2018Follow Focus forum
Compatibility between analog Bartech follow focus handsets and digital motor systems
What the thread found
- Analog Bartech handsets can be used with digital receivers despite being designed for analog systems
- A digital PLC receiver is required to connect a Bartech handset to digital motors like those from Preston
- Most Bartech handsets work with both analog and digital receivers without modification, though some older units with obsolete software may require a CPU chip upgrade costing around 45 dollars
- CForce motors with 4-pin connectors are incompatible with standard 7-pin digital motor drivers because they use a proprietary serial protocol
- Multiple motor types can be run in parallel on the same follow focus system by using separate analog and digital receivers on different channels
Depends on
- Only a small percentage of older Bartech handsets with obsolete software require upgrading
- The exact software compatibility details were not fully explored in the discussion
- CForce motor compatibility specifically depends on connector type and proprietary signal requirements
Gear in this thread
Parts
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