What the thread found

• The Preston-to-Cinetape interface cable (part 4542) contains an active signal conversion board inside a small black box that translates protocol signals between the two systems, not just passive connectors
• Preston's serial port on the MDR2 changed from three pins to four pins around 2007, adding features including Cinetape interface capability
• The interface cable costs approximately $620 and is significantly cheaper than a complete Cinetape transmitter and receiver system with separate readout
• Camera assistants strongly prefer the Cinetape interface once they have used it and do not want to work without it

Depends on

• Three-pin serial connectors on older MDR2 units are not compatible with the Cinetape interface
• The exact pinout diagram was never provided in the discussion
• The discussion does not specify whether the interface works with all Cinetape units or only specific models

Gear in this thread

HU3, MDR

Parts

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