2011Video Assist and Video Accessories forum
Fiber jumper cable routing and attachment techniques for steadicam live television work
15 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A six-foot fiber jumper length is standard practice for steadicam live television applications.
- Routing the cable from the back of the camera, wrapping around the left side and looping under the camera between the stage and shoulder pad can provide natural tension that acts as a spring for camera movement.
- Creating loops in the cable path helps stiffer fiber lines absorb motion and can allow the camera to return toward center position when released.
- Right shoulder connection points work better than right hip placement because hip routing can cause the cable to interfere with arm movement.
- Cable can be secured to the gimbal handle area and upper arm sections using gaff tape, allowing either the operator or support crew to make connections.
- Six-foot Phoenix cable jumpers have been used successfully on live television jobs with looping between the stage and shoulder pad, then secured at the right shoulder.
Depends on
- These techniques are based on experience with steadicam-mounted television cameras and may not apply to other equipment configurations.
- The routing advice assumes use of stiffer cable types like fiber or triax rather than coaxial cables.
- Preferences for connection points and routing vary between operators based on individual setup and comfort.