Camera control cables

#11

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.

#12

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.

aebrown · #13

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.

StevePoulsen · #14

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.

craiggsmith · #15

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.

StevePoulsen · #16

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.

russellhltn · #17

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.

craiggsmith · #18

I see, thanks!