Camera Control Over Cat5 or 6 cable?

[jeremyb503]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this.

I currently have 2 Sony DXC-537 cameras. I have a CCU-M7 for one of them. The 26pin cable that runs between the CCU and the cameras costs a large fortune.

I have heard of a system that will allow me to the cameras via cat5 cable.

Anyone have any leads on a system like this?

Thanks!

[zactommo]

Originally Posted by jeremyb503

The 26pin cable that runs between the CCU and the cameras costs a large fortune.!

Tell me about it!

You can purchase non-sony versions of these cables; they are cheaper, but still not cheap. http://www.markertek.com/Cables-Conn...D-26MF-7.xhtml

Now, regarding the cat5 solution. Camplex makes a variety of systems that send multiple components needed for your camera down a single cable. They do make cat5 products, but they are designed for prosumer cameras. For a product that would work for your cameras, your looking at their systems that send signal down coax or triax cable. But starting at $5k, they aren't cheap! (a CCU-D50 and some 26pin would be cheaper) http://www.camplex.com/cp301.shtml

Telemetrics also make a similar product, and there may be other manufactures. http://www.telemetricsinc.com/index....emart&Itemid=6

The other, more cost effective solution: if your camera has a remote port, which is usually near the lens end of the camera body, then you could connect a RM-M7G or similar to the camera. This will give you remote CCU control, but not the other features of a D50 via 26pin, or a camplex system. But I assume you've already got video, coms, power and genlock running to your other camera, so to add one more cable would be a big deal. Would defiantly be the cheapest way to get remote CCU for your second camera. http://www.globalmediapro.com/dp/A00...-Control-Unit/

[jeremyb503]

Thanks for the suggestions. My cameras do have the remote port.

The system that I was aware of that was built by a local guy was just a little paint box like that and an adapter he made to use it with cat 5 cable.

I will see if I can get a couple of RM7's on ebay.

Thanks again.

[tedanderson]

Try purchasing a 26-pin cable used from a local video production vendor. I don't know if this is a feasible solution where you live but we are in DMA market #9 and we have a few prominent vendors in the area that subcontract for C-Span and the federal gov't. and because of the heavy use, they have a high turnover rate on their equipment.

Anyhow, that's how we were able to pick up 2 used cables for under $1K. Also, this particular vendor upgraded everything to triax cable so they no longer have a need for 26-pin setups.

[zactommo]

I can remember how many pins the remote cable has off the top of my head, but I can't see why using CAT5/6 wouldn't work for the remote cable, providing there are enough wires. Just create a little adaptor at each end. That will save some money on cable.

I suppose, unless you can see yourself upgrading your cameras in the next few years, it would be a bit silly to spend 3-4K on another M7 and some 26pin when that will be worth more than both of your cameras.

Originally Posted by tedanderson

we have a few prominent vendors in the area that subcontract for C-Span and the federal gov't.

I often see the military online auctions; they have XDCAM cameras, and SD panasonic ENG cams with $150 reserve Sometime I wish I lived in the US, so I could get awesome deals like that!

[tedanderson]

You can find that stuff on eBay relatively cheaply too.. The guys that buy that stuff from the gov't auctions usually just turn around and sell it for whatever they can get for it.

[jeremyb503]

Thanks for the quick reply's. The little paintboxes seem like a great idea. The connector on the camera is 10 pin and cat 5 is only 8 conductor. I will have to find a pinout. Maybe I can just drop a couple of pins and loose a function, or I suppose I could find some 10 conductor wire.

Thanks again.

[jeremyb503]

Just as an update. I e-mailed Sony and got the pinout on the remote control and it actually only uses 8 of the ten wires on the connector (go figure!). I have the pinout, if anyone needs it.

[Borggren]

Heard that it is possible to extend the RM-M7G cable with a standard XLR cable, if you only need to control the iris. Just have to find out which 2 pins that are controlling the iris.
I am very interested in the pinout, so you are very welcome to mail it to me.

[jeremyb503]

Here is the pinout for the remote. All you need is the data pins 6 & 7 to make the remote work.

[Borggren]

I have made remote cables with standard s-video cables, to use between Sony DSR 570 cameras, and RM-M7G remote controllers. Using one of the coax in the cables to all remote functions on the RM-M7G, and on the other coax, i have video signal return from camera, outputted on the BNC connector on the RM-M7G.

[Brent Bauman]

In terms of operating your Sony cameras via Cat 5 cabling you could also look at the Laird PHATCAT system HERE is a link.