Warning for Z1U CoCo Users!

Erik Olson

Erik Olson

Unscripted Mod
Staff member
All,

We're in the middle of shooting a Z1 / F900 (10 cameras) documentary with CoCo DVL 12v converters. These converters slide into the stock battery position, upconverting the 7.2v to 12v for the purpose of running lighting or video transmitter accessories. They feature a Hirose connector and Twist-D-Tap (Anton Bauer-style) plug.

To date, we've lost three Z1U cameras to the devices!

When gently bumped from the microphone side of the camera, the CoCo comes out of contact with the connectors, powering down the camera. Usually, this is a mere inconvenience as the camera immediately reboots.

However, in three instances, we've had cameras that will not power up after the failure. On several separate occassions, the battery completely and instantly discharges, but does not affect the camera. The batteries do take a full charge and function normally once charged.

What we don't know is what this will do to the Sony warranty - so proceed carefully with your FX and Z1 camera!

e
 
Ouch! Hate to hear that this is happening with the cams (especially to someone from my home town!)

Oddly enough, I was over at dvinfo and someone had reported something very similar....

"Important information about the Z1 camera.

We have been advised by Sony that if the Z1 is powered up when changing the battery, it is possible to blow one of the internal surface mounted fuses, thus leaving the camera powerless.

DV Solutions have seen this happen on a number of cameras.

The fix is the replacement of a circuit board or replacing the fuse which is not easily available.

Therefore, make sure the camera is switched off before changing the battery."

this was from a user in the uk, so parts may be easier to get in states.... eiterher way its a rather scary scenario :(

The thread can be found here:
http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=61121

Keep us posted on the warranty infos.... good luck!
 
Hmm, since it blows the fuse, seems the cam has a built in defense from.. well blowing up I guess. But still that seems like such a pain (even more so if your shooting on limited time!) anyways thanks for that info, I'm sure many will find it very useful indeed.

Anhar
 
Every operator on the show reports at least a few power interruptions after brushing against the unit when operating in a low position.

My only guess is that the upconverted 12 volts is somehow momentarily reversing back into the camera.

It is interesting that in some instances there is no battery discharge. In other instances, the battery just gets completely and totally drained in an instant. InfoLithium indicates that they do indeed take a full charge after these incidents and operable life seems unaffected.

Naturally, our biggest concern is damage to the Z1 cameras. Take care!

e
 
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