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Firewire Issues causing breakdowns

T

Tethered

New Member
Whilst using a H3DII MS for the last 5 months I've been having various problems (nearly every other time I do a shoot), with its tempremental firewire connection whilst teathered to the com.

Most of the time its a case of the signal dropping and one having to disconnect - unpower - take apart - reboot and get the thing running again. However more seriously I've had a few issues with cables stopping working altogether (I still get power to the camera but no signal) - the last time this happened the camera and laptop were still found to be ok. Its becoming a real pain because of the problem being so intemittent and so therfore hard to test.

I'm going through these cables quite quickly so if anybody's go any ideas..

I'm using three different computers and the problems arise irrespective of which one I'm using. Whilst getting the camera checked I don't seem to get the cable problem when using the loan ones.
 
It's certainly hard to diagnose.. From what you say the culprit would seem to be the connection on the camera itself (as the problem occurs with multiple computers/cables). Which cables are you using? If you are using the granite ones with the ferrite bead:

http://www.granitedigital.com/firewire1394-b16ft9pinto9pinnoled.aspx

be aware they put alot of strain on the port. I use a repeater with a lightweight cable to the back for this reason.
Nick-T
 
Thanks for getting back to me; that looks alot beefier than what I've been using - http://www.lindy.co.uk/45m-premium-firewire-800-cable-6-pin-male-to-9-pin-bilingual-male/30768.html I bought these based on what I saw being sent out with the rental cameras from my retailer.

Would this quality of cable play a part in letting in some kind of signal disruption or interference?

I'm wondering if the camera back socket has a part to play even though I use a small extension cable-tied on to the neckstrack rings on the body

T
 
What is the cable length?

Mac or PC?
If Mac tower, plugging into firewire port in the rear has been more stable then front port.

What OS?

Are there any error message appearing on the digital back?

Paul
 
I'm using 4.5 metre 9 pin - 6 pin cables, plugging both into pcs towers (XP pro) and a mac laptop (10.4.11). I've checked the earthing on the ports of all them for any power issues. The most recent instance has been whilst plugged into the laptop - I'd taken about 15 exposures before it locked up.

I've been using similar cables to what my retailer sends out with their H system hire kit: http://www.lindy.co.uk/45m-premium-firewire-800-cable-6-pin-male-to-9-pin-bilingual-male/30768.html

I must say that firewire looks alot beefier than with what I was supplied and am using; Is the firewire system quite a susceptible outside interference?
 
Hi, sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

Looking at the cable you linked to I noticed it to be a lot thicker than the one I received with the camera and the subsequent ones I bought. I've been currently using 4.5m ones made by Lindy.co.uk as these were what my camera seller was sending out with hire kits. My seller has since supplied me with one similar to the Granite one to see if that helps.

Computer wise I'm using both Mac and PC - Using PC XP pro Workstations and a Mac Book Pro OS 10.11. The issue occurs on any of them. The PC firewire sockets - boards - PSU have been tested for earthing problems but are all in the clear (less then 0.5 Ohms).

I've noticed these firewire cables cause alot of stress on the socket and so I guess eventually the terminal pins which could cause a possible mismatch and signal failure. It be good to devise somekind of cable support that transfers the tension to the camera chassis and tripod. Otherwise I can see these sockets needing replacing in a year.

Thanks for your help and advise.

T
 
Hello Teathered ,
aside from your stability issues , you appear to also be
highlighting your concerns with the mechanical stability of the actual firewire
port.

Don´t know if you are aware of these devices , but I have seen them in operation , & they appear to be quite stable for a simple solution in engineering.

http://www.tetherlock.com/
 
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