Option (P/N: PRO-X-VFP) is also available which provides 12 VDC power for the monitor and a video output for the
external monitor/viewfinder.
Finally, an optional mechanical monitor mounting system is available which allows you to ìoffsetî the monitor to one
side of the camera, as shown in Figure 1 (P/N: PRO-X-SBM, in addition to the appropriate Camplex Mechanical
Docking Adapter Kit for your camera.)
Table 1 - PRO-X1 Viewfinder/External Monitor Options
|
Part Number
|
Description
|
A/V Functions
|
|
PRO-X-VFO
|
Special camera adapter lid assembly providing a video output for an external monitor
|
Camera Video Only
|
|
PRO-X-VFP
|
Special camera adapter lid assembly providing a video output AND regulated +12 VDC (up to 1 Ampere) for an external monitor
|
Camera Video
+12 VDC @ 1 Amp.
|
|
PRO-X-SBM
|
Mechanical ìarmî to allow mounting of an external monitor on the PRO-X1 Docking Adapter
|
Mechanical only
|
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2. What kind of external monitors does the PRO-X-VFO and PRO-X-VFP accessories support?
The PRO-X-VFO option supports any LCD monitor that can accept a composite video input. Be aware, however,
that normal viewfinder symbols and displays will not be present as the video feed to the external monitor is the
camera video output (the same signal transmitted through the PRO-X1 system.)
The PRO-X-VFP option supports a wide variety of +12 VDC LCD monitors. In general, the current draw of an attached
monitor must be less than 1.0 Amperes instantaneous current. Note that use of the PRO-X-VFP option may reduce the
multiplex cable length allowable, as the monitor power supply will require part of the power from the PRO-X1 control
unit normally reserved for an attached camera.
Camplex Corporation is in the process of testing various LCD monitors as they become available. Please contact
Camplex Corporation for additional information.
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3. Does the use of an external monitor/viewfinder affect the multiplex cable length?
Yes. The addition of an external monitor increases the current demand of the PRO-X1 camera adapter power supply,
which decreases the distance you can operate the system. If the total current demand of the PRO-X1 camera adapter,
camera, and external monitor/viewfinder exceeds 2 Amperes, the system will not operate – it will be necessary to
power the camera or external monitor/viewfinder and/or that attached camera with a battery or external power supply.
See How far can I go on a given cable? below for additional information on multiplex cable lengths.
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4. How far can I go on a given cable?
Power Distance
The maximum cable ìloopî resistance when using a typical LCD monitor/external viewfinder is 16 Ohms when using an external monitor/viewfinder, compared to about 22 Ohms when using the base system. As such, the operating distance on a particular cable is reduced approximately 27%. In practice, this means you should test your cable runs with the external monitor/viewfinder option in place BEFORE you need to use the system in a production environmentÖ it may be necessary to cut off some cable and put on a new connector, or run the camera or external monitor/viewfinder on a battery.
Be aware that the operating distances shown below are estimates only – due to the ìswitch-modeî design used in the Pro-X1 Multiplexing system, and the switch-mode power supplies used in most modern cameras, there will be a certain point where the power provided from the Pro-X1 control unit is no longer sufficient to adequately power the Pro-X1 camera adapter and attached equipment. This length may vary depending upon the camera, accessories, and whether the camera will be recording during operation.
Signal Distance
Another important factor in determining the appropriate cable for a Pro-X1 Multiplexing system application is the ìnominal attenuationî figure for a given cable. The Pro-X1 Multiplexing system has an overall ìRF budgetî of approximately 25 dB at 30 MHz. Extrapolating the attenuation of the proposed cable at 30 MHz (estimated in many cases or averaged using the manufacturerís 10 MHz and 50 MHz figures), Table 2 shows the distance at which 25 dB of attenuation is reached. Please note that this is only an approximation, and also note that, in most cases, the power distance is shorter than the signal distance (until you start using RG-11-type cables).
The chart below shows a sampling of some manufacturersí cables and the theoretical lengths that will allow full operation of the Pro-X1 system.
