2013Steadi-Newbies forum
Routing and securing wired video cables for flying a stabilized camera rig
13 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A thin and flexible coaxial cable measuring approximately 6 feet long should connect the camera to video village, with thinner construction preferred for reduced stiffness
- The cable should be attached close to the gimbal with a small clamp to minimize lever arm and pulling force on the rig
- Creating a loop in the cable that rises up from the gimbal attachment point and falls back down to a vest attachment distributes stress and prevents interference with the operator's arms
- Securing the cable to the vest with velcro strips at multiple points along the rig keeps it stable and professional-looking without affecting rig performance
- A carabiner hanging from the operator's vest near the armpit can hold cable slack, protecting the camera connection while preventing tension on the sled
- For SMPTE fiber connections, specialized 6-foot jumper cables are available from custom fabricators
- The Blackmagic Miniconverter can convert SDI to analog video and serves as an alternative downconversion solution to dedicated broadcast gear
Depends on
- Discussion focuses on SDI and coaxial cable systems rather than wireless monitoring alternatives
- Specific attachment methods described were tested with particular rig configurations and cable types, particularly stiff cables from multi-camera setups
- Availability of equipment rental varies by geographic location
- Recommendations assume standard Steadicam vest and gimbal configurations