How to use LANC and video out Z70/AX100 at DVinfo.net

Tim Akin · October 27th, 2014, 08:03 AM

Both of these use the USB port. Is there such a cable to allow both at the same time? I've already ordered the adapters to run LANC but didn't know video out uses usb also. My monitors are not hdmi.

Mark Watson · October 27th, 2014, 04:53 PM

The Multi Connector has Lanc and video ouput functions. To get the video and Lanc connections from the Multi Connector, there are places that sell the proper cable for about $50. I have heard that it's possible to control two cameras from a single Lanc remote with a Y-cable made up with a 2.5mm female jack on one end and a 2.5mm male plug on each of the two branches.
AFAIK, the USB is for firmware updates and file-based operations.

http://www.studio1productions.com/lanc-sa.htm

Mark

Tim Akin · October 27th, 2014, 06:01 PM

Thanks Mark, if I keep the camera I will be sending what I have coming from B&H back and getting one of those for LANC and video.

Mark Watson · October 27th, 2014, 06:36 PM

Odd thing is, Sony comes up with these odd-ball camera connections and seems to change them rather frequently. It's almost like they have some revenue-generating scheme the way they go about it.

I can get very slow zooms (up to 21 seconds from wide to tele) when using my Canon remote with the AX100. Have to go through two different adapter cables but it's worth it. There was some discussion about it awhile back, might want to review some those earlier posts, such as the two below.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-pxw...ml#post1844794
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-pxw...ml#post1845702

I'd be curious to know if you get both cameras to respond to a single remote.

Mark

P.S. I just realized you probably are not trying to control two cameras at the same time, just want to do the video out thing and run a Lanc remote together. So in that case you won't be needing the Y-cable.

Tim Akin · October 28th, 2014, 08:11 AM

Got this back from Sony support this morning, fast response.

Dear Mr. Akin:

The Multi/Micro USB Jack can either operate as a USB interface for the camera's memory cards, Composite Video/Audio outputs, or as a LANC control input. It cannot do multiple duty at the same time. If you want to use the RM-VPR1 LANC remote, you would have to use the HDMI or the SDI output for your video.

You can also use Wi-Fi for your remote control, and use the optional VMC-15MR2 cable to output your composite video/audio.

Regards,

Disappointing. It's gonna cost me even more to have this camera now, HDMI monitor at least $300!

Mike Buckhout · October 28th, 2014, 08:49 AM

How about an HDMI to composite adapter?

Tim Akin · October 28th, 2014, 09:11 AM

That might work. One thing the X70 does that I like is output peaking to the monitor via HDMI , not sure if it still would if an adapter is used but I would think it should.

Tim Akin · October 29th, 2014, 06:21 AM

I ask the tech about those cables Mark and here's his reply:

"I am not aware of any cables that do what you described. If there is something out there, then it may work. It is not something Sony would recommend to do as the video signal may interfere with the LANC signal in the cable."

I replied "It must work on some Sony models"

His reply:

"Correct, it can work on Sony Consumer models that record AVCHD, no on Pro models that record XAVC or XDCAM."

That sounds weird to me, don't understand what AVCHD has to do with it.

Anyway, I got what I wanted, LANC and composite video by using the HDMI adapter that Mike suggested, thanks Mike.

Mark Watson · October 29th, 2014, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Akin

Got this back from Sony support this morning, fast response.

Dear Mr. Akin:

The Multi/Micro USB Jack can either operate as a USB interface for the camera's memory cards, Composite Video/Audio outputs, or as a LANC control input. It cannot do multiple duty at the same time. If you want to use the RM-VPR1 LANC remote, you would have to use the HDMI or the SDI output for your video.

You can also use Wi-Fi for your remote control, and use the optional VMC-15MR2 cable to output your composite video/audio.

Regards,

Disappointing. It's gonna cost me even more to have this camera now, HDMI monitor at least $300!

It looks so much similar to the AX100, yet different in odd ways like the deletion of the USB connector that the AX100 has and combining it into the Multi Connector. Way too much going on with that Multi/Micro USB jack. So clever, yet so impractical. I wonder how many Lanc functions are implemented. Somebody mentioned that a Vivitar 8-function remote will work with the AX100, including focus. I'm going to find an old iPhone with no phone service turned on and see what I can do with the Wi-Fi remote application. Might be better than wired.

Mark

Dave Blackhurst · October 29th, 2014, 06:11 PM

@Tim -
Don't count on Sony support for information on the I/O of their cameras... there are both things that "should" work, but don't, or work unexpectedly, and other things that are not documented...

I've been trying to figure out why the MULTI in an AX100 and the "identical" (at least in labeling) MULTI in the RX series cameras are quite entirely DIFFERENT, and in fact some accessories that use the "MULTI" on the USB or the MultiShoe work on one but not the other... It seems a tad silly that accessories for a proprietary interface aren't 100% compatible across all the lines (Handycam and Cybershot)... but it is what it is.

I've found that the pins are somewhat documented by some "hacker" types (but it hasn't been entirely cracked or reverse engineered yet... despite some fair efforts). There is a "normal" 5 pin USB, and another deeper set of 10 pins that accesses LANC, I/O, and perhaps some other things (?!?). The idea is that a "normal" USB will work for data transfers, but with a "special" MULTI cable/plug, another world opens up! It is not unlike the older A/V jack and AiShoe interfaces, in fact the functions are mirrored (more or less!?). Some functions are "triggered" by resistors in the accessory(s), but remain "off" otherwise...

Hope that makes the utterly confusing a little more understandable... and no, the average Sony CS person probably doesn't know half of the above...

