Remote Control through IEEE1394 (FireWire)

[Lou van Wijhe]

Most camcorders have an IR remote control sensor at the front, which makes it virtually impossible to use it when standing behind the camcorder mounted on a tripod. As a workaround some people have fabricated clever contraptions like using optical cables to transmit the IR-signal.

I wonder why there are no wired remote controls using the IEEE1394 bus. In principle, this must be possible as I can operate my little Canon from the PC using the DV messenger software that came with it (see attachment).

Any clues?

Lou

[CJDaniels]

good idea...

[Erik Bien]

Even better if Canon had just seen fit to use their tried-and-true LAN-C on the HV20!

(preachin' to the choir, I know ...)

[MichaelT]

Try rigging a small mirror on a tripod in front of and below the camcorder at an appropriate angle...

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Most camcorders have an IR remote control sensor at the front, which makes it virtually impossible to use it when standing behind the camcorder mounted on a tripod. As a workaround some people have fabricated clever contraptions like using optical cables to transmit the IR-signal.

I wonder why there are no wired remote controls using the IEEE1394 bus. In principle, this must be possible as I can operate my little Canon from the PC using the DV messenger software that came with it (see attachment).

Any clues?

Lou

Because it's a consumer camera and not a pro line.

The image is so good they didn't want it to compete to closely with the XH A1.


Using a fiber optic cable is really no different that using a wired cable with the exception the light transmits faster than electricity.

[Erik Bien]

Using a fiber optic cable is really no different that using a wired cable with the exception the light transmits faster than electricity.

While I wish this were true, my friend who is successfully using a short (2 meter-ish) TOSlink cable to control his HV20 can't get it to work with a longer fiber optic at the end of a jib. I think the better solution might be to physically remove the IR LED from the circuit board in the remote and connect it by wire, as someone else here has done ...

[Lou van Wijhe]

I think the better solution might be to physically remove the IR LED from the circuit board in the remote and connect it by wire, as someone else here has done ...

I suppose this could work very reliably. However, before starting soldering I would first buy an additional remote...

Lou

[Michael Davis]

While I wish this were true, my friend who is successfully using a short (2 meter-ish) TOSlink cable to control his HV20 can't get it to work with a longer fiber optic at the end of a jib.

That's really strange, since the distance of the cable shouldn't matter (when you're talking about the difference between 6 feet and 12). Unless the remote just doesn't put out enough IR light to shine down a 10 foot cable. That'd have to be a pretty weak signal.

[Duke]

That's really strange, since the distance of the cable shouldn't matter (when you're talking about the difference between 6 feet and 12). Unless the remote just doesn't put out enough IR light to shine down a 10 foot cable. That'd have to be a pretty weak signal.

The one Taky had rigged used the optical cable at a right angle. If you have anything in front to strap it to (like a rail system), aim it directly into the IR sensor. That should be much stronger.

Duke