Remote Focus/Iris Controller (D.I.M...did it myself)

[Tnwonder]

I know this is kinda off topic but inspired by all the threads about the need of a focus-iris controller for our beloved AF100 and the article by Jarred Land (dvxuser.com/articles/remote) I decided to build my own controller.
I know it doesn't look pro and it cannot even remotely be compared to the beautiful pieces out there but it's a 200$ saver.
Its design is almost like the dvx100 remote's except it needs two potentiometers instead of just one and a start-stop button that in the dvx 100 controlled the s/s recording.
As we say in Italy its build is monkey-proof and I was able to make it by myself despite my psychology major.
For any reference about its schemes you can easily use all the info you find in the article by Jarred Land.
Cheers

 

[JPC]

Hi,
Can you put a link to the article please ?
tnx !

 

[JPC]

oops dind't see the link in y're post...... sorry

 

[bgundu]

http://www.dvxuser.com/articles/remote/

 

[Postfade]

I'm very interested to know the values of the pots that you used. were they 20K (log or lin?).
I was surprised to find that my BeBob FOXI (see recent posts re remote controllers) didn't achieve infinity with my Lumix 14-140 lens so am looking for ways of 'getting there' somehow!
Jarred lands article that you mention is for a zoom controller, something we can't have on the AF100 but you've obviously built a focus and iris controller.

David Taylor.

 

[dop16mm]

Looks easy enough but please put up a wiring diagram at least, Not quite sure how to make the jump from one pot to 2.

 

[grimrebes]

Perhaps you could supply some still images of the insides of your device as well?

 

[Tnwonder]

The remote obviously works for iris and focus and that's why it needs two potentiometers.
Attached you can find the scheme I drew that shows the connections between the female jack and the 2 potentiometer.
One quick recommendation: if you can test your female 3.5mm adaptor I would assign the focus to the top of the connector since sometimes you might just want to control the focus and not mess with the iris by using a mono cable instead of a stereo cable.
Ça va sans dire that by using the stereo 3.5mm cable both focus and iris work perfectly.
One more thing: despite the recent failures with some pro controllers I didn't have any trouble reaching infinity and the whole focus range with this homemade piece.
Cheers

 

[Tnwonder]

And this is ver 2.0 of the homemade remote focus. I attached it to my shoulder rig as it is now part of the whole kit that comes with the Af101.
Despite the roughness of the two collars the grip is pretty comfortable and the two knob are easily within the left thumb reach.
Cheers.

 

[JPC]

my version of this DIY project.... works perfect with pana 14-140 - 20 mm lenses
total cost : 14 euro...

 

[Tnwonder]

Cool. Great job!

 

[PCDiver]

my version of this DIY project.... works perfect with pana 14-140 - 20 mm lenses
total cost : 14 euro...
View attachment 29864

Nic work, any chance to make one for a fellow Belgian? Willing to pay of course.