Varicam LT ROP App and WIFI Dongle

B

BerkeCreative

Member
I thought people might find this interesting.

I own the Varicam LT and have been searching for options for wireless start/stop control. I was really hoping that panasonic would add a feature for IOS control and was very pleasantly surprised that they did so for free. Finally a reason to get a wireless dongle for the camera.

What? It's how much for a Panasonic branded USB dongle!?

So decided to try a generic one on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M17UTSJ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So far it's working perfectly! I haven't tested the range, but it's proven incredibly useful for jib and handheld work. It configured just fine in the camera and fits behind the wireless door on the camera no problem. For the life of me I can't figure out why Panasonic didn't just build wifi into the darn thing, but for $17 you're good to go!

Now here's hoping Panasonic will add support for the 'deep' menu in some future version.
 
You'll find there are numerous pro camera manufacturers that do not build in wifi but instead use a dongle. This is because it changes the classification of the device for import duties into various territories. So a dongle is a workaround. Silly, but it's what we all do.
 
Mitch, is there any workflow for extending the range? We are looking into using the ROP at DIT tent so we can work with the full image rather than viewfinder out and use the ROP to give us confidence on settings, but concerned about signal being reliable. Theoretically we could use a router for each camera set to extend the range...it's a little messy.
 
CharlesPapert said:
Mitch, is there any workflow for extending the range? We are looking into using the ROP at DIT tent so we can work with the full image rather than viewfinder out and use the ROP to give us confidence on settings, but concerned about signal being reliable. Theoretically we could use a router for each camera set to extend the range...it's a little messy.
Click to expand...

Interesting question. Will have to talk to the engineers about that one.
 
Mitch Gross said:
You'll find there are numerous pro camera manufacturers that do not build in wifi but instead use a dongle. This is because it changes the classification of the device for import duties into various territories. So a dongle is a workaround. Silly, but it's what we all do.
Click to expand...

Ahh I didn't think about that! Goes to show there's always more to the story than my one perspective.
 
Good to know other cheaper alternatives are working, I ended up buying the expensive Panasonic AJ-WM50P dongle instead in haste, but I know a Varicam LT user from Netherlands who was looking for an alternative.

I wonder how these device classifications work because it is sort of funny that a consumer level DSLR like the GH5 has wifi built into the camera but manufacturers have to work-around for a multi-thousand dollar motion picture camera like the Varicam LT?
 
As a 270 owner, which has much the same wifi system and software, please keep this thread moving. In fact, a general conversation about iOS or android apps - control would be great. When the 270 was released, it seemed like the software was in beta format, yet would be really useful if and when working 100%. The whole 270 release went this way with advertised functions coming pretty slowly after release. Any comments on the remote wifi options would be greatly appreciated.

Grant
 
BerkeCreative said:
I thought people might find this interesting.

I own the Varicam LT and have been searching for options for wireless start/stop control. I was really hoping that panasonic would add a feature for IOS control and was very pleasantly surprised that they did so for free. Finally a reason to get a wireless dongle for the camera.

What? It's how much for a Panasonic branded USB dongle!?

So decided to try a generic one on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M17UTSJ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So far it's working perfectly! I haven't tested the range, but it's proven incredibly useful for jib and handheld work. It configured just fine in the camera and fits behind the wireless door on the camera no problem. For the life of me I can't figure out why Panasonic didn't just build wifi into the darn thing, but for $17 you're good to go!

Now here's hoping Panasonic will add support for the 'deep' menu in some future version.
Click to expand...

I bought 2 generic dongles but they don't work so far. I don't see my camera on my iphone. Did you use default settings or did you set something specific?
 
Yeah pretty much just left the defaults. I created a user and password for the wifi. And you have to enable the function in the menu. You should see an icon in the control panel when it's broadcasting. My biggest problem is now my phone always tries to connect to the camera first! Which generic dongle did you buy? Did you try enabling the different bands?
 
Marcel Zyskind said:
For some reason my wifi dongle does not turn on and shows no mac address in wireless property settings when attached to the camera. Do I have to setup the dongle somehow before inserting to camera? I use this dongle. https://www.amazon.com/Asus-adaptat...TF8&qid=1506075420&sr=1-1&keywords=asus+ac600
Click to expand...


Did you folllow this? http://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/content/guide/EN/VROPGuide_e.pdf

I ordered 2 or 3 dongles that were not working at all before finding the one I specified in the previous message. You really should order one that was tested successfully by some users in this thread.
 
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