2006Brackets/Widgets forum
Wireless tally system for camera operators with addressable transmitter and receiver units
20 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The system uses a 434 MHz radio frequency link with approximately 50 feet effective range and supports 256 unique address combinations to allow multiple addressable pairs.
- Power requirements range from 9 to 24 volts DC with current consumption around 30-80mA for both transmitter and receiver units.
- The receiver tally LED produces a 500 millisecond output pulse that remains solid if the input frequency exceeds 500 milliseconds, with a 100 millisecond receiver delay.
- Photocell response spans 400-700 nanometers with a 600 millimeter cable length, and the transmitter tally LED brightness is variable based on the photocell input.
- The system achieved stable operation in most cases through unit repositioning, though some users experienced occasional signal dropout issues.
- Receiver tally LED brightness of 110,000 millicandela can cause excessive glare at close distances with talent and may require diffusion or tape covering.
- Operating temperature range is negative 30 to positive 60 degrees Celsius.
- The system can be powered through existing video assist or focus system cables, and optional aluminum cases, alternative power connectors, external antennas, and adapters are available at additional cost.
Depends on
- Effective range of approximately 50 feet is limited for applications requiring longer wireless links, such as 500-meter distances.
- Some units experienced intermittent signal dropout issues even after repositioning, with a code update mentioned as a potential solution.
- The system contains no internal battery and requires external power input.
- LED brightness can be problematic at close working distances unless diffusion is applied.
- Multiple participants reported needing customization or workarounds for their specific setups.