2013Video Assist and Video Accessories forum
Switronix Recon wireless video transmitter experiencing dropouts specifically with RED cameras
13 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
- The Switronix Recon wireless system performed reliably at 75-100 feet range with Alexa cameras but experienced frequent dropouts on RED EPIC and RED One cameras across multiple jobs.
- RED EPIC outputs true 1080p progressive format rather than progressive segmented frame, which some wireless video equipment may not handle properly.
- The Recon receiver accepts specific formats including 1080p 23.98psf, 24p, 25p, 25psf, 29.97p and 720p options, but alternative framerates like 720p 60p and 1080p 29.97p did not fully resolve dropout issues.
- HD-SDI cabling from camera to transmitter routed through camera rig sled internal connections can affect signal quality.
- Placing the transmitter too close to the receiver, such as within 15-20 feet, can cause signal breakup and dropout issues.
- A potential hardware defect in the transmitter logic board specific to RED signal processing rather than Alexa signal processing may be the cause.
- Using a crappy Samsung monitor or inadequate monitoring equipment in the video chain may contribute to perceived dropout problems.
Depends on
- The original poster did not definitively identify the root cause before sending the unit for service.
- No controlled comparison was performed between a functioning unit and the suspect unit to confirm hardware defect theory.
- Environmental factors like Faraday cage metal structures around set locations were not fully investigated as potential interference sources.
- The specific sled model, battery configuration, and exact cable routing varied between successful Alexa jobs and problematic RED jobs.
- Participants disagreed on whether the issue was format-related, hardware-related, or environmental.