Table 2 – Multiplex Cable Chart
|
|
Total DCR/
|
|
|
|
|
75 Ohm Cable
|
1000 ft. (305 m)
|
Power Distance @ 2A
|
Signal Distance
|
|
RG-59
|
Belden 8241
|
49.60
|
Ohms
|
322 ft. (98 m)
|
1428 ft. (435 m)
|
|
|
Canare LV-61S
|
29.90
|
Ohms
|
535 ft. (163 m)
|
1250 ft. (381 m)
|
|
|
Belden 9259
|
17.60
|
Ohms
|
909 ft. (277 m)
|
1666 ft. (508 m)
|
|
|
Belden 1857A (Triax)
|
16.50
|
Ohms
|
969 ft. (295 m)
|
2173 ft. (662 m)
|
|
|
Clark CV7559
|
13.32
|
Ohms
|
1201 ft. (366 m)
|
1524 ft. (464 m)
|
|
RG-6U
|
Canare LV-77S
|
17.10
|
Ohms
|
935 ft. (285 m)
|
1470 ft. (448 m)
|
|
|
Belden 8281F
|
13.50
|
Ohms
|
1185 ft. (361 m)
|
1655 ft. (504 m)
|
|
|
Clark Camplex1
|
13.50
|
Ohms
|
1185 ft. (361 m)
|
2192 ft. (668 m)
|
|
|
Belden 8281
|
11.00
|
Ohms
|
1454 ft. (443 m)
|
1923 ft. (586 m)
|
|
|
Clark CV752
|
11.00
|
Ohms
|
1454 ft. (443 m)
|
2192 ft. (668 m)
|
|
|
Joseph Elec. Camplex1800
|
10.00
|
Ohms
|
1600 ft. (487 m)
|
1865 ft. (568 m)
|
|
RG-11
|
Belden 8238
|
7.30
|
Ohms
|
2191 ft. (668 m)
|
2293 ft. (699 m)
|
|
|
Belden 9292
|
5.60
|
Ohms
|
2857 ft. (871 m)
|
3125 ft. (952 m)
|
|
|
Clark Camplex2
|
5.47
|
Ohms
|
2925 ft. (891 m)
|
3125 ft. (952 m)
|
|
|
Belden 1858A (Triax)
|
4.20
|
Ohms
|
3809 ft. (1161 m)
|
3676 ft. (1120 m)
|
|
|
Belden 8213
|
3.70
|
Ohms
|
4324 ft. (1318 m)
|
3571 ft. (1088 m)
|
Figures marked in red bold text are maximum cable lengths based on power and signal distance capabilities.
NOTE: The table above relates theoretical maximum lengths for a given cable. Be aware that DC resistance and nominal attenuation are affected by the temperature and condition of the cable, integrity of the connectors used, and other factors. As such, the maximum lengths shown may not be possible. Camplex Corporation recommends you reduce the maximum length of any given cable choice by at least 15%–20% for reliable operation.
Table 3 – Multiplex Cable Resources
Our sales personnel will be happy to assist you in selecting an appropriate cable type, based on information you provide. Please contact your dealer or Camplex Corporation for assistance, with the following information for each Pro-X1 system you intend to use:
a) Maximum multiplex cable distance required for your application,
b) Camera make/model to be used,
c) External viewfinder or other camera accessories to be used,
d) Will VCR operation be required (at camcorder?), and
e) Temperature range during operation (maximum and minimum temperatures) you expect to encounter during operation)?
With this information, we can help you choose an appropriate cable type, length, and connectors so you can operate your Pro-X1 system reliably.
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5. When I power up my camera and PRO-X1 camera adapter, my external viewfinder will not power up immediately. Why?
This situation is by design – in order to allow the PRO-X1 camera adapter and the attached camera to receive clean, safe power, the PRO-X1 system delays the application of power to the external monitor approximately 4 seconds. In addition, most LCD monitors will require the camera operator to turn on the monitor separately following application of monitor power.
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Please contact your PRO-X1 dealer or:
Camplex Corporation
3302 W. 6th Ave., Suite C
Emporia, KS 66801 USA
620.342.7743 (voice)
620.342.7405 (fax)
http://www.pro-x1.com (WWW)
http://www.camplex.com (Camplex Corporation Web Site)
sales@camplex.com (Sales Information)
techsupp@camplex.com (Post-sales technical assistance)
