2011Follow Focus forum
Interference patterns on monitor when operating Arri WCU3 wireless focus unit with RED camera and decimator on Archer 2 steadicam rig
15 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- Interference lines appearing on a composite video monitor when using wireless focus remote controls can result from power delivery instability rather than radio frequency interference.
- Motor current spikes during focus wheel operation may cause voltage drops affecting other powered equipment on the rig.
- Positioning the decimator away from wireless transmitter and receiver units, and powering it from a separate battery source rather than the camera's power output, can reduce signal degradation.
- Using the camera's 4-pin power connector as the sole power source for additional equipment like a decimator is not recommended due to insufficient current capacity.
- Signal cable quality and proper shielding of video connections are important factors in preventing image artifacts when multiple powered devices operate simultaneously.
- Systematic testing with independently powered and grounded equipment can help isolate whether problems originate from power delivery, radio frequency interference, or cable issues.
Depends on
- The original poster did not report final resolution of the issue.
- Participants disagreed about whether power delivery or radio frequency was the primary cause.
- Solutions were suggested but not all were confirmed as successful by the original poster.
- Discussion includes anecdotal reports from users with similar but not identical equipment configurations.