Totevision LCD field monitor + Canon battery power system

[Shawn Levin]

Hi All,

This is an overdue follow up on my recently purchased
TOTEVISION 7" LCD FIELD MONITOR - LCD 703HD


When I came across the Totevision, it seemed like a great monitor, though I couldn't find much info about this LCD here, or anywhere else for that matter.
From researching the available options..... marshall, Ikan etc. and considering price, quality, features & build....
I decided the Totevision was my preffered choice.
I won't go into too much detail about this here, now!

There is lots to say, however, I'm gonna try keep this intro short-ish and if anyone is interested further, I will respond.

My main reason for this post is sharing some info on:
1. - 'Canon' battery system for this LCD monitor
2. - A1 component D-Type cable.

Chris, I was hoping you could keep this thread here on the A1 main forum for a few days before
moving it to the 'HDTV video monitors' section.... many don't even go there and I was inspired to
go this route through reading some posts that started here.

Although this is not intended as a review of the monitor, I would like to add that I am very pleased with it.
Yes it's only 800x480, and yes that is not ideal resolution, but (for me) it beats squishing up my eyes
trying figure out focussing on the A1's tiny LCD and at an 'affordable price too'
It is well built, clear and functional.

I bought the TOTEVISION from b&h - it was a bit more expensive than one or two other places,
but it was part of a large order, and as Terry said (who was very helpful in his review of the monitor (to be found in the HDTV monitor forum here))
Sometimes it's worth the extra $$ for the odd item from b&h.
I do believe it is available cheaper for $560 elsewhere.

Anyways.....

I also bought the Tekkeon mypower 3450 battery/rechargable power system to power the monitor.
This is a bit large and heavy for me... and not extremely practical for on-the-go filming.
It is a great product though and I will use it extensively.

So, I have put together a system for powering the LCD from my 'Canon' batteries
which works well, albeit from a 'cheaper' Chinese charger.

I purchased the charger for $5.00 from ebay. It comes with an option for CANON BP 915 charger 'plate' that is removable.
I was shipped the wrong one to start of with, but the guy was very friendly and communicated very well with me
8 days later I got the right stuff (not bad from Hong Kong to South Africa- standard shipping)

I made a small hole in the plate housing for a cable, soldered on a DC power plug, made a small plastic fitting
to screw onto the Totevision LCD (incase I want to remove it all) and fixed the plate to the fitting.
Works perfectly....
This is the smallest battery for the XH-A1 - it powers the LCD for over 2,5 hours

Also I really needed a shorter and lighter component cable....
I got this one from Ebay too.... and Hong Kong also I believe.
It is a SONY branded cable 1 meter in length, more flexible than the Canon one.
It was $25 excluding shipping.... it is perfect too.

I'm all set with my LCD field monitor !!

P.S. - I'm still looking for a way of mounting it to my tripod.... a clamp style fitting
I see some on the net for around $60 + shipping, but hoping for a cheaper option.... any ideas?

Thanks to all you out there who make this forum an exciting place to visit,
I hope this adds in some small way.

Shawn

(see attachements)

[Shawn Levin]

Hi,

Looks like nobody is interested in this HERE in the general XH-A1 forum..... perhaps it SHOULD be moved to the SDTV/HDTV Video Monitors section.

Thanks Shawn

[Fredrik-Larsson]

Are you happy with the Totevision? How is it in sunlight?

[Shawn Levin]

Hi Fredrik,

I think the Totevision is a great package for the price !
I think is one of the biggest considerations for many people - myself included.

It's ok in sunlight.... I actually took it out today for a test.
It isn't as bright as the A1's built in LCD, but manageable....
It probably needs a hood of sorts.
I see Totevision do sell a bag/hood for it, but it was extra $$....
I probably should have bought it at the time.

Shawn

[Terry Martin]

Shawn,

Good to hear of your success with the Totevision. Your battery mount and short component cable finds on eBay are most interesting. Could you provide more info on how to spec these items for an eBay search… I have been looking for a shorter cable, and I’m thinking it would be good to make a battery mount like yours in case I ever venture off the tripod with the A1.

I am still pleased with my Totevision, and I have yet to see more value for the money. Glad you agree.

FYI, I picked up a Sony FX820, a cheap DVD player, which was mentioned in other monitor threads. It is very useful as a portable DVD player, but it is not in the same class as the totevision. The Sony’s composite input makes a much softer image, and it is harder to use for critical focus. Also, mounting the unit would require some creativity, or lots of tape.

Terry

[Antonio Ricca]

Thank you for sharing with us. Please link the ebay item regarding the short component cable.

[Shawn Levin]

Hi Guys,

Terry.... thanks for your previous help with the Totevision.
as I said, there were few who I could find help with from this product.
You were very helpful..... did you get the bag and hood from Totevision ??

Here is the link for the 1m component cable
(not sure if this link is going to show up correctly)
its a great cable !!
I'n not a fan of the one included with the A1.

Sony VMC-DP10CV D terminal component video cable 1m - eBay (item 360011226386 end time Sep-30-08 19:22:54 PDT)

If the link doesn't work, use this search phrase.... it will take you there:
Sony VMC-DP10CV D terminal component video cable 1m

As for the charger - and battery plate :

I cannot seem to see the guy I bought it from anymore....
strange he dealt with me perfectly and looked very reputable.

but this looks the same:

Battery Charger for Canon BP-911 BP-911K BP-914 BP-915 - eBay (item 220276673948 end time Sep-09-08 14:07:53 PDT)

you can use my pics on my first post as a guideline for what the charger and plate should look like..... these guys sell the chargers with your required plate, so the contact pins on their photo's on ebay may look different.... just make sure you order and specify canon BP915/930 etc..

Also, although I have tested the charger (and it works well for me - I'm only using my generic batteries with this charger)

be aware that I cannot vouch for its quality or workmanship in any way..... it is a 'el cheapo'
and I am primarily only using the battery plate for my LCD monitor.
I am still only using my canon charger for my canon batteries.

As you know..... take caution with ebay sellers !!!

Shawn

[Mickey Mackwan]

might get that short cable am after one thanks for the link

[Shawn Levin]

NOTE: the component cable I have listed is a 1m length cable..... perfect for cam mounted LCD..... there are other lengths available also.... so make sure you are happy with the length you order for your specific needs.

Shawn

[Alex Dolgin]

You do not really have to buy a charger to get a plate adapter. Lenmar makes them, available through a number of retailers, here is one XPA1 Lenmar Adapter Plate for Canon BP-911, 927, 941, Samsung SB-L110, 220, 160, 320, 480, JVC BN-V408, 416 & 428 Batteries.
HTH

[Shawn Levin]

Hi Alex......

Thanks for that, I could'nt seem to find one when I searched.
That plate will take other batteries too - it certainly is a better option.


Shawn

[Alex Dolgin]

You are welcome. We use them in our chargers for Canon configuration. Lenmar also makes Sony and Panasonic plates, so you can configure your monitor for just $5.

[Terry Martin]

Shawn,

Glad I could help. You have done an excellent job of updating and advancing the totevision information on this forum. Thanks for your support too.

I did see the Totevision “bag”, and it is nothing special. I strongly recommend the Totevision monitor, but not the accessories…. Best for DIY or third party.
Given your demonstrated ingenuity, I’m sure you could craft a hood. Note you could use the two screw holes on each side… I used them to secure a temporary lexan protective cover (good for storage and hazardous environments).

Terry