Wireless RF systems for Steadicam work: tally reliability and camera compatibility

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2004Video Assist and Video Accessories forum

22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

Tally indicator delay can vary significantly when using RF wireless systems with certain camera and base station combinations, ranging from 10 frames to 6 seconds of inconsistency.
The type of camera may influence RF system performance, as technicians may have limited experience matching specific camera models to particular wireless systems.
RF wireless systems can experience complete failure during live events despite working correctly during preparation and rehearsal.
The Thomson Grass Valley LDK 200 camera with Digital Wireless Triax back performed reliably with consistent tally response during extended use.

Discussion centers on one operator's specific experience with Total RF system and Sony D35 camera; compatibility issues may not apply to all camera and RF system combinations.
One positive report about Thomson Grass Valley system is based on single use case.
RF system reliability appears environmentally dependent, with potential interference issues affecting performance during live events in different settings.
Tally inconsistency was not definitively resolved; possible causes included camera type, base station configuration, or system compatibility rather than confirmed root cause.