2010Cameras (Film/Video/HD) forum
Using tally output connectors from broadcast cameras to trigger external tally indicators
16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The DC output connector on the Grass Valley LDK 8000 camera provides a tally signal through pins 1 and 2, where pin 1 is ground and pin 2 closes when the camera is on air, functioning as a simple switch contact rather than a voltage source.
- The tally output from broadcast cameras works as a trigger contact that opens or closes a circuit rather than providing direct power, so external LEDs require their own power supply.
- Sony HDC-1500 cameras use a Hirose HR10A-10P connector for tracker output with tally signals available on pins 6 and 10.
- Different camera manufacturers use the same connector type but assign different functions to pins—Panasonic uses the third pin of the 4-pin Hirose DC output for Run/Stop control, while Grass Valley leaves it unconnected.
Depends on
- The Grass Valley information is based on manual interpretation rather than confirmed testing.
- The Sony information comes from practical experience but is specific to the HDC-1500 model.
- Panasonic connector details are mentioned but not fully verified in the discussion.