I've been meaning to pick up one of those Vivitar LANCs to see what it can and can't do... they are cheap enough to be worthy of investigations!

October 27th, 2014, 08:03 AM	#1
Tim Akin Major Player Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Newbern, TN Posts: 414	How to use LANC and video out Z70/AX100 Both of these use the USB port. Is there such a cable to allow both at the same time? I've already ordered the adapters to run LANC but didn't know video out uses usb also. My monitors are not hdmi. __________________ Tim

October 27th, 2014, 04:53 PM	#2
Mark Watson Major Player Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Whidbey Island Posts: 873	Re: How to use LANC and video out Z70/AX100 The Multi Connector has Lanc and video ouput functions. To get the video and Lanc connections from the Multi Connector, there are places that sell the proper cable for about $50. I have heard that it's possible to control two cameras from a single Lanc remote with a Y-cable made up with a 2.5mm female jack on one end and a 2.5mm male plug on each of the two branches. AFAIK, the USB is for firmware updates and file-based operations. http://www.studio1productions.com/lanc-sa.htm Mark Last edited by Mark Watson; October 27th, 2014 at 05:03 PM. Reason: link added

October 27th, 2014, 06:01 PM	#3
Tim Akin Major Player Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Newbern, TN Posts: 414	Re: How to use LANC and video out Z70/AX100 Thanks Mark, if I keep the camera I will be sending what I have coming from B&H back and getting one of those for LANC and video. __________________ Tim

October 27th, 2014, 06:36 PM	#4
Mark Watson Major Player Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Whidbey Island Posts: 873	Re: How to use LANC and video out Z70/AX100 Odd thing is, Sony comes up with these odd-ball camera connections and seems to change them rather frequently. It's almost like they have some revenue-generating scheme the way they go about it. I can get very slow zooms (up to 21 seconds from wide to tele) when using my Canon remote with the AX100. Have to go through two different adapter cables but it's worth it. There was some discussion about it awhile back, might want to review some those earlier posts, such as the two below. http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-pxw...ml#post1844794 http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-pxw...ml#post1845702 I'd be curious to know if you get both cameras to respond to a single remote. Mark P.S. I just realized you probably are not trying to control two cameras at the same time, just want to do the video out thing and run a Lanc remote together. So in that case you won't be needing the Y-cable.

October 28th, 2014, 08:11 AM	#5
Tim Akin Major Player Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Newbern, TN Posts: 414	Re: How to use LANC and video out Z70/AX100 Got this back from Sony support this morning, fast response. Dear Mr. Akin: The Multi/Micro USB Jack can either operate as a USB interface for the camera's memory cards, Composite Video/Audio outputs, or as a LANC control input. It cannot do multiple duty at the same time. If you want to use the RM-VPR1 LANC remote, you would have to use the HDMI or the SDI output for your video. You can also use Wi-Fi for your remote control, and use the optional VMC-15MR2 cable to output your composite video/audio. Regards, Disappointing. It's gonna cost me even more to have this camera now, HDMI monitor at least $300! __________________ Tim

October 28th, 2014, 08:49 AM	#6
Mike Buckhout Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 62	Re: How to use LANC and video out Z70/AX100 How about an HDMI to composite adapter?

October 28th, 2014, 09:11 AM	#7
Tim Akin Major Player Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Newbern, TN Posts: 414	Re: How to use LANC and video out Z70/AX100 That might work. One thing the X70 does that I like is output peaking to the monitor via HDMI , not sure if it still would if an adapter is used but I would think it should. __________________ Tim

October 29th, 2014, 06:21 AM	#8
Tim Akin Major Player Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Newbern, TN Posts: 414	Re: How to use LANC and video out Z70/AX100 I ask the tech about those cables Mark and here's his reply: "I am not aware of any cables that do what you described. If there is something out there, then it may work. It is not something Sony would recommend to do as the video signal may interfere with the LANC signal in the cable." I replied "It must work on some Sony models" His reply: "Correct, it can work on Sony Consumer models that record AVCHD, no on Pro models that record XAVC or XDCAM." That sounds weird to me, don't understand what AVCHD has to do with it. Anyway, I got what I wanted, LANC and composite video by using the HDMI adapter that Mike suggested, thanks Mike. __________________ Tim

October 29th, 2014, 06:11 PM	#10
Dave Blackhurst Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Apple Valley CA Posts: 4,874	Re: How to use LANC and video out Z70/AX100 @Tim - Don't count on Sony support for information on the I/O of their cameras... there are both things that "should" work, but don't, or work unexpectedly, and other things that are not documented... I've been trying to figure out why the MULTI in an AX100 and the "identical" (at least in labeling) MULTI in the RX series cameras are quite entirely DIFFERENT, and in fact some accessories that use the "MULTI" on the USB or the MultiShoe work on one but not the other... It seems a tad silly that accessories for a proprietary interface aren't 100% compatible across all the lines (Handycam and Cybershot)... but it is what it is. I've found that the pins are somewhat documented by some "hacker" types (but it hasn't been entirely cracked or reverse engineered yet... despite some fair efforts). There is a "normal" 5 pin USB, and another deeper set of 10 pins that accesses LANC, I/O, and perhaps some other things (?!?). The idea is that a "normal" USB will work for data transfers, but with a "special" MULTI cable/plug, another world opens up! It is not unlike the older A/V jack and AiShoe interfaces, in fact the functions are mirrored (more or less!?). Some functions are "triggered" by resistors in the accessory(s), but remain "off" otherwise... Hope that makes the utterly confusing a little more understandable... and no, the average Sony CS person probably doesn't know half of the above... I've been meaning to pick up one of those Vivitar LANCs to see what it can and can't do... they are cheap enough to be worthy of investigations!