you use a rocker or a wheel for the actual zooming?

Thanks!
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

I can put together 3 styles:

a Linear slider
rotating Knob
push button

I guess it just depends on what each person prefers.
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

If price will be reasonable and it will include (or be compatable) with some kind of clamp, so i can attach it to my DV RIg then you can put me on the list
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

Please indicate which control method you think you might like.

Can you tell me what the size of the clamp should be for the dv rig?
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

Heck yeah, I'm super interested. I have been putting off building one of those for months. I would be interested in either the linear slider or the nob. I too am interested in hooking it up to my DV rig, let me go measure it.
You know what. I just moved last week and I can't find anything. Everything is still packed in boxes, so I don't have a measuring tape or a ruler. but I estimate that it is about 2"-2.5" around. It has squishy material around the handel so it is pretty flexable. IF anyone has a more exact measurment feel free.
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale


Do you want a real clamp or would 2 velcro cable ties and a little strip of velcro on the unit and the place you want it to stay work?

The benifit of the velcro is that its quickly removed, can attach to anything and will be stable.

They way I would do the velcro would allow you to just remove it. If you go to Home depot you could easily find a clamp that would work and you could add it yourself.  I would hate to put one on and it didn't fit.

For those going to be using this on DVrig, what length cord do you want?
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

velcro straps like to slide around and not stay in place unless its velcrod to the handle itslef with velcro stuck to the handle, and then straps you wrap to the handle velcro. be sure to do it that way instead of just having straps that wrap around and velcro back to themselves. :)
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

[quote author=iamloser link=board=nws;num=1089388538;start=0#7 date=07/10/04 at 09:40:27]velcro straps like to slide around and not stay in place unless its velcrod to the handle itslef with velcro stuck to the handle, and then straps you wrap to the handle velcro. be sure to do it that way instead of just having straps that wrap around and velcro back to themselves. :)[/quote]

That is exactly what I was trying to say.  ;D As soon as I put some Pics up it will all be clear.

P.s. Huge Atari ST fan here!  OS in Rom is Genius, no corrupt Mac Os system folders there. Just a simple reboot and your back in bizness.
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

I would probably be down for one of these. It would go on the pan bar of a Bogen 501 head. Don't know what exact length it should be though.:(
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

Regarding cord length, could you build it with a plug at both ends of the cable so you can change cable length depending on the application?
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

[quote author=ChuckS link=board=nws;num=1089388538;start=0#10 date=07/10/04 at 10:44:05]Regarding cord length, could you build it with a plug at both ends of the cable so you can change cable length depending on the application?[/quote]

I am thinking that is the way to go. But I don't know how rugged the side that goes into the camera will be with a modular jack. I am going to do a quick build of this and see what I can work out so that it will be strong enough. Waiting to get some parts in before I can start.

I will keep you all posted.
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

[quote author=bena link=board=nws;num=1089388538;start=0#0 date=07/09/04 at 08:55:38]
I will have some pictures up in the next few days. Dealing with a kidney stone at the moment so that is slowing me down.
Ben[/quote]

Yikes! I know what that's like...™ I've passed a few in my day.

I like to refer to it as "Romancing the Stone™".  ;)

As Bob Zimmerman sang, "Everybody Must Get Stoned!".

Basic Lesson I Learned: STAY HYDRATED!!!
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

I be interested too..  Not sure what type of knob or slider yet.  I'd probably be mounting mine to both a Tripod arm and a Bogen Auto-Monopod (e.g., when holding pod way up over my head, the zoom control would be a great benefit).

Looking forward to the pics.

Andrew
Crystal Clear Media
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

I have the Canon ZR-1000 remote from my TRV-900- with lanc end. ANyone know if I can convert the lanc to work with the DVX? I love this little rear zoom and focus (even if I could just get the zoom to work that would be okay)
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

I haven't had the time to build one for my DVRig Pro and it needs a controller--bad. I'd pick one up from you if it looks good. I'd like to see a nice non-wobbly mount and the record/pause button at the bottom with a slider for the zoom above the button.
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

I used 2 plastic tie-wraps to mount the one I built for my DVRigPro. I drilled 4 holes in the bottom of the enclosure and snaked them through. They are very strong and you can adjust them for just the right amount of tension when installing. Might be worth a consideration.
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

I am expecting new parts to show up in the next week. Hope to have pics up when I can build with the new box's and parts.

One issue with the linear slider is going to be finding a knob for it and I dont think it will return to center on its own, if thats an issue.

I am going to build a test model that has a turn pot, 2 buttons for slow zoom in and out, and a record/stop button as a test to see how I like it.
 
Re: Home Built DVX Zoom Controllers for sale

Yes, please put me on the list. This sounds like a winner. I would vote in favor of the clamp. I might even order 2, one for the tripod, one for the stabilizer. At this price, I think it would be much faster to pop the plug out, slide the camera off the tripod sled, move the camera over to the stabilizer, and pop the connector from the stabilizer-mounted controller into the camera...just one man's opinion

All the best,
Steve

p.s. - mostly do weddings and music events.
 
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