Camera control cables

I wish the Sony EVI-D70 camera came with a control cable. Are there any local stores that would stock one, or do I have to mail-order it? I couldn't find it on the web sites of any major stores.

Assuming that you're looking for the round RS-232 control cable (on camera) to a COM serial port cable (PC).

If so, search eBay for "VISCA RS-232" and check INCLUDE DESCRIPTIONS you should see some starting around $15. You could also search Google for the same thing. Keep in mind, if you get a cable with a RJ45 CAT5 connector and adapter, you can use inexpensive CAT5 cables to extend the distance.

Hope this helps.

Thanks. Either of the connectors would be fine. Yeah, I've seen them on the web, I was just hoping to be able to play with it today or tomorrow. I'm not sure if and where we're going to mount the camera so for now I just want something that connects directly to the computer.

I was reading in the manual and was surprised at how far you could send the signal over CAT5; it seems that's the ticket for sending just about anything these days.

Is there any reason to go with 422 instead of 232?

craiggsmith wrote:Is there any reason to go with 422 instead of 232?

422 is generally considered "better" in that it is more resistant to noise, especially if there is noise between the grounds of the two pieces of equipment in question. I think it's also more likely to allow a higher baud rate over longer distances.

But for the task at hand, I'm not sure if there's any difference.

[quote="craiggsmith"]Is there any reason to go with 422 instead of 232?[/quote]
I had no problems with communications to the Sony EVI-D70 camera via RS-232 and a computer, but never tested it beyond 50' (maximum cable length of RS-232 is 50', although I've heard it can actually work beyond that).

As far as RS-422 and a computer, I was never able to get it to work with the free software. I’ve tried several computers, USB to RS-422 adapters, and I even purchased a RS-422 serial card, but had no luck. Also, because the free software was difficult to use and somewhat limited, we invested in Sony's remote control unit, which supports RS-422.

By using RS-422, we don't have cable length problems (we are running 3 EVI-D70 cameras daisy-chained over a 250' run) and RS-422 works great with the RM-BR300 remote control unit.

michaelfish wrote:maximum cable length of RS-232 is 50', although I've heard it can actually work beyond that

Is that a Sony limitation? I've tortured RS-232 far beyond that in the past, usually at 9600 baud. I'm not sure what the camera's baud rate is. RS-422 would be a better fit for using Cat 5 cable.

Thanks everyone.

I found a couple light blue 9-pin RS-232 to RJ45 cables in our closet -- anyone know what they are for?

craiggsmith wrote:Thanks everyone.

I found a couple light blue 9-pin RS-232 to RJ45 cables in our closet -- anyone know what they are for?

Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-Cisco-Co ... B001S2PYVY? If so, they are probably Cisco serial cables.

Aaron Z

Yes, that looks like them. I was thinking they may have come with the Cisco firewall.

craiggsmith wrote:Yes, that looks like them. I was thinking they may have come with the Cisco firewall.

The Cisco PIX 501 and the ASA 5505 both came with blue console cables used to connect the device to a computer using a serial RS-232 port for advanced setup and configuration. It is not needed for Church network installations.

jdlessley wrote:It is not needed for Church network installations.

Let me just clarify, it is not needed for NORMAL Church network installations. I've run into more than one situation where a Cisco firewall had to be re-scripted via a serial port on a PC because they had lost the ability to communicate with it over the Internet. I'm just saying, it's not something you want to toss out. In fact, I've added a couple of THESE (cheap, but dependable) serial to USB cables to my "kit", for newer PC's without serial ports. Handy for any STS to have.

Mikerowaved wrote:Let me just clarify, it is not needed for NORMAL Church network installations. I've run into more than one situation where a Cisco firewall had to be re-scripted via a serial port on a PC because they had lost the ability to communicate with it over the Internet. I'm just saying, it's not something you want to toss out. In fact, I've added a couple of THESE (cheap, but dependable) serial to USB cables to my "kit", for newer PC's without serial ports. Handy for any STS to have.

I completely agree. The first time I had to do this, I dug up my old laptop that had a 9-pin serial port so that the GSD could rescript the Pix. But I knew that old beast's days were numbered, so I got a serial-USB adapter. I was certainly glad when about 4 months ago I had to do this again. Armed with my adapter and the console cable, I was able to work with the GSD and be back up and running in less than an hour.

RussellHltn wrote:Is that a Sony limitation? I've tortured RS-232 far beyond that in the past, usually at 9600 baud. I'm not sure what the camera's baud rate is. RS-422 would be a better fit for using Cat 5 cable.

Like most things in electronics, I belive it is a "Theoretical Maximum", as I like you have used it far beyond 50', and have in fact done so on the EVI-D70 cammera. I belive it has a lot to do with the actual cable used, and the noise levels in the enviroment.

I'm surprised that they still sell cables with the old serial connector; I do have an old machine with one but it's days are certainly numbered as well.

craiggsmith wrote:I'm surprised that they still sell cables with the old serial connector; I do have an old machine with one but it's days are certainly numbered as well.

Not only are they still sold, RS-232 (DB-9) controls are in fact very common on high end pro video and audio gear. they may die out as Ethernet enabled controls take over. but most gear still uses RS-232 control. they just are not very common on Consumer laptops and computers.

StevePoulsen wrote:they may die out as Ethernet enabled controls take over. but most gear still uses RS-232 control.

While laptops have USB and Firewire, those protocols have a very limited cable length. The equipment in question would have to be at the same location as the computer.

I see, thanks!